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X" -r. 



HISTORY 



SCOTT COUNTY, 



TOGBTHER WITH SKETCHED OF ITS CITIES. VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS, EDU 

CATION AL, RELIGIOUS, CIVIL, MILITARY, AND POLITICAL HISTORY; 

PORTRAITS OK PROMINENT PERSONS, AND HIOGRAPHIES 

OK REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. 



HISTORY OF IOWA, 



EMBRACING ACCOUNTS OF THE PRE HISTORIC RACES, ABORKilNKS, FRENCH, 

ENGLISH AND AMERICAN CONQUE.ST8, AND A GENERAL REVIEW 

OP ITS CIVIL. POLITICAL AND MILITARY HISTORY. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



CHICAGO: 

INTER-STATE PUBLISHING CO., 

1882. 






'nr 



BLAKELV, MARSH A CO., 
PRINTERS', 
'55 * '57 DF.ARBORN ST., CHICAGO. 



DONOHUE i HEXN'EBEKRV, 
nOOKMNDERS, 
105 A ia> MOXKOE ST., CHICAGO. 



^ 



7<7 



li 



PREFACE. 

As local hislorj- is more intcresliDg than general, and as the lime has aiTived 
when County Histories can be made self-supporting, thepublishersof this volume 
selected Scoll County as a good field; and they have indeed found it a pleasant 
one, for the county has had^ an interesting history, having always been one of 
the chief counties of the great State of Iowa. In matters of general interest and 
progress Scott County has always taken a leading and prominent position. Here 
have lived men who have taken an important part in the aflairs of State and 
in molding the political sentiments and destiny of the country. 

This countj' has been the birth place of many business, philanthropic and 
party enterprises. 

This history appears none too soon. The pioneers arc fast passing away 
Here and there we sec the whitened head and bended form of some of these vet- 
erans, but they constitute only a few of the earliest pilgrims. We have faithfully 
interviewed them, and obtained what facts we coidd. Accurate history is most 
difficult to write; many things are differently told by dillcrcnt persons, and if 
ninetcen-twentieths of the five hundred thousand data in this volume arc correct, 
there may still be twenlj'-five thousand errors. 

To obtain a glance of the scope and, merits of a volume it is necessary to 
study critically the title page and table of contents. By looking carefully at the 
latter, one will learn how to use the work— where to look for any given class of 
items. In this volume notice particularly ihat the Townships are arranged alpha- 
betically, and the Biographies also alphabetically in their respective townships. 
A number of personal sketches will be found under the head of City of Daven- 
port, as many of the parlies live in or near that place. 

As one of the most interesting fiatures of Ibis work we present the portraits 
of numerous representative citizens. Many others just as deserving, of course, 
we did not select; but those ■»e have given constitute a good representation, and 
they are all men of high standing in the community. 

As preliminary to the woik, the Inter-State Publishing Company secured the 
co-operation of the oflicers of the Pioneer Society, who appointed a committee 
to read and revise the manuscript of the general historj', and a like committee in 
each township to examine and correct the history of tlie respective townships. 
Every man thus appointed served to the best of his ability, and the wisdom of 
the choice of the committee is shown in the work performed. Our thanks are 
certainly due to these men, a number of whom spent much lime, with no thought 
of other reward than in the consciousness of a duty well performed. 



PREFACE. 

The press of the county is also entitled to our special gratitude. Without an 
exception wc have received the kindest treatment from all, their tiles being placed 
at our disposal, and from which we gathered much of tne information contained 
in this volume. 

The task of compiling this history, which has assumed proportions much 
larger than we had expected, has been a pleasant one, although laborious and 
expensive; and we desire here to express our hearty thanks to those who have so 
freely aided us in collecting material. To thp county officials, pastors of churches 
officers of societies, pioneers, members of the Pioneer Society, and editors of the 
press, we are particularly grateful for the many kindnesses and courtesies shown 
us while laboring in the county. 

INTER-STATE PUBLISHING CO. 



CERTIFICATES. 



Below we give a copy of llie certiflcate signed by the (rommiltec u|i|Hiinted by 
the President ol'the Pioneer Soeiely, to revise :ind correet the general history of 
Scott County. And also eomniitlees from each townshi)>, to revise and correct 
the history of their respective townshiiis, showing that we eomplitd with our 
promises to submit the manuscript, and also that its members performed their 
duties. These certificates are all worded alike. We tlierefore deem it unneces- 
sary to subscribe each ( f Ihem in full, but give the names of the signatory mem. 
bers. These certificates will also show to those who examine this work that 
great earc was taken to have it autlientic and reliable. 

.We, the undersigned, members of the Oincral Committee aiipointcd by the 
President of the Pioneer Society of 8eott County tocorreet and revise the manu- 
scri|)tofthe History of Scott County, written and compiled by the Inter-State 
Publishing Co., of Chicago, 111., do hereby certify that we had free access to 
said manuscript at any and all times, and that we did to tiie best of our ability 
follow the instructions given us. We examined said manuscript and made all 
the changes and additions that we in our judgment deemed necessary. 

D. N. RicnAtiDsON, Chairman,' 

C. S. W.\TKIN8, 

L.^DREL Summers, 

Edw.vrd RrssELi,, / Committee. 

W. L. Clark, 

M. J. ROHLFS, 

H. Leonard, 

Scott County, Town, April, 18^2. 

Following is the certificate of the committees for the respective cities and 
townships: 

We, the committee appointed by the President of the Pioneer Society of Scott 
County, to correct and revise the history of [our respective townships] for the 
History of Scott County, written and compiled by the Interstate Publishing Co., 
of Chicago, 111., do hereby certify that said manuscript was submitted to us, and 
that we did make all the changes and additions we deemed necessary. 

Blue Grass Toioiship. 
Theodore Hartwell, 
E. Sleinhilbcr. 

,'<heridan Towmhip. 
Peter Hagedorn, 
A. H. Lamp. 

Biiffiilii Township. 
J. E. Burnside, 
W. L. Clark. 

Liberty I'owiuhip. 
Don C. Gates, 
W. H. Hickson, 
W. M. Grace. 

Princeton Township. 
G. M. Pinneo, 
L. S. Chamberlin. 



RockingJuim Township. 
Enoch Mead, 
John H. Friday. 

Davenport Toinnship. 
John S. Ackley, 
John Lambert, 
Wm. L. Cook. 

Butler Township. 
T. W. McCausland, 
E. Milller. 

Clenna l^iwnship. 
Randolph Sry, 
James Paul, 

Lincoln Toirnship. 
Benjamin Cresswell, 
M. J. Rohlfs. 



Le Claire 1\ icnship. 
Wm McGinnis, 
II. G. Stone, 
L. Summers. 

Hickory Grove Township. 
Philip Baker, 
David Lougher, 
J<ibn G. Mathews. 

]Vinfirl(l Tmrnship. 
John Madfien, 
John Robertson, 
H. M. Thompson. 
Pleasant Valley Township. 
G.J. Hyde, 

A. J. Hyde, 

B. Birchard. 



CONTENTS. 



HISTORY' OF lOTVA. 



Former Occapants i; 

Pre-higtoric Races ',...../. 17 

The Indianti .''..'....'..'.'.!!!* 20 

Manners and Custome ."."," 23 

Explorations by the Whites. ..'.'.'.'. S5 

First Explorers 05 

Subsequent Settiement '.'.'."...'. 27 

Louisiana Territory '//,[ 31 

Missouri Territory .'..'." .'.'.'.'.' 4g 

Arkansas Territory. . . 47 

Iowa Territory 48 

Jlinuesota Territory 49 

Kansas Territory [[[[ 49 

Nebraska Territory ... 50 

Northwestern Territory 51 

Expeditious Against the Indians 54 

Black Hawk War 57 

The State of Iowa 63 



Geojjraphv c« 

Geology.: ',,'_' '[ -g 

Climate f^q 

Settlement by the Whites. 90 

Indians of Iowa 95 

Pioneer Life .'.' jog 

Territorial History ]'.']. ]^ 

State Organization. jsn 

Iowa And The Rehellion...''! "".'.""; ' 169 

State Institutions 209 

Educational 2SI 

Miscellaneous .*!..]!.' •>29 

Eminent Men of Iowa. ■'>29 

Financial ". ^ 

Census of Iowa .137 

Census of the United States!!'! Z3S 

StateOfflcers ^ 

View on the Des Moines River !!.!!.! 246 



Hli^TORV OF SCOTT COIKTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



IN THE BEGINNING 

Original Inhabitants 

First Visitor White Men '. 

First Settlement 

Other Early Settlements .!!!! 

Orpanizatibu ol the County 

County Seat Contest ! 

First County Commissioners' Court. 

Couuty JudL,'es 

Board of Supervisors 



Page. 
. 249 
. 250 
. 2,58 
. 260 
. 261 
. 361 
. 262 
. 270 
. 275 
275 



CHAPTER II. 



SCIENTIFIC 281 

Gcoloip- of Scott County 281 

Coal Measures 285 

Quarternary 2g6 

CHAPTER III. 
PIONEER LIFE 295 

Early Manners and Customs S!I5 

Weddings 298 

Shakes 299 

WolfHunting 303 

Rcligiou !!!!.... 304 

CHAPTER IV. 

COURTS OF SCOTT COUNTY 306 

District Court 30fi 

Circuit Court 33.5 

Probate Court ! . ! ! ! .339 

County Court 340 

CHAPTER V. 

THE BAR OF SCOTT COUNTY 341 

The Early Bar 340 

.\lexander W. McGregor !!!! 343 

S. B. Hastings 343 

Jonathan W\ Parker !!!! 343 

Simeon Meredith 343 

James Grant !!! 343 

Ebenczer Cook !!! .!! 343 

Charles Weston 344 

John P. Cook !!!, 344 

John L. Dalles 344 

John F. Dillon !!!!! 344 

Samuel Francis Smith 346 

Hans Reiner Clanssen !! 348 



The Present Bar ^^f^' 

Krnst Clanssen . •^i 

Jacob W. Stewart . . shl 

George E. Hubbell . w 

Johnc.Biiis ■....' !!!!! ;" 355 

Samuel Edward Brown.. vit 

Daniel B. Nash !!!!"!!'!!" 354 

John W. Thompson.. 357 

Edward E. Cook qtis 

W. A. Foster !! 35, 

HughM. Martin ^9 

Herman Block aun 

wm K. White !!!!:!! ,^0 

John W . Green 351 

Charles M. Waterman.... !!. 361 

"m. A. Lynch 352 

Roderick Rose ."!." 352 

George E. Gould 363 

Pl^'tPeters ::;.:! !!!!!!!! Ira 

Fred Heinz 364 

H. H. Ascherroan 365 

Nathaniel S. Mitchell... 3ki 

Peter A Boyle ! 3^5 

C. A. Ficke 'irk 

W. o. Schmidt !!!!!!'.!!! 366 

F. L.Dodge 357 

A. P. McGuirk !!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! .36? 

J. Scolt Rjchman !!! .368 

H. M. Henley v^g 

George C. Prestou ! .369 

J. U. Murphy !.!!!! 370 

CHAPTER VI. 

EDUCATIONAL 371 

Commou Schools 371 

County Superintendents ....!.! 376 

Medical Institute !!" 378 

Iowa College .'.!.!.'!!!!'*" 379 

Griswold College !!!!!!!!'!!!! 382 

CHAPTER VII. 

POLITICAL 

Hard Cider ^^j 

Son£ of Tippecanoe .'.., 388 

Ofliclal Vote ' !"!'.' 407 

CHAPTER VIII. 

NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY 

REPRKSENTATION . . 418 

Commissioner of Indian Affairi 418 



386 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Cougressional 420 

Legielature 42i 

First Conetitutlonal Convention 428 

Second Constitutional Conventiou 428 

Third Conctilutionai Convention 425 

County Uepresentalion 425 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION 430 

Firi-t Infautry 4S7 

Second lufaijtry 437 

Second Veteran Infantry 4.-^9 

Eighth Infantry 440 

Eleventh Infantry 444 

Thirteenth Infautry 444 

Fourteenth Infantiy 450 

sixteenth Infantry 451 

Twentieth Intantry 455 

Twentieth Infautry Veterans 458 

Twenty sixth lufantry 459 

1 hi rty seventh Infantry 459 

Forty-fourth Infantry 459 

First Cavalry 460 

Second Cavalry 461 

Third Cavalry'. 46ti 

Sixth Cavalry 4fifi 

Eighth Cavalry 4t>6 

Ninth Cavalry 467 

First African ZnfHnlry 467 

Twelfth Missnuri Infantry 467 

Second Misst)uri Artillery ..68 

Third and Other Regiments 46S 

Koll of Honor 471 

CHAPTER X. 

RAILROADS 477 

Chicago, Kock Island & Faclflc R. R. . . . 477 
Chicago, MilH uukee & St. Paul R. R 480 

CHAPTER XI. 

PIONEER SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 4S! 

Constitution 485 

Special aieetiug 488 

Reminiscences 498 

Second Annual Meeting 505 

Second Annual Fesl ival 505 

Picnic 520 

CHAPTER XII. 

REMINISCENCES 640 

J. E. Burnside 540 

James Brownlee 544 

Judge \Vm. L. Cook 54O 

CHAPTER XIII. 

AGRICULTURE 5.')6 

Scoit County Agricultural Society 559 

CHAPTER xr\'. 

THE PRESS 570 

The Iowa Sun 673 

Davenport Gazette 575 

Democratic Banner 582 

Davenport Democrat 585 

Der Demokrat .591 

Davanport MorningNew" 595 

Le Claire Weekly Exprees 596 

Le Claire Republic 597 

Le Claire Register 597 

Davenport Daily Times 598 

Dally AntlKnnw-Nothlng .598 

Beobachter Am. MissisBippi 598 

The Temperance Crean 599 

Davenport Commercial 599 

The Davenport Bee 599 

The Chip Basket 600 

Other Papers 600 

Davenport Dally Jonrnal 600 

The True Radical 601 



Page. 

The Sunday Morning Times BOl 

The Sunday Morning Star 602 

The Soldiers Friend 802 

Le Claire City Enterprlee 602 

Scott Coaulv Register 602 

The l.e Claire Pilot 602 

The Iowa Workman 608 

Wesu-rn Weekly 603 

The Blue Ribbon News..., , 603 

The Davenport Weekly Telegraph 604 

Der Banner 60& 

The Davenport Free Press K05 

CHAPTER XV. 
ILLUSTRIOUS ,«: PROMINENT DEAD. 

Autoiiie Le Claire 

John P. Cook 

Jabe/. A. Birchard 

G. C. R. Mitchell 

Daniel T. Newcoinb 

Bhenczer Cook 

Willurd Harrows 

A. H. Davenport 

Father Palamorgnee 

M. Le Claire 

John Owens 

Nathaniel Squires 

David S. True .. 

Hon. John L. Daviee 

Jonathan Parker 

Bezaleel Susfbrd 

Le Roy Dodge 

R.U.Sencer 

Alfred Sanders 

W.K.Conway 

Public Meeting 

J. D. Putnam 

R. M. Preltyman 

Eugene Birchard 

Jatiies Mackintosh 

Rev. W. Rutlcdge 

n. B. Woodward 



6U6 
6<C 
610 
611 
611 
612 
614 
615 
616 
617 
618 
619 



621 

828 
623 
624 
624 
627 
628 
629 
630 
631 
632 
632 
633 
6::5 



CHAPTEI! XVI. 

AUTHORS AND ARTIST.-* 687 

Jonas Hattzell 687 

W.S. Perry 689 

David R, Dnngan 641 

Mary E. Mead 645 

CHAPTER XVII. 

MEDICAL 651 

Iowa and Illinois Medical Association.. 658 
Scott County Medical Society 6.59 

CHAPTER XVllI. 

CHRONOLOGY 663 

CHAPTER XIX. 

MISCELLANEOUS 692 

Temperance 692 

The Washingtoniane BW 

Sons of Temperance 694 

Temple of Honor 695 

Goon Templars 696 

Dark Deeds 695 

Killing of Joseph Wilson 701 

Young Pioneer Settlers' Assotiailon 703 

DuelB '"3 

Scott County Bible Society 7(M 

Ferries TOS 

The Weather 709 

CHAPTER XX. 

CITY OF DAVENPORT 717 

The Beginning 719 

Incorporation 721 

The PostofHce 726 

RellglouB 731 

Edacatlonal 748 

Mercy Hoapttal 758 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Acadtmy of Science 756 

Home for the Friendless 763 

Secret and Benevolent Societies 764 

Banks 771 

Manufactories 777 

Milling 777 



Page. 

Davenport Produce Exchange 789 

Street Railroads 790 

Water-works 790 

First Things in Davenport 792 

Biographical 793 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES AXI> BIOGKAPHIRS. 



Page. 

Allen's Grove 934 

Bine Grass 946 

Buffalo 972 

Batler 1019 

Cleona 1038 

Davenport 1048 

Hickorv Grove ; 1080 

Le Claire 1096 



Page. 

Liberty 1149 

Lincoln 1166 

Pleasant Valley 1187 

Princeton 1202 

Rockingham 1227 

Sheridan 1237 

Wiiifleld 1251 



PORTRAITS. 



Page. 

Bern-hill, John H 788 

BeiTyhill, Mrs. John H 787 

Burnsidc, J. E 985 

Bircbard, Backus 517 

Bowling. James M :119 

Baker, Thomas 1093 

Birchard, Jabez J 607 

Cook, Wm. L 283 

Cook, Mrs. M. H 337 

Clark, W. L 247 

Davenport, A. H 715 

Dodge, LeRoy 625 

Forrest, John 981 

Fulton, A. C 913 

Priday,J.M 733 

Grant, Mr. & Mrs. James M 355 

Gamble, Jan,es 53.'i 

Horst, Clans 1129 

Holet, .John 859 

Ha/.eu.E. H 895 

Kulp, Wm. 841 

Kuhnen, Nicholas 661 

Knox, Samnel - S65 

Littig, John 1057 

Lambert, John 1003 

Leonard, H 463 



Page. 

Moore, Daniel 481 

Moorehead, H. C E89 

jMeari, Enoch 499 

McCansland, T. W 1021 

Madden, John 1075 

Miiller, Krn«t 391 

N. wconib, Daniel T 428 

Newcomb, Patience V 427 

Prettyman, R. M 373 

Pease, H.H 409 

Parker, George W 878 

Parker, Hannah ' 877 

Parker.J.M 823 

Paden, Mrs. Margaret A 319 

Rohwer, Claus. 967 

Rusch, N . J nil 

Shand, Rev. W. J 950 

Shand, Mrs. W. J 949 

Srv, Randolph 1039 

.SteiTen, A 445 

Summers, Laurel . . 301 

Steinhilber, E 679 

Schnitger. Gnstavus 553 

Towneaud, Robert 769 

Van Eps. E. V 751 

Watkins. C. S 805 



C LINTON 



R.3 



pSiPINICON 




Schoof ffoitse^. 

Church 

Koads 

Wail Roa(l& 



Proposril fi'iril Rnrifls 
Crpelcx 



c o 



R.4-. E. 



R.5.E 




'BrRON 



MOLI NE 
R 4 E 



X ISLAND 



3.E. V 

\ 



1 N I S 



T. 77. /v. 



/ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



FOKMER OCCUPANTS. 



PEE-HISTORIO RACES. 

The history of this country and the races which held it before 
the advent of the Europeans, is shrouded in as deep a m^-steryas 
that which hides tlie past of the oldest nations of the East. There 
are just relics enough left us to prove beyond a doubt that there 
once existed liere a remarkable race, but there has been wide spec- 
ulation upon the nature and origin of the early races of Amei-ica, 
especially those referred to as Mound-Builders. It is but lately 
that the researclies of science have enabled us to reason with much 
certainty. Though the divergence of opinion among scientists 
may for a time seem incompatible with a thorough investigation 
of the subject, and tend to a confusion of ideas, no doubt whatever 
can exist as to the comparative accuracy of the conclusions arrived 
at by some of them. To solve the problem who were the pre- 
historic settlers of America, it will not be necessary to go to 
ancient history. That this continent is co-existent with the world 
of the ancients cannot be questioned. Every investigation insti- 
tuted under the auspices of modern civilization confirms the fact. 
China, with its numerous existing testimonials of antiquity, claims 
a continuous history from antediluvian times; and although its 
continuity may be denied, there is nothing to prevent the trans- 
mission of a hieroglyphic record of its history prior to 1656, anno 
mundl (the date of Noah's flood), since many traces of its earl}' 
settlement survived the deluge, and became sacred objects of the 
first historical epoch. That an antdiluvian people inhabited this 
continent, however, will not be claimed, because it is not probable 
that a settlement of a country so remote from the cradle of the 
race as this was eSected until later times. 

The most probable sources in wliich the origin of the Indians 
must be sought, are those countries which lie along the eastern 

(17) 



18 UISTORY OF IOWA. 

coast of A5ia, and which may liave been once more densely popu- 
lated than now. Tlie surplus population pushed north and east in 
search of a new home, which was found at last by crossing Behi*- 
ing's Stra't, and then jouraeying southward. Tlie number of 
small islands lying between the two continents tends to confirm 
this view; and it is yet further confirmed by some remarkable 
traces of similarity in tlie physical conformation of tlie northern 
nations of both continents. The researclies of Humboldt have 
traced the Mexican to the vicinity of Eehring's Strait; whence it is 
conjectured t'lat they, as well as the Peruvians and other tribes, 
came f>rigin:il!\' from Asia. 

This theory is accepted by most ethnologists, and there is eveiy 
reason to believe that after the discovery of an overland route to 
a land of '• illimitable possibilities, " many bands of adventurers 
found their way from the Chinese or Tartar nations, until they had 
populated much of this continent. Magnificent cities and monu- 
ments were r used at the bidding ot the tribal leaders, and popu- 
lous sottlemants centered with thriving villages sprang up every- 
where in manifestation of the progress of the people. For the 
last 4-1 lO years the colonizing Caucasian has trodden on the ruins 
of a civilization whose greatness he could only surmise. Among 
these ruins are pyramids similar to those which have rendered 
Egypt famous. The pyramid of Cholula is square, eacli side of its 
base is 1,335 feet in length, and its heiglit is 172 feet. Another 
pyramid, north of Vera Cruz, is formed of large blocks of highly 
polisliei porphyry, and bears upon its front hieroglyphic inscrip- 
tions and curious sculpture. It is 82 feet square, and a flight of 
57ste]is conducts to its summit, which is 05 feet liigh. Tlie ruins 
of Palenque are said to extend 20 miles along the ridge of a 
mountain, and the remains of an Aztec city, near the banks of the 
Grila, are spread over more than a square league. Tlie principal 
feature of the Aztec civilization which has come down to us was 
its religion, which we are told was of a dark and gloomy charac- 
ter. Each new god created by their priesthood, instead of arous- 
ing new life in the people, brought death to thousands; and their 
grotesque idols exposed to drown the senses of the beholders iu 
fear, wrought wretchedness rather than spiritual happiness. In 
fact, fear was the great animating principle, the motive power 
which sustained this terrible religion. Their altars were sprinkled 
with blood drawn fr'ini their own bodies in large quantities, and 
on them thousands of human victims were sacnficed in honor of 



HISTORy OF IOWA. 19 

the demons whom they worshiped. The head and heart of every 
captive taken in war were ottered up as a saciifiee to the god of 
battles, while the victorious legions feasted on the remaining por- 
tions of the bodies. It is said that during the ceremonies attend- 
ant on the consecration of two of tiicir temples, the number of 
prisoners ottered up in sacrittco was 12,210, wliile they tiicnisclves 
contributed large numbers of vijluntarv victims tt) tlic terrible 
belief. 

Throughout the Mississippi Valley are found mounds and walls 
of eartii or stone, which can have had only a human origin, and 
tiieir unknown constructors liave been referred to as Mound- 
Builders. These mounds vary in size from a few feet to hundreds 
of feet in diameter. In them are often found stone axes, pestles, 
arrow-heads, spear points, pieces of flint, etc., showing that some 
of them, at least, were used for purjjoses of burial. Pottery of 
various designs is very common in them, and from the material of 
which they are made geologists have attem])ted to assign their age. 

One of the m(_)st famous of these relics is a stone fortification 
in Clark county, Indiana, known as the " Stone Fort. " A place 
naturally strong for jmrposes of defense, has evidently been used 
AS a fort, and strengthened so as to become nearly impregnable. 
On one side the artificial wall is 150 feet long and 75 feet high. 
On the hill on which this is situated are five " mounds " of earth, 
in which tlie usual relics have been found. 

Some have thought that the Mound-Builders were a race quite 
<listinct from the modern Indians, and that they were in an ad- 
vanced state of civilization. The best authorities now agree that 
wliile the comparatively civilized people called Aztecs built the 
cities whose ruins are occasionally found, the Mound-Builders were 
the immediate ancestors of the Indians De Soto first siw, and little 
ditterent from the Indians of to-day. 

Within a few years many discoveries have been made of remains 
of our ])redecessors. Together with many relics of the early in- 
babitants, the fossils of extinct animals have been unearthed in 
manj' ])laces. These animals roamed the forests and prairies long 
before the a-lvent of dreaded man. Among the souvenirs of an 
age about which so little is known, are 25 vertebrtB, averag- 
ine 13 inches in diameter, and three vertebrse ossified to- 
gethcr, which measures nine cubical feet; a tliigli-b<)nc five feet 
long and 12 inclies in diameter; and the weight of all these is 
600 pounds. These are believed to have belonged to a Dinosaur 



20 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

(the literal meaning of which is " terrible lizard "), an animal 60 
feet long. When feeding in cypress and palm forests, it could ex- 
tend itself to 85 feet, and feed on the budding tops of these 
tall trees. 

Other remains are found every year, and additional light thrown 
on America's early history. It is much to be regretted, however, 
that the United States Government does not take this matter in 
hand at the present time; the most valuable relics have found their 
way to the British museum, or other European depositaries, while 
others remaining in some one's hands as private property, are lost 
to the public. The Government should secure all these at any 
price, and they should be carefully preserved for future study and 
comparison. This work should be begun at once. Too much has 
been lost already, and ere long the opportunity to secure and pre- 
serve what is rightfully ours for all time will be gone forever. 

THE INDIANS. 

The origin of the Red Men, or American Indians, is a subject 
which interests as well as instructs. It is a favorite topic with 
the ethnologist, even as it is one of deep concern to the ordinary 
reader. A review of two works lately published on the origin of 
the Indians, treats the matter in a peculiarly reasonable light. It 
says : 

" Recently a German writer has put forward one theory on the 
subject, and an English writer has put forward another and directly 
opposite theory. The difference in opinion concerning our aborigi- 
nals among authors who have made a profound study of races, is 
at once curious and interesting. Blumenbach treats them in his 
classifications as a distinct variety of the human family; but, in the 
three-fold division of Dr. Latham, they are ranked among the 
Monfolidffi. Other writers on races regard them as a branch of 
the great Mongolian family, which at a distant period found its 
way from Asia to this continent, and remained here for centuries 
separate from the rest of mankind, passing meanwhile, through 
divers phases of barbarism and civilization. Morton, our eminent 
ethnologist, and his followers, N"ott and Gliddon, claim for our 
native Red Men an origin as distinct as the flora and fauna of this 
continent. Prichard, whose views are apt to differ from Morton's, 
finds reason to believe, on comparing the American tribes together, 
that they must have formed a separate department of nations from 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 21 

the earliest period of the world. The era of their existence as a dis- 
tinct and insulated ])eoplc, must probably be dated back to the 
time which separated into nations the inhabitants of the Old 
World, and gave to each its individuality and primitive language. 
Dr. Robert r3rown, the latest authority, attributes in his 'Races 
of Mankind,' an Asiatic origin to our aboriginals. He says that 
the "Western Indians not only personally i-esenible their nearest 
nei^'^hbors — the Northeastern Asiatics — but they resemble them in 
lan^iiaire and tradition. The Esqniniau.'c on the American and the 
Tchuktcis on the Asiatic side, understand one another perfectly. 
Modern anthropologists, indeeJ, are disposed to think that Japan, 
the Kuriles, and neighboring regions, ijaay be regarded as the orig- 
inal home of the greater part of the native American race. It is 
also admitted by them that between the tribes scattered from the 
Arctic sea to Cape Horn, there is more uniformity of ph^'sical fea- 
ture than is seen in any other quarter of the globe. The weight 
of evidence and authority is altogether in favor of the opinion that 
our so-called Indians are a branch of the Mongolian family, and 
all additional researches strengthen the opinion. Tiie tribes of 
both North and South America are unquestionably homogeneous, 
and, in all likelihood, had their origin in Asia, though they have 
been altered and raodilied by thousands of years of total separation 
from the present stock." 

The conclusions arrived at by the reviewer at that time, though 
safe, are too general to lead the reader to form any definite idea on 
the subject. No doubt whatever can exist, when the American 
Indian is regarded as of an Asiatic origin ; bat thei'e is nothing 
. in the works or even in the review to which these works were sub- 
jected, which might account for the vast difference in manner and 
form between the Red Man, as he is now known, or even as he 
appeared to Columbus and his successors in the field of discovery 
and the comparatively civilized inhabitants of Mexico, as seen in 
1521 by Cortez, and of Peru, as witnessed by Pizarro in 1532. 
The fact is that the pure-bred Indian of the present is descended 
directly from the earliest inhabitants, or in other words from the 
survivors of that people who, on being driven from their fair pos- 
sessions, retired to the wilderness in sorrow, and roared up their 
children under the saddening influences of their unquenchable 
griefs, bequeathing them only the habits of the wild, cloud-roofed 
home of their declining years, a sullen silence ami a rude moral 
code. In after years these wild eons of the forest and prairie grew 



22 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

in nnmbers and in strength. Some legend told them of their 
present sufferings, of the stations which their fathers once had 
known, and of the riotous race which now reveled in wealth which 
should be theirs. The fierce pissions of the savage were aroused, 
and uniting their scattered bands tliey niarclied in silenciMipou the 
villages of the Tartars, driving tlseui onward to the capital of their 
Incas, and consigning their homes to tlie flames. Once in view oi 
the great city, tlie hurrying bands halted in surprise, but Tartar 
cunning took in the situation and oflTered pledges of amity, 
which were sacredly observed. Henceforth Mexico was open to 
the Indians, bearing precisely the same relation to them that the 
Hudson's Bay Company's vMlages do to the Northwestern Indians of 
the present; obtaining all, and bestowing very little. The subjec- 
tion of the Mongolian race, — represented in North America by that 
branch of it to which the Tartars belonged, represented in the 
southern portion of the continent, seems to have taken place some 
five centuries before the advent of the European; while it may be 
concluded that the war of the races which resulted in reducing the 
villages erected l)y the Tartar hordes to ruin, took place between 
one and two hundred years later. These statements, though actu- 
ally referring to events which in point of time are comparatively 
modern, can only be substantiated by the facts that, about the pe- 
riods mentioned, the dead bodies of an unknown race of men were 
washed ashore on the European coasts, while previous to that time 
there is no account whatever in European annals of even a ves- 
tige of trans-Atlantic humanity being transferred by ocean cur- 
rents to the gaze of a wondering people. Toward the latter halt 
of the fifteenth century two dead bodies entirely free from decom- 
position, and corresponding with the Red Men as they afterward 
appeared to Columbus, wore cast on the shores of the Azores, and 
confirmed Columbus in his belief in the existence of a western 
world and western people. 

Storm and flood and disease have created sad havoc in the ranks of 
the Indian since the occupation of the country by the white man. 
These national causes have conspired to decimate the race even 
more than the advance of civilization, which seems not to affect it 
to any material extent. In its maintenance of the same number 
of representations during these centuries, and its existence in the 
very face of a most unceremonious, and, whenever necessary, cruel 
conquest, the grand dispensations of the unseen Ruler of the uni- 
verse is demonstrated; for, without the aborigines,savage and treach- 



IIISTUKY OF IOWA. 



33 



erond as they were, it is possible tliat the explorers of former 
times would have so many natural dfficulties to contend with, that 
their work would be surrendered in despair, and the most fertile 
regions of the continent saved for the plow-shares of generations 
yet unborn. It is questionalile whether we owe the discovery of 
this continent to the unaided scientific knowledge of Columbus, or 
to the dead bodies of the two Indians referred to above; nor can 
their services to the explorers of ancient and modern times be over- 
estimated. Their existence is embraced in the plan of the Divinity 
for the government of the world, and it will not form subject for 
surprise to learn that the same intelligence which sent a thrill of 
liberty into every corner of the republic, will, in the near future, 
devise some method under which the remnant of a great and an- 
cient race may taste the sweets of public kindness, and feel that 
after centuries of turmoil and tyranny, they have at last found a 
shelter amid a sympathizing people. 

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 

The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but, 
like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction. 
The male children, as soon as they acquired sufficient age and 
strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow and taught to siioot 
birds and other small game. Success in killing a large quadruped 
required years of careful study and practice, and the art was as 
sedulously inculcated in the minds of the rising generation as are 
the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common 
scliools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest and the 
dense, tall grass of the prairies were the best fields for the exercise 
of the hunter's skill. No feet could be impressed in the yielding 
soil but that the tracks were the objects of the most searching scru- 
tiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the di- 
rection it was pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it had 
passed. In a forest country he selected the valleys, because they 
were most frequently the resort of game. The most easily taken, 
perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is endowed 
with a curiosity which prompts it to stop in its flight and look 
back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of this 
opportunity to let fly the fatal arrow. 

Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. 
"When in council, they usually sat in concentric circles around the 
speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding the fiery passions 



24 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

that burned within, preserved an exterior as immovable as though 
cast in bronze. Before commencing business a person appeared with 
the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being 
lighted it was iirst presented to heaven, secondly to the earth, 
thirdly to the presiding spirit, and lastly to the several councilors, 
each of whom took a whiff. These formalities were observed with 
as close exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts. 

The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest 
character. On some pleasant spot by the bank of a river, or near 
an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, con- 
structed of the barks of trees, and easily taken down and removed 
to another spot. The dwelling-places of the chiefs were sometimes 
more spacious, and constructed with greater care, but of the same 
materials. Skins taken in the chase served them for repose. Though 
principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the uncertain 
supply from these sources led them to cultivate small patches of 
corn. Every family did everything necessary within itself, com- 
merce, or an exchange of articles, being almost unknown to them. 
In case of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied upon himself 
for retaliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and the relatives of 
the slain man were bound to obtain bloody revenge for his death. 
This principle gave rise, as a matter of course, to innumerable and 
bitter feuds, and wars of extermination when such were possible. 
War, indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's glory and de- 
light, — war, not conducted as in civilization, but where individual 
skill, endurance, gallantry, and cruelty were prime requisites. For 
such a purpose as revenge the Indian would make great sacrifices, 
and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic; but when the 
excitement was over, he sank back into a listless, unoccupied, well- 
nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his more exciting 
pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating his person 
with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in the manufact- 
ure of his arms and of canoes. These were constructed of bark, and 
so light that they could easily be carried on the shoulder from 
stream to stream. His amusements were the war-dance, athletic 
games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the oratory of 
the chiefs, but during long periods of such existence he remained 
in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly upon the trees of the forest 
and the clouds that sailed above them ; and this vacancy imprinted 
habitual gravity, and even melancholy, upon his general deportment. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 25 

The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell upon 
tlie women. Tiie planting, tending and gathering of the crops, 
making mats and baskets, carrying burdens, — in fact, all tilings of 
the kind were performed Ijy them, thus making their condition but 
little better than that of slaves. ]\[arriage was merely a matter of 
bargain and sale, the husband giving presents to the father of the 
bride. lu general they had but few children. They were subjected 
to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine and 
pestilence swept away whole tribes. 



EXPLORATIONS BY THE WHITES. 

FIRST EXPLORERS. 

In the year 1541, forty-nine years after Columbus discovered the 
New "World, and 130 years before the French missionaries dis- 
covered its upper waters, Ferdinand De Soto discovered the 
Mississippi, at the mouth of the Washita. He, however, penetra- 
ted no further north than the 35th parallel of latitude, his death 
terminating the expedition. De Soto founded no settlements, and 
produced no results except that of awakening the hostility of the 
red man against tlie white man, and of disheartening such as might 
desire to follow up the discovery with better aims. In accordance 
■with the usage of nations under which title to the soil was claimed 
by right of discovery, Spain, having conquered Florida and dis- 
covered the Mississippi, claimed all the territory bordering on that 
river and the Gulf of Mexico. But it was also held by the Euro- 
pean nations that, while discovery gave title, that title must be 
perfected by actual possession and occupation. Although Spain 
claimed the territory by right of first discovery, she made no effort 
to occupy it; by no permanent settlement had she perfected and 
secured her title, and therefore she had forfeited it when, at a later 
period, the Mississippi Yallcy was re-discovered and occupied by 
France. 

In a grand council of Indians on the shores of Lake Superior, 
they told the Frenchmen glowing stories of the "great river" and 
the countries near it. Marquette, a Jesuit father, became inspired 
in 16G9, with the idea of discovering tliis noble river. He was 
delayed in this great undertaking, however, and spent the interval 
in studying the language and habits of tlie Illinois Indians, among 



26 HISTOllY OF IOWA. 

whom he expected to travel. In 1673 he completed his prepara- 
tions for the journey, in which he was to be accompanied by Joliet, 
ail ao-ent of the French Government. The Indian?, who had 
gathered in large numbers to witness his departure, tried to dis- 
suade him from the undertaking, representing that the Indians of 
the MississipplYalley were cruel and blood-thirsty, and would resent 
the intrusion of strangers upon their domain. The great river 
itself, they said, was the abode of terrible monsters who could 
swallow both canoes and men. But Marquette was not diverted 
from his purpose by these reports, and set out on his adventurous 
trip May 13; he reached first an Indian village where once had 
been a mission and where he was treated hospitably; thence, with 
the aid of two Miami guides, he proceeded to the Wisconsin, down 
which he sailed to the great Mississippi, which had so long been 
anxiously looked for; floating down its unknown waters, the ex- 
plorer discovered, on the 25th of June, traces of Indians on the 
west bank of the river, and landed a little above the river now 
known as the Des Moines. For the first time Europeans trod the 
soil of Iowa. Marquette remained here a short time, becoming 
acquainted with the Indians, and then proceeded on his explora- 
tions. He descended the Mississippi to the Illinois, by which and 
Lake Michigan he returned to French settlements. 

Nine years later, in 1682, La Salle descended the Mississippi to 
the Gulf of Mexico, and, in the name of the king of France, took 
formal possession of all the immense region watered by the great 
river and its tributaries from its source to its mouth, and named 
it Louisiana, in honor of his master, Louis XIV. The river he 
called "Colbert," in honor of the French Minister, and at its 
mouth erected a column and a cross bearing the inscription, in 
French : 

" LOUIS THE GREAT, KING OF FRANCE AND NAVAKEE, 
REIGNING APKIL 9, 16S2." 

France then claimed by right of discovery and occupancy the 
whole valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries, including 
Texas. Spain at the same time laid claim to all the region about 
the Gulf of Mexico, and thus these two great nations were brought 
into collision. But the country was actually iield and occupied by 
the native Indians, especially the great Miami Confederacy, the 
Miamis proper (anciently the Twightwees) being the eastern and 



HISTORY OF KIWA. 27 

most powerful tribe. Their territory extended strictly from the 
Scioto river west to the Illinois river. Their villages were few 
and scattering, and their oecnpation was scarcely dense enough to 
maintain itself against invasion. Their settlements were occasionally 
visited by Christian missionaries, fur traders and adventurers, but 
no body of white men made any settlement sufficiently perinunent 
for a title to national possession. Christian zeal animated France 
and England in missionary enterprise, the former in the interests 
of Catholicism and the latter in the interests of Protestantism. 
Hence, their haste to pre-occnpy the land and proselyte the aborig- 
ines. No doubt this ugly rivalry was oft seen by the Indians, and 
they refused to be proselyted to either branch of Christianity. 

The " Five Nations," farther east, comprised the Mohawks, 
Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagas and Senecas. In 1677 the number 
of warriors in this confederacy was 2,150. About 1,711 of the 
Tnscaroras retired from Carolina and joined the Iroquois, or Five 
Nations, which, after that event, became known as the " Six 
Nations." 

In 16S9 hostilities broke out between the Five Nations and the 
colonists of Canada, and the almost constant wars in which France 
was engaged, until the treaty of Ryswick, in 1697, combined to 
check the grasping policy of Louis XIV., and to retard the plant- 
ing of French colonies in the Mississippi Valley. Missionary 
efforts, liowever, continued with more failure than success, the 
Jesuits allying themselves with the Indians in habits and customs, 
even encouraging inter-marriage between them and their white 
followers. 

SUBSEQUENT SETTLEMENT. 

Soon after the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi by La 
Salle, in 1682, the government of France began to encourage the 
policy of establishing a line of trading posts and missionary sta- 
tions, extending throughout the West from Canada to Louisiana, 
and this policy was maintained with partial success for about 75 
years. The traders persisted in importing whisk}', which canceled 
nearly every civilizing influence that could be brought to bear 
upon the Indian, and the vast distances between posts prevented 
that strength which can be enjoyed only by close and convenient 
inter-communication. Another characteristic of Indian nature 
was to listen attentively to all the missionary said, pretending to 



28 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

believe all he preached, and then offer in turn his theory of the 
world, of religion, etc., and because he was not listened to with 
the same degree of attention and pretense of belief, would go off 
disgusted. This was his idea of the golden rule. 

The river St. Joseph of Lake Michigan was called " the river 
Mianiis " in 1679, in which year La Salle built a small fort on its 
bank, near the lake shore. The principal station of the mission for 
the instruction of tlie Miamis was established on the borders of this 
river. The first French post within the territory of the Miamis 
was at tlie mouth of the river Miamis, on an eminence naturally 
fortified on two sides by the river, and on one side by a deep ditch 
made by a fall of water. It was of triangular form. The mission- 
ary Hennepin gives a good description of it, as he was one of the 
company who built it, in 1679. Says he: "We fell the trees tliat 
were on the top of the hill ; and having cleared the same from 
bushes for about two musket shots, we began to build a redoubt 
80 feet long and 40 feet broad, to make our fort more inac- 
cessible on the river side. We employed the whole month of No- 
vember about that work, which was very hard, though we had no 
other food but the bear's flesh our savage killed. These beasts are 
very common in that place because of the great quantity of grapes 
they find there ; but their flesh being too fat and luscious, our men 
began to be weary of it, and desired leave to go a-hunting to kill 
some wild goats. M. La Salle denied them that liberty, which 
caused some murmurs among tliem ; and it was but unwillingly 
that they continued their work. This, together with the approach 
of winter, and the apprehension that M. La Salle liad that his ves- 
sel (the Griffin) was lost, made him very melancholy, though he 
concealed it as much as he could. We made a cabin wherein we 
performed divine service every Sunday, and Father Gabriel and I, 
who preached alternately, took care to take such texts as were suit- 
able to our present circumstances, and fit to inspire us with cour- 
age, concord and brotheiiy love. * * * The fort was at last 
perfected, and called Fort Miamis." 
I In the year 1711 the missionary Chardon, who was said to be 
very zealous and apt in the acquisition of languages, had a sta- 
tion on the St. Joseph, about 60 miles above the mouth. Charle- 
voix, another distinguished missionary from France, visited a 
post on this river in 1721. In a letter dated at the place, Aug. 
16, he says : "There is a commandant here, with a small garri- 
son. His house, which is but a very sorry one, is called the fort, 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 29 

from its being surrounded with an indifferent palisade, which is 
pretty near the case in all the rest. We have here two villa<^es of 
Indians, one of the Miamis and the other of the Pottawatomies, 
both of them mostly Christiana; but as they have been for a long 
time without any pastors, the missionary who has been lately 
sent to them will have no small diiBculty in bringing them back 
to the exercise of their religion." He speaks also of the main 
commodity for which the Indians would part with their goods, 
namely, spirituous liquors, which they drink and keep drunk 
upon as long as a supply lasted. More than a century and a half 
has now passed since Charlevoix penned the above, without any 
change whatever in this trait of Indian character. 

In 1765 the Miami nation, or confederacy, was composed of four 
tribes, whose total number of warriors was estimated at only 1,050 
men. Of these about 250 were Twightwees, or Miamis proper, 
300 Weas, or Oiiiatenons, 300 Piankeshaws and 200 Shockeys ; 
and at this time the principal villages of the Twightwees were sit- 
uated at the head of of the Mauinee river, at and near the place 
where Fort Wayne now is. The larger Wea villages were near 
the banks of the Wabash river, in the vicinity of the Post Ouiate- 
non ; and the Shockeys and Piankeshaws dwelt on the banks of 
the Vermillion, and on the borders of the Wabash between Vin- 
cennes and Oniatenon. Branches of the Pottawatomie, Shawnee, 
Delaware and Kickajioo tribes were permitted at different times to 
enter witliin the boundaries of the Miamis and reside for a while. 

The wars in which France and England were engaged, from 
1688 to 1697, retarded the growth of the colonies of those na- 
tions in Xorth America, and the efforts made by France to con- 
nect Catiada and the Gulf of Mexico by a chain of trading posts 
and colonies, naturally excited the jealousy of England, and grad- 
ually laid the foundation for a struggle at arms. After sever.al 
stations were established elsewhere in the West, trading posts 
were started at the Miami villages, which stood at the head of the 
Mauince, at the Wea villages about Ouiatenon on the Wabash, 
and at the Piankeshaw villages about the present site of Vin- 
cennes. It is probable that before the close of the year 1719, 
temjiorary tradingp)3t3 ware erected at the sites of Fort Wayne, 
Ouiatenon and Vincennes. Tliese points were probably often 
visited by fur traders prior to 1700. In the meanwhile the Eng- 
lish people in this country commenced also to establish military 
posts west of the Alieghanies, and thus matters went on until they 



30 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

naturally culminated in a general war, which, being waged by the 
French and Indians combined on one side, was called " the French 
and Indian war." This war was terminated in 1763 by a treaty at 
Paris, by which France ceded to Great Britain all of North Amer- 
ica east of the Mississippi, except New Orleans and the island on 
which it is situated; and indeed, France had the preceding autumn, 
by a secret convention, ceded to Spain all the country west of 
that river. 

In 1765 the total number of French families within the limits of 
the Northwestern Territory did not probably exceed 600. These 
were in settlements about Detroit, along the river Wabash and 
the neighborhood of Fort Chartres on the Mississippi. Of these 
families, about 80 or 90 resided at Post Vincennes, 14 at Fort 
Ouiatenon, on the Wabash, and nine or ten at the confluence of 
the St. Mary and St. Joseph rivers. 

The colonial policy of the British government opposed any 
measures which might strengthen settlements in the interior of 
this country, lest they become self-supporting and independent of 
the mother country; hence t he early and rapid settlement of the 
Northwestern Territory was still further retarded by the short- 
sighted selfishness of England. That fatal policy consisted mainly 
in holding the land in the hands of the government, and not allow- 
ing it to be subdivided and sold to settlers. But in spite of all her 
efiorts in this direction, she constantly made just such efforts as 
provoked the 'American people to rebel, and to rebel successfully, 
which was within 15 years after the perfect close of the French and 
Indian war. 

Thomas Jefferson, the shrewd statesman and wise Grovernor of 
Virginia, saw from the first that actual occupation of western lands 
was the only way to keep them out of the hands of foreigners and 
Indians. Therefore, directly after the conquest of Vincennes, by 
Clark, he engaged a scientiiic corps to proceed under an escort to 
the Missisippi, and ascertain by celestial observations the point on 
that river intersected by latitude 36 '^ 30' the southern limit of the 
State, and to measure its distance to the Ohio. To Gen. Clark- 
was entrusted the conduct of the military operations in that quar- 
ter. He was instructed to select a strong position near that point 
and establish there a fort and garrison; thence to extend his con- 
quests northward to the lakes, erecting forts at different ])oints, 
wl^icli might serve as monuments of actual possession, besides 
affording protection to that portion of the country. Fort ''Jeffer- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 31 

son" was erected and garrisoned on the Mississippi a few miles 
above tlie southern limit. 

The result of these operations was the addition to the chartered 
limits of Virginia, of that immense region known as the North, 
we.-tern Tirritorj". The simple fact that such and such forts were 
establislied by the Americans in this vast region convinced the 
British commissioners that we had entitled ourselves to the land. 
But where are those "monuments " of our power now ^ 



HISTOEY OF LOUISIANA TERRITOEY. 

LOUISIANA PEOVINCE. 

The province of Louisiana stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to 
the sources of the Tennessee, the Kanawha, the Alleghany and the 
Monongahelaon the east, and the Missouri and the other great trib- 
utaries of the Father of Waters on the west. Says Bancroft : 
•'France had obtained, under Providence, the guardianship ot tliis 
immense district, not as it proved, for her own benefit, but 
rather as a trustee for the infant nation by which it was one day to 
be inherited. By the treaty of Utrecht, France ceded to England 
lier possessions in Hudson's Ba}-. Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. 
France still retained Louisiana, b\it the i)r()viuee had so far failed 
to meet the expectations of the crown and tiie people that a change 
in the government and policy of the country was deemed indispens- 
able. Accordingly, in 1711, the ])rovince was placed in the hands 
of a governor-genera], witli lieadquartcrs at Mobile. This govern- 
ment was of a short duration, and in 1712 a charter was granted to 
Anthony Orozat, a wealthy merchant of Baris, giving him the en- 
tire control and monopoly of all the trade and resources of Louisi- 
ana. But this scheme also failed. Crozat met with no success 
in his commercial operations; every Spanish harbor on the Gulf 
was closed against his vessels; the occupation ot Louisiana was 
deemed an encroachment on Spanish territory; S])ain was jealous 
of the ambition of France. 

Crozat failing to open the ports of the district, sought to develoj) 
the internal resources of Louisiana, by causing trading posts to be 
opened, and explorations to be made to its remotest borders. But 
he actually accomplished nothing for the advanciment of the 
colony. The only prosjierity which it ever possessed grew out of 
the enterprise of humble individuals, who had succeeded in insti- 



32 



HI8T0ET OF IOWA. 



tutliig a little barter between themselves and the natives, and a 
petty trade with neighboring European settlements. After a per- 
severing effort of nearly five A'ears, he surrendered his charter in 
August, 1717. 

Another and more magnificent scheme immediately followed 
the surrender of Crozat's charter. The national government of 
France was deeply involved in debt; the colonies were nearly 
bankrupt, and John Law appeared on the scene with his famous 
Missis.=ippi Company, as the Louisiana branch of the Bank of 
France. The charter granted to this company gave it a legal ex- 
istence of 25 years, and conferred upon it more extensive 
powers and privileges than had been granted to Crozat. It in- 
vested the new company with the exclusive privilege of the entire 
commerce of Louisiana, and of new France, aTid with authority to 
enforce their rights. The company was authorized to monopolize 
all the trade in the country, to make treaties with the Indians, to 
declare and prosecute war to grant lands, erect forts, open mines 
of precious metals, levy taxes, nominate civil officers, commission 
those of the army, to appoint and remove judges, to cast cannon, 
and build and equip ships of war. All this was to be done with 
the paper currency of John Law's Bank of France. lie had suc- 
ceeded in getting His Majesty, the French king, to adopt and 
sanction his scheme of financial operations, both in France and 
in the colonies, and probably there never was such a huge financial 
bubble ever blown by a visionary theorist. Still such was the 
condition of France that it was accepted as a national deliverance, 
and Law became the most powerful man in France. He became 
a Catholic, and was appointed Comptroller General of Finance. 

The first move of the new company was to send SCO emigrants 
to Louisiana, who arrived at Dauphine Island in 1718. In 1719 
Philipe Francis Renault arrived in Illinois, with 200 miners 
and artisans. The war between France and Spain at this 
time rendered it extremely probable that the Mississippi Valley 
might become the theater of Spanish hostilities against the French 
settlements. To prevent this, as well as to extend French claim, a 
chain of forts was begun to keep open the connection between the 
mouth and the sources of the Mississippi. Fort Orleans, high up 
the river, was erected as an outpost in 1720. 

The Mississippi scheme was at the zenith of its power and glory 
in January, 1720, but the gigantic bubble collapsed more sud- 
denly than it had been inflated, and the company was declared 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 33 

hopelessly bankrupt in May following. France was impoverished 
by it, both private and public credit were overthrown, capitalists 
suddenly found tlieinselves paupers, and labor was left without 
employment. The eiiect on the colony of Louisiana was disas- 
trous. 

Heretofore Louisiana had been a subordinate dependence, under 
the jurisdiction of the Governor-general of Canada. Early in the 
year 1723 the province of Louisiana was erected into an indejiendent 
government, and it was divided into nine districts, for civil and 
military purposes. 

Notwithstanding the company had embarked largely in agricul- 
ture, and had established large plantations on the river, still it 
refused to abandon the idea of discovering boundless wealth in the 
mines of Missouri. They still believed that gold and silver mines 
were to be found in the Illinois country. Desire begets credulity; 
and the director^', ever ready to receive and encourage extravagant 
accounts of mines, offered rewards proportionate to the importance 
of the discovery. In this way the attention of the company was 
diverted to the search of mines in distant regions, as far as the 
sources of the St. Peter's, the Arkansas, the tributaries of the 
Missouri, and even to the Rocky Mountains, while they neglected 
the increasing hostile indications among the Chickasaws, the 
Natchez and other tribes immediately contiguous to their princi- 
pal settlements. 

The year 1723 also witnessed the first outbreak among the In- 
dians. This was by the Natchez, a peaceful tribe who were cruelly 
treated by the French. The Natchez were subdued for a time, but 
in 172c', with the Chickasaws and others, fell upon the French vil- 
lage of St. Catharine and massacred the whole male ])opulation; 
two soldiers only, who happened to be in the woods, escaped, to 
bear the tidings to New Orleans. The colonies on the Yazoo and 
on the Washita suffered the same fate; more than 200 were 
killed; 92 women and 155 children were taken prisoners. 

This massacre and consequent war was disastrous in the ex- 
treme. The province had been in the most prosperous condition. 
The company had controlled it for 11 years, and raised it from 
a few hundred idle, indolent and improvident settlers around the 
Bay of Mobile, and along the coast west of that place, to a flourish- 
ing colony of several thousand souls, many of whom were 
industrious, enterprising and productive citizens. But now New 

Orleans and tlie other settlements presented for a time a scene of 
2 



34 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

general commotion and consternation. Tiiej speedily recovered 
themselves, however, and at once took measures to completely 
crush the Indians, and prevent future trouble of the kind. This, 
however, was a difficult task, and required three years of constant 
war. The result was complete victory for the French. The Nat- 
chez were never more known as a tribe, the scattered remnants 
seeking an asylum among the Chickasaws and other tribes hostile to 
the French. Yet no tribe has left so proud a memorial of their 
courage, their independent spirit, and their contempt of death in 
defense of their riglits and liberties. The city of Natchez is their 
monument, standing upon the field of their glor}' In refinement 
and intelligence, they were equal, if not superior, to any other 
tribe north of Mexico. In courage and stratagem they were in- 
ferior to none. 

To the great joy of the whole province, a partial and temporary 
peace now succeeded. But the company had been involved in 
enormous expenses in this war. Tiieir trade with the Indians, too, 
was diminished and less profitable. The state of things following 
upon the disasters consequent upon Law's failure, alarmed the 
directory, who, believing that they were not secure from similar 
disasters in future, determined to surrender their charter into the 
hands of the crown, and abandon the further prosecution of their 
scheme. Their petition was readily granted, and April 10, 1732, 
the king issued his proclamation, declaring the province of Louisi- 
ana free to all his subjects, with equal privileges as to trade and 
commerce. 

During the 15 years from 1717 to 1732 the province had 
increased in population from TOO to 5,000, and the improvement in 
character and prosperity' had been equally marked. Settlements 
had sprung up farther inland. The Illinois and Wabash countries, 
comprising all the settlements on the Upper Mississippi, from "Fort 
Chartres" and Kaskaskia eastward to the Wabash, and south of 
Lake Michigan, contained many flourishing settlements devoted to 
agriculture and the Indian trade. 

From 1732 till 176-1, the end of French dominion in Louisiana, 
the province was under royal governors. M. Perrier held this 
office for two years, and in 1731 Bienville, who had served before, 
and liad been successful in his treatment of the Indians, was again 
commissioned governor and commandant-general of Louisiana. 
Bienville, though old, still thii'sted for mih'tary fame, and desired 
to chastise the Indians who had sympathized with the Natchez. He 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 35 

demanded from the Chickasaws tlie surrender of the Natchez refu- 
gees. This being refused, he determined to pnnisli the Chickasaws. 
Then ensued several years of war, with here and there a peaceful 
interval. At last peace was established, on terms unfavorable to 
Bienville and the French. Bienville, who lor 40 years, short 
intervals excepted, iiad ably managed Louisiana, was recalled in the 
spring of 1740. Ilis public career ended under a cloud of censure, 
and tlie disapprobation of his sovereign. The Marquis de VaudreuH 
succeeded Bienville as governor. During the hitter's adminstration, 
in spite of the continual Indian wars, the province had gradually 
increased in wealth and population. About this time cotton, the 
tig-tree, the orange-tree, and other tropical products were introduced 
into the province. 

For the 10 years from 17-11 to 1751 the settlements were com- 
paratively free from Indian hostilities. Relieved from danger and 
apprehension of Indian violence, agriculture continued to flourish, 
and commerce, freed from the shackles of monopolies, began rapidly 
to extend its influence and to multiply its objects under the stim- 
ulus of individual enterprise. Sugar-cane was first cultivated in 
1751. 

In 1752, the Indians, instigated by the English, began to be 
troublesome again. De Vaudreuil made a partially successful ex- 
pedition against them, and the trouble was temporarily at an end. 
In 1753 De Vaudreuil was promoted to the government of Canada, 
and M. Kerlerec succeeded him as governor of Louisiana. The 
following year witnessed the beginning of a long war between 
France and England for the possession of the Mississippi Valley. 
This contest was waged for eight years with varied success, until 
finally the tide of war set in favor of Great Britain, and France was 
compelled at length to surrender first one, and then another of her 
military positions in New France; and at last, driven by stern 
necessity, the king sought peace at the expense of a treaty which 
confirmed to Great Britain the whole of Canada and the eastern 
half of Louisiana. Although Louisiana was thus concerned in this 
war, her remote situation secured her from horrors of actual war, 
and she continued to prosper. She sufl'ered, however, from another 
flood of irredeemable paper money. 

Hostilities between the great powers ceased in 1762, and a treaty 
of peace was ratified the following year, according to which France 
ceded all her territory east of the Mississippi to Great Britain. 



36 diSTOEY OF IOWA. 

In the meantime she had made a secret treaty with Spain, ced- 
ing all the residue of Louisiana, that is, all west of the Mississippi, 
to that power. So that from this time the valley of the Mississip- 
pi was virtually divided between the two great European powers 
of Great Britain and Spain. The dominion of the former was des- 
tined to be of short duration, and to be superseded by a new power 
heretofore unknown, a power which was ultimately to swallow up 
the dominion of Spain also. This new power was to be the United 
States of America, the land of freedom and the rights of man, the 
bulwark of human liberty and the asylum for the oppressed. 

The boundaries of "Western, or Spanish, Louisiana, after the dis- 
memberment, comprised, as we have already stated, all that vast 
unknown region west of the Mississippi River, from its soui'ces to 
the Gulf of Mexico, and extending westward to the extreme sources 
of all its great western tributaries among the Rocky Moun- 
tains. It included also the island of New Orleans east of the Mis- 
sissippi, and south of the bayou Iberville. The French inhabitants 
were so loth to be brought under Spanish rule, and manifested so 
much dissatisfaction, tliat his Catholic majesty did not insist on 
actual possession until two years after the cession. Even then, the 
prospect for disturbance was so alarming that Don Ulloa, the Span- 
ish governor, deemed it best to withdraw to Cuba. Not until 
1769, when a formidable army arrived from Spain, was the prov- 
ince formally occupied by the Spanish authorities, and the French 
flag lowered at New Orleans. Thus was Louisiana foi-ever lost 
to France. During the 70 years of colonial dependence on 
France, it bad slowly augmented its population, from a few desti- 
tute fishermen and hunters to a ilourishing colony of 13,510 souls. 
The exports at this time were valued at $250,000 annually. 

The iirst act of Don O'Reilly, the new governor, was to order a 
complete census of the city of New Orleans. This showed an ag- 
gregate of 3,190 souls. The total number of houses was 468. The 
population at this same time of eastern Louisiana, now called, 
under British rule. West Florida, was about 1,500. 

Dp to this date but few settlements had been made on the west 
bank of the Mississippi above the mouth of the Ohio. The most 
important of these was St. Louis, begun in 1764. 

O'Reilly ruled with a despotic hand, and began by punishing 
some of the prominent citizens for the discontent they had mani- 
fested. Five were shot, others were imprisoned. He then intro- 
duced Spanish courts, laws, language and customs. Though his 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 37 

government was severe, it was on the whole salutary for the peo- 
ple. Contidonce once restored, iinniigrants began to tiock in in 
large numbers from Spain. O'Reilly was recalled after one year, 
liowever, and was succeeded by Don Antonio Maria Bucarelly as 
Captain-General, but the administration was supervised by Unza- 
ga, Captain-General of Cuba, who was really an intermediate be- 
tween the crown and the king's olHcers in Louisiana. Under his 
mild and judicious rule Louisiana flourished and grew rapidly. St. 
Louis, at the end of his administration, was already an important 
town, with a population of SOO. 

Unzaga was succeeded Jan. 1, 1777, by Don Bernard de Galvez. 
This was at the time when the colonies were making their great 
struggle for independence. As a Sj)aniard, De Galvez had no pre- 
dilection for English rule, and his sympathies were enlisted for the 
colonies. The United States procured many military supplies 
through their agent in Xew Orleans. In fact, Spain and France 
recognized the independence of the United States, and joined in 
actual war with Great Britain. De Galvez, now General Galvez, in 
1779 commenced by attacking the English posts in AVest Florida. - 
In this he was successful, and before the end of the war, all of 
West Florida was in possession of the Spanish. 

During these Spanish successes in Florida, an attempt was made 
by the British commandant at Michilimackinac to invade Louisiana 
from the north, and he marched against St. Louis with 140 troops 
and 1,400 Indians. They encamped within a few miles of St. Louis, 
and began a regular Indian investment of the place, which had 
been temporarily fortified. During the siege the inhabitants sent 
8 special request to Col. Clark, then commanding at Kaskaskia, to 
come to their relief. lie immediately marched to the Mississippi, 
a few miles below St. Louis. He remained here till the 6th of 
May (this was in 17S0), when the grand Indian attack was made. 
Clark crossed the river, and marched up to the town to take part 
in the engagement. The sight of the ''Long-knives," as the Amer- 
icans were called, caused the savages to abandon the attack atid 
seek safety in flight. They reproached the Britisii commandant 
with duplicity in having assured them that he wonld march them 
to fight the Siianiiirds only, whereas now they were brought against 
the Spaniards and the Americans. They soon afterward abandoned 
the British standard, and returned to their towns. Such was the 
invasion of Upper Louisiana in 1780 from the north. 



38 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

By the peace of 1783 all of East and West Florida were confirmed 
to Spain, and thus terminated the last vestige of British power 
upon the Lower Mississippi, after an occupancy of 19 years. 

Relieved from the danger and privations of active warfare, the 
country began to prosper once more. Immigration once more set 
in. In the spring of 1785 a complete census was taken by order of 
Governor Galvez, which showed the population of Louisiana to be 
33,000, exclusive of Indians. 

In the summer following Galvez was promoted Captain-general 
of Cuba, and he left Don Estevan Miro as temporary governor uutil 
some one should be regularly appointed by the king. 

In this year an attempt was made by the Catholic authorities to 
introduce the inquisition in Louisiana, and a priest in New Orleans 
was appointed "Commissary of the Holy Ofiice" in that city. Gov- 
ernor Miro, instructed by the king, forbade him to exercise the 
duties of liis office. The reverend father, deeming it his duty to 
obey his spiritual rather than his temporal master, was then sum- 
marily seized at night, conveyed safely on board a vessel about to 
sail for Spain, and before dayliglit the next morning he was on his 
way to Europe. This was the first and the only attempt to establish 
the inquisition in Louisiana. The following year, 1786, Miro was 
confirmed as Governor by the king. Under his wise administration 
the province continued to enjoy a high degree of prosperity. 

It was about this time that the Spanish began to feel the en- 
croachments of the United States. A portion of eastern Louisiana 
was claimed by the State of Georgia, as well as the Spanish. Then, 
too, the trade of the Mississippi was subjected to various duties and 
annoyances by the Spaniards. For two or three years the Spaniards 
pursued a conciliatory course with regard to the Mississippi. They 
then began to vigorously enforce the revenue laws, and were only 
checked b}^ a threatened invasion from Kentucky. From 1788 on, 
the Spanish government continually schemed to extend its posses- 
sions, and to hold its own against the rapidly growing [Jnited States. 

In the year 1792 Governor Miro was promoted to the Mexican 
provinces, and succeeded in Louisiana by Baron de Carondelet. In 
1793-'4 the French minister to the United States (France and Spain 
being at war) endeavored to arouse the West, and provoke a 
hostile attack on Louisiana. This attempt failed, and the minister, 
Genet, was recalled, at the request of the Federal government. 

To conciliate the feelings of the Western people, Carondelet re- 
laxed the restrictions upon the the river trade, and peace and har- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 39 

raony ensued. The Spaniards continued to intrigue, however, 
with the Weiterners, with a view to winnino- them over from the 
United States to Spain, and till 1795 were thus engaged. In this<J» 
year all diflicullies were settled by a formal treaty, known as the 
" Treaty of Madrid." This provided for the trade of the Missis- 
sippi, and fi.xed detiiiite boundaries between the United States and 
Louisiana. It turned out, however, that this treaty was only a 
measure of policy with Spain, and she still coveted the West. The 
fixing of the boundaries by survey and the surrender of certain 
posts, were delayed in such a way that the bad faith of the Span- 
iards became apparent to all. Troublesome negotiations and 
threats of war followed, and not until the middle of 17yS were the 
provisions of the treaty actually carried out 

In 1797 Gayos de Lemos became governor-general of Louisi- 
ana. In the following year Daniel Clarke was received at New 
Orleans as American consul, though not regularly appointed 
The first regular appointment was that of Evan Jones. 

Gayoso died in 1799, and was succeeded by Don Maria Vidal. 
The province continued prosperous, and in particular Upper Lou- 
isiana, the population of which was now over 6,000. 

It did not require tlie spirit of prophecy to predict the speedy 
termination of Spanisii power on the Mississippi. The rapid ex- 
tension of the American settlements, the increasing trade from the 
Western States, and above all, the rapid immigration from the 
States, thoroughly alarmed the Spanish king. Rumors reached 
Louisiana to the effect that the province had been or was seen to 
be ceded to France, and the arbitrary acts of the Spanish gov- 
ernor again irritated the Western people. 

France had never been satisfied with the cession of Louisiana to 
Spain in 1762. This had been done in a time of weakness. Now 
France, under the guiding genius of Napoleon Bonaparte, was the 
greatest nation in Europe, and her emperor had resolved to secure 
Louisiana to France once more. This was effected in a treaty made 
Oct. 1, 1800, but which was kept secret for a long time. 

Ever since the alliance between France and Spain, it had been 
strongly suspected by the United States Government that France 
intended to obtain the retrocession of Louisiana, perhaps witli the 
addition of Florida, also. Our ministers at London, Paris and 
Madrid were therefore specially instructed to defeat this cession; 
but this cession had been already made by the secret treaty, Oct. 



40 mSTOEY OF IOWA. 

1, 1800, to take effect within six months after the complete exe- 
cution of another treaty, concerning the then republic of Tuscany. 
'f Even for Spain to command the mouth of the Mississippi, thus 
holding at mercy the trade of the Western country, now in so rapid 
progress of settlement, was a very uncomfortable thing. Out of 
this circumstance had heretofore grown intrigues, on the part of 
some of the leading politicians of Kentucky, to break the union 
with the States east of the mountains, and to enter into relations 
more or less intimate with Spain. Should an enterprising nation 
like the French — for which such partialities had been felt, — obtain 
the key of the Western waters, who could tell what might happen? 
This state of things, wrote Jefferson to Liv^ingston, our minister at 
Paris, "completely reverses all the political relations of the United 
States, and will form a new epoch in our political course. 

" We have ever looked to France as our natural friend — one with 
whom we could never have an occasion of difference; but there is 
one spot on the globe the possessor of which is our natural and 
habitual enemy: that spot is New Orleans. France, placing her- 
self in that door, assumes to us the attitude of defiance. The day 
that France takes possession seals the union of two nations, who, 
in conjunction, can maintain exclusive possession of the ocean. 
From that moment we must marry ourselves to the British fleet 
and nation; we must turn all our attention to a maritime force, 
and make the first cannon fired in Europe the signal for tearing up 
any settlement France may have made." 

Much was added to the same effect, as reasons why the French 
government should consent to the transfer of Louisiana to the 
United States, — suggestions which Livingston was instructed to 
make in a way not to give offense. 

Livingston, though he labored under a good deal of embarrass- 
ment at first in having no authority to offer any particular sum, 
opened a negotiation for the purchase of New Orleans and the ad- 
jacent tracts on the Mississippi. Finding that nobody had any 
special influence with Bonaparte, or pretended to entertain any 
opinions diflerent from his, he had managed to bring the matter 
directly to Bonaparte's personal notice, without the intervention 
of any minister. By way of additional motive to sell, he pressed 
the claims of American citizens, recognized by the recent con- 
vention, for supplies furnished to France, but upon which nothing 
had yet been paid. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 41 

There seemed, however, tto be little prospect of success till the 
application began to be seconded by the evident approach of a new 
European war. That made a great diftorence; and shortly before 
Monroe's arrival at Paris, Livingston was requested by Talleyrand 
to make an offer for the whole of jjouisiana. Tliat was an extent 
of purchase which had not been contemplated either by Living- 
ston or by the administration which he represented. It had been 
supposed that the cession by Spain to France either included, or 
would be made to include, the Floridas as well as Louisiana; and 
the purchase contemplated by the joint instructions to Livingston 
and Monroe was that of the Floridas, or the western part of them, 
with the Island of Orleans. The highest amount authorized to 
be offered was 50,000,000 livres, or about $10,000,000 Should 
France obstinately refuse to sell, the ministers were authorized to 
enter into negotiations with Great Britain, with the view of pre- 
venting France from taking possession of Louisiana, and of ulti- 
mately securing it to the United States. Bonaparte presently 
suggested, as the price of Louisiana, 100,000,000 livres in cash or 
stocks of the United States, and the payment out of the American 
treasury of all claims by American merchants. This offer was 
made through Marbois, the head of the French treasury, instead 
of Talleyrand, who was suspected by Bonaparte of having merce- 
nary motives in this and other affairs. 

Livingston and Monroe, after consulting together, offered 50,- 
000,000 livres, minus the American claims. Marbois finally 
offered to take 60,000,000 livres, the United States to pay in addi- 
tion American claims not to exceed 20,000,000 livres; and on this 
basis the treaty was finally concluded. This treaty, after setting 
forth the title of France as acquired from Spain, transferred that 
title to the United States, with a proviso that the inhabitants 
should be secure in their liberty, property and religion, and should 
be admitted as soon as possible, according to the principles of the 
Federal Constitution, to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens 
of the United States. Tiie ships of France and Spain laden with 
the produce of those countries or their colonies, were, during the 
next 12 years to be admitted at the port of New Orleans on 
the same terms as American vessels, and Frencli ships ever after- 
ward on the footing of the most favored nation. The payment of 
the 60,000,000 livres was to be made in six per cent, stock of the 
United States to the amount of $11,250,000, to be redeemable 
after 15 years in annual installments of not less than $3,000,000. 



42 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

Claims of citizens of the United Stages on France were to be 
paid at the American treasury to the amount of $3,750,000, these 
claims to be adjudicated by a joint commission in France. 

The news of this arrangement was received with great exulta- 
tion by the president and his cabinet. The assumption of power 
by the ministers in bargaining for tlie whole of Louisiana was cor- 
dially approved. At the same time Jefferson felt himself in an 
awkward predicament, for he had always insisted upon a strict 
construction of the constitution, and such strict construction did 
not permit the United States to acquire territory by purchase. Jef- 
ferson privately admitted this difficulty, and proposed to get over 
it by amending tlie constitution. As the treaty required a mutual 
exchange of ratifications within six months, his plan was that Con- 
gress should go on, notwithstanding its want of power, and trust 
to a confirmation of their act under an amendment to be subse- 
quently made. To hasten the matter, he issued a proclamation 
calling Congress together; but as tiie elections were not 3'et com- 
pleted, the datefixed just preceded the expiration of the six months. 
When Congress asseiubled, tlie treaty and conventions with France 
were immediately laid before the Senate. After two days' discus- 
sion their ratification was advised by that body, of which a strong 
majority were in political sympathy with the administration. 
Nothing was ever said about any amendment of the constitution 
to sanction this proceeding. The ratifications were immediately 
exchanged, the bargain was completed, and this vast territory from 
which Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa and other great States 
have been formed, was a part of the domain of the United States. 
This peaceful acquisition of Louisiana for so trifling a sum, secur- 
ing to the rising settlements on the Western waters an uninter- 
rupted river communication with the sea, the fear of losing which 
had been heretofore the occasion of so many jealousies and such 
serious embarrassments, was celebrated at Washington by a public 
dinner, given by the administration members of Congress to the 
president, vice-president and heads of departments, and by simi- 
lar festivals among the Republicans in diflerent parts of the Union. 
This peaceful annexation so characteristic of Jefferson's policy, 
was exultingly contrasted with the violent method of seizing New 
Orleans by force, recommended by the Federalists. Tiie Federal- 
ists, however, were prompt to reply that the sum paid for Louisi- 
ana was just so much money thrown away, since Bonaparte sold 
. what he could not keep, and what the breach of the Spanish treaty 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 43 

as to the ri^ht of deposit, and other claims on that nation for spo- 
liations on our commerce, would well have justified the United 
States in seizing without any jiaymcnt at all. It was, they averred, 
no policy of Jeflerson's, but the war in Europe, that had brought 
about the cession. The idea of obtainincr the whole tract west of 
the Mississippi was, in fact, altogether too vast for Jeiferson. Bon- 
aparte had forced it upon him. Such an acquisition of territory 
seemed, indeed, to many, and Jefferson himself had serious doubts 
on tlie subject, to tend directly to the dissolution of the Union. 
The settlers west of the mountains had already more than once 
threatened to separate themselves from their Atlantic brethren, 
and to form an independent republic. Such threats, which had 
been very rife in Kentucky, and even in Pennsylvania, during the 
Whisky Insurrection, had made a deep impression on Jefferson's 
mind. The Federalists foretold, and he feared, that the re- 
moval of all external pressure on the side of the Mississippi would 
precipitate this danger, "an apprehension," says Hildreth, " which 
time has comjiletely falsified, the crack having been proved to run 
in quite a different direction." Another objection, seriously felt 
by many, and especially by the New England Federalists, was, 
that the throwing open to emigration of such new and vast terri- 
tories, tended to increase an evil already sufficiently felt, — the strip- 
ping of the old States of their inhabitants, and the dwarfing them 
in political importance. 

Nor were these considerations without their weight in the ar- 
rangements adopted for the newly acquired territory. By an act 
originating in the Senate, that territory was divided into two 
provinces by a line drawn along the thirty-third parallel of north 
latitude. The province south of this parallel, named the Territory 
of Orleans, already possessed a population of 50,000 persons, of 
whom more than half were slaves. Within the last 10 years the 
cultivation of the sugar-cane had been successfully introduced in 
part by refugee planters from St. Domingo, and that together with 
cotton, had already superseded the production of indigo, formerly 
the chief staple. So lucrative were these new branches of indus- 
try — the decreased product of St. Domingo making an opening 
in the sugar market, and cotton, under the increased de- 
mand for it b}' the English manufacturers, bringing to the pro- 
ducer 25 cents per pound — that the chief planters enjoyed 
incomes hardly known to laniled proprietors anywhere else north 
of the Gulf of Mexico. Of the white inhabitants the greater part 



44 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

were French Creoles, descendants of the original French colonists, 
with an admixture, however, of French, Spanish, and British im- 
migrants. Under France the colonists had possessed hardly any 
political power; under Spain, none at all. With a cautious imita- 
tion of these models, which in Federalists would have been de- 
nounced as exceedingly anti-republican, the president was author- 
ized not only to appoint the governor and secretary of the new 
Territory, but annually to nominate tlie 13 members who 
were to compose the Legislative council. This provision, though 
strongly objected to and struck out by the House as contrary to 
democratic principles, was reinstated by the Senate, and on the 
report of a committee of conference, was finally agreed to. 

The laws of Louisiana down to the period of the cession to 
Spain, has been like those of Canada, the custom of Paris and the 
royal ordinances of France. The Spanish governor on taking 
possession, among other very arbitrary acts, had issued a procla- 
mation substituting the Spanish code, and such remained the laws 
of the colony when it passed into the hands of the United States. 
This Spanish code, so far as it was not repugnant to the Constitu- 
tion and laws of the United States, was continued in force, subject 
to such alterations as the new Territorial Legislature might make. 

All that region west of the Mississippi and north of the Terri- 
tory of Orleans, was constituted by the same act as the District 
of Louisiana. It includes one little village on the Arkansas, and 
several on or near the Mississippi, the ])rincipal of which was St. 
Louis. The white population of this region, embracing the pres- 
ent States of Arkansas, Missouri and Iowa, had been somewhat 
augmented of late by immigrants from the old French villages on 
the other side of the Mississippi; and by Anglo-American advent- 
urers, who already' outnumbered the French inhabitants. But 
the increase of this population, which did not exceed three or four 
thousand, was not considered desirable. It was proposed to re- 
serve this region for tlie Indians; and the president was author- 
ized to propose to the tribes east of the Mississij)pi an exchange 
of lands, and a migration on their part across the river — a policy 
since extensively carried out. Meanwhile the jurisdiction over the 
few white inhabitants, and nominally over the whole district, was 
annexed to the Territory of Indiana, thus made to include the 
whole region north of the Ohio River and the thirty-third degree 
of north latitude, and west of the State of Ohio. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 45 

DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA. 

Tlie District of Louisiana was annexed to Indiana for one year, 
and tlien, in 1805, was erected into a separate Territory of the 
second class, tlie power of legislation being vested in the governor 
and judges. A section of this act, by continuing in force until 
altered or repealed by the Legislature, all existing laws and regula- 
tions gave a tacit confirmation of the system of slavery already 
established in the settlements on the Arkansas and Missouri. The 
first military commandant and civil governor of the "District of 
Louisiana" was Major Amos Stoddard, an intelligent and highly mer- 
itorious officer of the United States army, and autlior of a valuable 
work on the earl}' history and resources of Louisiana. His head- 
quarters were at St. Louis, the capital of Upper Louisiana. The 
District of Louisiana already contained thegermsof two independ- 
ent States on the west side of the Mississippi, comprised in the 
few detached settlements upon the Arkansas River and upon the 
west side of the Upper Mississippi, south of the Missouri River 
The remainder of this immense district was an unknown savage 
wilderness of forests and prairies, traversed by a few roving bands 
of Indians, and explored only by a few French traders. The first 
authentic American explorations were those conducted by Lewis 
and Clark, ISO-i-'o, to the sources of the Missouri, and thence to the 
Pacific Ocean by the Columbia River. Next were those conducted 
by Lieut. Pike, in 1806-'7, for the explorations of the regions 
near the sources of the Arkansas and Red Rivers. The principal 
object of all these explorations was to establish friendly relations 
with the Indians; thus preparing the way for the subsequent sale 
and relinquishment of lands in advance of the adventurous pioneer. 

In the year 1805 this District of Louisiana was erected into the 

TERRITORY OF LOUISIANA, 

with the first grade of Territorial government, administered by a 
'»overn(jr and Territorial judges. The first governor was Gen. 
James Wilkinson, who held the office until the close of the year 
1806, when he was succeeded by Colonel Meriwether Lewis. Lender 
his administration, assisted by the Territorial judges, the Territory 
of Louisiana remained a dependence of the United States until the 
year 1812, wlien the State of Louisiana was admitted into the 
Union. During this period the town and post of St. Louis con- 
tinued to be the seat of the Territorial government. The Territory 



46. HISTORY OF IOWA. 

was divided into six judicial districts or large counties, — St. Cbarles, 
St. Louis, St. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau, New Madrid, and 
Arkansas. 

Immigration continually augmented thd population of the Terri- 
tory. In 1810 tlie population was 21,000. Of this number 1,500 
were within the limits of the present State of Arkansas : the 
remainder were comprised chiefly within the confines of the present 
State of Missouri. 

In 1812 the Territory of Orleans assumed the ranks of a State, 
and as it adopted the name of the " State of Louisiana," it was 
deeuied expedient to change the name of the Territory of Louisiana. 
An act of Congress passed June 4, 1812, provided for the organi- 
zation of a representative grade of Territorial government upon 
the west side of the Mississippi, including all the settlements north 
of the western portion of the present State of Louisiana. This 
territory was known and designated as the 

MISSOUKI TERKITOEY, 

and extended from latitude 33' to 41° north. Its remote western 
limit was the Indian and Mexican Territories, in the remote West, 
600 miles beyond the Mississippi. St. Louis was the seat of 
government. 

The first governor was Gen. William Clarke; the first Territorial 
assembly consisted of a Legislative Council, composed of nine 
members, appointed by the president, and a House of Representa- 
tives, elected by the people, in the ratio of one to every 500 free 
white males. The first delegate to Congress was Edward Hemp- 
stead. 

Population began to augment faster, but not till 1815 did St. 
Louis lose its French population, aspect or usages. By this time, 
however, the language, manners, customs, laws and usages of the 
American people were rapidly supplanting those of the French in- 
habitants. By 1817 the Territorial jurisdiction had been extended 
over 20 large counties, including 60,000 inhabitants. This 
number of inhabitants being sufhcient to entitle the Territory to an 
independent State governmet* ■the General AsserabljMnade appli- 
cation to Congress for author,tT to form a State constitution, 
preparatory to admission into the Federal Union. This applica- 
tion raised one of the most alarming political storms ever witnessed 
in the United States The " Missouri Question," as it was called, 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 



47 



continued to agitate the Union from one extreme to the other, 
until many experienced statesmen were appreliensive that even a 
dissolution of the Union might result from the zeal of the enemies 
of slavery, pitted against the persistent defense of its friends. 

The opponents of slavery objected to the legal extension of the 
institution beyond the limits of the original slaveholding States of 
the Union, and required the Federal Government to restrict its ex- 
tension west of the Mississippi as had been done north of the 
Ohio. They zealously and perseveringly urged that the new 
States, by their constitutions, should exclude slavery. The capitol 
of the United States was the arena where the contending parties 
met in fierce debate. The halls of Congress continued to be 
agitated for two years, while the angry conflict of opposing prin- 
ciples held the fate of Missouri in suspense, and for a time with- 
held from her the privilege of State government. 

At length the slavery party triumphed, and Missouri was en- 
rolled among the slave States Aug. 10,1821. It was provided, 
however, that slavery should be allowed no farther north or west, 
but only south of the parallel of 36 ® 30' (the southern boundary of 
Missouri). 

Preparatory to the assumption of State government, the limits of 
the Missouri Territory were restricted on the south by the ])arallel 
of 36*^ 30'. and the territory south of that line, between Missouri 
and Louisiana, was organized into the second grade of Territorial 
government. Col. James Miller, a meritorious and distinguished 
officer of the Northwestern army, was appointed first governor. 
This Territory was known and designated as the 

ARKANSAS TERRITORY, 

and at the period of its organization contained an aggregate of 
nearly liiOOO inhabitants. It extended north and south from 33 ^ 
to 36® 30', and oast and west from the Mississi])pi indefinitely to 
the Mexican territories at least 550 miles. The post of Arkansas 
was made the seat of the new government. 

At this time Arkansas was considered to be on the extreme south- 
western border of civilization, and consequently immigration was 
slow. In 1834 began a great western movement, however, and 
Arkansas received its share. By the census of 1835 it had 58,134 
inhabitants, thus entitling it to admission as a State, according to 
tlie principles of the ordinance of 1787. Therefore the people made 



48 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

application to Congress for authority to establish a regular form of 
State government. This authority was granted, and the convention 
to form a State Constitution met Jan. 1, 1836. The Constitution 
was approved by Congress, and on the 13th of June following Ar- 
IcMnsas was admitted as an independent State — tiie 25th in point 
uf time and order, in the U ited States. 

IOWA TERRITORY. 

The beautiful and fertile upland prairies and unrivaled plains 
west of the Upper Mississippi, and north of the Des Moines River, 
had remained in the occupancy of the native tribes, which had 
gradually retired west of the great lakes, until they commenced 
their aggressions against the people of Illinois, under the fierce and 
vindictive Black Hawk, in 1829. After a disastrous war of nearly 
three years on the northern frontier of Illinois, Black Hawk and 
his allies, driven from the "Wisconsin Territory, retired across the 
Mississippi, and sought safety and peace in what was then the re- 
mote West. On the banks of Iowa River, Sept., 1832, a treaty was 
concluded by which tliey rt.'linquished nearly all the lands claimed 
by them. This cession contained not less than one-third of the 
present State of Iowa, and was subsequently known as tlie "Black 
Hawk Purchase." This ceded territory was speedil}-* overrun by 
pioneers and exploring parties in search of choice lands, desirable 
sites for towns, for future locations. Permanent settlements were 
soon made, and thrived wonderfully. 

In 1834, for the convenience of temporary government, the 
settlements north of the State of Missouri, and for 100 miles north 
of the Des Moines River, were erected by Congress into the " Dis- 
trict of Iowa," and attached to the District of Wisconsin, subject 
to the jurisdiction of Michigan Territory. When the latter had 
assumed an independent State government, in 1836, the District of 
Wisconsin was erected into a separate government, known as the 
AVisconsin Territory exercising jurisdiction over the District of 
Iowa, then comprised in two large counties, designated as the 
counties of Des Moines and Dubuque. The aggregate population 
of these counties in 1836, was 10,531 persons. It was not long 
before the District of Iowa became noted throughout the West for 
its extraordinary beauty and fertility, and the great advantages 
which it afforded to agricultural enterprise. Anotlier vast pur- 
chase of land was made, from the Sacs and Foxes, who were 
forced to withdraw farther west. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 49 

Before the close of 1838, the district liad been subdivided into 
16 counties, with an aggregate popuhition of 22,860 souls. This 
same j'ear the district was erected into an independent Territorial 
government, known as the "Territory of Iowa;" the first Terri- 
torial governor was Robert Lucas, foi luerly Governor of Ohio. 

Iowa Territory, as first organized, comprised " all that region of 
country north of Missouri which lies west of the Mississippi River, 
and of a line drawn due north from the source of the Mississippi 
to the northern limit of the United States." 

During the year 1839, emigration from New England and New 
York began to set strongly into the Iowa Territory. Population 
increased in a wonderful manner. The census of 1840 showed the 
entire population to be -13,017 persons — all acquired in eight years. 
By ISll it had increased to 81,921 persons, and application was 
made for authority to form a State government; this was granted, 
and a constitution drawn up; but Congress insisted that upon be- 
coming a State, Iowa should consent to a restriction of her limits, 
in order to average the area of the Western States, which was re- 
fused by 2,000 majority at a popular election. In the be- 
ginning of 1846, the people, through their Legislature, acquiesced 
in the proposed restriction, and were authorized by Oongrress to 
form a new constitution. Iowa was then admitted as a State, the 
fourth State carved out of former Louisiana. 

MINNESOTA TERRITORY 

was organized in 1849, when it had a population of 4,857. In- 
1857 a census showed 150,037. The people were authorized to 
form a State constitution, and this being approved by Congress 
Minnesota was admitted into the Union May 11, 1858. 

KANSAS TEEEITOHY. 

This country was opened to emigrants in May, 1854, and claims 
were taken with astonishing rapidity for the next few months. 
During this time there was no regular government, but rules were 
adopted and enforced by the " squatters," a class of people who 
soon became famous. In this same year, Andrew H. Reeder was 
appointed governor, and a regular government was organized. 
Reeder was an anti-slavery man, and was soon removed by the in- 
fluence of the slave-holders from Missouri, who at the first were a 
3 



50 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

majority of the settlers. AVilsoii Shannon was appointed in his 
place. During Reeder's time two electionswere held for a delegate to 
Congress, but both times the polls were held by armed men from 
Missouri, and illegal votes returned. A Congressional investigat- 
ing committee subsequently estimated that of the 2,871 votes cast 
at the first election, 1,729 were illegal; and that of the 6,218 votes 
at the second election, only 1,310 were legal, of which 791 were 
given for the anti-slavery candidates. The Legislature met and 
ousted the free-soilers chosen at the second election, giving their 
seats to the pro-slavery men originally returned. Both parties 
held conventions, and the contest grew to such a pitch of violence 
that several men were killed on each side, and the people of Law- 
rence began to arm for self-defense. Shannon was removed and 
John W. Geary, of Pennsylvania, was appointed in his place. Be- 
fore his arrival there was actual war. When he arrived at Lecomp- 
ton he endeavored to restore order. He called upon all armed 
bodies to disband. Many did so at once, but 2,000 Missourians, 
in three regiments, with artillery, and under the command of a 
member of the Missouri Legislature, marched to attack Lawrence. 
They were met by Gov. Geary and his United States troops, who 
induced them to retire. In January, 1857, the Legislature jnet, but 
the leading members were immediatel}' arrested. Being left with- 
out a quorum, it adjoui-ned till June. Gov. Geary resigned and 
was succeeded by Robert J. Walker, of Mississippi. During a 
rapid succession of fraudulent elections. Gov. Walker resigned, 
and J. W. Denver, of California, became governor. Tlie constitu- 
tion previously adopted (known as the Lecompton constitution), 
which allowed slavery, was now twice rejected by the people by 
10,000 majority. Gov. Denver then resigned and was suc- 
ceeded by Samuel Medary, of Ohio. A new convention was held, 
a new constitution framed, and this was ratified by 4,000 majority. 
The first State election under it was held Dec. 6, 1859, result- 
ing in the election of Chas. Robinson for governor. Thus Kansas 
outlived her Territorial conflicts unparalleled in history, and at last 
arrived safely, though considerably scarred, upon a firm State con- 
stitution. 

NEBKASKA TEREITOKY. 

This Territory was organized in 1854, by the celebrated Kansas- 
Nebraska act, but escaped the conflicts of free-soilers and slavery- 
men which agitated Kansas. In the year 1854 the only inhabitants 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 51 

to speak of were Indians. The population in ISHO was 28,842, and 
this increased so rapidly that Feb. 9, 1867, Nebraska was admitted 
as a State. 

We have thus seen seven great States formed out of that province 
purchased for $15,000,000 only 80 years ago. "And the end is not 
yet." 



NOETHWESTEKN TERRITORY. 

OCCUPATION AND SETTLEMENT. 

Although the Northwestern Territory lay east of the Mississippi, 
and never included Iowa, still it was a part of the same great West, 
and has a history intim.ately connected with that of Louisiana. A 
brief historical sketch will therefore not be out of place. 

The French were the first settlers of the great district between 
the Ohio and the Mississippi, and long claimed it as their territory. 
The first permanent settlement was made in what is now Indiana, 
on the Ouabache (Wabash) River, and is now known as Vincennes. 
The year in which this post was established is not known. Dif- 
ferent dates, from 1700 to 1742, have been assigned. Several 
trading posts, however, had been located on the Illinois and other 
rivers before 1700. 

But the French were not permitted to occupy and extend 
their western settlements without opposition. The English who 
■occupied the Atlantic seaboard in the beginning of the eighteenth 
century, soon directed their attention to the West, and disputed the 
claims of the French. In a short time they had several settlements 
on the Ohio. Neither party seemed to desire an immediate con- 
flict, but rather to extend and fortify their settlements. During 
this condition of affairs, George Washington, then in his twenty- 
second year, was appointed by Gov. Dinwiddie to visit the Western 
ont-posts, demand of the French commandant his designs, and 
observe the extent and disposition of his forces. He was informed 
by the French that they considered themselves the rightful owners 
of the country, and would iiot yield it to any authority. The 
Virginians then fitted out an expedition under Washington as 
Lieut. Col., and some hostilities followed. The following year, 
1755, opened with promises of peace, but these soon gave way to 
actual war again — this time on a larger scale. The French were 



52 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

1 

at first successful, but in 1758 Pitt became premier of England, 
tliere was a great revival of Englisli force?, and Britain regained 
what she had lost. At the close of 1762 the French were com- 
pletely reduced, and peace was proclaimed early in 1763. All the 
western posts were taken possession of by the English, but they 
did uot peacefully retain possession of them. A gigantic consj^iracy 
was formed by the principal Indians of the liorthwest, under the 
famous Pontiac, and all the out-posts weresimrltaneously attacked. 
All except Detroit and Fort Pitt fell into the hands of the Indians, 
but they did not receive expected help from the French, and their 
great scheme failed. The Northwest was in the hands of the Eng- 
lish, and remained so until the celebrated expedition of Col. 
George Rogers Clark, on behalf of the American colonies, who 
were struggling for independence from Great Britain. This able 
leader surprised and captured Kaskaskia and Port Vincennes, in 
December, 1778, without bloodshed. "While at Kaskaskia, Lieut. 
Gov. Hamilton, with a force from Detroit, re-took Vincennes. 
Clark being thus cut off from the United States Government, was 
forced to the desperate undertaking of marching against a superior 
force at Vincennes. This was a long, fatiguing march, but finally, 
by boldness, firmness and address, Clark regained Vincennes. From 
this time the British continually lost ground in the Northwest. 

This memorable expedition of Clark was the basis of the Amer- 
ican claim to the territory, and was allowed by the British to be 
the cause of their ceding it to the United States at the close of the 
Revolutionary war. 

Congress, in 1787, adopted an ordinance for the government of 
the whole Northwest, which is known in history as the " Ordinance 
of 1787." As this ordinance is the foundation of the constitutions 
of all the Western States, we give its principal points: 

1. The exclusion of slavery from the Territory forever. 

2. Provision for public schools, giving one township for a sem- 
inary and every section numbered 16 in each township; that is, 
one thirty-sixth of all the land for public schools. 

3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution, or 
the enactment of any law that should nullify pre-existing con- 
tracts. 

This compact declared that " schools and the means of education 
shall always be encouraged." Its prohibition of slavery made the 
Southern members regret that they had allowed the ordinance to 
pass. They even tried to have it repealed. In 1803 Congress re- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 63 

ferred it to a committee, of which John Randolph was chairman. 
He reported that this ordinance was a compact, and opposed 
repeal. Thus it stood, a rock in the way of the on-rushing sea of 
slavery. This act eventually proved the salvation of the republic 
and the destruction of slavery. 

Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was elected by Congress Governor of 
this Territory. He fixed the seat of government at Marietta, Oliio, 
and organized a " general court." Finding that the Indians were 
disposed to be hostile, Governor St. Clair repaired to Fort Wash- 
ington to consult with Gen. Harmar in regard to making an ex- 
pedition against them, and he left Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of 
the Territory, to execute the resolutions of Congress in regard to 
settlers and other matters. According to his instructions, Mr. 
Sargent went to Yincennes and organized Camp Knox, appointed 
the officers, and notified the inhabitants to present their claims to 
lands. In establishing these claims the settlers found great diffi- 
culty, and concerning this matter, the secretary, in his report to the 
President, wrote as follows: 

" Although the lands and lots which were awarded to the inhab- 
itants appeared from very good oral testimony to belong to those 
persons to whom they were awarded, either by original grants, 
purchase or inheritance, yet there was scarcely one case in twenty 
where the title was complete, owing to the desultory manner in 
which public business had been transacted and some other unfor- 
tunate causes. The original concessions by the French and British 
commandants were generally made upon a small scrap of paper, 
which it has been customary to lodge in the notary's office, who has 
seldom kept any book of record, but committed the most impor- 
tant land concerns to loose sheets, which, in process of time, have 
come into possession of persons that have fraudulently destroyed 
them; or, unacquainted with their consequence, innocently lost or 
trifled them away." 

Mr. Sargent says there were about 150 French families at Vin- 
cennes in 1790. The heads of all these families had been at some 
time vested with certain titles to a portion of the soil; and while 
the secretary was busy in straightening out these claims, he re- 
ceived a petition signed by 80 Americans, asking for the confir- 
mation of grants of land ceded by the court organized by Col. John 
Todd under the authority of Virginia. With reference to this 
cause, Congress, March 3, 1791, empowered the Territorial Gover- 
nor, in cases where land had been actually improved and cultivated 



54 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

under a supposed grant for the same, to confirm to the persons 
who made such improvements the lands supposed to have been 
granted; not, however, exceeding the (juaatity of 400 acres to any 
one person. 

In the summer of 1790, tlie General Court passed several salu- 
tary laws prohibiting gaming, and restricting the sale of liquors. 

Winthrop Sargent's administration was highly eulogized by the 
citizens at Yincennes, in a testimonial drawn up and signed by a 
committee of officers. 

EXPEDITIONS AGAINST THE INDIANS. 

Gov. St. Clair, after consulting with Gen. Harmar, concluded to 
chastise the savages about the head of the Wabash. He there- 
fore raised an army of 1,450 men, mostly militia, and with these 
Ilarmar marched against the Indians. Owing to the bad disci- 
pline of the militia this expedition was not entirely successful. The 
Indians suffered, but not enough to induce them to sue for peace. 
The inhabitants began to be alarmed, and petitioned the Virginia 
Legislature for further protection. 

The attention of the general Government was aroused, and Gen. 
Chas. Scott, under authority of the War Department, made a raid 
on the Indians in the vicinity of the Wabash, with 750 mounted 
men. He killed 33 warriors, and took 58 prisoners. The most 
infirm of these prisoners he dismissed with messages for the In- 
dians farther up the Wabash, whom he was unable to reach on 
account of the condition of his horses. 

March 3, 1791, Congress authorized Gov. St. Clair to raise a force 
of 3,000 men, with which to garrison strongly one or two posts, and 
to make another expedition against the hostiles. Before under- 
taking so large an expedition. Gov. St. Clair, June 25, 1791, 
ordered Gen. Wilkinson to proceed against the Indians with 500 
mounted men. Wilkinson reported the results of his raid as fol- 
lows: "I have destroyed the chief town of the Quiatenon nation, 
and have made prisoners of the sons and sisters of the king. I 
have burned a respectable Kickapoo village, and cut down at least 
400 acres of corn, chiefly in the milk." 

The Indians were greatly damaged by the expeditions of Harmar, 
Scott and Wilkinson, but were far from being subdued. They 
were continually incited to hostilities by the British, who held the 
posts of Michilimackinac, Detroit and Niagara, contrary to the 
treaty of 1783. 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 55 

In September, 1791, St. Clair moved from Fort Washington 
witli 2,000 men. Tlie\' were attacked Nov. i, by a body of 1,200 
Indians, and completely defeated. St. Clair returned to Fort 
Washington with his broken army, having lost 578 killed and 
missing, and 25-t wounded, besides several pieces of artillery and 
all his baggage, ammnnition and stores. The savage Indians, believ- 
ing tiiat the whites had made war for many years merely to ac- 
quire land, crammed clay and sand into the eyes and down the 
throats of the dying and the dead ! 

Gov. St. Clair, although not particularly blamed, resigned as 
Major-General, and was succeeded by Gen. Anthony Wayne. 
Under him, in 1792, the army was entirely re-organized, and, 
October, 1793, moved westward, 3,000 strong. All possible means 
had been previously exhausted to induce the Indians to unite in a 
treaty of peace, but they were elated by the defeat of St. Clair, and 
felt amply prepared to meet Gen. Wayne. The Indians insisted 
on the Ohio as the boundary of the United States. Maj. Gen. 
Scott, with about 1,600 mounted volunteers from Kentucky, joined 
the regular troops under Gen. Wayne, July 26, 179-1, and on the 
28th the united forces marched against the Indian towns on the 
Maumee. Gen. Wayne gained a decisive victory over the In- 
dians, and the expedition was completely successful. Fort Wayne 
was established and strongly garrisoned. 

In August, 179.5, the gallant Gen. Wayne concluded a general 
treaty of peace with all the hostile tribes of the Northwestern 
Territory. This treaty opened the way to the flood of immigration, 
and soon the germs were budding of the live mighty States of the 
great Northwest. 

DIVISION AND GROWTH. 

From this time there was nothing to impede the steady growth 
of the Northwest, and under the beneficent provisions of the ordi- 
nance of 1787, the best class of immigrants settled in that fertile 
region. Soon self-government was asked and granted, and accord- 
ing to the ordinance, five States were formed, one after another. 
We briefly notice the Territorial existence and State organization 
of each. 

Ohio. — Of the five States made from the Northwestern Terri- 
tory, Ohio was the first to be highly developed, being nearest to 
the original States. In it was the capital of the Territory — Chil- 
licothe. The progress of Ohio was surprisingly rapid, and in 1803, 



56 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

according to the provisions of the ordinance of 1787, ii was ad- 
mitted into the Union. 

Indiana. — The Territory of Indiana was organized in ISOO, and 
William Henry Harrison was appointed governor. It passed to 
the second grade of Territorial government (with elected Legisla- 
ture) in 1807. A penal code was then adopted, which was remark- 
able for its severity. Even horse-stealing was punished with 
death. During the administration of Gov. Harrison, in ISll, 
occurred the brief war with Tecuraseh, of which the battle of Tip- 
pecanoe was the principal event. After the Indian troubles sub- 
sided, the settlements in Indiana began to improve, and the 
population to be aui^mented by extensive imraigratiom from the 
East. In 1813, Mr. Thomas Posey, of Tennessee, succeeded Har- 
rison as ffovernor of Indiana. In 1816 Indiana was admitted as 

a 

a State. 

Illinois. — The Territory of Illinois was organized in 1809. 
Previous to this time it had been a part of Indiana Territory. The 
principal laws of Indiana were re-enacted for Illinois. Illinois 
had its Indian troubles, but as the principal one, the Black Hawk 
war, occurred after Illinois became a State, and as it stands alone 
as the last of the important Indian wars in the Mississippi "Valley, 
we give a full account of it further on. Illinois formed a con- 
stitution in 1818, and the same year was admitted into the. 
Union. 

Michigan. — This Territory was organized in 1805, with "William 
Hull as governor. Detroit was the capital, and from the first 
played an important part in "Western history. The Indian troubles, 
notably Tecumseh's war, kept back Michigan's growth for some 
time. She flourished, however, under the able administration of 
Lewis Cass as governor, which lasted from 1813 to 1831. Cass 
was succeeded by Gen. Geo. B. Porter. He died in 1834, and the 
duties of governor were performed by the secretary, Stevens T. 
Mason. Michigan was admitted as a State in 1837. 

Wisconsin. — Previous to 1818 "Wisconsin was under diffei'ent 
governments, and sometimes attached to some older Territory. In 
that year it was attached for judicial purposes to Michigan. It 
then comprised two counties. "When Michigan became a State, 
Wisconsin was organized as a separate Territory. Gen. Henry 
Dodge was first governor; he was succeeded by James Duane 
Doty, and he by N. P. Tallmadge; then Gen. Henry Dodge was 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 57 

reappointed. The progress of the Territorj under these adminis- 
trations was rapid, and in ISiS Wisconsin became a State. 

Thus ended the " Northwestern Territory," after furnishing to 
this Union of States five of its noblest members. 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 

In the 3'ear of 1804 a treaty was concluded between the United 
States and the chiefs of the Sac and Fox nations. One old chief 
of the Sacs, however, called Black Hawk, who had fought with 
great bravery in the service of Great Britain during the war of 
1812, had always taken exceptions to this treaty, pronouncin<r it 
void. In 1831 he established himself with a chosen band of war- 
riors upon the disputed territory, ordering the wliites to leave the 
country at once. ' The settlers complaining, Gov. Reynolds dis- 
patched Gen. Gaines with a company of regulars and 1,500 volun- 
teers to the scene of action. Taking the Indians by surprise, the 
troops burnt their villages and forced them to conclude a treaty, 
by which they ceded all lands east of the Mississippi, and agreed 
to remain on the western side of the river. Necessity forced the 
proud spirit of Black Hawk into submission, which made him 
more than ever determined to be avenged upon his enemies. Hav- 
ing rallied around him the warlike braves of the Sac and Fox na- 
tions, he crossed the Mississippi in the spring of 1S32. Upon hear- 
ing of the invasion. Gov. Reynolds hastily collected a body of 1,800 
volunteers, placing them under the command of Brig-Gen. Samuel 
Whiteside. 

The army marched to the Mississippi, and having reduced to 
ashes the Indian village known as " Prophet's town," proceeded 
for several miles up the river to Dixon, to join the regular forces 
under Gen. Atkinson. They formed at Dixon two companies of 
volunteers, who, sighing for glory, were dispatched to reconnoiter 
the enemy. They advanced under command of Maj. Stillman, to 
a creek afterward called "Stillman's run," and while encamping 
there, saw a party of mounted Indians at the distance of a mile. 
Several of Stillman's party mounted their horses and charged the 
Indians, killing three of them; but, attacked by the main body 
under Black Hawk, they were routed, and by tiieir precipitate 
flight spread such a panic through the camp that the whole com- 
pany ran off to Dixon as fast as their legs could carry them. On 



58 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

their arrival it was found that tliere had been 11 killed. The 
party came straggling into camp all night long, fonr or five at a 
time, each squad positive that all who were left behind were mas- 
sacred. 

It is said that a big, tall Kentuckian, with a loud voice, who was 
a colonel of the militia, upon his arrival in camp gave to Gen. 
Wliiteside and the wondering multitude, the following glowing and 
bombastic account of the battle: "Sirs," said he, "our detach- 
ment was encamped among some scattering timber on the north 
side of Old Man's Creek, with the prairie from the north gently' 
sloping down to our encampment. It was just after twilight, in the 
gloaming of the evening, when we discovered Black Hawk's army 
coming down upon us in solid column; they displayed in the form 
of a crescent npon the brow of the prairie, and such accuracy and 
precision of military movements were never witnessed by man; 
they were equal to the best troops of Wellington in Spain. I have 
said that the Indians came down in solid columns, and displayed in 
the form of a crescent; and what was most wonderful, there were 
large squares of cavalry resting upon the points of the curve, 
which squares were supported again by other columns 15 deep, ex- 
tending back through the woods and over a swamp three-quarters 
of a mile, which again rested on the main body of Black Hawk's 
army bivouacked upon the banks of the Kishwakee. It was a ter- 
rible and a glorious sight to see the tawny warriors as they rode 
along our flanks attempting to outflank us, with the glittering 
moonbeams glistening from their polished blades and burning 
spears. It was a sight well calculated to strike consternation in the 
stoutest and boldest heart; and accordingly our men soon began 
to break in small squads, for tall timber. 

"In a very little time the rout became general, the Indians were 
soon upon our flanks, and threatened the destruction of our entire 
detachment. About this time Maj. Stillman, Col. Stephenson, 
Maj. Perkins, Capt. Adams, Mr. Hackel ton and myself, with some 
others, threw ourselves into the rear to rally the fugitives and pro- 
tect the retreat. But in a short time all my companions fell 
bravely fighting hand-to-hand with the savage enemy, and I alone 
was left upon the field of battle. About this time I discovered 
not far to the left a corps of horsemen, which seemed to be in 
tolerable order. I immediately deployed to the left, when, lean- 
ing down and placing my body in a recumbent posture upon the 
mane of ray horse, so as to bring the heads of the horsemen be- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 69 

tween my eye and the horizon, I discovered by the light of the 
moon that tlicy were gentlemen who did not wear hats, by which 
token I knew tliey were no friends of mine. I therefore made a 
retrograde movement and recovered my position, wliere I remained 
some time, tiiinking what farther I could do for ni}- country, when 
a random ball came wliiftling by my ear and plainly whispered 
to me, 'Stranger; you have no furtlier business liere.' Upon 
hearing this I followed the example of my companions in arms, 
and broke for tall timber, and the way I ran was not a little." 

For a long time afterward Maj. Stillman and liis men were sub- 
jects of ridicule and merriment, which was as undeserving as their 
expedition was disastrous. Stillman's defeat spread consternation 
throughout tlie State and nation. Tiie number of Indians was 
greatly exaggerated, and the name of Black Hawk carried witli it 
associations of great military talent, savage cunning and cruelty. 

ASSADLT ox APPLE EIVER FORT. 

A regiment sent to spy out the country between Galena and 
Rock Island, was surprised by a party of 70 Indians, and was on 
the point of being thrown into disorder, wiien Gen. Whiteside, 
then serving as a ])rivate, shouted out tliat he would shoot the first 
man wlio sliould turn his back to tlie enemy. Order being re- 
stored, the battle began. At its very outset Gen. Whiteside shot 
the leader of the Indians, who thereupon commenced a hasty 
retreat. 

In June, 1832, Black Hawk with a band of 150 warriors, attacked 
the Apple River Fort, near Galena, defended by 25 men. This 
fort, a mere palisade of logs,was erected to aft'ord protection to the 
miners. For 15 consecutive hours the garrison had to sustain the 
assault of tlie savage enemy, but knowing very well that no quarter 
would be given them, they fought with such fury and desperation 
that the Indians, after losing many of their best warriors, were 
compelled to retreat. 

Another party of 11 Indians murdered two men near Fort Ham- 
ilton. They were afterward overtaken by a company of 20 men 
and every one of them was killed. 

EOCK KIVEK EXPEDITION. 

A new regiment, under the command of Gen. Atkinson, assem- 
bled on the banks of the Illinois in the latter part of June. Maj. 
Dement, with a small party, was sent out to reconnoiter the move- 



60 HISTORY UF IOWA. 

ments of a large body of Indians, whose endeavors to surround 
him made it advisable for him to retire. Upon hearing of this 
engagement, Gen. Atkinson sent a detachment to intercept the 
Indians, while he, with the main bodj' of his army, moved north 
to meet the Indians under Black Hawk. They moved slowly and 
cautiously through the country, passed through Turtle Village, 
and marched up along Rock River. On their arrival news was 
brought of the discovery of the main trail uf the Indians. Con- 
siderable search was made, but they were unable to discover any 
vestise of Indians save two, who had shot two soldiers the day 
previous. 

Hearing that Black Hawk was encamped on Rock River, at the 
Manitou village, they resolved at once to advance upon the enemy, 
but in the execution of their design they met with opposition from 
their officers and men. The officers of Gen. Henry handed to him 
a written protest; but he, a man equal to any emergency, ordered 
the officers to be arrested and escorted to Gen. Atkinson. Within 
a few minutes after the stern order was given, the officers all col- 
lected around the General's quarters, many of them with tears in 
their eyes, pledging themselves that if forgiven they would return 
to duty and never do the like again. The General rescinded the 
order, and they at once resumed duty. 

THE BATTLE OF BAD-AXE. 

Gen. Henry marched on the 15th of July in pursuit of the In- 
dians, reaching Rock River after three days' journey, where he 
learned Black Hawk was encamped further up the river. On July 
19 the troops were ordered to commence their march. After 
having made 50 miles, they were overtaken by a terrible thunder 
storm, which lasted all night. Nothing cooled, however, in their 
courage and zeal, they marched again 50 miles the next day, en- 
camping near the place where the Indians had encamped the night 
before. Hurrying along as fast as they could, the infantry keep- 
ing up an equal pace with the mounted force, the troops, on the 
morning of the 21st, crossed the river connecting two of the four 
lakes, by which the Indians had been endeavoring to escape. They 
found, on their way, the ground strewn with kettles and articles of 
baggage, which in the haste of retreat the Indians were obliged 
to throw away. The troops, inspired with new ardor, advanced 
80 rapidly that at noon they fell in with the rear guard of the In- 
dians. Those who closely pursued them were saluted by a sudden 



HISTORY OF IOWA. Gl 

fire of musketry from a body of Indians who liad concealed them- 
selves in tlie high grass of the prairie. A most desperate charge 
was made upon the Indians, who, unable to resist, retreated ob- 
liquely, in order to out-flank the volunteers on the right; but the 
latter charged the Indians in their ambush, and expelled them 
from their thickets at the point of the bayonet, aiid dispersed 
them. Night set in and the battle ended, having cost the Indians 
68 of their bravest men, while the loss of the Illinoisans amounted 
to but one killed and eight wounded. 

Soon after this battle Gens. Atkinson and Henry joined their 
forces and pursued the Indians. Gen. Henry struck the main 
trail, left his horses behind, formal an advance guard of eight men, 
and marched forward upon their trail. When these eight men 
came within sight of the river, they were suddenly fired upon and 
five of them killed, the remaining three maintaining their ground 
till Gen. Henry came up. Then the Indians, charged upon with 
the bayonet, fell back upon their main force. The battle now be- 
came general; the Indians fought with desperate valor, but were 
furiously assailed by the volunteers with their bayonets, cutting 
many of the Indians to pieces and driving the rest into the river. 
Those who escaped from being drowned found refuge on an island. 
On hearing the frequent discharge of musketry, indicating a 
general engagement, Gen. Atkinson abandoned the pursuit of the 
20 Indians under Black Hawk himself, and hurried to the scene of 
action, where he arrived too late to take part in the battle. He 
immediately forded the river with his troops, the water reaching 
up to their necks, and landed on the island where the Indians had 
secreted themselves. The soldiers rushed upon the Indians, killed 
several of them, took others prisoners, and chased the rest into the 
river, where they were either drowned or shot before reaching the 
opposite shore. Thus ended the battle, the Indians losing 300, be- 
sides 50 prisoners; the whites but 17 killed and 12 wounded. 

BLACK HAWK CAPTURED. 

Black Hawk, with his 20 braves, retreated up the Wisconsin 
River. The Winnebagos, desirous of securing the friendship of 
the wliites, went in pursuit and captured and delivered them to 
Gen. Street, the United States Indian Agent. Among the prisoners 
were the son of Black Hawk and the prophet of the tribe. These 
with Black Hawk were taken to Washington, D. C, and soon con- 
signed as prisoners at Fortress Monroe. 



62 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

At the interview Black Hawk had with the President, he closed 
his speech delivered on the occasion in the following words: "We 
did not expect to conquer the whites. They have too many 
houses, too many men. I took up the hatchet, for my part, to 
revenge injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had 
I borne them longer without striking, my people would have 
said: 'Black Hawk is a woman; he is too old to be a chief; he is 
no Sac. These reflections caused me to raise the war-whoop. I 
say no more. It is known to you. Keokuk once was here; you 
took him by the hand, and when he wished to return to his home, 
you were willing. Black Hawk expects, like Keokuk, he shall be 
permitted to return, too.' " 

By order of the President, Black Hawk and his companions, who 
were in confinement at Fortress Monroe, were set free on the 4th 
day of June, 1833. 

After their release from prison they were conducted in charge of 
Major Garland, through some of the principal cities, that they 
might witness the power of the United States and learn their own 
inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes flocked to 
see them wherever they were taken, and the attention paid them 
rendered their progress through the country a triumphal proces- 
sion, instead of the transportation of prisoners by au ofiicer. At 
Eock Island the prisoners were given their liberty amid great and 
impressive ceremony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him a dwelling 
near Des Moines, this State, and furnished it after the manner of 
the whites, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and hunting and 
fishing. Here, with his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he 
passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit, it may 
be said, that Black Hawk remained true to his wife, and served her 
with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her up- 
ward of 40 years. 



At all times when Black Hawk visited the whites he was received 
with marked attention. He was an honored guest at the old set- 
tlers' re-union in Lee County, Illinois, at some of their meetings, 
and received marked tokens of esteem. In September, 1838, while 
on his way to Eock Island to receive his annuity from the Gov- 
ernment, he contracted a severe cold which resulted in a severe 
attack of bilious fever, and terminated his life Oct. 3. Aiter his 
death he was dressed in the uniform presented to him by the Pres- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 63 

ident while in Washington. He was buried in a grave six feet in 
depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. The body was placed 
in the middle of the grave, in a sittini; position upon a seat cou- 
structcJ lor tlie purpose. On his left side the cane given him by 
Henry Clay was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon 
it. 

His remains were afterward stolen and carried away, but they 
were recovered by the Governor of Iowa and placed in the museum 
of the Historical Society at Burlington, where they were finally 
destroyed by fire. 



THE STATE OF IOWA. 

DESCRIPTIVE. 
GEOGRAPHY. 

Iowa, in the symbolical and expressive language of the aborigi- 
nal inhabitants, is said to signify "The Beautiful Land," and was 
applied to this magnificent and fruitful region by its ancient own- 
ers, to express their appreciation of its superiority' of climate and 
location. It is bounded on the north by Minnesota, and for small 
distances by Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois; on the east by Wis- 
consin and Illinois; on the south by Illinois, Missouri and 
Nebraska; and on the west by Nebraska, Dakota, and, with regard 
to the southeastern corner, by Missouri. It is on the right bank 
of the greatest river in the world, and near the center of a valley 
already admitted to be the richest cultivated by man. 

The general shape of the State is that of a rectangle, the north- 
ern and southern boundaries being due east and west lines, and its 
eastern and western boundaries dotcrinined by southerly flowing 
rivers — the Mississippi on the cast, the Missouri and the Big Sioux 
on the west. The width of the State from north to south is over 
200 miles, being from the parallel of 43® 30'. to that of 40® 36', 
or nearly three degrees. This does not include the small promi- 
nent angle at the southeast corner. The length is considerably 
more. It averages perhaps 265 miles. The whole surface 
is 55,044 square miles, or 35,228,200 acres. It is worthy of 
note that all this vast extent, except the small part occupied by 
our rivers, lakes and peat beds of the northern counties, is suscep- 
tible of the highe.-t cultivation. We tiius get some idea of theim- 



64: HISTORY OF IOWA. 

mense agricultural resources of Iowa. Too often the number of 
square miles in a county or State must be diminished by a third or 
a half, on account of mountainous or desert lands, to enable one to 
correctly estimate the real value to mankind. This State is nearly as 
large as England, and twice as large as Scotland; but when we 
consider the relative areas of surface which may be made to yield 
to the wants of man, those great countries will not con:pare with 
Iowa. It is almost idle to predict the future. Figures which 
would be reasonable now, would only provoke a smile a few years 
hence. It may safely be aiSrmed, however, that under thorough 
cultivation, this one State could easily support the 50,000,000 of 
people in the United States. 

TOPOGEAPHT. 

All the knowledge we have at present of the topography of the 
State of Iowa is that derived from incidental observations of geo- 
logical corps, from the surveys made by railroad engineers, and 
from barometrical observations made by authority of the Federal 
Government. No complete topographical survey has yet been 
made, but tliis will doubtless be attended to in a few years. 

The State lies wlioll,y within, and compi'ises a part of, a vast 
plain, and there is no mountainous or even hilly country within 
its borders; for the highest point is but 1,'200 feet above the low- 
est point; these two points are nearly 300 miles apart, 
and the whole State is traversed by gently flowing rivers. A 
clearer idea of the great uniformity of the surftice of the State may 
be (ibtained from a statement of the general slopes in feet per mile, 

from point to point, in straight lines across it. 

Per mile. 

From N. E. corner to S. E. corner of State 1 foot 1 inch. 

From N. E corner to Spirit Lake 5feet5 inches. 

From N. W. corner to Spirit Lake 5 feet. 

From N. W. corner to S. W. corner of the State 2 feet. 

From S. W. corner to highest ridge between the two great rivers 
(in Ringgold Co.) 4 feet 1 inch. 

From the highest point in the State (near Spirit Lake) to the low- 
est point in the State (at the mouth of Des Moines River) 4 feet. 

We thus find that there is good degree of proprfety in regarding 
the wliole State as belonging to a great plain, the lowest point of 
which within its border, the southeastern corner of the State, is 
only Hi feet above the level of the sea. The average height of 
the whole State above the level of the sea is not far from 
800 feet, although it is a thousand miles from the nearest ocean. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 65 

These remarks are, of course, to be understood as apply- 
ing to the surface of the State as a wliole. On examining its sur- 
face in detail, we find a great diversity of surface by the formation 
of valleys out of the general level, which liavebeon evolved bytiie 
action of streams during the unnumbered years of the terrace 
epoch. These river valleys are deepest in the northwestern part 
of the State, and consequently it is there tliat the country has the 
greatest diversity of sur.acc, and its jihysical features are most 
strongly marked. 

The greater part of Iowa was formerly one vast prairie. It has 
indeed been estimated that seven-eighths of the surface of the State 
was jirairie when first settled. By prairies, it must not be in- 
ferred that a level surface is meant, for they are found in hilly 
countries as well. Nor are they confined to any particular variety 
of soil, for they rest upon all formations, from those of the Azoic 
to those of the Cretaceous age, inclusive. Whatever may have 
been their origin, their present existence in Iowa is not due to the 
influence of climate, of the soil, or of any of the underlying for- 
mations. The real cause is the prevalence of the annual tires. If 
these had been prevented 50 years ago, Iowa would now be a 
timbered country. The encroachment of forest trees upon prairie 
farms as soon as the bordering woodland is protected from the 
annual prairie fires, is well known to farmers throughout the State. 
The soil of Iowa is justly famous for its fertility, and there is 
probably no equal area of the earth's surface that contains so little 
nntiilable land, or whose soil has so liigh an average of fertility. 
Ninety-five per cent, of its surface is capable of a high state of 
cultivation. 

LAKES AND STREAMS. 

Lakes. — The lakes of Iowa may be properly divided into two 
distinct classes. The first may be called drift lakes, having had 
their origin in the depressions left in the surface of the drift at the 
close of the glacial epoch, and have rested upon the undisturbed 
surface of the drift de])osit ever since the glaciers disappeared. The 
others may be properly termed fiuviatile or alluvial lakes, because 
they liave had their origin by the action of rivers while cutting 
their own valleys out from the surface of the drift as it existed at 
the close of the glacial epoch, and are now found resting upon the 
alluvium. By "alluvium" is meant the deposit which has accu- 
4 



66 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

mulated in the valleys of rivers by tlie action of their own curreiits. 
It is largely composed of sand and other coarse material, and upon 
that deposit are some of the best, productive soils in the State. 
It is this deposit which forms the flood plains and deltas of our 
rivers, as well as the terraces of their valleys. The -regions to 
which the drift lakes are principally confined are near the head 
waters of the principal streams of the State. They are consequently 
found in those regions which lie between the Cedar and Des 
Moines Kivers, and the Des Moines and Little Sioux. No drift 
lakes are found in Southern Iowa. The largest of the lakes to be 
found in the State are Spirit and Okoboji, in Dickinson County, 
Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, and Storm Lake in Buena 
Vista County. 

Spirit Lake. — The width and length of this lake are about equal, 
and it contains about 12 square miles of surface, its northern border 
resting directly on the boundary of the State. It lies almost di- 
rectly upon the great water-shed. Its shores are mostly gravelly, 
and the country about it fertile. 

Okoboji Lake. — This body of water lies directly south of Spirit 
Lake, and has somewhat the shape of a horse-shoe, with its eastern 
projection within a few rods of Spirit Lake, where it receives the 
outlet of the latter. Okoboji Lake extends about five miles south- 
ward from S]nrit Lake, thence about the same distance westward, 
and then bends northward about as far as the eastern projection. 
The eastern portion is narrow, but the western is larger, and in 
some places 100 feet deep. The surroundings of this and 
Spirit Lake are very pleasant; fisli are abundant in them, and they 
are the resort of mj-riads of water-fowl. 

Clear Lake. — This lake is situated upon the water-shed between 
the Iowa and Cedar Rivers. It is about five miles long, two or 
three miles wide, and has a maximum depth of only 15 feet. Its 
shores and the country around are like that of Spirit Lake. 

Storm Lake. — This lake rests upon the great water-shed in Buena 
Vista County. It is a clear, beautiful sheet of water, containing a 
surface area of between four and five square miles. The outlets of 
all these drift lakes are dry during a portion of the year, except 
Okoboji. 

Walled Lakes. — Along the water-sheds of Northern Iowa great 
numbers of small lakes exist, varj'ing from half a mile to a mile 
in diameter. One of the lakes in Wright County, and another in 
Sac, have each received the name of "Walled Lake," on account 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 67 

of the embankments on their borders, which are supposed to be 
the work of ancient inhabitants. These embankments are from 
two to ten feet in heinjht, and from five to 30 feet across. They 
are the result of natural causes alone, being referable to tlie 
periodic action of ice, aided to some extent bj the action of the 
waves. These lakes are very shallow, and in winter freeze to the 
bottom, 80 that but little unfrozen water remains in the middle. 
The ice freezes fast to everything on the bottom, and the expansive 
power of tlie water in freezing acts in all directions from the center 
to the circumference, and whatever was on the bottom of the lake 
has been thus carried to the shore. This has been going on from year 
to year, from century to century, forming the embankments which 
have caused so much wonder. 

Spri/iffs issue from all the geological formations, and from the 
sides of almost every valley, but they are more numerous, and as- 
sume proportions which give rise to the name of sink-holes, along 
the upland borders of the Upper Iowa E.iver, owing to the peculiar 
fissured and laminated character and great thickness of the 
strata of the age of the Treuton limestone which underlies the 
whole region of the valley of thac stream. No mineral springs, 
properly so called, have yet been discovered in Iowa, though the 
water of several artesian wells is frequently found charged with 
soluble mineral substances. 

Rivers. — The two great rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri, 
from the eastern and the western boundaries, respectively, of the 
Stiite, receive the eastern and western drainage of it. The 
Mississippi with its tributaries in Eastern Iowa drain two-thirds 
of the State, and the Missouri with its tributaries drain the west- 
ern third. The great water-shed which divides these two systems 
is a land running southward from a point on the northern 
boundary line of the State near Spirit Lake, in Dickinson County, 
to a nearly central point in the northern part of Adair County. 
From the last named point this highest ridge of land between the 
two great rivers continues southward, without change of character, 
through Ringgold County into the State of Missouri; but it is no 
longer the great water-shed. From that point another ridge bears 
off southeastward, tlirough the counties of Madison, Clarke, Lucas 
and Appanoose, which is now the water-shed. 

All streams that rise in Iowa occupy at first only sligiit depres- 
Bions of the land, and are scarcely perceptible. These uniting into 



68 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

larger streams, though still flowing over drift and bluff deposits, 
reach considerable depth into these deposits, in some cases to a 
depth of nearly 200 feet from the general prairie level. 

The greater part of the streams in "Western Iowa run either 
along the whole or a part of their course, upon that peculiar de- 
posit known as bluff deposit. The banks even of the small streams 
are often five to 10 feet in height and quite perpendicular, so that 
they render the streams almost everywhere unfordable, and a 
great impediment to travel across the open country where there 
are no bridges. 

This deposit is of a slightly yellowish ash color, except when 
darkened by decaying vegetation, very fine and silicious, but not 
sandy, not very cohesive, and not at all plastic. It forms excel- 
lent soil, and does not bake or crack in drying, except limy con- 
cretions, which are generally distributed throughout the mass, in 
shape and size resembling pebbles; but not a stone or a pebble can 
be found in the whole deposit. It was called " silicious marl" by 
Dr. Owen, in his geological report to the Government, and he 
attributes its oriiiin to an accumulation of sediment in an ancient 
lake, which was afterward drained, and the sediment became dry 
land. Prof. Swallow gives it the name of " bluff." which is here 
adopted; but the term '"lacustrine"' would have been more appro- 
priate. The peculiar properties of this deposit are that it will 
stand securely with a precipitous front 200 feet high, and 
yet is easily excavated with a spade. Wells dug in it require only 
to be walled to a point just above the water line. Yet, compact as 
it is, it is very porous, so that water which falls on it does not re- 
main at the surface, but percolates through it; neither does it ac- 
cumulate within it at any point, as it does upon and within the 
drift and the stratified formations. 

The thickest deposit yet known in Iowa is in Fremont County, 
where it reaches 200 feet. It is found throughout a region more 
than 200 miles in length, and nearly 100 miles in width, and 
through which the Missouri runs almost centrally. 

This fine sediment is the same which the Missouri once depos- 
ited in a broad depression in the surface of the drift that formed 
a lake-like expansion of that river in the earliest period of the 
history of its valley. The extent of the deposit shows this lake to 
have been 100 miles wide and more than twice as long. The water 
of the river was muddy then as now, and the broad lake became 
filled with the sediment which the river brought down. After the 



inSTORY OK IOWA. 69 

late beca-ne filled with the sediment, the valley below became 
deepened by the constant erosive action of the \^•atel•^, to a deptli 
sutfieientto have drained the lake of its first waters; but tlie only 
effect then was to cause it to cut its vallev out of the deposits its 
own muddy waters had formed. Tlius, along the valley of that 
river, so far as it form-i the western boundary of Iowa, the bluffs 
which border it are composed of that sediment known as bluff de- 
posit, forming a distinct border along the broai, level flood plain, 
the width of which varies from five to 15 miles, while the origi- 
nal sedimentary deposit stretches far inland. 

Charlton and Grand Hirers rise and run for 2.5 miles of their 
course upon the drift deposit alone. The first strata that are ex- 
posed by the deepening valleys of both these streams belong to the 
upper coal measures, and they both continue upon the same forma- 
tion \intil they make their exit from the State (^the former in Ap- 
panoose County, the latter in Ringgold County), near the boundary 
of which the}' have passed nearly or quite through the whole of 
that formation to the middle coal me isures. Their valle3's deepen 
gradually, and 15 or 20 miles from the river they are nearly 150 
feet below the general level of the adjacent highland. AVhen the 
rivers have cut their valley's down through the s-^eries of limestone 
strata, they reach those of a clayey composition. Upon these 
they widen their valleys and make broad flood plains, or "bot- 
toms, " the soil of which is stitt" and clayey, except wliere modified 
by sandy washings. These streams are prairie streams in their 
upper branches and tributaries, but flow through woodland farther 
down. The proportion of lime in the drift of Iowa is so great that 
the water of all our wells ami springs is too "hard" for washing 
pui-poses, and the same substance is so prevalent in the drift clays 
that they are always found to have sufficient flux when used for the 
manufacture of brick. 

Platte River belongs mainly to Missouri. Its upper branches 
pass through Ringgold County. Here the drift deposit reaches its 
maximum thickness on an east and west line across the State, 
and the valleys are eroded in some instances to a depth of 200 
feet, apparently, through this deposit alone. The term "drift 
deposit" applies to the soil and suIksoII of the greater part of the 
State, and in it alone many of our wells are dug and our forests 
take root. It rests upon the stratified rocks. It is cotnposed of 
clay, sand, gravel and l)onlders, promiscuously intermixed, with- 
ont stratification, varying in character in different i)arts of the 
State. 



70 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

One Hundred and Two River is represented in Taylor County, 
the valleys of which have the same general character of those just 
described. Tlie country around and between the east and west 
forks of this stream is almost entirely prairie. 

Nodaway Hicer is represented by east, middle and west branches 
The two former rise in Adair County, the latter in Cass County 
These rivers and valleys are flue examples of the small rivers 
and valleys of Southern Iowa. They have the general char- 
acter of drift valleys, and with beautiful undulating and sloping 
sides. The Nodaway drains one of the finest agricultural regions 
in the State, the soil of which is tillable almost to their very banks. 
The banks and the adjacent narrow flood-plains are almost every 
where composed of a rich, deep, dark loam. 

N'ishnabotany River is represented by east and west branches, 
the former havin^j its source in Anderson County, the latter in 
Shelby County. Both these branches, from their source to their 
confluence, and also the main stream from there to the point 
where it enters the great flood-plaiu of the Missouri, run through 
a region the surface of which is occupied by the blufi" deposit. 

The West Nishnabotany is probably without any valuable mill- 
sites. In the western part of Cass County, the East Nishnabotany 
loses its identity by becoming abrupth' divided up into five or six 
difi'erent creeks. A few good mill-sites occur here on this stream. 
None, however, that are thought reliable exist on either of these 
rivers, or on the main stream below the confluence, except, per- 
haps, one or two in Montgomery County. The valleys of the two 
branches, and the intervening upland, possess remarkable fertility. 

Boyer River, until it enters the flood plain of the Missouri, runs 
almost, if not quite, its entire course through the region occupied 
by the blufi" deposit, and has cut its valley entirely through i1 
along most of its passage. The only rocks exposed are the uppei 
coal measures, near Reed's mill, in Harrison County. The exposures 
are slight, and are the most northerly now known in Iowa. The 
valley of this river has usually gently sloping sides, and an intis- 
tincly defined flood plain. Along the lower half of its course the 
adjacent upland presents a surface of the billowy character, peculiar 
to the bluff" deposit. The source of this river is in Sac County. 

Soldier River. — The east and middle branches of this stream 
have their source in Crawford County, and the west branch in Ida 
County. Tiie whole course of this river is through the bluff deposit. 
It has no exposure of strata along its course. 



HISTOKV OF IOWA. 71 

Little Sioux River. — Under tliis head are included both the 
main and west branches of tlmt stream, together with the Maple, 
whicii is one of its branches. The west branch and the Maple are 
so similar to the Soldier liiver that they need no separate descrip- 
tion. The main stream has its boundary near the northern bound- 
ary of the State, and runs most of its course upon drift deposit 
alone, entering the region of the bluff deposit in the southern 
part of Cherokee County. The two principal upper branches near 
their source in Dickinson and Osceola Counties, are small prairie 
creeks within distinct valleys. On entering Clay County the val- 
ley deepens, and at their confluence has a depth of 200 feet. Just 
as the valley enters Cherokee County, it turns to the southward 
and becomes much widened, with its sides gently sloping to the 
uplands. When the valley enters the region of the bluff deposit, 
it assumes the billowy appearance. No exposures of strata of any 
kind have been found in the valley of the Little Sioux or any of its 
branches. 

Floyd River. — This river rises upon the drift in O'Brien County, 
and flowing southward enters the region of the bluff deposit a lit- 
tle north of the center of Plymouth County. Almost from its 
source to its mouth it is a prairie stream, with slightly sloping 
valley sides, which blend gradually with the uplands. A single 
slight exposure of sandstone of cretaceous age occurs in the valley 
near Sioux City, and wiiich is the only known exposure of rock of 
any kind along its whole length. Near this exposure is a mill-site, 
but farther up the stream it is not valuable for such purposes. 

Mock River — This stream passes through Lyon and Sioux Coun- 
ties. It was evidently so named from the fact that considerable 
exposures of the red Sioux quartzite occur along tlie main branches 
of the stream in Minnesota, a few miles north of our State bound- 
ary. Within this State the main stream and its branches are 
drift streams, and strata are exposed. The beds and banks of the 
streams are usually sandy and gravelly, with occasional boulders 
intermixed. 

Big Sioux River. — The valley of this river, from the northwest 
corner of the State to its mouth, possesses much the same charac- 
ter as all the streams of the surface deposits. At Sioux Falls, a few 
miles above the northwest corner of the State, the streams meet 
with remarkable obstructions from the ])resence of Sioux quartzite, 
which outcrops directly across the stream, and causes a fall of 
about 60 feet within a distance of half a mile, producing a series of 



72 mSTOEY OF IOWA. 

cascades. For the first 25 miles above its mouth, the valley is very 
broad, with a broad, flat flood plain, with gentle slopes, occasionally 
showing indistinctly defined terraces. These terraces and valley 
bottoms constitute some of the finest agricultural land of the region. 
On the Iowa side of the valley the upland presents abrupt bluffs, 
steep as the materials of which they are composed will stand, and 
from 100 to nearly 200 feet high above the stream. At rare inter- 
vals, about 15 miles from its mouth, the cretaceous strata are ex- 
posed in the face of the bluffs of the Iowa side. No other strata 
are exposed along that part of the valley which borders our State, 
with the single exception of Sioux quartzite at its extreme north- 
western corner. Some good mill-sites may be secured along that 
portion of this river which borders Lyon County, but below this the 
fall will probably be found insufiicient and the locations for dams 
insecure. 

Missouri River. — This is one of the muddiest streams on the 
globe, and its waters are known to be very turbid far toward its 
source. The chief peculiarity of this river is its broad flood 
plains, and its adjacent bluff deposits. Much the greater part of 
the flood plain of this river is upon the Iowa side, and continues 
from the south boundary line of the State to Sioux City, a distance 
of more than 100 miles in length, varying from three to five miles 
in width. This alluvial plain is estimated to contain more than 
half a million of acres of land within the State, upward of 400,000 
of which are now tillable. 

The rivers of the eastern system of drainage have quite a differ- 
ent character from those of the western system. They are larger, 
longer, and have their valleys modified to a much greater extent 
by the underlying strata. For the latter reason, water-power is 
much more abundant upon them than iipon the streams of the 
western system. 

Des Moines River. — This river has its source in Minnesota, but 
it enters Iowa before it has attained any size, and flows almost 
centrally through it from northwest to southeast, emptying into the 
Mississippi at the extreme southeastern corner of the State. It 
drains a gi-eater area than any river within the State. The upper 
portion of it is divided into two branches, known as the east and 
the west forks. These unite in Humboldt County. The valleys 
of these branches above their confluence are drift valleys, except 
a few small exposures of subcarboniferous limestone about five 
miles above their confluence. These exposures produce several 



UISTOKV OK 1()\VA. 73 

small mill-sites. The valleys vary from a few liundred jards to 
half a mile in width, and are the finest agricultural lands. In the 
northern part of Webster County the character of the main valley 
is modified by the nresence of ledges and low cliflfs of the sub-car- 
boniferons limestone ami gypsum. From a point a little below 
Fort Dodge to near Amsterdam, in Marion County, the river runs 
all the waj' through and upon the lower coal-measure strata. Along 
this part of the course the flood-]ilain varies from an eighth to a 
mile or more in widtli. From Amsterdam to Ottumwa the subcar- 
boniferous limestone appears at intervals in the valley sides. Near 
Ottumwa the subcarboniferous rocks ])ass beneath the river again, 
bringing down the coal measure strata into its bed; they rise again 
from it in the extreme northwestern part of Van Euren County, 
and subcarboniferous strata resume and keep their place along the 
valley to the north of ihe river. From Fort Dodge to the northern 
part of Lee County the strata of the lower coal measures are pres- 
ent in the valley. Its flood-plain is frequently sandy from the 
debris of the sandstone and sandy shales of the coal measures pro- 
duced by their removal in the process of the formation of the val- 
ley. The principal tributaries of tlie Des Moines are upon the 
western side. These are the Raccoon, and the three rivers, viz. : 
South, Middle and North Rivers. The three latter have their 
sources in the region occupied by tlie upper coal measure lime- 
stone formation, flow eastward over the middle coal measures, and 
enter the valley of the Des Moines upon the lower coal measures. 
These streams, especially South and Middle Rivers, are frequcTitly 
bordered by high, rocky cliflfs. Raccoon River has its source upon 
the heav^- surface deposits of the middle region of Western Iowa, 
and along the greater part of its course it has excavated its valley 
out of those deposits and the middle coal-measures alone. The 
valley of .the Des Moines and its branches are destined to become 
the seat of extensive manufactures, in consequence of the numer- 
ous mill-sites of immense power, and the fact that the main valley 
traverses the entire length of the Iowa coal fields. 

Skunk River. — This has its source in Hamilton County, and 
runs almost its entire course upon the border of the outcrop of the 
lower coal measures, or, more properly speaking, upon the sub- 
carboniferous limestone, just where it begins to pass beneath the 
coal measures by its southerly and westerly dip. Its general course 
is southeast. From the western ])art of Henry County, up as far 



74 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

as Storj County the broad, flat flood-plain is covered with a rich, 
deep clay soil, which, in time of long continued rains and over- 
flows of the river, has made the valley of Skunk Hiver a terror to 
travelers from the earliest settlement of the country. There are 
some excellent mill-sites on the lower half of this river, but they 
are not so numerous or valuable as on otiier rivers of the eastern 
system. 

Iowa River. — This river rises in Hancock County, in the midst 
of a broad, slightly undulating drift region. Tiie first rock ex- 
posure is that of subcarboniferous limestone, in the southwestern 
corner of Franklin County. It enters the region of the Devonian 
strata near the southwestern corner of Benton County, and in this 
it continues to its confluence with the Cedar in Louisa County. 
Below the junction with the Cedar, and for some miles above that 
point, its valley is broad, and especially on the northern side, with 
a well-marked flood-plain. Its borders gradually blend with the 
uplands as they slope away in the distance from the river. The 
Iowa furnislies numerous and valuable mill-sites. 

Cedar River. — -This stream is usually understood to be a branch 
of the Iowa, but it ought, really, to be regarded as the main 
stream. It rises by numerous branches in tlie northern part of the 
State, and flows the entire length of the State, through the region 
occupied by the Devonian strata and along the trend occupied bv 
that formation. The valley of this river, in the upper part of its 
course, is narrow, and the sides slope so gently as to scarcely show 
where the lowlands end and the uplands begin. Below the con- 
fluence with the Shell Rock, the flood-plain is more distinctly 
marked, and the valley broad and shallow. The valley of the Cedar 
is one of the finest regions in the State, and both the main stream 
and its branches afi'ord abundant and reliable mill-sites. 

Wapsip'mnlcon River. — This river has its source near the 
source of the Cedar, and runs parallel and near it almost its entire 
course, the upper half upon the same formation — the Devonian. 
In the northeastern part of Linn County it enters the region of 
the Niagara limestone, upon which it continues to the Mississippi. 
It is 100 miles long, and yet the area of its drainage is only from 
12 to 30 miles in width. Hence, its numerous mill-sites are 
unusually secure. 

Turkey River. — This river and the Upper Iowa are, in many 
respects, unlike other Iowa rivers. The difference is due to the 
great depth to which they have eroded their valleys and the 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 75 

different character of the material through which they have worked. 
Turkey River rises in Howard County, and in Winnesliiek County, 
a few miles from its source, its valley has attained a depth of more 
than 200 feet, and in Fayette and Clayton Counties its depth is 
increased to three and four hundred feet. The summit of the 
uplands, bordering nearly the whole length of the valley, is capped 
by the ilaquoketa shales. These shales are underlaid bj' the 
Galena limestone, between two and three hundred feet thick. The 
valley has been eroded through these, and runs upon the Trenton 
limestone. Tiius all the formations along and within this valley 
are Lower Silurian. The valley is usually narrow, and without a 
well-marked flood-plain. Water-power is abundant, but in most 
places inaccessible. 

Tipper Iowa River. — This river rises in Minnesota, just beyond 
the nortiiern boundary line, and enters our State in Howard County 
before it has attained any considerable size. Its course is nearly 
eastward until it reaches the Mississippi. It rises in the region of 
the Devonian rocks, and flows across the outcrops, respectively, of 
the Niagara, Galena and Trenton limestone, the lower magnesian 
limestone and Potsdam sandstone, into and through all of which, 
except the last, it has cut its valley, which is the deepest of any iu 
Iowa. The valley sides are almost everywhere high and steep, and 
cliffs of lower magnesian and Trenton limestone give them a wild 
and rugged aspect. In the lower part of the valley the flood plain 
reaches a widtli sufficient for the location of small farms, but usu- 
ally it is too narrow for such purposes. On the higher surface, 
however, as soon as you leave the valley yon come immediately 
upon a cultivated country. This stream has the greatest slope per 
mile of any in Iowa, and consequently it furnishes immense water- 
power. In some places where creeks come into it, the valley 
widens and affords good locations for farms. The town of Decorah, 
in Winneshiek County, is located in one of these spots, which 
makes it a lovely location; and the power of the river and the small 
spring streams around it offer fine facilities for manufacturing. 
This river and its tributaries are the only trout streams in Iowa. 

Mississippi Hiver. — This river may be described in general 
terms, as a broad catial cut out of the general level of the country 
through which the river flows. It is bordered by abrupt hills or 
bluffs. Tiie bottom of the valley ranges from one to eight miles in 
width. The whole space between the bluffs is occupied by the 
river and its bottom, or flood plain only, if we except the occa^ 



76 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

sional terraces or remains of ancient flood plains, which are not 
now reached by the highest floods of tlie river. Tiie river itself is 
from half a mile to nearly a mile in width. There are but four 
points along the whole length of the State where the blnfl>s approach 
the stream on both sides. The Lower Silurian formations compose 
the bhifts in the northern part of the State, but they gradually dis- 
appear by a southerly dip, and the bluffs are continued successively 
by the Upper Silurian, Devonian and Subcarboniferons rocks, 
which are reached near the southeastern corner of the State. 

Considered in their relation to the present general surface of the 
State, the relative ages of the river valley of Iowa date Iwek only 
to the close of the glacial epoch; but that the Mississippi and all 
the rivers of Northeastern Iowa, if no others, had at least a large 
part of the rocky portions of their valleys eroded by jn-e-glacial, or 
perhaps even by palaeozoic rivers, can scarcel}' be doubted. 

GEOLOGr. 

Geologists divide the soil of Iowa into three general divisions, 
which not only possess different physical characters, but also dif- 
fer in the mode of their origin. These are drift, bluff and alluvial 
and belong respectively to the deposits bearing the same names 
The drift occupies a much larger part of the surface of the State 
than both the others. The bluff has the next greatest area of sur- 
face, and the alluvial least. 

All soil is disintegrated rock. The drift deposit of Iowa was 
derived to a considerable extent from the rocks of Minnesota; but 
the greater part of Iowa drift was derived from, its owa rocks, 
much of which has been transported but a short distance. 

In Northern and Northwestern Iowa the drift contains more sand 
and gravel than elsewhere. In Southern Iowa the soil is frequently 
stifi' and clayey. 

The bluff soil is found only in the western part of the State, and 
adjacent to Missouri River. Although it contains less than one 
percent, of clay in its composition, it is in no respect inferior to 
the best drift soil. 

The alluvial soil is that of the flood-]ilains of tlie river valleys, 
or bottom lands. That which is periodically flooded by the rivers 
is of little value for agricultural purposes; but a large ]mrt of it is 
entirely above the reach of the highest flood, and is very productive. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 77 

The stratified rocks of Iowa range from tlie Azoic to the Meso- 
zoie, inclusive; but tlie greater portion of the surface of tlie State 
is occupied by tliose of the Pala'ozoic age. The table below will 
show each of these formations in their order: 



SYSTEMS. 
AGES. 



GROUPS. 
PEltrODS. 



FOn.WATIONS. 
EPOCHS. 



THICKNESS 
IN FEET. 



Carboniferous. 



Lower Silurian. 



( Post Tertiary Drift 10 to 200 

Cretaceous i ( InnceramousBpti 50 

( Lower Cretaceous. . . -! Wootlbury Snudstone and Shales. 130 

( Nishntbotany Sandstone 100 

( Upper Coal Measures - 200 

Coal Measures ^ Middle Coal Measures 200 

( Lower Coal Measures 200 

.-J fSt Louis Limestone 75 

I Subcarboniferous ... 1 ^^"^""K Lim.stnne 90 

I I Burhneton Limestone 19fi 

I, (Kinderhook Beds 175 

Devonian Hamilton Hamilton Limestone and Shales, 200 

Upper Silurian.... Niagara Niagara Limestone 350 

r Cincinnati Maquolieta Shales 80 

Trpntnn ( Galena Lim'Stone 250 

^ "( Trenton Limestone 200 

1 St. Peter's Sandstone 80 

j Primordial - Lower Magnesian Limestone.. . 250 

i ( Potsdam Sandstone 300 

Azoic Huronian Siou.x Quartzile 50 



AZOIC SYSTEM. 

The Sioux quartziteis found exposed in natural ledges only upon 
a few acres in the extreme northwest corner of the State, upon 
the banks of the Big Sioux River, for which reason the specific 
name of Sioux quartzite has been given them. It is an intensely 
hard rock, breaks in splintery fracture, and of a color varying, in 
dirterciit localities, from a liglit to deep red. The process of 
metainorphism has been so complete throughout the whole forma- 
tion that the rock is almost everywhere of uniform texture. The 
dip is four or five degrees to the northward, and the trend of the 
outcrop is eastward and westward. 

LOWER SILURIAN SYSTEM. 

Primordial Group. — The Potsdam sandstone formation is ex- 
posed only in a small portion of the northeastern part of the 
State. It is only to be seen in the bases of the blufts and steep 
valley sides which border the river there. It is nearly valueless 
for economic purposes. No fossils have been discovered in this 
formation in Iowa. 



78 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

Lower Magnesian Limestone. — This formation has but little 
greater geographical extent in Iowa than the Potsdam sandstone. 
It lacks a uniformitj of texture and stratification, owing to which 
it is not generally valuable for building purposes. The only fos- 
sils found in this formation in the State are a few traces of cri- 
noids, near McGregor. 

The St. Peter's Sandstone formation is remarkably uniform in 
thickness throughout its known geographical extent, and it occu- 
pies a large portion of the northern half of Allamakee County, im- 
mediately beneath the drift. 

Trenton Group. — -"Witli the exception of the Trenton limestone, 
all the limestones of both Upper and Lower Silurian age in Iowa 
are magnesian limestones — nearly pure dolomites. This formation 
occupies large portions of Winnesliiek and Allamakee Counties, 
and a small part of Clayton. The greater part of it is useless for 
economic purposes; but there are some compact, even layers that 
furnish fine material for window caps and sills. Fossils are so 
abundant in this formation that in some places the rock is made 
up of a mass of shells, corals and fragments of trilobites, cemented 
by calcareous material into a solid rock. Some of these fossils 
are new to science and peculiar to Iowa. 

The Galena limestone is the upper formation of the Trenton 
Group. It is 150 miles long and seldom exceeds 12 miles in 
width. It exhibits its greatest development in Dubuque County. 
It is nearly a pure dolomite with a slight admixture of silicious 
matter; good blocks for dressing are sometimes found near the top 
of the bed, although it is usually unfit for such a purpose. This 
formation is the source of the lead ore of the Dubuque lead mines. 
The lead region proper is confined to an area of about 15 miles 
square in the vicinity of Dubuque. The ore occurs in vertical 
fissures, which traverse the rock at regular intervals from east to 
west; some is found in those which have a north and south direc- 
tion. This ore is mostly that known as Galena, or sulphuret of 
lead, very small quantities only of the carbonate being found with it. 

Cincinnati Group. — The surface occupied by the Maquoketa 
shales is more than 100 miles in length, btit is singularly long and 
narrow, seldom reaching more than a mile or two in width. The 
most northern exposure yet recognized is in the western part of 
Winneshiek County, while the most southerly is in Jackson 
County, in the bluft's of the Mississippi. The formation is largely 
composed of bluish and brownish shales, sometimes slightly are- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 79 

naceons, sometimes calcareous, wliicli vveatlier into a tenacious clay 
upon the surface, and the soil derived from it is usually stiff and 
clayey. Several species of fossils which characterize the Cincin- 
nati Group are found in the Maquoketa shales, but they contain a 
larger number than have been found any where else in these 
shales in Iowa, and their distinct faunal characteristics seem to 
warrant the separation of the Maquoketa shales as a distinct for- 
mation from any others of the group. 

UPPER SILURIAN SYSTEM. 

Niagara Group. — The area occupied by the Niagara limestone 
is -to and 50 miles in width and nearl}' 160 miles long from north 
to south. This formation is entirely a magnesian limestone, with 
a considerable portion of silicious matter, in some places, in the 
form of chert or coarse flint. A large part of it probably affords 
the best and greatest amount of quarry rock in the State. The 
quarries at Anamosa, Le Claire and Farley are all opened in this 
formation. 

DEVONIAN SYSTEM. 

Hamilton Group.— The area of surface occupied by the Hamil- 
ton limestone and shales, is as great as those by all the formations 
of both Upper and Lower Silurian age in the State. Its length is 
nearly 200 miles, and width from 40 to 50. It trends in a north- 
westerly and southeasterly direction. A large part of the material 
of this is quite worthless, yet other portions are valuable for 
economic purposes; and, having a large geographical extent in the 
State, is a very important formation. Its value for the production 
of hydraulic lime has been demonstrated at Waverly, Bremer 
County. The heavier and more uniform magnesian beds furnish 
material for bridge piers and other material requiring strength and 
durability. All the Devonian strata of Iowa evidently belong to 
a single epoch. The most conspicuous and characteristic fossils of 
this formation are brachiopods, corals and moUusks. The coral 
Accrvularia Duvidsoni occurs near Iowa City, and is known as 
"Iowa City marble " and "bird's-eye marble." 

OAEBONIFERODS SYSTEM. 

Of the three groups of formations that constitute the carbonifer- 
ous, viz., the subcarboniferous, coal measures and Permian, only 
the first two are found in Iowa. 



80 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

Svbcarbomferous Group. — This group occupies a very large 
area of surface. Its eastern border passes from the northeastern 
part of Winnebago County, with considerable directness in a 
southeasterly direction to the northern part of Washington County. 
It then makes a broad and direct bend nearW eastward, striking 
the Mississippi at Muscatine. The southern and western bound- 
aries are to a considerable extent the same as that which sej^arates 
it Irom the real field. From the southern part of Pocahontas 
County it passes southeast to Fort Dodge, thence to Webster City, 
thence to a point three or four miles northeast of Eldora, in Har- 
din County, thence southward to the middle of the uortli line of 
Jasper County, thence southeastward to Sigourney, in Keokuk 
County, thence to the northeastern corner of Jefierson County, 
thence sweeping a few miles eastward to the southeast corner of 
Yan Buren County. Its arc is about 2.50 miles long and from 20 
to 50 miles wide. 

Tlie Khidei'hook Beds. — The most southerly exposure of these 
beds is in Des Moines County, near the mouth of Skunk River. 
The most northerly now known is in the eastern part of Pocahontas 
County, more than 200 miles distant. The principal exposures 
of this formation are along the blufts which border the Mississippi 
and Skunk Kivers, where they form tlie eastern and northern 
boundary of Des Moines County, along English River, in Wash- 
ington County; along the Iowa River in Tama, Marsliall, Hamlin, 
and Franklin Counties, and along the Des Moines River in Hum- 
boldt County. This formation has considerable economic value, 
particularly in the northern portion of the region it occujues. In 
Pocahontas and Humboldt Counties it is invaluable, as no other 
stone except a few boulders are found here. At Iowa Falls the 
lower division Is very good for building purposes. In Marshall 
County all the limestone to be obtained comes from this formation, 
and the quarries near Le Grand are \-qy\ valuable. At tliis point 
some of the layers are finely veined with peroxide of iron, and are 
wrought into both useful and ornamental objects. In Tama 
Countv the oolitic member is well exposed, where it is manufact- 
ured intu lime. Tjjon exposure to atmosphere and frost it crum- 
bles to pieces; consequently it is not valuable for building purposes. 

The remains of fishes are the only fossils yet discovered in this 
formation that can be referred to the sub-kingdom Vertebrata; 
and so lar as yet recognized, they all belong to the order Selach- 
ians. Of Articulates, only two species have been recognized, 



HISTOKT OF IOWA. 81 

both of wliicli belong to the genus Phillipsia. The sub-kingdom 
Mollusca is also largely represented. The Radiata are repre- 
sented by a few crinoids, usually found in a very imperfect condi-. 
tion. The sub-kingdom is also represented by corals. The prom- 
inent feature in the lifeof this epoch was molluscan. It overshad- 
owed all other brandies of the animal kingdom. The prevailing 
classes are: Lamellibranchiates, in the more arenaceous portions; 
and Brachiopods in the more calcareous portions. No remains of 
vegetation have been detected in any of tiie strata of this formation. 

The JBurlington limestone formation consists of two distinct cal- 
careous divisions, separated by a series of silicious beds; both divi- 
sions are crinoidai. The Burlington limestone is carried down 
by the soutlierly dip of the Iowa rocks, so that it is seen for the 
last time in this State in the valle}' of Skunk River, near the 
southern boundary of Des Moines County; it has been recognized 
in tlie northern part of Washington County, which is the most 
northerly point that it has been found ; but it probably exists as 
far north as Marshall Count}'. Much valuable material is afforded 
by this formation for economic purposes. The upper division fur- 
nishes excellent common quarry rock. Geologists are attracted 
by the great abundance and variety of its fossils — crinoids — now 
known to be more than 300. 

The only remains of vertebrates discovered in this formation are 
those of tishes, and consist of teeth and spines. Bones of bony 
tishes are found in these rocks, and on Buffington Creek, Louisa 
County, is an exposure so fully charged with tliese remains that it 
migiit with propriety be called bone breccia. Remains of Articu- 
lates are rare in this formation; so far as yet discovered, they are 
confined to two species of trilobitcs of the genus Phillipsia. Fos- 
sil shells are very common. 

The two lowest classes of the sub-kingdom Radiata are represented 
in the genera Zaphrentis, Amplexus and Syringapora, while the 
highest class, Echinoderms, are found in most extraordinary pro- 
fusion. 

The Keokuk limestone formation is to be seen only in four 
counties: Lee, Van Buren, Henry and Des Moines. In some 
localities the upper silicious portion is known as the Geode bed; it 
is not recognizable in the northern portion of the formation, nor 
in connection with it where it is exposed, about 80 miles below 
Keokuk. The geodes of the Geode bed are more or less masses of 
silex, usually hollow and lined with crystals of quartz; the outer 




82 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

crust is rough and unsightly, but the crystals which stud the in- 
terior are often very beautiful; they vary in size from the size of a 
walnut to a foot in diameter. 

This formation is of great economic value. Large quantities of 
its stone have been used in the finest structures in the State, among 
which are the postoffices at Dubuque and Des Moines. Tlie prin- 
cipal quarries are along the banks of the Mississippi, from Keokuk 
to Nauvoo. The only vertebrate fossils in the formation are 
fishes, all belonging to the order Selachians, some of which indi- 
cate that their owners reached a length of 25 or 30 feet. Of the 
Articulates, only two species of the genus Phillipsia have been 
found in this formation. Of the Mollusks no Cephalopods have 
yet been recognized in this formation in Iowa. Gasteropods are 
rare; Brachiopods and Polyzoans are quite abundant. Of Radi- 
ates, corals of geneia Zaphrentis, Amplexus and Aulopora are 
found, but crinoids are most abundant. Of the low forms of ani- 
mal life, the protozoans, a small fossil related to the sponges, is 
found in this formation in small numbers. 

The St. Louis limestone is the uppermost of the snbcarbon- 
iferous group in Iowa. It occupies a small superficial area, con- 
sisting of long, narrow strips, yet its extent is very great. It is ' 
first seen resting on the geoJe division of the Keokuk limestone, 
near Keokuk; pr(>ceeding northward, it forms a narrow border 
along the edge of the coal fields in Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Jef. 
ferson, Washington, Keokuk and Mahaska Counties; it is then lost 
sight of until it appears again in the banks of Boone River, where 
it again passes out of view under the Coal Measures, until it is 
next seen in the banks of the Des Moines, near Fort Dodge. As 
it exists in Iowa, it consists of three tolerably distinct sub-divisions: 
the magnesian, arenaceous and calcareous. Tlie upper division 
furnishes excellent material for quicklime, and when quarries are 
well opened, as in the northwestern part of Van Buren County 
large blocks are obtained. The sandstone, or middle division, is of 
little economic value. The lower, or magnesian division, furnishes 
a valuable and durable stone, exposures of which are found on 
Lick Creek, in Van Buren County, and on Long Creek, seven miles 
west of Burlington. 

Of the fossils of this formation, the vertebrates are represented 
only by the remains of fish, belonging to the two orders, Selachians 
and Ganoids. The Articulates are represented by one species of the 
trilobite, genus Phillipsia; and two ostracoid genera, Cythra and 



HISTORY OF IOWA. S3 

Beyricla. Tlie MoUusks distinguish this formation more than any 
other branch of the animal kingdom. Radiates are exceedingly 
rare, showing a marked contrast between this formation and the 
two preceding it. 

The Coal-Measnre Group is properly divided into three forma- 
tions, viz.: the Lower, Middle and Upper Coal Measures, each 
having a vertical thickness of about 200 feet. 

The Lower Coal Measures exist eastward and northward of the 
Des Moines Kivcr, and also occupy a large area westward and 
southward of that river, but their southerly dip passes them below 
the Middle Coal Measures at no great distance from the river. This 
formation possesses greater economic value than any other in the 
whole State. The clay that underlies almost every bed of coal 
furnishes a large amount of material for potter's use. The sand- 
stone of these measures is usually soft and unfit, but in some 
places, as in Red Rock in Jlarion County, blocks of large dimen- 
sions are obtained, which make good building material, samples of 
which can be seen in the State Arsenal, at Des Moines. 

But few fossils have been found in any of the strata of the 
Lower Coal Measures, but such animal remains as have been found 
are without exception of marine origin. All fossil plants found 
in these measures probably belong to the class Acrogens. Speci- 
mens of Calamites and several species of ferns are found in all the 
Coal Measures, but the genus Lepidodendron seems not to have ex- 
isted later than the epoch of the Middle Coal Measures. The latter 
formation occupies a narrow belt of territory in the southern cen- 
tral portion of the State, embracing a superficial area of about 
1,400 square miles. The counties underlaid by this formation are 
Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Madison, Warren, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, 
Wayne and Appanoose. 

Few species of fossils occur in these beds. Some of the shales 
and sandstone have afforded a few imperfectly preserved land 
plants, three or four species of ferns, belonging to the genera. 
Some of the carboniferous shales afford beautiful specimens of 
what appear to have been sea-weeds. Radiates are represented by 
corals. The Mollusks are most numerously represented. Trilobites 
and ostracoids are the only remains known of Articulates. Verte- 
brates are only known by the remains of Selachians, or sharks, 
and ganoids. 

The Upper Coal Measures occupy a very large area, comprising 
13 whole counties, in the southwestern part of the State. By its 
northern and eastern boundaries it adjoins the area occupied by the 



84 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 



Middle Coal Measures. This formation contains a considerable 
proportion of shales and sandstone, but the prominent litho- 
logical features are its limestones. Although it is known by 
the name of Upper Coal Measures, it contains but a single bed of 
coal, and that only about 20 inches in maximum thickness. 
The limestone exposed in this formation furnishes good building 
material, as in Madison and Fremont Counties. The sandstones 
are quite worthless. No beds of clay for pcJtter's use are found in 
the whole formation. The fossils are more numerous than in 
either the Middle or Lower Coal Measures. The vertebrates are 
represented by the fishes of the orders Selachians and Ganoids. 
The Articulates are represented by the trilobites and ostracoids. 
Mollusks are represented by the classes Cephalapoda, Gasterapoda, 
Lamellibranchiata, Brachiopoda and Polyzoa. Radiates are more 
numerous than in the Middle and Lower Coal Measures. Pro- 
tozoans are represented in the greatest abundance, some la^-ers of 
limestone being almost entirely composed of their small fusiform 
shells. 

CRETACEOUS SYSTEM. 

The next strata in the geological series are of the Cretaceous 
age. They are found in the western lialf ot the State, and do not 
dip, as do all the other formations upon which they rest, to the 
southward and westward, but have a general dip of their own to the 
north of westward, which, however, is very slight. Although the 
actual exposures of cretaceous rocks are few in Iowa, there is 
reason to believe that nearly all the western half of the State was 
originally occupied by them; but they have been removed by 
denudation, which has taken place at two separate periods. The 
first period was during its elevation from the cretaceous sea, and 
during the long Tertiary age that passed between the time of that 
elevation and the commencement of the Glacial epoch. The 
second period was during the Glacial epoch, when the ice pro- 
duced their entire removal over considerable areas. All the cre- 
taceous rocks in Iowa are a part of the same deposits farther up the 
Missouri River, and in reality form their eastern boundary. 

The Nishnabotany sandstone has the most easterly and southerly 
extent of *hc cretaceous deposits of Iowa, reaching the soutlieastern 
part of Guthrie County and the southern part of Montgomery 
County. To the northward, it passes beneath the "Woodbury sand- 
stones and shales, the latter passing beneath the Inoceramus, or 



UISTOET OF IOWA. 85 

chalkj beds. This sandstone is, with few exceptions, valueless for 
economic purposes. The only fossils found in this formation are 
a few fra^^meuts of angiospermous leaves. The strata of AVoodlniry 
sandstones and shales rest upon the Nishnabotany sandstone, and 
have not been observed outside of AVoodbury County: hence their 
name. Their principal e.x'posure is at Sergeant's Blufis, seven 
miles below Sioux City. This rock has no value except for pur- 
poses of common masonry. Fossil remains are rare. Detaciied 
scales of a lepidoginoid species have been detected, but no other 
vertebrate remains. Of remains of vegetation, leaves of Salix 
Meekii and Sassfras cretaceum have been occasionally found. 

The Inoceramus beds rest upon the Woodbury sandstone and 
shales. They have not been observed in Iowa except in the bluffs 
which border the Big Sioux River in Woodbury and Plymouth 
Counties. They are composed almost entirely of calcareous mate- 
rial, the upper portion of which is extensively used for lime. No 
building material can be obtained from these beds, and the only 
value they possess, except lime, are the marls, which at some time 
may be useful on the soil of the adjacent region. The only verte- 
brate remains found in the cretaceous rocks are the fishes. Those 
in the Inoceramus beds are two species of squaloid Selachians, or 
cestracionts, and three genera of teliosts. MoUuscau remains 
are rare. 

PEAT. 

Extensive beds of peat exist in Northern Middle Iowa, which it 
is estimated, contain the following areas: Cerro Gordo Co., 1,500 
acres; Worth, 2,000; Winnebago, 2,000; Hancock, 1,500; Wright, 
500; Kossuth, 700; Dickinson, 80. Several other counties contain 
peat beds, but the peat is inferior to that in the northern part of 
the State. The beds, are of an average depth of four feet. It is 
estimated that each acre of these beds will furnish 250 tons of dry 
fuel for each foot in depth. At present this peat is not utilized; 
but owing to its great distance from the coal fields and the ab- 
sence of timber, the time is coming when their value will be fully 
realized. 

GYPSnM. 

The only sulphate of the alkaline earths of any economic value 
is gypsum, and it may be found in the vicinity of Fort Dodge in 
Webster Count}'. The deposit <)CfU]Mcs a nearly central position in 
the county, the Des Moines River running nearly centrally tiirough 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



it, along the valley sides of which the gypsum is seen in the form 
of ordinary rock clifi and ledges, and also occurring abundantly in 
similar positions along both sides of the valleys of the smaller 
streams and of the numerous ravines coming into the river valley. 
The most northerly known limit of the deposit is at a point near 
the mouth of Lizard Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines Kiver 
and almost adjoining the town of Fort Dodge. The most southerly 
point at which it has been exposed is about six miles, by way of 
the river, from the northerly point mentioned. The width of the 
area is unknown, as the gypsum becomes lost beneath the overly- 
ing drift, as one goes up the ravines and minor valleys. 

On either side of the creeks and ravines which come into the 
valley of the Des Moines Eiver, the gypsum is seen jutting out 
from beneath the drift in the form of ledges and bold quarry fronts, 
having almost the exact appearance of ordinary limestone expos- 
ures, so horizontal and regular are its lines of stratification, and 
so similar in color is it to some varieties of that rock. The prin- 
cipal quarries now opened are on Two Mile Creek, a couple of miles 
below Fort Dodge. 

Age of the Qyysum Deposit. — ^No trace of fossil remains has 
been found in the gypsum or associated clays; neither has any 
other indication of its geologic age been observed except that which 
is afiorded by its stratigraphical relations; the most that can be 
said with certainty is that it is newer than the coal measures, and 
older than the drift. The indications afforded by the stratigraph- 
ical relations of the gypsum deposit of Fort Dodge are, however, 
of considerable value. No Tertiary deposits are known to exist 
within or near the borders of Iowa, to suggest that it might be of 
that ao'e, nor are any of the Palaeozoic strata newer than the sub- 
carboniferous unconformable upon each other as the other gy])sum 
is unconformable upon the strata beneath it. It therefore seems, 
in a measure, conclusive, that the gypsum is of Mesozoic age; per. 
haps older than the cretaceous. 

The lithological origin of this deposit is as uncertain as its geo 
lot^ical age. It seems to present itself in this relation, as in the 
former one, — an isolated fact. None of the associated strata show 
any traces of a double decomposition of pre-existing materials, such 
as some have supposed all deposits of gypsum to have resulted 
from. No considerable quantities- of oxide of iron nor any trace of 
native sulphur have been found in connection with it, nor has any 
salt been found in the waters of the region. These substances are 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 87 

common in association with otlier gypsum deposits, and by many 
are regarded as indicative of tlie metliod of or resulting from their 
origin as snch. Throughout tlie whole region the Fort Dodge 
gypsum lias the exact appearance of a sedimentary deposit. From 
these facts it seems not unreasonable to entertain the opinion that 
this gypsum originated as a chemical precipitation in compara- 
tively still waters which were saturated with sulphate of lime and 
destitute of life; its stratification and impurities being deposited 
at the same time as clayey impurities which had been suspended 
in the same waters. 

Phynlcal Properties. — Much has already been said of the phys- 
ical character of this gypsum; but as it is so different in some re- 
spects from other deposits, there are still other matters worthy 
of mention in connection with those. According to the results 
of a complete analysis bj' Prof. Emery, the ordinary gray gypsum 
contains only about eight per cent, of impurity, and it is possible 
that the average impurity for the whole deposit will not exceed 
that proportion, so uniform in quality is it from top to bottom and 
from one end of the region to the other. As plaster for agricult- 
ural purposes is soJietimes prepared from gypsum that contains 
thirty per cent, of impurity, it will be seen that this is a very supe- 
rior article for such purposes. The impurities are of such a charac- 
ter that they do not in any way interfere with its value for use in 
the arts. 

Although the gypsum rock has a gray color, it becomes quite 
white by grinding, and still whiter by the calcimining process nec- 
essary in the preparation of plaster of Paris. These tests have all 
been practically made in the rooms of the Geological Survey, and 
the quality of the plaster of Paris still further tested bj' actual use 
and experiment. The only use yet made of the gypsum by the 
inhabitants is for the purposes of ordinary building stone. It is so 
compact that it is found to be comparatively unaffected by frost, 
and its ordinary situation in walls of houses is such that it is pro- 
tected from the dissolving action of water, which can at most 
reach it only from occasional rains, and the effect of these is too 
slight to be perceived after the lapse of several years. Hon. John 
F. Duncombe, of Fort Dodge, built a fine residence of it in 1861, 
the walls of which appear as unaffected by exposure and as beau- 
tiful as they were when first erected. Several other houses in 
Fort Dodge have been constructed of it, including the depot baild- 



88 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

ing of the Dubuque & Sioux City Eailroad. Many of the side- 
walks in the town are made of the slabs or flags of gvpsnm which 
occur in some of the quarries in the form of thin laj-ers. 

MINOR DEPOSITS OF SULPHATE OF LIME. 

Sulphate of lime in the various forms of fibrous gypsum, sele- 
nite and small, amorphous masses, has also been discovered in va- 
rious formations in different parts of the State, including the Coal 
Measure shales near Fort Dodge, where it exists in small quanti- 
ties, quite independently of the great gypsum of deposit there. 
The quantity of gypsum in these minor deposits is always too 
small to be of any practical value, usually occurring in shales and 
shaly clays, associated with strata that contain more or less sul- 
phuret of iron. Gypsum has thus been detected in the Coal Meas- 
ures, the St. Louis limestone, the Cretaceous strata, and also in 
the dead caves of Dubuque. 

SULPHATE OF STEONTIA. 

This mineral is found at Fort Dodge, which is, perhaps, the only 
place in Iowa or in the valley of the Mississippi where it has as 
yet been discovered. . There it occurs in very small quantities in 
both the shales of the Lower Coal Measures, and in the clays that 
overlie the gypsum deposit, and which are regarded as of the same 
age with it. The mineral is fibrous and crystalline, the fibers be- 
ing perpendicular to the plane of the layer; it resembles in physical 
character the layer of fibro-crystalline g_ypsum, before mentioned. 
Its color is of light blue, is transparent, and shows crystalline 
facets upon both the upper and under sui-faces ot the layer, those 
of the upper surface being smaller and more numerous. The 
layer is probably not more than a rod in extent in any direction, 
and about three inches in maximum thickness. Apparent lines of 
stratification occur in it, corresponding with those of the shales 
which imbed it. The other deposit was still smaller in amount, 
and occurred as a mass of crystals imbedded in the clays that 
overlie the gypsum at Cummins' quarry in the valley of Soldier 
Creek, upon the north side of the town. The mineral in this case 
is nearly colorless, and somewhat resembles masses of impure 
salt. The crystals are so closely aggregated that they enclose but 
little impurity in the mass, but in almost all other cases their 
fundamental forms are obscured. This mineral has almost no 
practical value, and is only interesting as a mineralogical fact. 



HISTORY OK IOWA. 89 

8UI.1MIATE OF BARYTA. 

In Iowa this mineral has been found only in minute quantities. 
It has been detected in the Coal Measure shales of Decatur, Mad- 
ison and Marion Counties, Devonian limestone of Johnson and 
Breiner Counties, and also in the lead caves of Dubuque. It is in 
the form of crystals or small crystalline masses. 

SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA. 

Epsomite or native Epsom salts having been discovered near 
Burlington, all the sulphates of alkaline earths of natural origin 
have been reco^-nizod in Iowa; all exce]>t the sulphate of lime 
being in very small quantity. The Epsomite mentioned was found 
beneath the overhanging clitf of Burlington limestone near Starr's 
Mill. It occurs in the form of efflorescent encrustations upon the 
surface of stones, and in similar small fragile masses among the 
pine debris that has fallen down beneath the overhanging cliff. 
The ])rojection of the cliti" over the perpendicular face of the strata 
beneath amounts to near 20 feet at the point where Epsomite was 
found. The rock upon which it accumulates is an impure lime- 
stone, containing also some carbonate of magnesia, together with 
a small proportion of iron pyrites in a finely divided condition. 
By experiments with this native salt in the office of the Survey, a 
line article of Epsom salts was produced, but the quantity obtained 
there is very small, and would be of no practical value on ac- 
count of the cheapness in the market. 

CLIMATE. 

The greatest objection to the climate of this State is the preva- 
lence of wind, which is somewhat greater than in the States south 
and east, but not so great as it is west. The air is pure and gener- 
ally bracing, — the northern part particularly so during the winter. 
The prevailing direction of the wiml during the whole year is 
easterly. Corresponding!}-, thunder-storms are somewhat more 
violent in this State than east or south, but not near so much so as 
toward the mountains. As elsewhere in the Northwestern States, 
easterly winds bring rain and snow, while westerly -ones clear the 
sky. While the highest temperature occurs here in August, the 
month of July averages the hottest, and January the coldest. The 
mean temperature of April and October nearly corresponds to the 



90 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

mean temperature of the year, as well as to the seasons of spring 
and fall, while that of summer and winter is best represented by 
August and December. Indian summer is delightful and well 
prolonged. Untimely frosts sometimes occur, but seldom severely 
enough to do great injury. The wheat crop being a staple product 
of this state, and not injured at all by frost, this great resource of 
the State continues intact. 



SETTLEMENT BY THE WHITES. 

DISCOTEET AND EXPLORATIONS. 

On the 18th of May, 1673, James Marquette and Louis Joliet, 
acting in the interest of and under the direction of the French 
authorities of Canada, started from the Straits of Mackinaw, in 
bark canoes, " to find out and explore the great river west of 
them, of which they had heard marvelous accounts from the In- 
dians about Lake Michigan." They were accompanied by five 
other Frenchmen, in the capacity of boatmen. Having coasted 
along the western shore of Lake Michigan for many days, they 
entered the bay of the Puants, now known as Green Bay. From 
the southern extremity of Green Bay they ascended Fox Kiver 
until they reached an Indian village, where had once been estab- 
lished a mission by Allouez. They found here a cross, and 
evidences of a rude sort of Christian worship. This village was 
the extreme western limit of missionary enterprise, and no 
European had penetrated beyond it. They were here treated very 
hospitably by the natives, and were furnished two Indian guides 
to conduct them across the portage to the Wisconsin River, which 
was said to flow into the " great river." The Indians, however, 
deemed their mission hazardous in the extreme, and endeavored to 
dissuade them frDm it. Keaching the portage, they carried their 
provisions and light canoes on their backs across the dividing ridge 
to the banks of the Wisconsin. They were now in the valley of 
the river they were seeking. The Indians left our travelers at this 
point, after once more trying to dissuade them from the perilous 
journey. They told Marquette of fierce nations of Indians who 
would destroy him without cause. There was a tradition, also, of 
monsters in the great river that would swallow both man and his 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 91 

canoe; and a demon, or maniton, tliat buried in the boiling waters 
all who ventured upon them. Marquette simply thanked his 
friends for tlie warning; but he could not follow their advice, " since 
the salvation of souls was at stake, for which he would be overjoyed 
to give his life." 

They floated down the rapid "Wisconsin seven days, and reached 
the mighty Mississippi June 17. Entering that majestic current, 
they " realized a joy that they could not express." Rapidh- and 
easily they swept down to the solitudes below, and viewed on their 
journey the hold bluffs and beautiful meadows on the western 
bank of the stream, now revealed for the first time to the eyes of 
the white man. This was the discovery of Iowa, and on the basis 
of this and the subsequent explorations of La Salle, all the vast 
territory of the Mississippi Valley was claimed by France, and so 
belonged to her until she ceded it to Spain, as part of Louisiana, 
in 1G63. 

Marquette and his party discovered an Indian trail on the west- 
ern shore about a hundred miles below the mouth of the Wiscon- 
sin, and determined to trace it and form some acquaintance with 
the tribes of that region. After a walk of several miles, they 
came in sight of an Indian town, or village. Commending them- 
selves to God, they made themselves known by a loud cry. Four 
old men met them and conducted them into the village. They 
were presented to the council, and Marquette preached to them of 
Christianity. He also told them that the great captain of the 
French, the governor of Canada, had humbled the " Five Nations" 
of the Iroquois and compelled them to peace. This was good news 
to the Indians, and procured for Marquette's party a hearty wel- 
come and a plentiful feast. They remained with these hospitable 
savages six days, and on their departure were presented with the 
calumet, or pipe of peace, to be hung from Marquette's neck as a 
safeguard in perils to come. 

They then descended the Mississippi again, passed after many 
davs the point where the transparent Mississippi mingles reluc- 
tantly with the turbid Missouri, the Pekitanoiii of the Indians- 
They passed also the confluence of the Ohio, long called the 
"Wabash, which likewii^e mingles its bright waters reluctantly with 
the turbid flood. By the middle of June they were in latitude 3.3 ® 
north. liemaining here a short time with a friendly tribe in 
what is now Arkansas, they determined to return, as they had 
practically accomplished their mission. They began to ascend the 



92 HISTOKr OF IOWA. 

river; and after several weeks of hard toil against a strong current, 
and exposed to numerous privations, tliey reached tlie mouth of 
the Illinois. Here thej were told bj the Indians that the Illinois 
afforded a much more direct route to the great lakes than that 
through the Wisconsin. They spent two weeks in ascending the 
Illinois and Desplaines. Then crossing to the Chicago Creek, they 
soon entered Lake Michigan. 

During the rule of Louisiana by France, no efforts were made 
to form settlements in the remote country of Iowa. Nor was any- 
thing done under Spanish rule until 1788, and this was only the 
individual enterprise of a Frenchman. At this date the greater 
portion of Iowa was in the possession of the confederated tribes of 
Sac and Fox Indians. The lirst occupation under claim of title by 
a white man, of any portion of Iowa soil, was by Julien Dubuque. 
a native of Canada, who, in 1788, obtained from Bloudeau aud two 
other chiefs of the Fox Indians, what he asserted was a grant of 
lands. He bounded his claim as seven leagues on the west bank 
of the Mississippi, from the mouth of the Little Maquoketa to the* 
Tetc Des Morts, and three leagues in depth. He also had a quali- 
fied confirmation of this grant from Carondelet, the Spanish 
Governor of New Orleans. He married an Indian squaw, and 
occupied the mines until the time of his death, in 1810, employing 
about 10 white men in digging mineral. He was buried on the 
bluff of the Mississippi at the mouth of Catfish Creek, and the city 
and county of Dubuque were afterward named for him. This 
claim of Dubuque's was the foundation of a claim to the soil by its 
heirs, that was long contested in the courts. It was not decided 
until 1851, when the Supreme Court decided that the grant was 
DO more than a temporary license to dig ore, and constituted no 
valid claim to the soil. 

March 30, 1799, Louis Honore Tesson, also a native of Canada, ob- 
tained permission from the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Louisi- 
ana to establish a trading post at the head of the lower rapids of 
the Mississippi Kiver, with the concession of a " sufficient space 
to make the establishment valuable for the commerce of peltries, 
to watch the Indians, and to keep them in fidelity to his Majesty." 
He made such a settlement, and it was sold to one of his creditors 
at sherifi 's sale on the 15th of May, 1803, for $150. This claim 
was afterward allowed to the extent of 640 acres, and Martin Van 
Buren issued a patent therefor, Feb. 7, 1839. The Supreme 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 93 

Court of the United States in 1852 adjudicated the title valid, and it 
now constitutes the oldest legal title to any land within the State. 

In ISOl the Province of Louisiana was ceded to France by Spain. 
This cession was at first secret, but as soon as it became known the 
United States Government began negotiations for the purchase of 
Louisiana. These negotiations resulted in the sale by France of all 
her possessions in the Mississippi \''alley to the United States, for 
the sum of $15,000,000. Tims, in 1803, the territory west of the 
Mississippi, of course including L)wa, became a possession of the 
rajiidly growing power which extends from ocean to ocean, and of 
which Iowa, once the trontier, is now nearly the center. 

By act of Congress approved March 2(3, 1804, the "Territory of 
Orleans " (afterward the State of Louisiana) was laid oft. It in- 
cluded all the territory south of latitude 33° north. The remain 
der of the province was known and designated as the "District of 
Louisiana," and was attached to the Territory of Indiana for polit- 
ical and judicial purposes. 

In 1804 the expedition of Lewis and Clarke to the head waters 
of the Missouri visited the western border of Iowa. They buried 
one of their number. Sergeant Floj'd, on a bluff of the Missouri, 
near the mouth of the Sioux Iliver. It has ever since been known 
as Floyd's Bluff. They also held a council of the Indians near the 
northwest corner of the present county of Pottawatomie, there- 
after known as Council Bluffs. The name has since been trans- 
ferred to the county seat of the county, now known as the city of 
Council Blufis, the present eastern terminus of the Union Pacific 
Railroad. In 1805-'6 Lieut. Pike led an expedition to discover 
the source of the Mississippi, and also to conciliate the numerous 
tribes of Indians then inhabiting the country watered by all 
the western tributaries of the Mississippi. . He especially endeav- 
ored to establish amicable relations with those in the immediate 
vicinity of the frontier settlements. In his explorations upon the 
Up])er Mississippi, upon the lower tributaries of the Missouri and 
Arkansas Rivers, Lieut. Pike omitted no ojiportunity for entering 
into treaties of friendship and peace with the native tribes through 
which he passed; thus preparing the way for the subsequent sale 
and relinquishment of lands in advanceof the adventurous pioneer. 
In the year 1805 the District of Louisiana was erected into the 
"Territory of Louisiana," with the first grade of Territorial gov- 
ernment, administered by a governor and Territorial judges. St. 
Louis was the seat of government. 



94 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

The first governor was Gen. James "Wilkinson, who held the 
office until the close of the year 1806, when he was succeeded bj 
Col. Meriwether Lewis. 

In 1812, when the Territory of Orleans became the State of 
Louisiana, the name of the Territory of Louisiana was changed to 
"Missouri Territory." Some changes in government were also 
made. A representative grade of Territorial government was 
adopted. The first governor was Gen. Wm. Clarke; thefii'st Ter- 
itorial assembly consisted of a " Legislative Council,"' composed 
of nine members, appointed by the president, and a House of Rep- 
resentatives, elected by the people in the ratio of one to every 500 
free white males. The first delegate to Congress was Edward 
Hempstead. 

In 1821 Missouri was admitted as a State, but her territory was 
limited on the south by 36 ° 30' north, and on the north by 40 ^ 
30'. The territory to the south, between Missouri and Louisiana, 
was organized as the "Territory of Arkansas;" but from 1821 to 
1834 Iowa may be considered a "political orphan." During this 
interregnum it is probable that the only civil law in force in Iowa 
was that provision of the Missouri bill that prohibited slavery and 
involuntary servitude in the Territories of the United States north 
of 36® 30' north latitude, and the constitutionality, even of this 
precious remnant of Lex Scripta, was afterward seriously ques- 
tioned by the Supreme Court of the United States. 

The beautiful and fertile prairies and unrivaled plains west of 
the Upper Mississippi, and north of the Des Moines River, had 
remained in the occupancy of the native tribes, which had gradu- 
ally retired west of the great lakes, until they commenced their 
aggressions against the people of Illinois, under the fierce and vin- 
dictive Black Hawk, in 1829. After a disastrous war of nearly 
three years on the northern frontier of the State of Illinois, Black 
Hawk and his confederates, utterly routed, retired with their des- 
titute and crest-fallen followers across the Mississippi River, and 
sought safety and peace in the remote west, within the limits of 
Iowa. Here the vanquished warriors and their indomitable chief 
made overtures for a cessation of hostilities, and negotiations for 
peace. Sept. 15, 1832, Gen. "Winfield Scott concluded a treaty at 
the present site of the city of Davenport, Iowa, with the confeder- 
ated tribes of Sac and Fox Indians, by which the Indian title was 
extinguished to nearly all the land owned or claimed by them. 
This was a strip of land on the west bank of the Mississippi River, 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 95 

the western boundary of which commenced at a point where is now 
the southeast corner of Davis County; thence to a point on Cedar 
River, near the northeast corner of Johnson County; thence north- 
west to tlie neutral grounds of the Winnebagoes; thence to a point 
on the ^[ississippi above Prairie du Cliien, and contained about 
6,000,000 acres of hmd. This was subsequently known as the 
*' Black Hawk Purchase." By the terms of this treaty, the Indians 
might occupy tiio land until June 1, 1833, but on or before that date 
must retire to the west. 

No sooner had the stipulated period expired than the white pop- 
ulation began to advance into the ceded territory, which was 
speedily overrun by pioneers and exploring parties in search of 
choice lands, desirable sites for towns, and water-power for future 
locations. From this date immigration was exceedingly rapid and 
Iowa's progress uninterrupted. 

INDIANS OF IOWA. 

Having traced the early history of the great empire lying west 
of the Mississippi, from which the State of Iowa has been formed, 
it becomes necessary to give some history of the Lidians of Iowa. 

The acknowledged principle of the European nations in making 
their settlements in America, was that possession perfected title to 
any territory. We have seen that the country west of the 
Mississippi was first discovered by the Spaniards, but was after- 
ward visited and occupied by the French. It was ceded by France 
to Spain, and by Spain back to France again, and was then pur- 
chased and occupied by the United States. During all that time 
it does not appear to have entered the heads or hearts of the high 
contracting parties, except perhaps the United States, that the 
country they bought, sold and gave away was in the possession of 
a race of men who, although savage, owned the vast domain be- 
fore Columbus first crossed the Atlantic. Having purchased the 
territory, the United States found it still in the possession of its 
original owners, who had never been dispossessed, and it became 
necessary to purchase again what had already been bought, or to 
forcibly eject the occupant. The United States has generally 
adopted the former wise and successful policy; and the history, 
therefore, of the Indian nations who occupied Iowa prior to and 
during its early settlement by the whites, becomes an important 
chapter in the history of the State that cannot be omitted. 



96 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

Strange to say, for more thau 100 years after Marquette and 
Joliet trod the virgin soil of Iowa, and admired its fertile plains, 
not a single settlement liad been made or attempted; not even a 
trading post liad been establislied. Tlie whole country remained 
in tlie undisputed possession of the native tribes, who ro.imed at 
will over her beautiful and fertile prairies, hunted in Iter woods, 
lished in her streams, and often poured out their life-blood in ob- 
stinate contests for supremacy. That tliis State, so aptly styled 
"The Beautiful Land," had been the theater of numerous tierce 
and bloody struggles between the rival nations for possession of the 
favored region, long before its settlement by civilized man, there 
is no room for doubt. In these savage wars the weaker party, 
whether aggressive ordefensive, was either exterminated or driven 
from its ancient hunting grounds. 

When Marquette visited this country in 1673, the lUini were a 
very powerful people, occup\'ing a large portion of the State; but 
when the country was again visited by the whites, not a remnant 
of that once powerful tribe remained on the west side of tlie Mis- 
sissippi, and Iowa was principally in the possession of tlie Sacs 
and Foxes, a warlike tribe which, originally two distinct nations, 
residing in Kew York and on the waters of the St. Lawrence, had 
gradually fought their way westward, and united, probably after 
the Foxes had been driven out of the Fox River country in 1816, 
and crossed the Mississippi. The death of Pontiac, a famous Sac 
chieftain, was made the pretext for war against the Illini, and a 
tierce and bloody struggle ensued, which continued until the Illini 
were nearly destroyed, and their hunting grounds possessed by 
their victorious foes. The lowas also occupied a portion of the 
State for a tune in common with the Sacs, but they, too, were 
nearly destroyed by the Sacs and Foxes, and in " The Beautiful 
Land" these natives met their equally warlike foes, the northern 
Sioux, with whom they maintained a constant warfare for the 
possession of the country for many years. 

In 1803, when Louisiana was purcliased by the United States 
the Sacs, Foxes and lowas possessed the entire State of Iowa, ana 
the two former tribes, also, occupied most of Illinois. 

The Sacs had four principal villages, where most of them re- 
sided. Their largest and most important town — if an Indian vil- 
laee mav be called such — and from which emanated most of the 
obstacles encountered by the Government in the extinguisliment 
of Indian titles to land in tliis region, was on Rock River, near 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 97 

Rock Island; another was on the east bank of the Mississippi, 
near the mouth of Henderson River; the third was at the head of 
tlie Des Moines Rapids, near the present site of Montrose; and 
tlie fourth was near tlie mouth of the Upper Iowa. 

The Foxes had three principal villages. One was on the west 
side of the Mississippi, six miles above the rapids of Rock River; 
another was about 12 miles from the river, in the rear of the Du- 
buque lead mines; and the third was on Turkey River. 

The lowas, at one time identified with the Sacs of Rock River, 
had withdrawn from them and become a separate tribe. Their 
principal village was on the Des Moines River, in Van Buren 
Count}', on the site where lowaville now stands. Here the last 
great battle between the Sacs and Foxes and the lovvas was fought, 
in which Black Hawk, then a young man, commanded one divis- 
ion of the attacking forces. The following account of the battle 
has been given: 

Contrary to long established custom of Indian attack, this bat- 
tle was commenced in the day-time, the attending circumstances 
justifying this departure from the well-settled usages of Indian 
warfare. The battle-field was a level river bottom, about four 
miles in length, and two miles wide near the middle, narrowing to 
a point at either end. The main area of this bottom rises perhaps 
20 feet above the river, leaving a narrow strip of low bottom 
along the shore, covered with trees that belted the prairie on the 
river side with a thick forest, and the immediate bank of the river 
was fringed with a dense growth of willows. Near the lower end 
of this prairie, near the river bank, was situated tlie Iowa village. 
About two miles above it and near the middle of the prairie is a 
mound, covered at the time with a tuft of small trees and under- 
brush growing on its summit. In the rear of this little elevation 
or mound lay a belt of wet prairie, covered, at that fime, with a 
dense growth of rank, coarse grass. Bordering this wet prairie on 
the nortli, the country rises abruptly into elevated broken river 
bluffs, covered with a heav}- forest for many miles in extent, and 
in places thickly clustered witii undergrowth, affording convenient 
shelter for the stealthy approach of the foe. 

Through this forest the Sac and Fox war party made their way 

in the night and secreted themselves in the tall grass spoken of 

above, intending to remain in ambush during the day and make 

such observations as this near proximity to their intended victims 

S 



98 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

might afford, to aid them in tlieir contemplated attack on tlie town 
during the following night. From this situation their spies could 
take a full survey of the village, and watch every movement of 
the inliabitants, by which means they were soon convinced that 
the lowas had no suspicion of their presence. 

At the foot of the mound above mentioned the lowas had tlieir 
race course, where they diverted themselves with the e«citement 
of horse-raqing, and schooled their young warriors in cavalry 
evolutions. In these exercises mock battles were fought, and the 
Indian tactics of attack and defense carefully inculcated, by which 
means a skill in horsemanship was acquired that is rarely excelled. 
Unfortunately for tliem this day was selected for their equestrian 
sports, and. wlioUy unconscious of the proximity of their foes, the 
•warriors repaired to the race-ground, leaving most of their arms 
in the vinage,and their old men, women and children unprotected. 

Pa^h-a-po-po, who was cliief in command of the Sacs and Foxes, 
perceived at once the advantage this state of things afforded for a 
complete surprise of liis now doomed victims, and ordered Black 
Hawk to file off with his young warriors through the tall grass and 
gain the cover of the timber along the river bank, and with the 
utmost speed reach the village and commence the battle, while he 
remained with his division in the ambush to make a simultaneous 
assault on the unarmed men whose attention was engrossed with 
the excitement of the races. The plan was skillfully laid and most 
dexterously executed. Black Hawk with his forces reached the 
village undiscovered, and made a furious onslaught upon the de- 
fenseless inhabitants by firing one general volley into their midst, 
and completing the slaughter with the tomahawk and scalping- 
knife, aided by the dev^ouringilames with which they enveloped the 
village as soon as the fire-brand could be spread from lodge to 
lodge. 

On the instant of the report of fire-arms at the village, the forces 
under Pash-a-po-po leaped from their couchant position in the grass, 
and sprang tiger-like upon the unarmed lowas in the midst of their 
racing sports. The first impulse of the latter naturally led them to 
make the utmost speed toward their arms in the village, and pro- 
tect, if possible, their wives and children from the attack of their 
merciless assailants. The distance from the place of attack on the 
prairie was two miles, and a great number fell in their flight by 
the bullets and tomahawks of their enemies, who pressed them 
closely with a running fire the whole way, and the survivors only 



HISTOltV OF IOWA. 99 

reached their town in time to witness the liorrors of its destruction. 
Tiieir whole viUai^o was in Ihunes, ;itiJ the dearest objects oF their 
lives lay in slaugiiterod heaps amidst tlie devouring element, and 
the agon iziug groans of the dying, mingled with the exulting shouts 
of the victorious loc, tilled their hearts with maddening despair. 
Their wives and children wiio had been spared the general massacre 
were prisoners, and together with tlieir arms in the hands of their 
victors; and all that could now be done was to draw off their 
shattered and defenseless forces, and save as ma:iy lives as possible 
by a retreat across the Des Moines Iiiver,which they effected in the 
best possible manner, and took a position among the Soap Creek 
Hills. 

Previous to the settlement of their village on Rock River, the 
Sacs and Foxes had a fierce conflict with the Winnebagoes, subdued 
them and took jjossession of their lands. At o'ne time this village 
contained upward of 60 lodges, and was among the largest Indian 
villages on the continent. The number of Sacs and Foxes in 1825, 
was estimated by the Secretary of War to be 4,600. Their village 
was situated in the immediate vicinity of the upper rapids of the 
Mississippi, wliere the flourishing towns of Rock Island and Dav- 
enport are now situated. The extensive prairies dotted over with 
groves, the beautiful scenery, the picturesque bluffs along the river 
banks, the rich and fertile soil producing large crops of corn, squash 
and other vegetables with little labor, the abundance of wild fruit, 
game, fish, and almost evferv thing calculated to make it a delightful 
spot for an Indian village, which was found there, had made this 
place a favorite home of the Sacs, and secured for it the strong 
attachment and veneration of the whole nation. 

The Sioux located their hunting grounds north of the Sacs and 
Foxes. They were a fierce and warlike nation who often disputed 
possessions with their rivals in savage and bloody warfare. The 
possessions of these tribes wei'e mostly located in Minnesota, but 
extended over a portion of Northern and Western Iowa to the Mis- 
souri River. Their descent from the north ui)on the hunting 
grounds of Iowa frequently brought tliem into collision with the 
Sacs and Foxes, and after many a conflict and bloody struggle, a 
boundary line was established between them by the Government of 
the United States, in a treaty held at .Prairie du Chieu in JS'25. 
Instead of settling the diflicultie*, this caused them to quarrel all 
the more, in consequence of alleged trespasses upon eicli other's 
side of the line. So bitter and unruluntiu* became these contests, 
that in 1830 Government purchased of tlie respective tribes of the 



100 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

Sacs and Foxes, and tlie Sionx a sti-ip of land 20 miles wiae on 
both sides of the line, thus throwing thein 40 miles apart by creat- 
ing a "neutral ground," and commanded them to cease their hos- 
tilities. They were, however, allowed to fish and hunt on the 
ground unmolested, provided they did not interfere with each 
other on United States Territory. 

In 1S52 there occurred a fight between the Musquaka band of 
Sacs and Foxes and a band of Sioux, six miles above Algona, in Kos- 
suth County, on the west side of the Des Moines River. The Sacs 
and Foxes were under the leadership of Ko-ko-wah, a subordinate 
chief, and had gone up from their home in Trna County by way of 
Clear Lake, to what was then the " neutral ground." At Clear 
Lake Ko-ko-wah was informed that a party of Sioux were encamped 
on the west side of .the East Fork of the Des Muines, and he de- 
termined to attack them. He started with 60 warriors and arrived 
at a point on the east side of the river, about a mile above the 
Sioux encampment, in the night, and concealedf themselves in a 
grove, where they were able to discover the position and strength 
of their foes. The next morning, after many of the Sioux braves 
had left their camp on hunting tours, the vindictive Sacs and 
Foxes crossed the river and suddenly attacked the camp. For <• 
short time the conflict was desperate, but the advantage was witl 
the assailants, and the Sioux were routed. Sixteen of them , includ 
ing some of their women and children, were killed, and a boy 14 
years old was captured. A squaw shot one of the Musquakas ir 
the breast as they were rushing into the Sioux camp. H( 
started to run away when the same brave squaw shot him through 
the body, at a distance of 20 rods, and he fell dead. Three other 
Sac braves were killed; but few of the Sionx escaped. The victo- 
rious party hurriedly buried their own dead, leaving their dead foes 
above ground, and with great speed made their way home with 
their captives. 



Soon after the acquisition of Louisiana, the United States Gov- 
ernment adopted measures for the exploration of the new Territory, 
having in view the conciliation of the numerous tribes of Indians 
by whom it was possessed, and also the selection of proper sites, 
for the establishment of military posts and trading stations. The 
army of the West, Gen. "Wilkinson commanding, had its head- 
quarters at St. Louis. !^om this post Captains Lewis and Clarke, 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 101 

with a sufficient force, were detailed to explore the unknown sources 
of the Missouri, and Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike, to ascend to the head 
waters of the Mississippi. Lieut. Pike, with one serf;;eaQt, two 
corporals and 17 privates, left the military camp, near St. Louis, 
in a keel-boat, with four months' rations, Aug. 9, 1S05. On the 20th 
of the same month the expedition arrived within the present limits 
of Iowa, at the foot of the Dcs Moines Rapids, where Pike met 
William Ewing, who had just been appointed Indian Agent at this 
point, a French interpreter, four chiefs, 15 Sac and Fox warriors. 
At the head of the rapids, where Montrose is now situated. Pike 
held a council with the Indians, in which he addressed them sub- 
stantially as follows: "Your great Father, the President of the 
United States, wished to be more intimately acquainted with the 
situation and wants of the different nations of red people in our 
newly acquired Territory of Louisiana, and has ordered the General 
to send a number of his warriors in different directions to take 
them by the hand and make such inquiries as might afford the 
satisfaction required." At the close of the council he presented 
the red men with some knives, tobacco and whisky. On the 23d 
of August he arrived at what is supposed, from his description, to 
be the site of the present city of Burlington, which he selected as 
the location of a military post. He describes the place as "being 
on a hill, about 40 miles above the River de Moyne Rapids, on the 
west side of the river, in latitude about 41<* 21' north. The 
channel of the river runs on that shore. The hill in front is about 
60 feet perpendicular, and nearly level at the top. About -100 
yards in the rear is a small prairie fit for gardening, and immediately 
under the hill is a limestone spring, sufficient for the consumption 
of a whole regiment." In addition to this description, which corre- 
sponds to Burlington, the spot is laid down on his map at a bend 
in the river a short distance below the mouth of the Henderson, 
which pours its waters into the Mississippi from Illinois. The 
fort was built at Fort Madison, but from the distance, latitude, de- 
scription and map furnished by Pike, it could not have been the 
place selected by him, while all the circumstances corroborate the 
opinion that the place he selected was the spot where Burlington 
is now located, called by the early voyagers on the Mississippi, 
•:F!;nt Hills." 

In company with one of his men, Pike went on shore on a hunt- 
ing expedition, and following a stream which they supposed to be a 
part of the Mississippi, they were led away from their course. 



102 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

Owing to the intense lieat and tall grass, his two favorite dogs^ 
whicli he had taken with him, hecame exhausted, and he left them 
on the prairie, supposing that thej would follow him as soon as 
they should get rested, and went on to overtake his boat. After 
reaching the river he waited some time for his canine friends; but 
they did not come, and as he deemed it inexpedient to detain the 
boat longer, two of his men volunteered to go in pursuit of them, 
and he continued on his way up the river, expecting that the two 
men would soon overtake liim. They lost their way, however, and 
for six days were without food, except a few morsels gathered from 
the stream, and might have perished had they not accidentally 
met a trader from St. Louis, who induced two Indians to take them 
up the river, and they overtook the boat at Dubuque. At the 
latter place. Pike was cordially received by Julian Dubuque, a 
Frenchman, who held a mining claim under a grant from Spain; 
he had an old Held piece and lired a salute in honor of the advent 
of the first American who had visited that part of the Territory. 
He was not, however, disposed to publish tiie wealth of his mines, 
and the young and evidently inquisitive officer obtained but little 
information from him. 

Upon leaving this place. Pike pursued his way up the river, but 
as he passed beyond the limits of the present State of Iowa, a de- 
tailed history of his explorations does not properly belong to this 
volume. It is sufficient to say that on the site of Fort Snelling, 
Minnesota, he held a council with the Sioux, Sept. 23, and obtained 
from them a grant of 100,000 acres of land. Jan. 8, 1806, he ar- 
rived at a trading post belonging to the Northwest Company, on 
Lake De Sable, in latitude 47 ° . This company at that time car- 
ried on their immense operations from Hudson's Bay to the St. 
Lawrence; up that river, on both sides along the great lakes, to the 
head of Lake Superior, thence to the sources of the Red River of 
the North, and west to the Rocky Mountains, embracing within the 
scope of their operations what was subsequently the State of Iowa. 
After successfully accomplishing his mission and performing a val- 
uable service to the whole Northwest, Pike returned to St. Louis, 
arriving there April 30, 1806. 

INDIAN WARS. 

Before the Territory of Iowa could be open to settlement by the 
whites, it was necessary that the Indian title should be ex- 
tinguished and the original owners removed. The Territory had 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 103 

been purchased by the United States, but was still occupied by the 
Indians, who claimed title to the soil by right of possession. In 
order to accomplish this purpose, large sums of money were ex- 
pended, besides the frontier being disturbed by Indian wars, ter- 
minated repeatedly by treaty, only to be renewed by some act of 
opjircssion on the part of the whites, or some violation of treaty 
stipulation. 

When the United States assumed control of the country by vir- 
tue of the Louisiana purchase, nearly the whole State was in pos- 
session of the Sacs and Foxes, a powerful and warlike nation, who 
were not disposed to submit without a struggle to what they con- 
sidered the encroachments of the pale faces. Among the most 
noted chiefs, and one whoso restlessness and hatred of the Ameri- 
cans occasioned more trouble to the Government than any other of 
his tribe, was Black Hawk, who was born at the Sac Village, on 
Rock River, in ITGT. He was simply the chief of his own band of 
Sac warriors, but by his energy and ambition he became the lead- 
ing sjnrit of the united nation of Sacs and Foxes, and one of the 
prominent figures in the history of the country from 1S04 till his 
death. In early manhood he attained distinction as a figliting 
chief, having led campaigns against the Osages and other neigh- 
boring tribes. About the beginning of the present century he be- 
gan to appear prominent in affairs on the Mississippi. His life was 
a marvel. He is said by some to have been the victim of a nar- 
row prejudice and bitter ill-will against the Americans; but if he 
was their enemy it certainly was not without some show of 
reason. 

Upon the cession of Spain to France, in ISOl, it did not give up 
possession of the country, but retained it, and, by the authority of 
France, transferred it to the United States in 1804. At that time 
Black Hawk and his band were in St. Louis, and were invited to 
be present and witness the transfer; but he refused the invitation, 
and it is but just to say that this refusal was caused probably more 
from regret that the Indians were to be transferred from the juris- 
diction of the Spanish authorities, than from any S])ecial hatred 
toward the Americans. In his life he says: " I found many sad 
and gloomy faces because the United States were about to take 
possession of the town and country. Soon after the Americans 
came I took my band and went to take leave of my Spanish fiither. 
The Americans came to see him also. Seeing them ajiproach, we 
passed out of ope door as they entered another, and immediately 



104: HISTORY OF IOWA. 

started in our canoes for our village on Rock River, not liking the 
change any better than our friends appeared to at St. Louis. On 
arriving at our village, we gave the news that strange people had 
arrived at St. Louis, and that we should never see our Spanish 
father again. The information made all our people sorry." 

Nov. 3, ISOi, a treaty was concluded between William Henry 
Harrison, then Governor of Indiani Territory, on behalf of the 
United States, and tive chiefs of the Sac and Fox nation, by which 
the latter, in consideration of $2,23i worth of goods then delivered, 
and a yearly annuity of $1,000 to be paid in goods at just cost, 
ceded to the United States all that land on the east side of the 
Mississippi, extending from a point opposite the Jefferson, in Mis- 
souri, to the Wisconsin River, embracing an area of over 51,000,000 
of acres. To this treaty Black H.iwk always objected, and always 
refused to consider it binding upon his people. He assorted that 
the chiefs or braves who made it had no authority to relinquish the 
title of the nation to any of the lands they held or occupied, and, 
moreover, that they had been sent to St. Louis on quite a different 
errand, namely: to get one of their people released, who had been 
imprisoned at St. Louis for killing a white man. 

In 180.5 Lieutenant Pike caino up the river for the purpose of 
holding friendly councils with the Indians and selecting sites for 
forts within the Territory recently acquired from France by the 
United States. Lieut. Pike seems to have been the first American 
whom Black Hawk ever met or had a personal interview with, and 
he seemed very much prepossessed in his favor. He gives the fol- 
lowing apconnt of his visit to Rock Island: "A boat came up the 
river with a young American chief and a small party of soldiers. 
We heard of them soon after we passed Salt River. Some of our 
young braves watched them every day to see what sort of people 
he had on board. The boat at leno-th arrived at Rock River, and 
the young chief came on shore with his interpreter, made a speech 
and gave us some presents. We in turn presented him with meat 
and such other provisions as we had to spare. We were well 
pleased with the young chief; he gave us good advice and said oui 
American father would treat us well." 

Fort Edwards was erected soon after Pike's expedition, at what 
is now Warsaw, Illinois, also Fort Ma lison, on the site of the pres 
ent town of that name, the latter being the first fort erected il 
Iowa. These movements occasioned great uneasiness among the 
Indians. When work was commenced on Fort Edwards, adelega- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 105 

tion from their nation, headed by some of their chiefs, went down 
to see what tlie Americans were doing, and had an interview with 
the commander; after which they returneii home and were appar- 
ently satistied. In lilce manner, when Fort Madison was being 
erected, tiiej sent down another delci^ation from a council of the 
nation held at Hock lliver. According to Black Hawk's account, 
the American chief told them that he was building a house for a 
trader, who was coming to sell them goods cheap, and that the sol- 
diers were coming to keep him company, — ^a statement which 
Black Hawk says they distrusted at the time, believing that the 
fort was an encroachment upon their rights, and designed to aid in 
getting their Liiuls away from them. It is claimed, by good author- 
ity, that the building of Fort Madison was a violation of the treaty 
of 1804. By the 11th article of that treaty, the United States had 
a right to build a fort near the mouth of the Wisconsin lliver, and 
by article 6, they had bound themselves "that if any citizen of the 
United States or any other white persons should form a settlement 
upon their lands, such intruders should forthwith be removed." 
Probably the authorities of the United States did not regard the 
establishment of military posts as coming properly within the 
meaning of the term ''settlement'' as used in the treaty. At all 
events, they erected Fort Madison within the territory reserved to 
the Indians, who became very indignant. 

Very soon after the fort was built, a pai'ty led by Black Hawk 
attempted its destruction. They sent spies to watch the move- 
ments of the garrison, who ascertained that the soldiers were in the 
habit of marching out of the fort every morning and evening for 
parade, and the plan of the party was to conceal themselves near 
the fort, and attack and surprise them when they were outside. On 
the morning of the proposed day of the attack, five soldiers came 
out and were fired upon by the Indians, two of them being killed. 
The Indians were too hasty in their movement, for the parade had 
not commenced. However, they kept up the attack several days, 
attempting the old Fox strategy of setting fire to the fort with blaz- 
ing arrows; but finding their eflforts unavailing, they soon gave up 
and returned to Kock liiver. 

In 1812, when war was declared between this country and Great 
Britain, Black Hawk and his band allied themselves with the 
British, partly because he was dazzled by their specious promises, 
but more probably because they were deceived by the Americans. 
Black Uawk himself declared that they were "forced into the war 



106 HISTOET OF IO\YA. 

!ij being deceived." He narrates the circurastance as follows: " Sev- 
eral of the head men and chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes were called 
upon to go to Washington to see their Great Fatlier. On their 
return thej related what had been said and done. They said the 
Great Father wished them, in the event of a war taking place with 
England, not to interfere on either side, but to remain neutral. He 
did not want our help, but wished us to hunt and support our 
families, and live in peace. He said that British traders would not 
be permitted to come on the Mississippi to furnish us with goods, 
but that we should be supplied with an American trader. Our 
chiefs then told him that the British traders alwajs gave them 
credit in the fall for guns, powder aud goods, to enable us to hunt 
and clothe our families. He repeated that the traders at Fort 
Madison would have plenty of goods; that we should go there 
in tlie fall and he would supply us on credit, as the British traders 
had done." Black Hawk seems to have accepted the proposition, 
and he and his people were very much pleased. Acting in good 
faith, they fitted out for their winter's hunt, and went to Fort Mad- 
ison in high spirits to receive from the trader their outfit of 
supplies; but after waiting some time, they were told by the trader 
that he would not trust them. In vain they pleaded the promise 
of their Great Father at "Washington; the trader was inexorable. 
Disappointed and crest fallen, the Indians turned sadly to their 
own village. Says Black Hawk: "Few of us slept that night. All 
was gloom aud discontent. In the morning a canoe was seen as- 
cending the, river; it soon arrived bearing an express, who brought 
intelligence that a British trader had landed at Rock Island with 
two boats filled with goods, and requested us to come up immedi- 
ately, because he had good news for us, and a variety of presents. 
The express presented us with tobacco, pipes and wampum. The 
news ran through our camp like fire on a prairie. Our lodges were 
soon taken down and all started for Rock Island. Here ended all 
our hopes of remaining at peace, having been forced into tlie war 
by being deceived." He joined the British, who flattered him, and 
styled him "Gen. Black Hawk," decked him with medals, excited 
his jealousy against the Americans, and armed his band; but he 
met with defeat and disappointment, and soon abandoned the 
service and came home. 

There was a portion of the Sacs and Foxes, whom Black Hawk 
with all his skill and cunning could not lead into hostilities to the 
United States. With Keokuk ("The Watchful Fox") at their 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 107 

head, they were disposed to abide b}- the treaty of 1804, and to 
cultivate frioiidiv relatinns witli the Aincricaii people. So when 
Black Hawk and his band joined the fortunes of Great Britain, the 
rest of tlie nation remained nentral, and for protection, organized, 
with Konkuk for their chief. Thus, the nation was divided into 
the "War and Peace party." Black Hawk saj's he was informed 
after he was gone to the war, that the nation, which had been 
reduced to so small a body of fighting men, were nnable to defend 
themselves in case the Americans should attack them, and having 
all the old men, women and children belonging to the warriors who 
had joined the British on their hands to provide for, a council was 
held, and it was agreed that Qiiash-qua-me (the lanco) and other 
chiefs, together with the old men, women and children, and such 
others as chose to accompany them, should go to St. Lonis and 
place themselves under tlie American Chief stationed there. Ac- 
cordingly they went down, and were received as the '"friendly baud" 
of Sacs and Foxes, and were jjrovided for and sent up the Missouri 
River. On Black IIa«-k's return from the British army, he says 
Keokuk was introduced to him as the war chief of the braves then 
in the village. He inquired liow he had become chief, and was in- 
formed that their spies had seen a large armed force going toward 
Peoria, and fears were entertained of an attack upon the village; 
whereupon a council was held, which concluded to leave the village 
and cross over to the other side of the Mississippi. Keokuk had 
been standing at tlie door of the lodge when the council was held, 
not lining allowed to enter on account of never having killed an 
enemy, where he remained until Wa-co-me came out. Keokuk 
asked permission to speak to the council, which Wa-co-me obtained 
for him. He then addressed the chiefs. He remonstrated against 
the desertion of their village, their own homes and the graves of 
their fathers, and offered to defend the village. The council con- 
sented that lie should be their war chief. He marshaled his braves, 
sent out spies, and advanced on the leading trail to Peoria, but 
returned without seeing the enemy. The Americans did not dis- 
turb the village, and all were satisfied with the ajipointmcnt of 
Keokuk. Like Black Hawk, he was a descendant of the Sac branch 
of the nation, and was born on RockTliver in 1780. He was of a 
pacific disposition, but possessed tiie elements of true courage, 
and could fight when occasion required, with cool judgment and 
heroic energy. In his first battle he encountered and killed a 
Sioux, which ]>laced iiiin in the raidc of warriors, and he was hon- 
ored with a public feast by his tribe in commemoration of the event. 



108 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

In person, Keokuk was tall and of portly bearing. In his public 
speeches he displayed a commanding attitude and graceful gestures. 
He has been described as an orator, entitled to rank with the most 
gifted of his race. He spoke rapidly, but his enunciation was clear, 
distinct and forcible; he culled his figures from the stores of nature 
and based his arguments on skillful logic. Unfortunately for his 
reputation as an orator among white people, he was never able to 
obtain an intrepreter who could claim even a slight acquaintance 
with philosophy. With one exception only, his intrepreters were 
unacquainted with the elements of their mother-tongue. Of this 
serious hindrance to his fame he was well aware, and retained Frank 
Labershure, who had received a rudiraental education in the French 
and English languages, until the latter broke down by dissipation 
and died. Keokuk was thus compelled to submit his speeches for 
translation to uneducated men, whose range of thought fell far 
below the flights of a gifted mind, and the fine imagery drawn 
from nature was beyond their power of reproduction. 

Keokuk had suflicient knowledge of the English language to 
make him sensible of this bad rendering of his thoughts, and often 
a feeling of mortification at the bungling efforts was depicted on 
his countenance while speaking. The proper place to form a cor- 
rect estimate of his ability as an orator was in the Indian counc'l, 
where he addressed himself exclusively to those who understood 
his language, and witnessed the electrical effect of his eloquence 
upon his council. He seems to have possessed a more sober judg- 
ment, and to have had a more intelligent view of the great strength 
and resources of the United States, than his noted and restless co- 
temporary. Black Hawk. He knew from the first that the reck- 
less war which Black Hawk and his band had determined to carry 
on could result in nothing but disaster and defeat, and he used 
every argument against it. The large number of warriors whom 
he had dissuaded from following Black Hawk became, however, 
greatly excited with the war spirit after Stillman's defeat, and but 
for the signal tact displayed by Keokuk on that occasion, would 
have forced him to submit to their wishes in joining the rest of 
the warriors in the field. A war dance was held, and Keokuk 
took part in it, seeming to be moved with the current of the rising 
storm. When the dance was over he called the council together 
to prepare for war. He made a speech in which he admitted the 
justice of their comjdaints against the Americans. To seek redress 
was a noble aspiration of their nature. The blood of their breth- 



HISTORY OF KnVA. 109 

reii liad been shed by the white iiKui, aii<l t!io spirits of tiieir 
braves, shiiii in battle, called loixUy for venj^eance. "I am your 
chief," said he, " and it is my duty to lead you to battle, if, after 
fully considering the matter, you are determined to go; but before 
you decide to take this important step, it is wise to inquire into 
the chances of success." lie then portrayed to them the great 
power of the United States, against whom they would have to con- 
tend, and thought their chance of success was utterly hopeless. 
"But," said he, "if you do determine to go upon the war-path, 
I will agree to lead you on one condition, viz. : that before we go 
we kill all our old men and our wives and children, to save them 
from a lingering death of starvation, and that every one of us de- 
termine to leave our homes on the other side of the Mississippi." 
This was a strong but trutliful picture of the prospect before them, 
and was presented in such a forcible light as to cool their ardor ' 
and cause them to abandon their rash undertaking. 

There were murders and depredations committed by small 
bands of Indians from the west side of the Mis^issi]>pi during the 
war of 1S32, and they also made incursions into the white settle- 
ments in the lead-mining regions. 

Black Hawk entered into a treaty with the United States at 
Portage des Sioux, Sept. 1-t, 1815, but did not " tou^h the goose- 
quill " to it until May 13, 1816, when he smoked the pipe of peace 
with the "great white chief" at St. Louis. This treaty was a re- 
newal of the treaty of ISO Jr, but Black Hawk declared he had been 
deceived; that he did not know that by signing the treaty he was 
giving away his village. This weighed upon his mind, alreadv 
soured by previous disappointment and the irresistible encroach- 
ments of the whites, and when, a few years later, he and his peo- 
ple were driven from their possessions by the military, he de- 
termined to return to tlu home of his fathers. It is also to be 
remarked that in 1816, by treaty with the various tribes, the 
United States relinquished to the Indians all the lands lying north 
of a line drawn from the southernmost point of Lake Michigan 
west to the Mississippi, except a reservation five leagues square, 
on the Mississip])i River, supposed then to be sufficient to include 
all the mineral lands on and adjacent to Fever River, and one 
league square at the mouth of the Wisconsin River. 

From this time there was no serious trouble with tlie Indians 
until the Black Hawk War; and, indeed, this did not take place on 
Iowa soil. For a full account of this see page .57 



110 ' HISTORY OF IOWA. 



INDIAN TREATIES. 



All of Iowa, it has been stated, was in the actual possession of 
the Indians; so tliat the re-inirchase of thesoil by the United States 
Government became necessary. This was effected in a series of 
treaties and purchases, of which a synopsis is here given: 

The territory known as the "Black Hawk Purchase." although 
not the first portion of Towaceded to the United States by the Sacs 
and Foxes, was the first opened to actual settlement by the tide of 
emigration which flowed across the Mississippi as soon as the 
Indian title was extinguished. The treaty which provided for this 
cession was made at a council held on the west bank of the Mis- 
sissippi, where now stands the thriving city of Davenport, on ground 
now occupied by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific R. R .Co., 
Sept. 21, 1832. This was just after the "Black Hawk War," and the 
defeated savages had retired from east of the Mississippi. At the 
council the Government was represented by Gen. Wintield Scott 
and Gov. Reynolds^of Illinois. Keokuk, Pashapaho and some 30 
other chiefs and warriors were present. By this treaty the Sacs 
and Foxes ceded to the United States a strip of laud on the eastern 
border of Iowa .50 miles wide, from the northern boundarv of Mis- 
souri to the mouth of the Upper Iowa River, containing about 
6,000,000 acres. The western line of the purchase was parallel 
with the Mississippi. In consideration of this cession, the United 
States Government stipulated to pay annually to the confederated 
tribes, for 30 consecutive years, §20,000 in specie, and to pay 
the debts of the Indians at Rock Island, which had been accumula- 
ting for lY years, and amounted to $50,000 due to Davenport 
& Farnham, Indian traders. The Government also generously 
donated to the Sac and Fox women and children whose husbands 
and fiithers had fallen in the Black Hawk War, 35 beef cattle, 12 
bushels of salt, 30 barrels of pork, 50 barrels of flour and 6,000 
bushels of corn. 

The treaty was ratified Feb. 13, 1833, and took effect on the 1st 
of June following, when the Indians quietly removed from the 
ceded territory, and this fertile and beautiful region was opened to 
white settlers. 

By terms of the treaty, out of the Black Hawk purchase was 
reserved for the Sacs and Foxes 400 square miles of land, situated 
on the Iowa River, and including within its limits Keokuk vilhi'-'e, 
on the right bank of that river. This tract was known as Keokuk's 



IIISTOUV OK IOWA. Ill 

reserve, and was occupied by the Indians until 1S3G, when, by a 
treaty mule in September between tliera and Gov. Dodge, of Wis- 
consin Territory, it was ceded to the United States. The council 
was held on the banks of the Mississippi, above Davenport, and 
was the largest assemblage of the kind ever held by the Sacs and 
Foxes to treat for the sale of lands. About 1,000 of their chiefs 
and braves were present, and Keokuk was the leading spirit of tlie 
occasion, and their principal speaker. 

By the terms of this treaty, the Sacs and Foxes were removed to 
another reservation on the Des itoiues Hiver, where an agency was 
established for them at what is now the town of Agency City. The 
Government also gave out of the Ulack Hawk purchase to Antoine 
Le Clare, interpreter, in fee simple, one section of land opposite 
Rock Island, and another at the head of the first rapids above the 
island on the Iowa side. This was the first land title granted by 
the United States to an individual in Iowa. 

Gen. Joseph M. Street establisiied an agency among the Sacs and 
Foxes very soon after the removal of the latter to their new reserva- 
tion. He was transferred from the agency of the Winnebagoes for 
this pur]ioie. A farm was selected upon which the necessary build- 
ings were erected, including a comfortable farm house for the 
agent and his family, at the expense of the Iiulian fund. A sala- 
ried agent was employed to superintend the farm and dispose of the 
crops. Two mills were erected, one on Soaj) Creek and the other on 
Sugar Creek. The latter was soon swept away by a flood, but the 
former remained and did good service for many years. 

Connected with the agency were Joseph Snnirt and John Good- 
ell, interjjreters. The latter was intor])rL'tcr for Hard Fish's 
band. Three of the Indian chiefs, Ktokuk, Wapello and Appa- 
noose, had each a lai-ge field improved, the two former on the right 
bank of the Des Moines, back from the river, in what is now " Keo- 
kuk's Prairie," and the latter on ilie ])rejent site of the city of Ot- 
tuniwa. Among the traders connected with their agency were the 
Messrs. Ewing, fr.jin Ohio, and I'helps li: Co. from Illinois, and 
also J. P. Eddy, who established his post at what is now the site of 
Ed'lyville. The Indians at this agency became idle and listless in 
the absence of their natural and wonted excitements, and many of 
them plunged into dissipation. Keokuk himself became dissipated 
in the latter years of his life, and it has been reported that he died 
of delirium tremens nt'ter his removal with his tribe to Kansas. In 
May, 184:3, most of the Indians were removed up the Des Moines 



112 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

River, above the temporary line of Red Rock, having ceded the 
remnant of tlieir lands in Iowa to the United States, Sept. 21. 
1837, and October 11, 1842. By the terms of the latter treaty, they 
held possession of the " Now Purchase " till the autumn of 184.5, 
when the most of them were removed to their reservation in Kansas, 
the balance being removed in 1846. 

Before any permanent settlement was made in the Territory 
of Iowa, white adventurers, trappers and traders, many of whom 
were scattered along the Mississippi and its tributaries, as agents 
and employes of the American Fur Company, intermarried with the 
females of the Sac and Fox Indians, pro'ducing a race of half-breeds, 
whose number was never definitely ascertained. There were some 
respectable and excellent people among them, children of some re- 
finement and education. For instance: Dr. Muir, a gentleman 
educated at Edinburg, Scotland, a surgeon in the United States 
Army, stationed at a military post located on the present site of 
Warsaw, married an Indian woman, and reared his family of three 
daughters in the city of Keokuk. Other examples might be cited, 
but they are probably exceptions to tlie general rule, and the race 
is now nearly or quite extinct in Iowa. 

Aug. 4, 1824, a treatj' was made between the United States 
and the Sacs and Foxes, by which that portion of Lee County was 
reserved to the half-breeds of those tribes, and which was afterward 
known as the " half-breed tract." This reservation is the triangular 
piece of land containing about 119,000 acres, lying between the 
Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers. It is bounded on the north 
by the prolongation of the northern line of Missouri. This line 
was intended to be a straight one, running due east, which would 
have caused it to strike the Mississippi River at or below Montrose; 
but the surveyor who run it took no notice of the change in the 
variation of the needle, as he proceeded eastward, and, in conse- 
quence, the line he run was bent, deviating more and more to the 
northward of a direct line as he approached the Mississippi River, 
so that it struck that river at the lower edge of the town of Fort 
Madison. " This erroneous line," says Judge Mason, " has been 
acquiesced in as well in fixing the northern limit of the half-breed 
tract as in determining the northern boundary line of the State of 
Missouri." The line thus run included in the reservation a portion 
of the lower part of the city of Fort Madison, and all of the present 
townships of Yan Buren, Charleston, Jefferson, Des Moines,Mont- 
rose and Jackson. Under the treaty of 1824, the half-breeds had 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 113 

the right to occupy the soil, bnt could not convey it, the reversion 
being reserved to tlie United States. But Jan. 30, 1834, by 
act of Congress, this reversionary riglit was relinquished, and the 
half-breeds ac(iuired the lands in fee simple. This was no sooner 
done, than a horde of speculators rushed in to buy land of the half- 
breed owners, and, in many instances, a gun, blanket, pony or a few 
quarts of whisky was sufficient for the purchase of large estates. 
There was a deal of sharp practice on both sides. Indians would 
often claim ownership of land by virtue of being half-breeds, and 
had no difficulty in proving their nii.xed blood by the Indians, and 
they would then cheat the speculators by selling land to which they 
liad no rightful title. On the other hand, speculators often claimed 
land in which they had no ownership. It was diamond cut diamond, 
until at last things became badU' mixed. There were no authorized 
surveys, and no boundary lines to claim, and as a natural result, 
numerous conflicts and quarrels ensued. 

January 16, 1S38, Edward Johnstone, Thomas S. Wilson, and 
Davitl Brigham were appointed commissioners by the Wisconsin 
Legislature, clothed with power to settle their difficulties,' and to 
decide upon the validity of claims, or sell them for the benefit of the 
real owners. The act provided that these commissioners should 
be paid six dollars a day each. The commission entered upon its 
duties and continued until the next session of the Legislature, when 
the act creating it was repealed, invalidating all that had been done, 
and depriving the commissioners of their pay. The repealing act, 
however, authorized the commissioners to commence action against 
the owners of the Half-Breed Tract, to receive pay for their services, 
in the District Court of Lee County. Twp judgments were ob- 
tained, and on execution the whole act was sold to Hugh T. Reid, 
the sheriff executing the deed. Mr. Reid sold portions of it to 
various parties, but his own title was questioned and he became 
involved in litigation. Decisions in favor of Reid and those holding 
under him were made by both District and Supreme Courts; but 
in December, 1850, these decisions were finally reversed by the 
Supreme Court of the United States, in the case of Joseph Webster, 
plaintiff in error, vs. Hugh T. Reid, and the judgment titles failed. 

About nine years before the judgment titles were finally abro- 
gated &<* above, another class of titles was brought into competition 
with them, and in the conflict between the two, the final decision 
was obtained. These were the titles based on the " decree of 
partition " issued by the United States District Court, for the 



114 HISTOKT OF IOWA. 

Territory of Iowa, May 8, 1841, and certified to by the clerk on the 
2d day of June of the same year. Edward Johnstone and Hugh 
T. Reid, then law partners at Fort Madison, filed the petition for 
the decree in behalf of the St. Louis claimants of half-breed lands. 
Francis S. Key, author of the Star-Spangled Banner, who was 
tlien attorney for the New York Land Company, which held heavy 
interests in these lands, took a leading part in the measure and 
drew up the documents in which it was presented to the court. 
Judge Charles Mason, of Burlington, presided. The plan of par- 
tition divided the tract into 101 shares and arranged that each 
claimant should draw his proportion by lot, and sliould abide the 
result, whatever it might be. The arrangement was entered into, 
the lots drawn, and the plat of the same filed in the Kecorder's 
office. Oct. 6, 1S41. Upon this basis the titles to the land in 
the Ilalf-Breed Tract are now held. 

We subjoin a synopsis. of the diflferent treaties made with the 
Indians of Iowa. 

1. Treaty with the Sioux — Made July 15, 1875; ratified Dec. 
16, 1815. This treaty was made at Portage des Sioux of Min- 
nesota and Upper Iowa, and the United States, by William 
Clark and Ninian Edwards, Commissioners, and was merely a 
treatise of peace and friendship on the part of these Indians toward 
the United States at the close of the war of 1813. 

2. Treaty with the Sacs. — A similar treaty of peace was made 
at Portage des Siou.v, between the United States and the Sacs, by 
William Clark, Ninian Edwards and Auguste Choteau, on the 13th 
of Sept., 1815, and ratified at the same date as the above. In 
this the treaty of 1804 was re-afiirmed, and the Sacs here repre- 
sented promised for themselves and their bands to keep entirely 
separate from the Sacs of Tlock River, who, under Black Hawk, had 
joined the British in the war just then closed. 

3. Treaty with the Foxes. — A separate treaty of peace was 
made with the Foxes at Portage des Sioux, by the same commis- 
sioners, on the 14th of September, 1S15, and ratified the same as 
the above, wherein the Foxes re-affirmed the treaty of St. Louis, of 
Nov. 3, 1804, and agreed to deliver up all their prisoners to the 
officer in command at Fort Clark, now Peoria, Illinois. 

4. Treaty with the lowas. — A treaty of peace and mutual good- 
will was made between the United States and the Iowa tribe of 
Indians, at Portage des Sioux, by the same commissioners as above, 
on the 16th of Sept., 1815, at the close of the war with Great 
Britain, and ratified at the same date as the others. 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 115 

5. Treaty with the Sacs of Rock River — Made at St. Louis, 
on the thirteentli of May, 1816, botwooii the United States and the 
Sacs of Rock River, by the commissioners, "William Clark, Ninian 
Edwards and Auguste Chotoan, and ratified Dec. 30, IS 16. In 
this treaty, that of ISOl was re-established and enforced by the 
cliiefs and liead men of the Sacs of Rock River, and Black Hawk 
himself attached to it his signature, or, as he said, " touched the 
goose-quill." 

6. Treaty of 1824.— On the 4th of August, 1824, a treaty was 
made between the United States and the Sacs and Foxes, in the city 
of Washington, by William Clark, Commissioner, wherein the Sac 
and Fox nation relinquished their title to all lands -n Missouri, 
and that portion of the southeast corner of Iowa known as the 
" half-breed tract" was set off and reserved for the use of the half- 
breeds of the Sacs and Foxes, tliey holding title in the same manner 
as Indians. Ratified Jan. 18, 1825. 

7. Treaty of August 19, 1825. — At this date a treaty was made 
by William Clark and Lewis Cass, at Prairie duChien, between the 
United States and the Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, Menominees, 
Winuebagoes and a portion of the Ottawas and Pottawatomies. In 
this treaty, in order to make peace between the contending tribes as 
to the limits of their respective hunting grounds in Iowa, it was 
agreed that the United States Government should run a boundary 
line between the Sioux, on the north, and the Sacs and Foxes on the 
south, as follows: 

Commencing at the mouth of the Upper Iowa River, on the west 
bank of the Mississippi, and ascending said Iowa River to its west 
fork; thence up the fork to its source; thence crossing the fork of 
Red Cedar River in a direct line to the second or upper fork of the 
Des Moines River; thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the 
Calumet River, and down that fork to its junction with the Missouri 
River. 

8. Treaty of 1830.— On the 15th of July, 1830, the confederate 
tribes of tiie Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States a strip of 
country lying south of the above line, 20 miles in width, and 
extending along the line aforesaid from the Mississippi to the Des 
Moines River. The Sioux also, whose possessions were north of 
the line, ceded to the Government in the same treaty a like strip 
on the north side of the boundary. Tlius the United States, at tiie 
ratification of this treaty, Feb. 24, 1831, came into possession of a 
portion of Iowa 40 miled wide, extending along the Clark and Cass 



116 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

line of 1825, from the Mississippi to the Des Moines River. This 
territory was known as the '" Keutral Ground," and the tribes on 
either side of the line were allowed to fish and hunt on it unmo- 
lested until it was made a "Winnebago reservation, and the Winne- 
bagoes were removed to it in 1S41. 

9. Treaty with the S'lcs and Foxes and other Tribes. — At the 
same time of the above treaty respecting the " Neutral Ground " 
(July 15, 1S30), the Sacs and Foxes, Western Sioux. Omalias, lowas 
and Missouris ceded to the United States a portion of the western 
slope of Iowa, the boundaries of which were defined as follows : 
beginning at the upper fork of the Des Moines River, and passing 
the sources of the Little Sioux and Floyd Rivers, to the bank of the 
first creek that falls into the Big Sioux, or Calumet, on the east 
side; thence down said creek and the Calumet River to the Missouri 
River; thence down said Missouri River to the Missouri State line 
above the Kansas; thence along said line to the northwest corner 
of said State; thence to the high lands between the waters falling 
into the Missouri and Des Moines, passing to said high lands along 
the dividing ridge between the forks of the Grand River; thence 
along said high lands or ridge separating the waters of the Missouri 
from those of the Des Moines, to a point opposite the source of the 
Boyer River, and thence in a direct line to the upper fork of the 
Des Moines, the place of beginning. 

It was understood that the lands ceded and relinquished by this 
treaty were to be assigned and allotted, under the direction of the 
President of the United States, to the tribes then living thereon, 
or to such other tribes as the President might locate thereon for 
hunting and other purposes. In consideration of three tracts of 
land ceded in this treaty, the United States agreed to pay to the Sacs 
$3,000; to the Foxes. S^.OOO; to the Sioux, $2,000; to the Yankton 
and Santee bands of Sirmx, $3,000; to the Omahas, $1,500; and to 
the Ottoes and Missouris, $2,500, to be paid annually for 10 suc- 
cessive years. In addition to these annuities, the Government 
agreed to furnish some of the tribes with blacksmiths and agricultu- 
ral implements to the amount of $200 at the expense of the United 
States, and to set apart $3,000 annually for the education of the 
children of these tribes. It does not appear that any fort was 
erected in this Territory prior to the erection of Fort Atkinson on 
the Neutral Ground in 1840-'41. 

This treaty was made by William Clark, Superintendent of Indian 
.\ftairs, and Col. Willou<;hby Morgan, of the United States First 
Infantry, and came into effect by proclamation, Feb. 24, 1831. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 1 ] 7 

10. Treaty with the Wlnnehagoes — Made at Fort Armstrong, 
Rock Island, Sept. 15, 1832, by Gen. Winficld Scott and Hon. 
Jolin Reynolds, Governor of Illinois. In this treaty the Winne- 
bagoes ceded to the United States all their land lying on the east 
side of the Mississippi, and in part consideration therefor the 
United States granted to the Winnebagoes, to be held as other In- 
dian lands are held, that portion of Iowa known as the Neutral 
Grounds. The exchange of the two tracts of countiy was to take 
place on or before the 1st day of June, 1833. In addition to the 
Neutral Grounds, it was stipulated tliat the United States should 
give the Winnebagoes, beginning in September, 1833, and continu- 
ing for "27 successive years, $10,000 in specie, and establish a school 
among them, with a farm and garden, and provide other facilities 
for the education of their children, not to exceed in cost $3,000 a 
year, and to continue the same for 27 successive years. Six 
agriculturists, 12 yoke of oxen, and plows and other farming tools 
were to be supplied by the Government. 

11. Treaty of 'if^^2 vifk the Sacs and Foxes — Already men- 
tioned as the Black Ilawk purchase. 

12. Treaty of 183(5 withthe Sacs and Foxes — Ceding Keokuk's 
reserve to the United States, for which the Government stipulated 
to pay $30,000, and an annuity of $10,000 for 10 successive ye irs, 
together with other sums and debts of the Indians to various par- 
ties. 

13. Treaty of ISZl. —On the 21st of October, 1837, a treaty 
was made at the city of Washington, between Carey A. Harris, 
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the confederate tribes of Sacs 
and Foxes, ratified Feb. 21, 1838, wherein another slice of the soil 
of Iowa was obtained, described in the treaty as follows: " A tract 
of country containing 1,250,000 acres, lying west and adjoiningthe 
tract conveyed by them to the United States in tiie treaty of Sept. 
21. 1832. It is understood that the points of termination for the 
present cession shall be the northern and southern points of said 
tract as fixed by the survey made under the authority of the United 
States, and that a line shall be drawn between them so as to inter- 
sect aline extended westwardly from the angle of said tract nearly 
opposite to Rock Island, as laid down in the above survey, so far 
as may be necessary to include the number of acres hereby ceded, 
which last mentioned line, it is estimated, will be about 25 miles." 

Thisjiiece of land was about 25 miles in the middle, and ran off 
to a j)oint at both ends, lying directly back of the Black Hawk pur- 
chase, and of the same length. 



118 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



14. Treaty of Relinquishment. — At the same date as the above 
treat}', in the city of "Washington, Carey A. Harris, Commissioner, 
the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States all their riglit and 
interest in the country lying south of the boundary line between 
the Sacs, Foxes and Sioux, as described in the treaty of Aug. 19, 
1825, and between the Missouri and Mississippi Eivers, the United 
States paying for the same $160,000. The Indians also gave up 
all claims and interests under the treaties previously made with 
them, for the satisfaction of which no appropriations had been 
made. 

15. Treaty of 1842. — The last treaty was made with the Sacs 
and Foxes Oct. 11, 1842; ratified March 23, 1843. It was made at 
the Sac and Fox agency (Agency City), by John Chambers, Com- 
missioner on behalf of the United States. In this treaty the Sac 
and Fox Indians ceded to the United States all their lands west of 
the Mississippi to which they had any claim or title. Qy the terms 
of this treaty they were to be removed from the country at the ex- 
piration of three years, and all who remained after that were to 
move at their own expense. Part of them were removed to 
Kansas in the fall of 1845, and the rest the spring following. 

OLD CLAIMS. 

When Louisiana was under Spanish rule, certain claims to and 
grants of land were made by the Spanish authorities, with which, 
in addition to the extinguishment of Indian titles, the United States 
had to deal. These have been alluded to in another section, but 
it is proper they should be further reviewed in the light of claims 
to land. 

Dubuque. Sept. 22, 1788, Julien Dubuque, a Frenchman from 
Prairie du Chien, obtained from the Foxes a cession or lease of 
lands oa the Mississippi River for mining purposes, on the site 
of the present city of Dubuque. Lead had been discovered here 
eight years before, in 1780, by the wife of Peusa Fox, a warrior, 
•And Dubuque's claim embraced nearly all the lead-bearing lands 
in that vicinity. He immediately took possession of his claim and 
commenced mining, at the same time making a settlement. Tlie 
place became known as the " Spanish Mines," or, more commonly, 
Dubuque's Lead Mines. In 1796, Dubuque filed a petition with 
Baron de Carondelet, the Spanish Governor of Louisiana, asking 
that the tract ceded to him by the Indians might be granted to 
him by patent from the Spanish Government. In this petition he 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 119 

set forth, rather definitely, the boundaries of this claim as " about 
seven leagues along the Mississippi River," intending to include, 
as is supposed, the river front between the Little Maquoketa and 
the Tete des Mertz Rivers, embracing more than 20,000 acres. 
Carondelet granted the prayer of the petition, and the grant was 
subsequently confirmed by the Board of Land Commissioners of 
Louisiana. In October, 1804, Dubuque transferred the larger part 
of his claim to Auguste Chotcau, of St. Louis, and May 17, 1805, 
he and Choteau jointly filed their claims with the Board of Com- 
missioners. 

Sept. 20, 1806, the Baard decided in their favor, pronouncing 
the claim to be a regular Spanish grant, made and completed prior 
to Oct. 1, 1800, only one member, J. B. C. Lucas, dissenting. 
Dubuque died March 24, 1810. The Indians understanding that 
the claim of Dubuque under their former act of cession was only a 
permit to occupy the tract and work the mines during his life, and 
at his death reverted to them, took possession and continued min- 
ing operations, and were sustained by the military authority of the 
United States, notwithstanding the decision of the Commissioners. 

When the Black Hawk purchase was consummated, the Dubuque 
claims thus held by the Indians was absorbed by the United States, 
as the Sacs and Foxes made no reservation of it in the treaty of 1832. 
The heirs of Choteau, however, were not disposed to relinquish 
their claims without a struggle. Late in 1832 they employed an 
agent to look after their interests, and authorized him to lease the 
ritrht to digr lead in the lands. The miners who commenced work 
under this agent were compelled by the military to abandon their 
operations, and one of the claimants went to Galena to institute 
legal proceedings, but found no court of competent jurisdiction, 
although he did bring an action for the recovery of a quantity of lead 
dug at Dubuque, for the purpose of testing the title. Being unable 
to identify the lead, he was non-suited. 

By act of Congress, approved July 2, 1836, the town of Dubuque 
was surveyed and platted. After lots had been sold and occupied 
by the purchaser, Henry Choteau brought an action of ejectment 
against Patrick Maloney,who held land in Dubuque under a patent 
from the United States for the recovery of seven undivided eighth 
parts of the Dubuque claim, as purchased by Auguste Choteau in 
1804. The case was tried in the District Court of the United States 
for the District of Iowa, and was decided adversely to the plaintiff. 
The case was then carried to the Supreme Court of the United 



120 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

States on a writ of error, when it was lieard at the December term, 
1S53, and tlie decision of the lower court was affirmed, the court 
holding that the permit from Carondelet was merely a lease or 
permit to work the mines; that Dnbuque asked, and the Governor 
of Louisiana granted, nothing more than the " peaceable possession" 
of certain lauds obtained from tlie Indians; tliat Carondelet had 
no legal authority to make such a grant as claimed; and that, even 
if he had, this was but an "inchoate and imperfect title." 

A tract of land was granted to Louis Ilonori, in March, 1799, 
by Zenau Trudeau, acting Lieut. Governor of Upper Louisiana. 
This tract was on the site of the present town of Montrose, and was 
granted as follows: " It is permitted to Mr. Louis (Fresson) Honori ' 
or Louis Honori Fresson, to establish himself at the head of the 
rapids of the river Des Moines, and his establishment once formed, 
notice of it shall be given to the Governor-General, in order to 
obtain for him a commission of a space sufficient to give value to 
such establishment, and at the same time to render it useful to the 
commerce of the peltries of this country, to watch the Indians and 
keep them in the fidelity which they owe to his majesty." Ilonori 
immediately took possession of his claim, which he retained until 
1805. While trading with the natives he became indebted to 
Joseph Robedeaux, who obtained an execution on which the 
property was sold May 13, 1803, and was purchased by the creditors. 
In these proceedings the property was described as being " about six 
leagues above the River Des Moines." Robedeaux died soon after 
he purchased the property. Auguste Choteau, his executor, dis- 
posed of the Honori tract to Thomas F. Reddeck, in April, 1805, 
up to which time Honori continued to occupy it. The grant, as 
made by the Spanish Government, was a league square, but only 
one mile square was confirmed by the United States. After the 
half-breeds sold their lands, in which the Honori grant was 
included, various claimants resorted to litigation in attempts to 
invalidate the title of the Reddeck heirs, butit was finally confirmed 
by a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1839, 
and is the oldest legal title to any land in the State of Iowa. 

In 1795, a tract of land was granted to Basil Girard by the 
Lieut. Governor of Upper Louisiana. There were 5,860 acres in 
this tract, and was on the site of what is now Cla3'ton County, and 
was known as the "Girard Tract." He occupied the land during 
the time that Iowa passed from Spain to France, and from France 
to the United States, in consideration of which the Federal Govern- 



UISTOKY OF IOWA. 121 

ment grauted a patent of the same to Girard in bis own right. His 
lieirs sold the whole tract to James 11. Lockwood and Thomas P. 
Burnett, of Prairie dii Chien, for $3()0. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

We have already alluded to tlie first permanent settlement made 
by whites within the limits of Iowa, by Julien Dubuque, iu 17SS, 
when, with a small party of miners, he settled on the site of the 
city that now bears his name, where he lived until his death, in 
1810. "What was known as the Girard settlement, opposite Prairie 
du Chien, was made by some parties prior to the commencement of 
the present century. It consisted of three cabins in 1805. Louis 
Honori settled on the site of the present town of Montrose, probably 
in 1799, and resided there until 1S05, when his property passed 
into other hands. Indian traders had established themselves at 
various points at an early date. Mr. Johnson, an agent of the 
American Fur Company, had a trading post below Burlington, 
where he carried on traffic with the Indians some time before the 
United States purchased Louisiana. In 1S20, Le Moliese, a French 
trader, had a station at what is now Sandusky, six miles above 
Keokuk, in Lee County. The same year a cabin was built in Lee 
County where the city of Keokuk now stands, by Dr. Samuel C. 
Muir, a surgeon in the United States army. His marriage and 
subsequent life were so romantic that we give a brief sketch: 

While stationed at a military post on the Upper Mississippi, 
the ])ost was visited by a beautiful Indian maiden — whose native 
name unfortunately has not been preserved — who, in her dreams, 
had seen a white brave unmoor his canoe, paddle it across the river 
and come directlj' to her lodge. She felt assured, according to the 
superstitious belief of her race, that in her dreams she had seen 
her future husband, and had come to the fort to find him. Meet- 
ing Dr. Muir she instantly recognized him as the hero of her 
dream, which, with childlike innocence and simplicity, she related 
to him. Her dream was, indeed, prophetic. Charmed with So- 
phia's beauty, innocence and devotion, the Doctor honorably mar- 
ried her, but after a while the sneers and gibes of his brother 
officers — less honorable than he, perhaps— made him feel ashamed of 
his dark-skinned wife, and when his regiment was ordered down 
the river to Bellefontaine, it is said he embraced tiie opportunity 
to rid himself of her, and left her, never expecting to see her again, 



122 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

and little dreaming that she would have the courage to follow him. 
But, with her infant child, this intrepid wife and mother started 
alone in her canoe, and after many days of weary labor and a lonely 
journey of 900 miles, she at last reached him. She afterward re- 
marked, when speaking of this toilsome journey down the river in 
search of her husband, "When 1 got there I was all perished 
away — so thin!" The Doctor, touched by such unexampled devo- 
tion, took her to his heart, and ever after until his death treated 
her with marked respect. She always presided at his table with 
grace and dignity, but never abandoned her native style of dress. 
In 1819--'20 he was stationed at Fort Edward, now Warsaw, but 
the senseless ridicule of some of his brother officers on account of 
his Indian wife induced him to resign his commission. He then built 
a cabin as above stated, where Keokuk is now situated, and made a 
claim to some land. This claim he leased to Otis Eeynolds and 
John Culver, of St. Louis, and went to La Pointe (afterward Ga- 
lena), where he practiced his profession for 10 years, when he re- 
turned to Keokuk. His Indian wife bore to him four children — 
Louise, James, Mary and Sophia. Dr. Muir died suddenly of 
cholera in 1832, but left his property in such a condition that it 
was soon wasted in vexatious litigation, and his brave and faithful 
wife, left friendless and penniless, became discouraged, and, with 
her two younger children, disappeared. It is said she returned to 
her people on the Upper Missouri. 

The gentleman who had leased Dr. Muir's claim at Keokuk, sub- 
sequently employed as their agent Moses Stillwell, who arrived 
with his family in 1828, and took possession. His brothers-in-law, 
Amos and Valencourt Van Ansdal, came with him and settled 
near. Mr. Stillwell's daughter Margaret (afterward Mrs. Ford), 
was born in 1831 at the foot of the rapids, called by the Indians 
Puckashetuck. She was probably the first white American child 
bpru in Iowa. 

In 1829 Dr. Isaac Gallaud made a settlement on the Lower 
Kapids, at what is now Nashville. The same year James S. 
Langwortliy, who had been engaged in lead mining at Galena 
since 1824, resolved to visit the Dubuque mines. The lead mines 
in the Dubuque region were an object of great interest to the 
miners about Galena, for tliey were known to be rich in lead ore. 
To explore these mines and to obtain permission to work them was 
therefore eminently desirable. Crossing the Mississippi at a point 
now known as Dunleith in a canoe, and swimming his horse by his 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 123 

Bide, he landed on the spot now known as the Jones Street Levee. 
Before him was spread out a beautiful jjrairio, on which the city 
of Dubuque now stands. Tvvo miles south, at the mouth of Catfish 
Creek, was a village of Sacs and Foxes. Tliither Mr. Langworthy 
proceeded, and was well received by the natives. He endeavored 
to obtain permission from them to mine in their hills, but this they 
refused. lie, however, succeeded in gaining the confidence of the 
cliief to such an e.xtent as to be allowed to travel in the interior for 
three weeks and explore the country. He emploj'ed two young 
Indians as guides, and traversed in different directions the whole 
region lying between the Mvqnoketa and Turkey Hivers. He 
returned to the village, secured the good will of the Indians, and, 
returning to Galena, formed plans for future operations, to be exe- 
cuted as soon as the circumstances would permit. In the following 
year, with his brotlier, Lucius H., and others, having obtained the 
consent of the Indians, Mr. Langworthy crossed the Mississippi and 
commenced mining in the vicinitj' around Dubuque. 

Although these lands had been purchased from France, they were 
not in the actual possession of the United Status. The Indian titles 
had not been extinguished, and these adventurous persons were 
beyond the limits of any State or Territorial government. The 
first settlers were therefore obliged to be their own law-makers, and 
to agree to such regulations as the exigencies of the case demanded. 
The first act resembling civil legislation in Iowa was done by the 
miners at this point, in June, 1830. T!;ey met on the bank of the 
river, by the side of an old cottonwood drift log, at what is now 
the Jones Street Levee, Dubuque, and elected a committee, con- 
sisting of J. L. Langwortliy, H. F. Lander, James McPhetres, Sam'l 
Scales and E. M. Wren. This may be called the first Legislature in 
Iowa, the members of whicli gathered around that old cottonwood 
log, and agreed to and reported the following, written by Mr. 
Langworthy On a half sheet of coarse, unruled paper, the old log 
being the writing desk: 

"We, a committee, having been chosen to draft certain rules and 
regulations (laws), by which we as miners will be governed, and 
having duly considered the subject, do unanimously agree that we 
will be governed by the regulations on the east side of the Missis- 
sippi River, with the following exceptions, to-wit: 

'•Article I. That each and every man shall hold 200 yards square 
of ground by working said ground one day in six. 



124 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

"Article II. We farther agree that there shall be chosen by the 
majority of the miners present, a person who shall hold this article, 
and who shall grant letters of arbitration on application having 
been made, and that said letters of arbitration shall be obligatory on 
the parties so applying." 

The report was accepted by the miners present, who elected Dr. 
Jarote in accordance with article second. Here then, we have in 
1830, a primitive legislature elected by the people, the law drafted 
by it being submitted to the people for approval, and under it Dr. 
Jarote was elected first governor. And the laws thus enacted were 
as promptly obeyed as any have been since. 

After this, the miners who had thus erected au independent 
government of their own on the west side of the Mississippi River, 
continued to work successfully for a long time, and the new settle- 
ment attracted considerable attention. But the west side of the 
Mississippi belonged to the Sac and Fox Indians, and the Govern, 
ment, in order to preserve peace on the frontier, as well as to pro- 
tect the Indians in their rights under the treaty, ordered the set- 
tlers not only to stop mining, but to remove from the Indian Ter- 
ritory. They were simply intruders. The execution of this order 
was intrusted to Col. Zachary Taylor, then in command of the 
military post at Prairie du Chicn, who, early in July, sent an offi- 
cer to the miners to forbid settlement, and to command the miners 
to remove within 10 days to the east side of the Mississippi, or 
they would be driven ofl by armed force. Tiie miners, however, 
were reluctant about leaving the rich "leads" they had already 
discovered and opened, and were not disposed to obey the order 
to remove with any considerable degree of alacrity. In due time 
Col. Taylor dispatched a detachment of troops to enforce his 
order. The miners, anticipating their arrival, had, excepting three, 
recrossed the river, and from the east bank saw the troops land on 
the western shore. The three who had lingered a little too long 
were, however, permitted to make their escape unmolested. From 
this time a military force was stationed at Dubuque to prevent the 
settlers from returning, until June, 1833. The Indians returned, 
and were encouraged to operate the rich mines opened by the late 
white occupants. 

In June, 1832, the troops were ordered to the east side of the 
Mississippi to assist in the annihilation of the very Indians whose 
rights they had been protecting on the west side. Immediately 
after the close of the Black Hawk war, and the negotiations of 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 125 

the treaty in Sept., 1832, by whicli tlio Sacs and Foxes ceded tlie 
tract known as the "Bhvck Hawk Purchase," the settlers, suppos- 
ing that now they had a right to re-enter the territory, returned 
and took possession of their cLaims, built cabins, erected furnaces 
and prepared large quantities of lead for market. But the pros- 
pects of the hardy and enterprising settlors and miners were again 
ruthlessly interfered with by the Government, on the ground that 
the treaty witli the Indians would not go into force until June 1, 
1S33, although they had withdrawn from the vicinity of the settle- 
ment. Col. Taylor was again ordered by the "War Department to 
remove the miners, and in January-, 1833, troops were again sent 
from Prairie du Ciiien to Dubuque for that purpose. This was a 
serious and perhaps unnecessary hardship imposed upon the mi- 
ners. They were compelled to abandon their cabins and homes 
in mid-winter. This, too, was uidy out of respect for forms; for 
the purchase had been made, and the Indians had retired. After 
the lapse of 50 years, no very satisfactory reason for this rigor- 
ous action of the Government can be given. But the orders had 
been given, and there was no alternative but to obey. Many of 
the settlers re-crossed the river, and did not return; a few, how- 
ever, removed to an island near the east bank of the river, built 
rude cabins of poles, in which to store their lead until spring, when 
tliey conld float the fruits of their labor to St. Louis for sale, and 
where they could remain until the treaty went into force, wlien 
they could return. Among these were the Langworthy brothers, 
who had on hand about 300,000 pounds of lead. 

No sooner had the miners left than Lieut. Covington, who liad 
been placed in command at Dubuque, by Col. Taylor, ordered 
some of the cabins of the settlers to be torn down, and wagons 
and other property to be destroyed. This wanton and inexcusable 
action on the part of a subordinate, clothed with a little brief au- 
thority, was sternly rebuked by Col. Taylor, and Covington was 
superseded by Lieut. Geo. Wilson, who pursued a just and 
friendly course with the pioneers, that were only waiting for 
the time when they could repossess their claims. 

Tiie treaty went formally into effect June, 1803, the troops were 
withdrawn, and the Langworthy brotliers and a few others at once 
returned and resumed possession of their homes and claims. From 
this time must date the first permanent settlement of this portion 
of Iowa. Mr. John P. Sheldon was appointed superintendent of 
the mines by the Government, and a system of permits to miners 



126 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

and licenses to smelters was adopted, similar to that which had 
heen in operation at Galena since 1825, under Lieut. Martin 
Thomas and Capt. Thomas C. Leij;ate. Substantially the primitive 
law enacted by the miners assembled around that old cottonwood 
drift log in 1830, was adopted and enforced by the United States 
Government, except that miners were required to sell their mineral 
to licensed smelters, and the smelter was required to give bonds for 
the payment of six per cent, of all lead manufactured to the Govern- 
ment. The rule in the United States mines on Fever Kiver in 
Illinois had been, until 1830, that the mineis must pay a 10 per 
cent. tax. This tax upon the miners created much dissatisfaction 
among the miners on the west side, as it had on the east side of the 
Mississippi. They thought they had suffered hardships and priva- 
tions enough in opening the way for civilization, without being 
subjected to the imposition of an odious Government tax upon 
their means of subsistence, when the Federal Government could 
better afford to aid than to extort from them. The measure soon 
became very unpopular. It was difficult to collect the taxes, and 
the whole system was abolished in about 10 years. 

About 500 people arrived in the mining district in 1833, after 
the Indian title was fully extinguished, of whom 150 were from 
Galena. In the same year Mr. Langworthy assisted in building 
the first school-house in Iowa, and thus was formed the nucleus of 
the populous and thriving city of Dubuque. Mr. Langworthy 
lived to see the naked prairie on which he first settled become the 
site of a city of 15,000 inhabitants, the small school-house which 
he aided in constructing replaced by three substantial edifices, 
wherein 2,000 children were being trained, chuiches erected in 
every part of the city, and railroads connecting the wilderness 
which he first explored with all the eastern world. He died sud- 
denly on the 13th of March, 1865, while on a trip over the Du- 
buque & Southern Hailroad, at Monticello, and the evening train 
brought the news of his death, and his remains. 

Lucius H. Langworthy, his brother, was one of the most worthy, 
gifted and influential of the old settlers of this section of Iowa. He 
died greatly lamented by many friends, in June, 1865. 

The name Dubuque was given to the settlement by the miners, 
at a meeting held in 183-1. 

Soon after the close of the Black Hawk war in 1832, Zachariah 
Hawkins, Benjamin Jennings, Aaron White, Augustine Horton, 
Samuel Gooch, Daniel Tiiompson and Peter Williams made claims 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 127 

at Fort Madison. In 1833 Geii. John II. Knapp and Col. N'atlianiel 
Knapp purchased these chiims, and in the summer of 1835 they 
laid out the town of " Fort Madison." Lote were exposed for sale 
early in 1836. The town was subsequently re-surveyed and platted 
by the United States Govern uient. The population rapidly in- 
creased, and in less than two years the beautiful location was cov- 
ered b}^ a flourishinof town, containing nearly 600 inhabitants, with 
a large proportion of enterprising merciiants, mechanics and man- 
ufacturers. 

In the fall of 1832, Simpson S. White erected a cabin on the site 
of Burlington, 79 miles below Rock Island. During the war 
parties had looked longingly upon the " Flint Hills " from the 
opposite side of the river, and White was soon followed by otiiers. 
David Tothers made a claim on tlie prairie about three miles back 
from the river, at a place since known as the farm of Judge Mor- 
gan. The following winter the settlers were driven oiF by the mil- 
itary from Rock Island, as intruders upon the rights of the Indians. 
White's cabin was burned by the soldiers. lie returned to Illinois, 
where he remained during the winter, and in the following sum- 
mer, as soon as the Indian title was extinguished, returned and 
rebuilt his cabin. White was joined by his brother-in-law, Doo- 
]ittle, and they laid out the town of Burlington in 1834, on a beau- 
tiful area of sloping eminences and gentle declivities, enclosed 
within a natural amphitheater formed by the surrounding hills, 
which were crowned with luxuriant forests and presented the most 
picturesque scenery. The same autumn witnessed the opening 
of the tirst dry-goods stores by Dr. W. R. Ross and Major 
Jeremiah Smith, each well supplied with Western merchandise. 
Such was the beginning of Burlington, which in less than four years 
became the seat of government for tlie Territory of Wisconsin, 
and in three years more contained a population of 1,400 persons. 

Immediately after the treaty with the Sacs and Fo.xes, in Sept., 
1832, Col. George Davenport made the first claim on the site of 
the present thriving city of Davenport. As early as 1827, Col. 
Davenport had established a flat-boat ferry, which ran between the 
island and the main shore of Iowa, by whicii he carried on a trade 
with the Indians west of the Mississippi. In 1833, Capt. Benjamin 
W. Clark moved from Illinois, and laid the foundation of the town 
of Buffalo, in Scott county, which was the first actual settlement 
within the limits of that county. 



128 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

The first settlers of Davenport were Antoine Le Claire, Col. 
George Davenport, Major Thomas Smith, Major Wra. Gordon, 
Philip Hambough, Alexander ^Y. McGregor, Levi S. Colton, Capt. 
James May and others. 

A settlement was made inCIa3'ton County in the spring of 1S32, 
on Turkey River, by Robert Hatfield and Wm. W. Wayman. No 
further settlement was made in this part of the State until 1S36. 

Tiie first settlers of Muscatine Counry were Benjamin Nye, John 
Vanater, and G. W. Kasey, all of whom came in lS3-i. E. E. 
Fay, Wm. St. John, N. FuUington, H. Reece, Jona Pettibone, R. 
P. Lowe, Stephen Whiclier, Abijah Whitney, J. E. Fletcher, W. 
D. Abernethy and Alexis Smith were also early settlers of Musca 
tine. 

As early as 182J-, a French trader named Hart had established a 
trading post, and built a cabin on the bluffs above the large spring 
now known as "Myntter Spring," within the limits of the present 
city of Council BluflFs, and had probably been there some time, as 
the post was known to the employes of the American Fur Com- 
pany as " La Cote de Hart," or " Hart's Bluff." 

In 1827 an agent of the American Fur Company, Francis Gait- 
tar, with others, encamped in the timber at the foot of the bluffs, 
about on the present location of Broadway, and afterward settled 
there. In 1839 a block house was built on the bluff in tiie east 
part of the city. The Pottawatomie Indians occupied this part of 
the State until lS-i6-7, when they relinquished the territory and 
removed to Kansas. Billy Caldwell was then principal chief. 
There were no white settlers in that part of the State except Indian 
traders, until the arrival of the Mormons under the lead of Brig- 
ham Young. These people on their way westward halted for the 
winter of ISIG-'?, on the west bank of the Missouri River, about 
five miles above Omaha, at a place now called Florence. Some of 
them had reached the eastern bank of the river the spring before 
in season to plant a crop. In the spring of 1847 Young and a 
portion of the colony pursued their journey to Salt Lake, but a 
large portion of them returned to the Iowa side and settled mainly 
within the present limits of Pottawatomie County. The princi- 
pal settlement of this strange community was at a place first called 
" Miller's Hollow," on Indian Creek, and afterward named Kanes- 
ville, in honor of Col. Kane, of Pennsylvania, who visited them 
soon afterward. The Mormon settlement extended over the CDunty 
and into neighboring counties, wherever timber and water fur- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 129 

nished desirable locations. Orson Ilyde, priest, lawyer and editor, 
\ras installed as President of the Quorum of Twelve, and all that 
part of the State remained under Mormon control for several years. 
In 1S47 they raised a battalion numberin2; 500 men, for the Mexi- 
can war. In 1S4S Hyde started a paper called the Frontier Guar- 
dian, at Kanesville. In 1849, after many of the faithful had left 
to join Brigham Youn<i; at Salt Lake, the Mormons in this section 
of Iowa numbered 6,552, and in 1850, 7,828, but they were not 
all within the limits of Pottawatomie County. This county was 
organized in 1848, all the first officials being Mormons. In 1852 
the order was promulgated that all the true believers should gather 
together at Salt Lake. Gentiles flocked in, and in a few years 
nearly all the first settlers were gone. 

May 9, 1843, Capt. James Allen, with a small detachment of 
troops on board the steamer " lone," arrived at the present site of 
the capital of the State, Des Moines. This was the first steamer 
to ascend the Des Moines River to this point. The troops and 
stores were landed at what is now the foot of Court Avenue, Des 
Moines, and Capt. Allen returned in the steamer to Fort Sanford 
to arrange for bringing up more soldiers and supplies. In due 
time they too arrived, and a furt was built near the mouth of Rac- 
coon Fork, at its confluence with the Des Moines, and named Fort 
Des Moines. Soon after the arrival of the troops, a trading post 
was established on the east side of the river by two noted Indian 
ti-aders named Ewing, from Ohio. Among the first settlers in 
this part of Iowa were Benjamin Bryant, J. B. Scott, James Drake 
(gunsmith), John Sturtevant, Robert Kinzie, Alexander Turner, 
Peter Newcomer and others. 

Such was the first advance of the Anglo-American population 
west of the Upper Mississippi within the district and territory of 
Iowa. 



PIONEER LIFE. 

Most of the early settlers of Iowa came from older States, as 
Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio, where their prospects for even 
a competency were very poor. They found those States good — to 
emigrate from. Their entire stock of furniture, implements and 
family necessities were easily stored in one wagon, and sometimes 
a cart was their only vehicle. 

THE LOG CABIN. 

After arriving and selecting a suitable location, the next thing 
to do was to build a log cabin, a description of which may be 
interesting to many of our younger readers, as in some sections 
these old-time structures are no more to be seen. Trees of uniform 
size were chosen and cut into logs of the desired length, generally 
12 to 15 feet, and hauled to the spot selected for the future dwelling. 
On an appointed day the few neighbors who were available would 
assemble and have a " house-raising." Each end of every log was 
saddled and notched so that they would lie as close down as possible; 
the next day the proprietor would proceed to " chink " and "daub " 
the cabin, to keep out the rain, wind and cold. The house had to 
be re-daubed every fall, as the rains of the intervening time would 
wash out a great part of the mortar. The usual height of the house 
was seven or eight feet. The gables were formed by shortening the 
logs gradually at each end of the building near the top. The roof 
was made by laying very straight small logs or stout poles suitable 
distances apart, and on these were laid the clapboards, somewhat 
like shingling, generally about two and a half feet to the weather. 
These clapboards were fastened to their place by " weight-poles " 
corresponding in place with thejoists just described, and these again 
were held in their place by "runs" or "knees " which were chunks 
of wood about IS or 20 inches long fitted between them near the 
ends. Clapboards were made from the nicest oaks in the vicinity, 
by chopping or sawing them into four-foot blocks and riving these 
with a frow, which was a simple blade fi.xed at right angles to its 
handles. This was driven into the blocks of wood by a mallet. 

(130) 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 131 

As the frow was wrenched down through the wood, the latter was 
turned alternately over from side to side, one end being held by a 
I'orked piece of timber. 

The chimney to the Western pioneer's cabin was made by leaving 
in the orii^inal building a large open place in one wall, or by 
cutting one alter the structure was up, and by building on the out- 
side from the ground up, a stone column, or a column of sticks and 
mud, the sticks being laid up cob-liouse fashion. The fireplace 
thus made was often large enough to receive fire-wood six to eight 
feet long. Sometimes this wood, especially the "back-log," would 
be nearly as large as a saw-log. The more rapidly the pioneer could 
burn up the wood in his vicinity the sooner he had his little farm 
cleared and ready for cultivation. For a window, a piece about 
two feet long was cutoutofoneof the wall logs, and the hole closed, 
sometimes by glass, but generally with greased paper. Even greased 
deer-hide was sometimes used. A doorway was cut through one of 
the walls if a saw was to be had; otherwise the door would be left 
by shortened logs in the original building. The door was made by 
pinning clap-boards to two or three wood bars, and was hung upon 
wooden hinges. A wooden latch, with catch, then finished the 
door, and the latch -was raised by any one on the outside by pulling 
a leather string. For security at night this iatcli-string was drawn 
in; but for friends and neighbors, and even strangers, the "latch- 
string was always hanging out," as a welcome. In the interior over 
the fire-place would be a shelf, called " the mantel," on which stood 
the candlestick or lamp, some cooking and table ware, possibly an 
old clock, and other articles; in the fire-])lace would be the crane, 
sometimes of iron, sometimes of wood; on it the pots v>'ere hung for 
cooking; over the door, in forked cleats, hung the ever-trustful rifle 
and powder-horn ; in one corner stood the largor bed for the '' old 
folks," and under it the trundle-bed for the children; in another 
stood the old-i'ashioned spinning-wheel, with a smaller one by its 
side; in another the heavy table, the only table, of course, there 
was in the house; in the remaining was a rude cupboard holding 
the table-ware, which consisted of a few cups and saucers, and blue- 
edged plates, standing singly on their edges against the back, to 
make the display of table-furniture more conspicuous; while around 
the room were scattered a few splint-bjttom or Windsor chairs, and 
two or three stools. 

These simple cabins were inhabited by a kind and true-hearted 

ueople. They were strangers to mock tnodesty, and the traveler 

seeking lodging for the night, or desirous of spending a few days 



132 HISTORIC OF IOWA. 

in the community, if willing to accept the rude offering, was always 
welcome, although how they were disposed of at night tlie reader 
might not easily imagine; for, as described, a single room was 
made to answer for kitchen, dining-room, sitting-i'oora, bed- 
room and parlor, and many families consisted of six or eight mem- 
bers. 

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS. 

The bed was very often made by fixing a post in the floor about 
six feet from one wall and four feet from the adjoining wall, and 
fastening a stick to this post about two feet above the floor, on each 
of two sides, so that the other end of each of the two sticks could 
be fastened in the opposite wall; clapboards were laid across these, 
and thus the bed was made complete. Guests were given this bed, 
while the family disposed of themselves in another corner of the 
room, or in the "loft." When several guests were on hand at 
once they were sometimes kept over night in the following manner: 
When bed-time came the men were requested to step out of doors 
while the women spread out a broad bed upon the mid-floor, and 
put themselves to bed in the center; the signal was given, and 
the men came in and each husband to jk his place in bed next his 
own wife, and the single men outside beyond them again. They 
were generally so crowded that they had to lie " spoon" fashion, 
and when any one wished to turn over he would say "Spoon," and 
the whole company of sleepers would turn over at once. This was 
the only way they could all keep in bed. 

COOKINa. 

To witness the various processes of cooking in those days would 
alike surprise and amuse those who have grown up since cooking 
stoves and ranges came into use. Kettles were hung over the 
large fire, suspended with pot-hooks, iron or wooden, on the crane, 
or on poles, one end of which would rest upon a chain. The long- 
handled fi-ying-pan was used for cooking meat. It was either held 
over the blaze by hand or set down upon coals drawn out upon the 
hearth. This pan was also used for baking pancakes, also called 
"flap-jacks," batter- cakes, etc. A better article for this, however, 
was the cast-iron spider, or Dutch skillet. The best thing for bak- 
ing bread those days, and possibly even in these latter days, was 
the flat-bottomed bake kettle, of greater depth, with closely fitting 
cast-iron cover, and commonly known as the Dutch oven. With 



HISTOKV OF IOWA. 133 

coals over and under it, bread and biscuit would quickly and nicely 
bake. Turkey and spare-ribs were sometimes roasted before the 
fire, suspended by a string, a dish being placed underneath to 
catch the drippings. 

Hominy and samp were very much used. The hominy, how- 
ever, was generally hulled corn — boiled corn from which the hull 
or bran had been taken by hot lye; hence somtimes called "lye 
hominy." True hominy and samp were made of pounded corn. 
A popular method of making tliis, as well as real meal for bread, 
was to cut out or burn a large hole in the top of a huge stump, in 
the shape of a mortar, and pounding the corn in tliis by a maul or 
beetle suspended by a swing pole like a well-sweep. This and the 
well-sweep consisted of a pole 20 to 30 feet long fixed in an up- 
right fork so that it could be worked " teeter " fashion. It was a 
rapid and simple way of drawing water. "When the samp was 
sufliciently pounded it was taken out, the bran floated off, and the 
delicious grain boiled like rice. 

The chief articles of diet in an early day were corn bread, hom- 
iny or samp, venison, pork, honey, pumpkin (dried pumpkin for 
more than half the year), turkey, prairie chicken, squirrel and 
some other game, with a few additional vegetables a portion of the 
year. Wheat bread, tea, coffee and fruit were luxuries not to be 
indulged in except on special occasions, as when visitors were 
present. 

women's work. 

Besides cooking in the manner described, the women had many 
other arduous duties to perform, one of the chief of which was 
spinning. The " big wheel " was used for spinning yarn, and the 
"little wheel" for spinning flax. These stringed instruments fur- 
nished the principal music of the family, and were operated by our 
mothers and grandmothers with great skill, attained without pecu- 
niary expense, and with far less practice than is necessary for the 
girls of our period to acquire a skillful use of their costly and ele- 
gant instruments. But those wheels, indispensable a few years ago, 
are all now superseded by the mighty factories which overspread 
the country, furnishing cloth of all kinds at an expense ten times 
less than would be incurred now by the old system. 

The loom was not less necessary than the wheel, though they 
were not needed in so great numbers; not every house had a loom; 
one loom had a capacity for the needs of several families. Settlers, 



134 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

having succeeded in spite of the wolves in raising sheep, com- 
menced the manufacture of woolen cloth; wool was carded and 
made into rolls by hand-cards, and the rolls were spun on the " big 
wheel." We still occasionally find in the houses of old settlers a 
wheel of this kind, sometimes used for spinning and twisting stock- 
ing yarn. They are turned with the hand, and with such velocity 
that it will run itself while the nimble worker, by her backward 
step, draws out and twists her thread nearly the whole length of 
the cabin. A common article woven on the loom was linsey, or 
linsey-woolsey, the chain being linen and the filling woolen. This 
cloth was used for dresses for the women and girls. Nearly all the 
cloths worn by the men were also home-made; rarely was a farmer 
or his son seen in a coat made of any other. If, occasi*ially, a 
young man appeared in a suit of " boughtea " clothes, he was sus- 
pected of having gotten it for a particular occasion, which occurs 
in the life of nearly every young man. 

HOSPITALITY. 

The traveler always found a welcome at the pioneer's cabin. It 
was never full. Although there might be already a guest for every 
puncheon, there was still " room for one more," and a wider circle 
would be made for the new-comer at the big fire. If the stranger 
was in search of land, he was doubly welcome, and his host would 
volunteer to show him all the '' first-rate claims in this neck of the 
woods," going with him for days, showing the corners and advan- 
tages of every "Congress tract " within a dozen miles of his own 
cabin. 

To his neighbors the pioneer was equally liberal. If a deer was 
killed, the choicest bits were sent to his nearest neighbor, a half- 
dozen miles away perhaps. When a " shoat" was butchered, the 
same custom prevailed. If a new-comer came in too late for 
"cropping," the neighbors would supply his table with just the 
same luxuries they themselves enjoyed, and in as liberal quantity, 
until a crop could be raised. When a new-comer had located his 
claim, the neighbors for miles around would assemble at the site of 
the new-comer's proposed cabin and aid him in "gittin" it up. 
One party with axes would cut down the trees and hew the logs; 
another with teams would haul the logs to the ground; another 
party would "raise" the cabin; while several of the old men would 
"rive the clapboards" for the roof. By night the little forest 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 135 

domicile wonl.-i be up and ready for a "house waniiinf^," whicli was 
tlie dedicatory occupation of the iionse. when music and dancing and 
festivity would be enjoyed at full iieight. The next day the new- 
comer would be as well situated as his neighbors. 

An instance of primitive hospitable manners will be in place here. 
A traveling Methodist preacher arrived in a distant neighborhood 
to fill an appointment. The house where services were to be held 
did not belong to a church member, but no matter for that. Boards 
were collected from all quarter? with which to make temporary 
seats, one of the neighbors volunteering to lead off in the work, 
while the man of the house, with the faithful rifle on his shoulder, 
sallied forth in quest of meat, for this truly was a "ground-hog" 
case, the preacher coming and no meat io the house. The host 
ceased not the chase until he found the meat, in the shape of a 
deer; returning he sent, a boy out after it, with directions on what 
" pint " to find it. After services, which had been listened to 
with rapt attention by all the audience, mine host said to his wife, 
"Old woman, I reckon this 'ere preacher is pretty hungry and you 
must git hira a bite to eat." " What shall I get him?" asked the 
wife, who had not seen the deer; " thar's nuthiii' in the house to 
eat." " Why, look thar," returned he, " thar's a deer, and thar's 
plenty of corn in the field; you git some corn and grate it while I 
skin the deer, and we'll have a good supper for him." It is needless 
to add that venison and corn bread made a supper tit for any pio- 
neer preacher, and was thankfully eaten. 

PRAIRIE FIKES. 

Fires set out by Indians or settlers, sometimes purposely and 
sometimes permitted through carelessness, would visit the prairies 
every autumn, and sometimes the forests, either in autumn or 
spring, and settlers could not always succeed in defending them- 
selves against the destroying element. Many interesting incidents 
are related. Often a fire was started to bewilder came, or to bare a 
piece of ground for the early grazing of stock the ensuing spring, 
and it would get away under a wind and soon be beyond ci)ntrol. 
Violent winds would often arise and drive the flames with such 
rapidity that riders on the fleetest steeds could scarcely escape. 
On the approach of a prairie tire the farmer would immediately 
set about "cuttintj oft' supplies" for the devouring enemy by a 
"back tire." Thus by starting a small dre near the bare ground 



136 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

about his premises, and keeping it under control next his property, 
he would burn off a strip around him and prevent the attack of the 
on-coming flames. A few furrows or a ditch around the farm 
were in some degree a protection. 

An original prairie of tall and exuberant grass on fire, especially 
at night, was a maguificeut spectacle, enjoyed only by the pioneer. 
Here is an instance where the frontiersman, proverbially deprived 
of the sights and pleasures of an old community, is privileged far 
beyond the people of the present day in this country. One could 
scarcely tire of beholding the scene, as its awe-inspiring features 
seemed constantly to increase, and the whole panorama unceas- 
ingly changed like the dissolving views of a magic lantern, or like 
the aurora borealis. Language cannot convey, words cannot ex- 
press, the faintest idea of the splendor and grandeur of such a con- 
flagration at night. It was as if the pale queen of night, disdain- 
ing to take her accustomed place in the heavens, had dispatched 
myriads upon myriads of messengers to light their torches at the 
altar of the setting sun until all had flashed into one long and con- 
tinuous blaze. 

The following graphic description of prairie fires was written by 
a traveler through this region in 18i9: 

"Soon the fires bea-an to kindle wider and rise higher from the 
long grass; the gentle breeze increased to stronger currents, and soon 
formed the small, flickering blaze into fierce torrent flames, which 
curled up and leaped along in resistless splendor; and like quickly 
raising the dark curtain from the luminous stage, the scenes before 
me were suddenly changed, as if by the magician's wand, into one 
boundless amphitheatre, blazing from earth to heaven and sweep- 
ing the horizon round, — columns of lurid flames sportively mount- 
ing up to the zenith, and dark clouds of crimson smoke curling away 
and aloft till they nearly obscured stars and moon, while the rush- 
ing, crashing sounds, like roaring cataracts, mingled with distant 
thunders, were almost deafening; danger, death, glared all around; 
it screamed for victims; yet, notwithstanding the imminent peril 
of prairie fires, one is loth, irresolute, almost unable to withdraw 
or seek refuge. 

WOLF HUNTS. 

In early days more mischief was done by wolves than by any 
other wild animal, and no small part of their mischief consisted in 
their almost constant barking at night, which always seemed so 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 137 

frightful and menacing to the settlers. Like mosquitoes, the noise 
they made appeared to be about as dreadful as the real depredations 
they committed. Tlie most effectual, as well as the most exciting 
method of ridding the country of these hateful pests, was that 
known as the " circular wolf-hunt," by which all the men and boys 
would turn out on an appointed day, iu a kind of circle comprising 
many square miles of territory, with horses and dogs, and then 
close lip toward the center of their field of operations, gathering 
not only wolves, but also deer and many smaller " varmint." Five, 
ten, or more wolves by this means would sometimes be killed in a 
single day. The men would be organized with as much system as 
a little army, every one being well posted in the meaning of every 
signal and the application of every rule. Guns were scarcely ever 
allowed to be brought on such occasions, as their use would be 
unavoidably dangerous. The dogs were depended upon for the 
final slaughter. The dogs, by the way, had all to be held in check 
by a cord iu the hands of their keepers until the final signal was 
given to let them loose, when away they would all go to the center 
of battle, and a more exciting scene would follow than can be easily 
described. 

SPELLING SCHOOLS. 

The chief public entertainment for many years was the cele- 
brated spelling-school. Both young and old looked forward to the 
next spelling-school with as much anticipation and anxiety as we 
now-a-days look forward to a general Fourth-of-Jnly celebration; 
and when the time arrived the whole neighborhood, yea, and some- 
times several neighborhoods, would flock to the scene of academical 
combat, where the excitement was often more intense than had been 
expected. It was far better, of course, when there was good sleigh- 
ing; then the young folks would turn out in high glee and be fairly 
beside themselves. The jollity is scarcely equaled at the present 
day by anything in vogue. 

When the appointed hour arrived, the usual plan of commencing 
battle was for two of the young people who might agree to play 
against each other, or who might be selected to do so by the teacher, 
to " choose sides," that is, each contestant would choose the best 
speller from the assembled crowd. Each one choosing alternately, 
the ultimate strength of tiie respective parties would be about equal. 
When all were chosen who could be made to serve, each side 
would " number," so as to ascertain whether amid the confusion 



138 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

one side had more spellers than the other. In case he had, some 
compromise would be made by the aid of the teacher, the master of 
ceremonies, and then the plan of conducting the campaign, or 
counting the misspelled words, would be canvassed for a moment. 
There were several ways of conducting the contest; but the usual 
way was to " spell across," that is, the first on one side would spell 
the first word, then the first on the other side; next the second in 
line on each side, alternately, down to the foot of each line. The 
question who should spell the first word was determined by the 
"choosers;" one would have the first choice of spellers, and the 
other spell the first word. When a word was missed, it would be 
re-pronounced, or passed along without re-pronouncing (as some 
teachers strictly followed the rule never to re-pronounce a word), 
until it was spelled correctly. If a speller on the opposite side 
finally spelled a missed word correctly, it was counted a gain of one 
to that side ; if the word was finally corrected by some speller on 
the same side on which it was originated as a missed word, it was 
" saved, " and no tally mark was made. An hour, perhaps, would 
be occupied in this way and then an " intermission " was had, when 
the buzzing, cackling, hurrahing and confusion that ensued for 10 
or 15 minutes were beyond description. 

Coming to order again, the next style of battle to be illustrated 
was to "spell down," by which process it was ascertained who were 
the best spellers and could continue standing the longest. But 
often good spellers would inadvertently miss a word in an early 
stage of the contest and would have to sit down humiliated, while 
a comparatively poor speller would often stand till nearly or quite 
the last, amid the cheers of the assemblage. Sometimes the two 
parties first " chosen up " in the evening would re-take their places 
after recess, so that by the " spelling-down " process there would 
virtually be another race, in another form ; sometimes there would 
be a new " choosing sides," for the " spelling-down " contest; and 
sometimes the spelling-down would be conducted without any party 
lines being made. It would occasionally happen that two or three 
very good spellers would retain the fioor so long that the exercise 
would become monotonous, when a few outlandish words like •' chev- 
aux-de-frise," " Ompompanoosuc " or " baugh-naugh-claugh-ber," 
as the^' used to spell it sometimes, would create a little ripple of ex- 
citement to close with. Sometimes these words would decide the 
contest, but generally when two or three good spellers kept the floor 
.mtil it became tedious, the teacher would declare the race ended 
and the standing spellers acquitted with a " drawn game." 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 139 

The audience dismissed, the next thing was to " go home," ver^^ 
often bj a round-about way, ''a-sleighiiig with the girls," which, 
of course, was the most interesting part of tiic evening's perform- 
ances, sometimes, however, too rough to be commended, as the boys 
were often inclined to be somewhat rowdjish. 

THE BRIGHT SIDE. 

The history of pioneer-life generally presents the dark side of the 
picture; but the toils and privations of the early settlers were not 
a series of unmitigated sufferings. No; for while the fathers and 
mothers toiled hard, they were not averse to a little relaxation, and 
had their seasons of fun and enjoyment. They contrived to do 
something to break the monotony of their daily life and furnish 
them a good hearty laugh. Among the more general forms of 
amusements were the " quilting-bee," "corn-husking," "paring- 
bee," " log-rolling " and " house-raising." Our young readers will 
doubtless be interested in a description of these forms of amusements, 
when labor was made to afford fun and enjoyment to all participat- 
ing. The " quilting-bee," as its name implies, was when the industri- 
ous qualities of the busy little insect that " improves each shining- 
hour" were exemplified in the manufacture of quilts for the house- 
hold. In the afternoon, ladies for miles around gathered at the 
appointed place; and while their tongues would not cease to play, the 
hands were as busily engaged in making the quilts, and the desire 
always manifested to get it out as quickly as possible, for then the 
fun would begin. In the evening the gentlemen came, and the hours 
would then pass quickly by in " plays," games, singing and dancing. 
"Corn-huskings " were when both sexes united in the work. They 
usually assembled in a large barn which was arranged for the occa- 
sion, and when each gentleman had selected a lady partner, the 
husking began. When a lady found a red ear of corn she was 
entitled to a kiss from every gentleman present; when a gentleman 
found one he was allowed to kiss ever}' lady present. After the 
corn was all husked, a good supper was served, then the " old folks " 
would leave, and the remainder of the evening was spent in the 
dance and in having a general good time. The recreation afforded 
to the young people on the annual recurrence of these festive occa- 
sions was as highly enjoyed and quite as innocent as the amuse- 
ments of the present boasted age of refinement and culture. 



140 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

The amaseineats of the pioneers were peculiar to themselves. 
Saturday afternoon was a sort of liaif-holiday; the men usually 
went to town, and when that place was reached, " fun commenced." 
Had two neighbors business to transact, here it was done. 
Horses were " swapped," difficulties settled and free fights in- 
dulged in. "Whisky was as free as water; 12^ cents would buy a 
quart, and 33 or 40 cents, a gallon, and at such prices enor- 
mous quantities were consumed. Go to any town in the county 
and ask the first pioneer you meet, and he would tell you of nota- 
ble Saturday afternoon fights, either of which to-day would fill a 
column of the Police News, with elaborate engravings to match. 

WHAT THE PIONEERS HAVE DONE. 

Iowa is a grand State, and in many respects second to none in 
the Union, and in everything that goes to make a live, prosperous 
community, not far behind the best. Her harvests are bountiful; 
she has a medium climate, and many other things that make lier 
people contented, prosperous and happy; but she owes much to 
those who opened up these avenues that have led to her present 
condition and happy surroundings. Unremitting toil and labor 
have driven oft" the sickly miasmas that brooded over swampy prai- 
ries. Energy and perseverance have peopled every section of hei 
wild lands, and changed them from wastes and deserts to gardens 
of beauty and profit. When but a few years ago the barking wolves 
made the night hideous with their wild shrieks and howls, now is 
heard only the lowing and bleating of domestic animals. Only a 
half century ago the wild whoop of the Indian rent the air where 
now are heard the engine and rumbling trains of cars, bearing 
away to markets the products of our labor and soil. Then the 
savage built his rude huts on the spot where now rise the dwellings 
and school houses and church spires of civilized life. How great 
the transformation! This change has been brought about by the 
incessant toil and aggregated labor of thousands of tired hands and 
anxious hearts, and the noble aspirations of such men and women 
as make any country great. What will another half century ac- 
complish? There are few, very few, of these old pioneers yet lin- 
gering on the shores of time as connecting links of the past with 
the present. What must their thoughts be as with their dim eyes 
they view the scenes that surround them? We often hear people 
talk of the old-fogv ideas and fogy ways and want of enterprise on the 



UISTOKY OF IOWA. 141 

part of old men who have <^one tlirough the experiences of pioneer 
life. Sometimes, perhaps, such remarks are just; but considering 
the experiences, education and entire life of such men, such re- 
marks are better unsaid. They have had their trials, hardships, 
misfortunes and adventures, and shall we now, as they are passing 
far down the western declivity of life, and many of them gone, 
point to them the finger of derision, and laugh and sneer at the 
simplicity of their ways? Let us rather cheer them up, revere and 
respect them, for beneath those rough exteriors beat hearts as 
noble as ever throbbed in the human breast. These veterans have 
been compelled to live for weeks upon hominy, and if bread at all, 
it was bread made from corn ground in hand-mills, or pounded up 
with mortars. Their children have been destitute of shoes during 
the winter; their families had no clothing except what was carded, 
spun, wove and made into garments by their own hands; schools 
they had none; churches they had none; afflicted with sickness in- 
cident to all new countries, sometimes the entire family at once;- 
lu.xuries of life they had none; the auxiliaries, improvements, in 
ventions and labor-saving machinery of to-day they had not; and 
what they possessed they obtained by the hardest of labor and in- 
dividual exertions; yet they bore these hardships and privations 
without murmuring, hoping for better times to come, and often, 
too, with but little prospect of realization. 

As before mentioned, the changes written on every hand are 
most wonderful. It has been but three-score years since the white 
man began to exercise dominion over this region, erst the home of 
the red men; yet the visitor of to-day, ignorant of the past of the 
country, could scarcely be made to realize that within these years 
there has grown up a population of one and a half million, who in 
all the accomplisliments of life are as far advanced as are the in- 
habitants of the older States. Schools, churches, colleges, palatial 
dwellings, beautiful grounds, large, well-cultivated and productive 
farms, as well as cities, towns and busy manufactories, have grown 
up, and occupy the hunting grounds and camping places of the In- 
dians, and in every direction there are evidences of wealth, comfort 
and luxury. There is but little left of the old landmarks. Ad- 
vanced civilization and the progressive demands of revolving years 
have obliterated all traces of Indian occupancy, until they are re- 
membered only in name. 

In vlositig this section we again would impress upon the minds 
of our readers the fact that they owe a debt of gratitude to those 
who pioneered this State, which can be but partially repaid. Never 



142 HISTORr OF IOWA. 

grow unmindful of the peril and adventure, fortitude, self-sacrifice 
and heroic devotion so prominently displayed in their lives. As 
time sweeps on in its ceaseless flight, may the cherished memories of 
them lose none of their greenness, but may future generations alike 
cherish and perpetuate them with a just devotion to gratitude. 



TEREITORIAL HISTORY. 

The immigration to Iowa after the Black Hawk purchase was 
so rapid and steady that some provision for civil government be- 
came necessary. Accordingly, in 1834, all the territory compris- 
ing the present States of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota was made 
subject to the jui'isdiction of Michigan Territory. Up to this time 
there had been no county or other organization in what is now the 
State of Iowa, although one or two justices of the peace had been 
appointed and a postoffice was established at Dubuque in 1S33. 
In September of 1834, therefore, the Territorial Legislature of 
Michigan created two counties on the west side of the Mississippi 
liiver, — Dubuque and Des Moines, separated by a line drawn 
westward from the foot of Kock Island. These counties were par- 
tially organized. John King was appointed Chief Justice of Du- 
buque County, and Isaac Letiler, of Burlington, of Des Moines 
County. Two associate justices, in each county, were appointed 
by the governor. 

In October, 1835, Gen. George W. Jones, now a citizen of Du- 
buque, was elected a delegate to Congi-ess. April 20, 1836, 
through the efforts of Gen. Jones, Congress passed a bill creating 
the Territory of Wisconsin, which went into operation July 4 of 
the same year. Iowa was then included in the Territory of Wis- 
consin, of which Gen. Henry Dodge was appointed Governor; 
John S. Horner, Secretary; Charles Dunn, Chief Justice; David 
Irwin and William C. Frazer, Associate Justices. 

Sept. 9, 1836, Governor Dodge ordered a census of the new Ter- 
ritory to be taken. This census showed a population of 10,531, of 
which Des Moines County contained 6,257, and Dubuque, 4,274. 
Under the apportionment, these two counties were entitled to six 
members of the Council and 13 of the House of Representatives. 
The governor issued his proclamation for an election to be held 
on the first Monday of October, 1836, on which day the following 
members of the lirst Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin were 
elected fi"om the two counties in the Black Hawk purchase. 



UISTOKY OF IOWA. 143 

Diibuque. — Council: John F.ally, Tlioinas McKnight, Thomas 
McCranoy. Ilome: Loring Wlieeler, Iliikliu Wlielau, Potor Hill 
Engle, Patrick Quigly, Hosea F. Camp. 

Des Iloines. — Council: Jercniiali Smith, jr., Joseph B. Teas, 
Arthur H. Ingrain. TTouse: Isaac LetHer, Tliomas I31air, Warren 
L. Jenkins, John Bo.v, George W. Teas, Eli Reynolds, David R. 
Chance. 

The Legislature assembled at Belmont, in the present State of 
Wisconsin, Oct. 25, 1836, and organized by electing Henry T. 
Baird, President of the Council, and Peter Hill Engle, of Dubuque, 
Speaker of the House. At this session the county of Des Moines 
was divided into Des Moines, Lee, Van Buren, Henry, Muscatine 
and Cook. This last is now called Scott County. The first Leg- 
islature adjourned Dec. 9, 1836. 

The second Legislature assembled at Burlington, Nov. 9, 1837. 
It divided Dubuque into the counties of Dubuque, Clayton, Fay- 
ette, Dehiware, Buchanaii, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Benton, Clinton 
and Cedar, and adjourned Jan. 20, 1838. A third session was 
held at Burlington, commencing June 1, and ending June 12, 
1838. Most of the new counties were not organized until sc-veral 
years afterward, under the authority of the Territorial Legislature 
of Iowa. 

As early as the fall of 1837, the question of a separate Territo- 
rial organization for Iowa began to be agitated. The wish of the 
people found expression in a convention held Nov. 1, which me- 
morialized Congress to organize a Territory west of the Mississippi, 
and to settle the boundary line between Wisconsin Territory and 
Missouri. The Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin, then in ses- 
sion at Burlington, joined in the petition. Gen. (reorge W. Jones, 
of Dubuque, then residing at Sinsinawa Mound, in what is now 
Wisconsin, was delegate to Congress from Wisconsin Territory, 
and labored so earnestly that the act was passed dividing the Ter- 
ritory of Wisconsin, and ])roviding for the Territorial government 
of Iowa. This was approved June 12, 1838, to take effect and be 
in force on and after July 3. 1838. The new Territory embraced 
"all that part of the present Territory of Wisconsin which lies west 
of the Mississippi River, and west of a line drawn due north from 
the head-waters or sources of theMississijqii to the Territorial line." 
The organic act ])rovided for a governor, wliose term of office 
should be three years, and for a secretary, chief justice, two as- 
sociate justices, and attorney and marshal, who should serve four 



144 HISTOKT OF IOWA. 

years, to be appointed by the President, by and witli the advice and 
consent of the Senate. Tiie act also provided for the election, by 
the white male inhabitants, citizens of the United States, over 21 
years of age, of a House of Representatives, consisting of 26 mem- 
bers, and a Council, to consist of 13 members. It also appropri- 
ated $5,000 for a 2)ublic library, and $20,000 for the erection of 
public buildings. 

In accordance with this act, President Van Bui'en appointed 
ex- Governor Robert Lucas, of Ohio, to be the first Governor of 
the new Territory. Wm. B. Conway, of Pittsburg, was appointed 
Secretary of the Territory; Charles Mason, of Burlington, Chief 
Justice, and Tiiomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, and Joseph Williams, 
of Pennsylvania, Associate Judges of the Supreme and District 
Courts; Mr. Yan Allen, of New York, Attorney; Francis Gehon, 
of Dubuque, Marshal; Augustus C. Dodge, Register of the Land 
Office at Burlington, and Thomas McKnight, Receiver of the Land 
Office at Dubuque. Mr. Van Allen, the District Attorney, died at 
Rockingham soon after his appointment, and Col. Cliarles Weston 
was appointed to fill his vacancy. Mr. Conway, the Secretary, also 
died at Burlington during the second session of the Legislature, 
and James Clarke, editor of the Gazette, was appointed to succeed 
him. 

Governor Lucas, immediately after his arrival, issued a proclama- 
tion for the election of members of the first Territorial Legislature, 
to be held on the 10th of September, dividing the Territory into 
election districts for that purpose, and appointing the 12th of 
November for the meeting of the Legislature to be elected at Bur- 
lington. The members were elected in accordance with this proc- 
lamation, and assembled at the appointed time and place. The fol- 
lowing are their names: 

Council. — Jesse B. Brown, J. K9ith, E. A. M. Swazey, Arthur 
Ingram, Robert Ralston, George Hepner, Jesse J. Payne, D. B. 
Hughes, James M. Clark, Charles Whittlesey, Jonathan W. Parker, 
Warner Lewis, Stephen Hempstead. 

House. — Wm. Patterson, Hawkins Taylor, Calvin J. Price, 
James Brierly, James Hall, Gideon S. Bailey, Samuel Parkei, 
James W. Grimes, George Temple, Van B. Delashmutt, Thomas 
Blair, George H. Beeler, Wm. G. Coop, Wm. H. Wallace, Asbury 
B. Porter, John Frierson, Wm. L. Toole, Levi Thornton, S. C. 
Hastings, Robert G. Roberts, Laurel Summers, Jabez A. Burchard, 
Jr., Chauncey Swan, Andrew Banksou, Thomas Cox and Hardin 
Nowlin. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 145 

Althougli a large majority of both branches of the Legislature 
were Democrats, Gen. Jesse B. Brown (Whig), of Lee County, was 
elected President of the Council, and Hon. AVilliain H. Wallace 
(Whig), of Henry County, Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives — the former unanimously and the latter with but little oppo- 
sition. At that time national politics were little heeded by the 
people of the new Territory, but in 1840, during the Presidential 
campaign, party lines were strongly drawn. 

At the same time with this Legislature, a Congressional delegate 
was also elected. Out of four candidates, Wm. W. Chapman was 
elected. 

The first session of the Iowa Territorial Legislature was a stormy 
and exciting one. By the organic law, the governor was clothed with 
almost unlimited veto power. Governor Lucas seemed disposed to 
make free use of it, and the independent Hawkeyes could not quietly 
submit to arbitrary and absolute rule, and the result was an unpleas- 
ant controversy between the executive and legislative departments. 
Congress, however, by act approved March 3, 1839, amended the 
organic law by restricting the veto power of the governor to the 
two-thirds rule, and took from him the power to appoint sheriffs 
and magistrates. Among the first important matters demanding 
attention was the location of the seat of government and provision 
for the erection of public buildings, for which Congress had appro- 
priated $20,000. Governor Lucas, in his message, had recommended 
the appointment of commissioners, with a view to selecting a cen- 
tral location. The extent of the future State of Iowa was not 
known or thought of. Only on a strip of land 50 miles wide, bor- 
dering on the Mississippi River, was the Indian title extinguished 
and a central location meant some central point in the Black llawk 
Purchase. The friends of a central location supported the govern- 
or's sng'E'estion. The southern members were divided between 
Burlington and Mount Pleasant, but finally united on the latter as 
the proper location for the seat of government. The central and 
southern parties were very nearly equal, and in consequence, 
much excitement prevailed. The central party at last triumphed, 
and Jan. 21, 1839, an act was passed appointing Chauncey Swan, 
of Dubuque County, John Ronalds, of Louisa County, and Robert 
Ralston, of Des Moines County, commissioners, to select a site for 
a permanent seat of government within the limits of Johnson 
County. 
» 



146 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

The first settlement within the limits of Johnson County was 
made in 1837. The county was created by act of the Territorial 
Legislature of "Wisconsin, approved Dec. 21. 1837, and organ- 
ized by act passed at the special session at Burlington, in Juno, 

1838, the organization to date from July 4, following. Napoleon, 
on the Iowa River, a few miles below the future Iowa City, was 
designated as the temporary county-seat. 

All things considered, the location of the capital in Johnson 
County was a wise act. The Territory was bounded on the north 
by the British possessions; east, by the Mississippi River, to its 
source; thence by a line drawn due north to the northern bound- 
ary of the United States; south, by the State of Missouri, and 
west, by the Missouri and White Earth Rivers. But this immense 
territory was in undisputed possession of the Indians, except a 
strip on the Mississippi known as the Black Hawk Purchase. 
Johnson County was, from north to south, in the gei^graphical cen- 
ter of this purchase, and as near the east and west geographical 
center of the future State of Iowa as could then be made, as the 
boundary line between the lands of the United States and the In- 
dians established by the treaty of Oct. 21, 1837, was immediately 
west of the county limits. 

After selecting the site, the commissioners were directed to lay 
out 640 acres into a town, to be called Iowa City, and to proceed 
to sell lots and erect public buildings thereon. Congress having 
granted a section of land to be selected by the Territory for tljis 
purpose. The c()mmissif)ners met at Napoleon, Johnson County, 
May 1, 1839, selected for a site section 10, in township 79 north, of 
range 6 west of the fifth principal meridian, and immediately sur- 
veyed it and laid otf the town. The first sale of lots took place 
Aug. 16, 1839. The site selected for tlie public buildings was a 
little west of the center of the section, where a square of 10 acres 
on the elevated grounds overlooking the river was reserved for the 
purpose.' Thecapitol is located in the center of this square. The 
second Territorial Legislature, which assembled in November, 

1839, passed an act requiring the commissioners to adopt such plan 
for the building that the aggregate cost when complete should not 
exceed $.51,000, and if tliey had already adopted apian involving 
a greater expenditure, they were directed to abandon it. Plans 
for the building were designed and drawn by Mr. John F. Rague, 
of Springfield, Ills., and July 4, 1840, the corner-stone of the edi- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 147 

fice was laid with appropriate ceremonies. Samuel C. Trowbridge 
was marslial of the day, and Gov. Lucas delivered the address on 
that occasion. 

July 13, 1840, Gov. Lucas announced to the Legislature then as- 
sembled in spi'cia! session that on the 4th of that month he had 
visited Iowa City, and found the bas(!incnt of the capitol nearly 
completed. A bill authorizing a loan of §20,000 for the building 
was passed Jan 15, 1841, the unsold lots of Iowa City being the 
security ofFcrod, but only .?.5,500 was obtained under the act. 

Monday, Dec. 6, 1841, the fourth Legislative Assembly met at 
the new capital, Iowa City, but the capitol building could not be 
used, and the Legislature occupied a temporary frame house, that 
had been erected for that purpose during the .session of lS41-'2. 
At this session, the superintendent of public buildings (who, 
with the Territorial agent, had superseded the commissioners first 
appointed), estimated the expense of completing the building at 
$33,330, and of completing rooms for the use of the Legislature 
at |;l5,fi00. 

During the following year, tiie superintendent commenced ob- 
taining stone from a new quarry, about 10 miles northeast of the 
city. This is now known as the "Old Capitol Quarry," and is 
thought to contain an immense quantity of excellent building stone. 
_ Here all the stone for completing the building was obtained, and it 
was so far completed, that on the 5th day of December, 1842, the 
Legislature assembleil in tlienewc;ipitol. At this session, the super- 
intendent estimated that it would cost $30, 143 to finish the building. 
This was nearly $6,000 higher than the estimate of the previous 
year, notwithstanding a large sum had been expended in the mean- 
time. Ttiis rather discouraging discrepancy was accounted for by 
the fact that the officers in charge of the work were constantly short 
of funds. Except the Congressional appropriation of $20,000, and 
the loan of $5,500 obtained from the Miner's Bank, of Dubuque, all 
the funds for the prosecution of the work were derived from the sale 
of the city lots (which did not sell very rapidly), from certificates 
of indebtedness, and from scrip, based upon unsokl lots, which was 
to be received in payment for such lots when they were sold. At 
one time the superintendent made a requisition for bills of iron 
;ind gla<s, which could not be obtained inarcr than St. Louis. To 
meet this, the agent sold some lots tor a draft, payable at Pitts- 
burg, Pa., foi which he was compelled to pay 25 per cent, ex- 
change. This draft, amounting to $507, tliat officer reported to be 



148 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

more than one-half the cash actually handled by hira during the 
entire season, when the disbursements amounted to very nearly 
$24,000. With such uncertainty, it could not be expected that the 
estimate could be very accurate. "With all these disadvantages, 
however, the work appears to have been prudently prosecuted, 
and as rapidly as circumstances would permit. 

In 1841, John Chambers succeded Robert Lucas as Territorial 
Governor. The office was held by him until 1845, when it was 
filled by James Clarke. 

The first Legislative Assembly laid the broad foundation of civil 
equality, on which has been constructed one of the most liberal 
governments in the Union. Its first act was to recognize the 
equality of woman with man before the lawbj' providing that "no 
action commenced by a single woman, who marries during the pen- 
dency thereof, shall abate on account of such marriage." This 
principle has been adopted in all subsequent legislation in Iowa, 
and to-day woman has full and equal rights with man, excepting 
only the right of the ballot. 

Religious toleration was also secured to all, personal liberty 
strictly guarded the rights and privileges of citizenship extended 
to all white persons, and the purity of elections secured by heavy 
penalties against bribery and corruption. The judiciary power 
was vested in a Supreme Court, District Court, Probate Court 
and justices of the peace. Real estate was made divisible by will, 
and intestate property divided equitably among heirs. Murder 
was made punishable by death, and proportionate penalties fixed 
for lesser crimes. A system of free schools, open for every class 
of white citizens, was established. Provision was made for a sys- 
tem of roads and highways. Thus, under the Territorial organiza- 
tion, the country began to emerge from a savage wilderness, and 
take on the forms of civil government. 

The Territorial Legislature held its eighth and last session at 
Iowa City, commencing Dec. 1, 1845. James Clark was the same 
year appointed the successor of Governor Chambers, and was the 
third and last Territorial governor. In 1843 the Territorial Lems- 
lature compiled and published a code of general statutes, making 
a volume of 800 pages, that continued in force until July, 1851. 

THE MISSOUEI WAR. 

In defining the bonndaries of the counties bordering on Missouri, 
the Iowa authorities had fixed a line which has since been eetab- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 149 

lished as the boundary between Iowa and Missouri. The constitu- 
tion uf Missouri dutiiied her northern boundary to be the parallel of 
latitude which passes through the rapids of the Des Moines Kiver. 
The lower rajiids of the Mississippi immediately above the mouth 
of the Des Moines River had always been known as the Dos Moines 
Eapids, or the " rapids of the Des Moines River." The Missou- 
rians (evidently not well versed in history or geography), insisted 
on running the northern boundary line from the rapids in the Des 
IVloines River, just below Keosanqua, thus taking from Iowa a 
strip of territory eight or 10 miles wide. Assuming this as her 
northern boundary line, Missouri attempted to exercise jurisdiction 
over the disputed territory by assessing taxes, and sending her 
eheriflfs to collect them by distraining the personal property of the 
settlers. The lowans, however, were not disposed to submit, and 
the Missouri officials were arrested b}' the sheriffs of Davis and 
Van Buren Counties and confined in jail. Gov. Boggs, of Missouri, 
called out his militia to enforce the claim and sustain the oflBcers 
of Missouri. Gov. Lucas called out the militia of Iowa. About 
1,200 men were enlisted, and 500 were actually armed and encamped 
in Van Buren County, ready to defend the integrity of the Terri- 
tory. Subsequently, Gen. A. C. Dodge, of Burlington, Gen. 
Churchman, of Dubuque, and Dr. Clark, of Fort Madison, were 
sent to Missouri as envoys plenipotentiary, to effect, if possible, a 
peaceable adjustment of the difficulty. Upon their arrival, they 
found that the county commissioners of Clark County, Missouri, 
had rescinded their order for the collection of the taxes, and that 
Gov. Boggs had dispatched messengers to the governor of Iowa 
proposing to submit an agreed case to the Supreme Court of the 
United States for the settlement of the boundary question. This 
proposition was declined; but afterward, upon petition of Iowa 
and Missouri, Congress authorized a suit to settle the controversy. 
The suit was duly instituted, and resulted in the decision that 
Iowa liad only asserted " the truth of history," and that she knew 
where the rapids of the Des Moines River were located. Thus 
ended the Missouri war. "There was much good sense," 
says Hon. C. C. Nourse, "in the basis upon which peace was 
secured, to-wit: 'If Missourians did not know where the rapids of 
the river Des Moines were located, that was no snihcient reason for 
killing them off with powder and lead; and if we did know a little 
more of history and geography than tiiey did, we ought not to be 
shot for our learning. We commend our mutual forbearance to 



160 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

older and greater people.' " Under an order from the Supreme 
Court of the United States, Wm. G. Miaer, of Missouri, and Henry 
B. Hendershott, of Iowa, acted as commissioners and surveyed and 
established the boundary. The expenses of the war on the part of 
Iowa were never paid, either by the United States or the Territo- 
rial government. The patriots who furnished supplies to the troops 
had to bear the cost and charges of the struggle. 



STATE OEGANIZATIOK 

The population being sufficient to justify the formation of a State 
government, the Territorial Legislature of Iowa passed an act which 
was approved Feb. 12, 1844, submitting to the people the ques- 
tion of the formation of a State constitution and providing for the 
election of delegates to a convention to be convened for that pur- 
pose. The people voted upon this at their township flections in 
the following April. The measure was carried by a large majority, 
and the delegates elected assembled in convention at Iowa City, 
Oct. 7, ISH. On thelirst day of November following, the coiiven- 
tion completed its work and adopted the first State constitution. 

Hon. Shepherd Leffler, the president of this convention, was 
instructed to transmit a certihed copy of this constitution to the 
delegate in Congress, to be by him submitted to that body at the 
earliest practicable day. It also provided that it should be sub- 
mitted, together with any conditions or changes that might be made 
by Congress, to the people of the Territory, for their approval of 
rejection, at the township election in April, 1845. 

The Constitution as thus prepared provided the following bound- 
aries for the State: Beginning in the middle of the channel of the 
Mississippi Kiver, opposite the mouth of the Des Moines River; 
thence up the said river Des Moines, in the middle of the main 
channel thereof, to a point where it is intersected by the old In- 
dian boundary line, or line run by JohnC. Sullivan in 1816; thence 
westwardly along said line to the " old '' northwest corner of Mis- 
souri; thence due west to the middle of the main channel of the 
Missouri Biver; thence up the middle of the main channel of the 
river last mentioned, to the mouth of the Sioux or Calumet River; 
thence in a direct line to the middle of the main channel of the St. 
Peter's River, where the Watonwan River — accoi'ding to Nicollet's 
map — enters the same; thence down the middle of the main chan- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 151 

nc'l of tlie said river to the middle of the main channel "f the Mis- 
sissippi River; thence down the middle of the main channel of said 
river to the place of beginning. 

These boundaries were considerably more extended than other 
Western States, and Congress tlierefore amended the constitution, 
by act approved March 3, 1S45, as follows: Beginning at the mouth 
of the Des Moines River, at the middle of the Mississippi; thence 
by the middle <jf the channel of that river to a parallel of latitude 
passing through the mouth of the Mankato or Blue Earth River; 
thence west, along said parallel of latitude, to a point where it is 
intersected by a meridian line 17° 30' west of the meridian of 
"Washington City; thence due south, to the northern boundary line 
of the State of Missouri; thence eastwardlv, following that bound- 
ary to the point at which the same intersects the Des Moines 
River; thence by the middle, of the channel of that river to the 
place of beginning. 

Had these boundaries been accepted, they would have placed 
the northern boundary of the State about 30 miles north of its pres- 
ent location, and would have deprived it of the Missouri slope and 
the boundary of that river. The western, boundary would have 
been near the west line of what is now Kossuth County. But it 
■was not so to be. In consequence of this radical and unwelcome 
change in the boundaries, the people refused to accept the act of 
Congress, and rejected the constitution, at the election held Ang. 
4, 184.5, by a vote of 7,^.50 to 7.'23.'). 

May 4, 1846, a second convention met at Iowa City, and on the 
18th of the same month another constitution, prescribing the 
boundaries as they now are, was adopted. Tiiis was accepted by 
the people Aug. 3, by a vote of 9,492 to 9,03G. The new constitu- 
tion was approved by Congress, and Iowa was admitted as a sov- 
ereign State in the American Union, Dec. 28, 1846. 

The people of the State, anticipating favorable action by Con- 
gress, held an election for State oihcers Oct. 26, which resulted in 
Ansel Briggs being declared Governor; Elisha Cutler, jr.. Secre- 
tary of State; Joseph T. Fales, Auditor; Morgan Reno, Treasurer; 
and members of the Senate and House of Representatives. 

The act of Congress which admitted Iowa, gave her the 16th 
section of every township of land in the State, or its equivalent, for 
the support of schools; also 72 sections of land for the pur[>o?e of a 
university; also live sections of land for the completion of her pub- 
lic l>iiildiiigs; al.^o the salt springs; within her limits, not exceeding 
12 in number, with sections of land adjoining each; also, in con- 



152 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

sideration that her public lands should be exempt from taxation by 
the State, she gave to the State five per cent, of the net proceeds of 
the sale of public lands within the State. Thus provided for as a 
bride with her marriai^e portion, Iowa commenced " house-keep- 
ing " upon her own account. 

A majority of the Constitutional Convention of 1846 were of 
the Democratic party; and the instrument contains some of the 
peculiar tenets of the party at that day. All banks of issue were 
prohibited within the State. The State was prohibited from be- 
coming a stockholder in any corporation for pecuniary profit, and 
the General Assembly could only provide for private corporations 
by general statutes. The constitution also limited the State's in- 
debtedness to $100,000. It required the General Assembly to pro" 
vide public schools throughout the State for at least three months 
in the year. Six months' previous residence of any white male 
citizen of the United States constituted him an elector. 

The government was started on an economical basis. The mem- 
bers of the General Assembly received each two dollars per day 
for the first 50 days of the session, and one dollar per day thereafter- 
The sessions were to be biennial. The salaries of the State officers 
were limited for the first ten years as follows: Governor, $1,000 per 
annum; Secretary of State, $500; Treasurer of State, $400; Audi- 
tor of State, $600; and Judges of the Supreme Court, $1,000 each. 
And it may here be recorded as a fact that these prices did not dis- 
courage the best talent of the State from seeking these positions 
and that during these 10 years of our history none of these officers 
were ever known to receive bribes, or to steal one dollar of the pub- 
lic mone)'. At the time of organization as a State, Iowa had a 
population of 116,651, as appears by the census of 1847. There 
were 27 organized counties in the State, and the settlements were 
rapidly pushing toward the Missouri River. 

IOWA SUBSEQUENT TO ORGANIZATION. 

The first General Assembly was composed of 19 senators and 40 
representatives. It assembled at Iowa City, Nov. 30, 1846, about 
a month before the State was admitted into the Union. 

The most important business transacted was the passage of a bill 
authorizing a loan of $.50,000 for means to run the State govern- 
ment and pay the expenses of the constitutional conventions. The 
great excitement of the session, however, was the attempt to choose 
United States senators. The Whigs had a majority of two in the 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 163 

House, and the Democrats a majority of one in the Senate. After 
repeated attempts to control tliese majorities for caucus nominees 
and frequent sessions of a joint convention for purposes of an elec 
tion, the attempt was abandoned. A school law was passed at this 
session for the organization of public schools in the State. In pur- 
suance of its provisions, an election for superintendent of public 
instruction was held the following spring, and James Harlan re- 
ceived a majority of the votes cast. After the election, the Demo- 
cratic Secretary ot State discovered that the law contained no pro- 
vision for its publication in the newspapers, and he claimed it had 
not gone into effect. He, therefore, and the governor refused Har- 
lan a certificate of election. The Supreme Court sustained their 
action. 

At this first session of the General Assembly, the treasurer of 
State reported that the capitol building was in a very exposed 
condition, liable to injury from storms, and expressed the hope 
that some provision would be made to complete it, at least 
sufficiently to protect it from the weather. The General Assembly 
responded by appropriating $2,500 for the completion of the public 
buildings. At the first session also arose the question of the re- 
location of the capital. The western boundary of the State, as now 
determined, left Iowa City too far toward the eastern and southern 
boundary of the State; this was conceded. Congress had appropriated 
five sections of land for the erection of public buildings, and toward 
the close of the session a bill was introduced providing for the re- 
location of the seat of government, involving to some extent the 
location of the State University, which had already been discussed. 
This bill gave rise to much discussion and parliamentary maneuver- 
ing, almost purely sectional in its character. It provided for the 
appointment of three commissioners, who were authorized to make 
a location as near the geographical center of the State as a healthy 
and eligible site could be obtained; to select the five sections of 
land donated by Congress; to survey and plat into town lots not 
exceding one section of the land so selected; to sell lots at public 
sale, not to exceed two in each block. Having done this, they were 
then required to suspend further operations, and make a report of 
their proceedings to the Governor. Tlie bill passed both Houses by 
decisive votes, received the signature of the governor, and became 
a law. Soon after, by " An act to locate and establish a State 
University," approved Feb. 25, 1847, the untiuished public buildings 
at Iowa City, together with the ten acres of laud on which they 



154 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

were situated, were granted for the use of the University, reserving 
their use, however, by the General Assembly and the State officers, 
until other provisions were made by law. 

The commissioners forthwith entered upon their duties, and 
selected four sections and two half cections in Jasper County. Two 
of these sections are in what is now Des Moines township, and the 
others in Fairview township, in the southern part of that county. 
These lands are situated between Prairie City and Monroe, on the 
Keokuk & Des Moines Railroad, which runs diagonally througli 
them. Here a town was platted called Monroe City, and a sale of 
lots took place. The number of 415 lots were sold, at prices that 
were not considered remarkably remunerative. The cash payments 
( one-fourth ) amounted to $1,797.43, while the expenses of the sale 
and the claims of the commissioners for services amounted to 
$2,206.57. The commissioners made a report of their proceedings 
to the governor, as required by law, but the location was generally 
condemned. 

When the report of the commissioners, showing this brilliant 
financial operation, had been read in the House of Representatives, 
at the next session, and while it was under consideration, an 
indignant member, afterward known as the eccentric Judge Mc- 
Farland, moved to refer the report to a select committee of five, 
with instructions to report " how much of said city of Monroe was 
under water, and how much was burned." The report was referred, 
without the instructions, but Monroe City never became the seat 
of government. By an act approved Jan. 15, 1849, the law by 
which the location had been made was repealed and the new town 
was vacated, the money paid by purchasers of lots being refunded 
to them. Tliis, of course, retained the seat of government at Iowa 
City, and precluded for the time the occupation of the b'uildingand 
grounds by the University. 

At the same session $3,000 more were appropriated for complet- 
ing the State building at Iowa City. In 1852, the further sum of 
$5,000, and in 1854, $4,000 more were appropriated for the same 
purpose, making the whole cost $123,000, paid partly by the 
general Government and partly by the State, but principally by the 
proceeds of the sale of lots in Iowa City. 

After the adjournment of the first General Assembly, the gov- 
ernor appointed Joseph Williams, Chief Justice, and George Green 
and John F. Kinney Judges, of the Supreme Court. They were 
afterward elected by the second General Assembly, and constituted 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 155 

the Supreme Court until 1S55, with the exception that Kinnev 
resigned in January, 185i, andJ. C. Hall, of Burlington, was ap- 
pointed in his place. Hall was one of the earliest and ablest law- 
yers of the State, and his memory will long be cherished by the 
early members of the profession. Some changes having occurred 
by death and removal, the governor was induced to call an extra 
session of the General Assembly in January, 184S, with the hope 
of an election of United States senators. Tlie attempt, however, 
was asrain unsuccessful. At this session Charles Mason, Wm. G. 
Woodward and Stephen Hempstead were appointed commission- 
ers to prepare a code of laws for the State. Their work was finished 
in 1850 and was adopted by the General Assembly. This "code" 
contained among other provisions a code of civil practice, super- 
seding the old common-law forms of actions and writs, and it was 
admirable for its simplicity and method. It remained in force 
until 1863, when it was superseded by the more complicated and 
metaphysical system of the revision of that year. 

Tlie first representatives in Congress were S. Clinton Hastings, of 
Muscatine, and Shepherd LefHer, of Des Moines County. The 
second General Assembly elected to the United States Senate, 
Augustus Caesar Dodge and Geo. W. Jones. The State govern- 
ment, after the first session, was under the control of Democratic 
administrations till 1855. The electoral vote of the State was cast 
for Lewis Cass in ISiS, and for Franklin Pierce in 1852. The 
popular vote shows that the Free-Soil element of the State during 
this period very nearly held the balance of power, and that up to 
1854 it acted in the State elections to some extent with the Demo- 
cratic party. In 185S Lewis Cass received 12,093 votes, Zachary 
Taylor 11,034, and Martin VanBuren, the Free-Soil candidate, 
1,226 votes, being 167 less than a majority for Cass. In 1852 
Pierce received 17.762 votes, Scott 15,855, and Hale, Free-Soil, 
1,606, being for Pierce 301 votes more than a majority. 

The question of the permanent location of the seat of government 
was not settled, and in 1851 bills were introduced for the removal 
of the capital to Pellaand to Fort Des Moines. The latter appeared 
to have the support of the majority, but was finally lost in the 
House on the question of ordering it to its third reading. 

At the next session, in 1853, a bill was introduced in the Senate 
for the removal of the seat of government to Fort Des Moines, and 
on final vote, was just barely defeated. At the next session, how- 
ever, the effort was more successful, and Jan. 15, 1855, a bill re- 



156 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

locating the capital within two miles of the Raccoon Fork of the 
Des Moines, and for the appointment of commissioners, was approved 
by Gov. Grimes. The site was selected in 1856, in accordance 
with the provisions of this act; the land being donated to the State 
by citizens and property-holders of Des Moines. An association of 
citizens erected a building for a temporary capitol, and leased it to 
the State at a nominal rent. 

The passage by Congress of the act organizing the Territories of 
Kansas and Nebraska, and the provision it contained abrogating 
that portion of the Missouri bill that prohibited slavery and invol- 
untary servitude north of 36 ® 30' was the beginning of a political 
revolution in the Northern States, and in none was it more marked 
than in the State of Iowa. Iowa was the "first free child born of 
the Missouri compromise," and has always resented the destruc- 
tion of her foster parent. In the summer of 1854 there was a 
tacit coalition or union of the Whig and Free-Soil elements of the 
State. Alarmed at the aggressive spirit manifested by the adher- 
ents of the peculiar institution, the Free-Soilers, who almost held 
the balance of power in the State, readily adopted as their candi- 
date the Whig nominee for governor. Many of the old-line Whigs 
abandoned their party because of tliis coalition, but many strong 
and able men among the Democrats co-operated with it. James 
W. Grimes was the nominee of the Whigs, and Curtis Bates, of 
Polk County, was the nominee of the Democratic party. Grimes 
was then in the vigor of his manhood, and all the energies of his 
being appeared to be aroused by what he denominated the aggres- 
sions of the slave power. He was thoroughly in earnest, and can- 
vassed most of the organized counties of the State. The people 
flocked by tlie thousands to hear him, and were electrified by his 
eloquence. No one of the opposition attempted to meet him in 
debate. The result was his election by a majority of 1,404, in a 
vote 21,794. A majority was also secured in the General Assembly 
on joint ballot of the two Houses in opposition to the Democratic 
party. The opposition piirty in 1854-'5 were known as anti- 
Nebraska Whigs. A caucus of this opposing element nominated 
James Harlan as their candidate for Dnited States Senator, Geo. 
G. Wright for Chief Justice, and Norman W. Isbell and Wm. 
G. Woodward for Judges of the Supreme Court. 

A portion of the opposition, however, refused to go into this cau- 
cus, or to abide by its decision as to the United States senator. 
They were the personal friends of Ebenezer Cook, of Scott County. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 157 

A joint convention was secured, and the judges of the Supreme 
Court were elected. After frequent ballotingsand adjournments, it 
was at last understood that Cook's friends had yielded, and would 
support Mr. Harlan. When the hour arrived to which the joint con- 
vention had adjourned, messengers were sent to the Senate b^' the 
House, to inform that body that the House was ready to meet them 
in joint convention. Before this message could be delivered, the 
Senate had adjourned over until the next day. The anti-Nebraska 
senators, however, entered the hall of the House, and took their 
seats in joint convention. Much confusion prevailed, but finally 
a president 'pro tern, of the convention was chosen, and Mr. Harlan 
was elected. His seat was contested, and his election declared in- 
valid by the United States Senate. At the next session of the 
General Assembly, held in 1857, Mr. Harlan was re-elected and was 
permitted to take his seat. 

The year 1S56 marked a new era in the history of Iowa. In 1854 
the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad had been completed to the 
east bank of the Mississippi River, opposite Davenport. In the 
same year, the corner-stone of a railroad bridge that was to be the 
first to span the " Father of Waters," was laid with appropriate 
ceremonies at this point. St. Louis had resolved that the enter- 
prise was unconstitutional, and by writs of injunction made an un- 
successful effort to prevent its completion. Twenty years later in 
her history, St. Louis repented her folly, and made atonement for 
her sin by imitating Iowa's example. Jan. 1, 1856, this railroad 
was completed to Iowa City. In the meantime, two other rail- 
roads had reached the east bank of the Mississippi, — one opposite 
Burlington, and one opposite Dubuque, — and these were being ex- 
tended into the interior of the State. Indeed, four other lines of 
railroads had been projected across the State from the Mississippi 
to the Missouri, having eastern connections. 

May 15, 1856, Congress passed an act granting to the State, to 
aid in the construction of railroads, the public lands in alternate 
sections, six miles on either side of the proposed lines. An extra 
session of the General Assembly was called in July of this year, 
that disposed of the grant to the several companies that proposed 
to complete these enterprises. The population of Iowa was now 
50O,U0O. Public attention had been called to the necessity of a 
railroad across the continent. The position of Iowa, in the very 
heart and center of the republic, on the route of this great highway 
of the continent, began to attract attention. Cities and towns 



158 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

sprang up through the State as if by magic. Capital began to pour 
into the State, and had it been employed in developing the vast 
coal measures and establishing manufactories, or if it had been e.x- 
pended in improving tlie lands, and in building houses and barns, 
it would have been well. But all were in haste to get rich, and 
the spirit of speculation ruled the hour. 

In the meantime, every effort was made to help the speedy com- 
pletion of the railroads. Nearly every county and city on the 
Mississippi, and many in the interior, voted large corporate sub- 
scriptions to the stock of the railroad companies, and issued their 
negotiable bonds for the amount. Thus enormous county and city 
debts were incurred, the payment of which these municipalities 
tried to avoid, upon the plea that they had exceeded the constitu- 
tional limitation of their powers. The Supreme Court of the United 
States held these bonds to be valid, and the courts by mandam us 
compelled the city and county authorities to levy taxes to pay the 
judgments recovered upon them. These debts are not all paid, 
even to this day; but the worst is over, and the incubus is in the 
course of ultimate extinction. The most valuable lessons are those 
learned in the school of experience, and accordingly, the corpora- 
tions of Iowa have ever since been noted for economy. 

In 1856, the Republican party of the State was duly organized, 
in full sympathy with that of the other free States, and at the 
ensuing presidential election, the electoral vote of the State was 
cast for John C. Fremont. The popular vote was as follows: 
Fremont, 43,954; Buchanan, 36,170, and Fillmore, 9,180. This 
was 1,296 less than a majority for Fremont. The following year 
an election was held, after an exciting campaign, for State officers, 
resulting in a majority of 1,406 for Ralph P. Lowe, the Republican 
nominee. The Legislature was largely Republican in both branches. 

In June, 1854, a Board of State Commissioners contracted with 
the Des Moines Navigation Railroad Company, an organiza- 
tion composed principally of New York capitalists, to undertake 
the work, agreeing to convey to the company lands at $1.25 an acre 
for all moneys advanced and expended. In the meantime difHcul- 
ties arose in regard to the extent of the grant. The State claimed 
lands throughout the whole extent of the river to the north line of 
the State. The Department of the Interior changed its rulings 
under the several administrations. The Commissioner of the Gen- 
eral Land Office certified to the State about 320,000 acres of land 
below the Raccoon fork or the river, and about 270,000 acres above 



HI8T0BY OF IOWA. 159 

it prior to 1857, when he refused to certify any more. This led to 
a settlement and compromise witli the Navigation Company in 
185S, whereby the company took all the land certified to the State 
at that date, and paid the State $20,000 in addition to what they 
had already expended, canceled their contract and abandoned the 
work. The General Assembly granted to the Des Moines Valley 
Railroad the remainder of the grant to the State line, to aid in build- 
ing a railroad up and along the Des Moines Valley ; and Congress in 
1862 extended the grant, by express enactment, to the north line of 
the State. 

One of the most injurious results to the State, arising from the 
spirit of speculation prevalent in 1856, was the purchase and entry of 
great bodies of Government land within the State by non-residents. 
This laud was held for speculation and placed beyond the reach of 
actual settlers for many years. From no other one cause has Iowa 
suffered so much as from the short-sighted policy of the Federal 
Government in selling lands within her borders. The money thus 
obtained by the Federal Government has been comparatively incon- 
siderable. The value of this magnificent public domain to the 
United States was not in the few thousands of dollars she might 
exact from the hardy settlers, or that she might obtain from the 
speculator who hoped to profit by the settlers' labors in improving 
the country. Statesmen should have taken a broader and more 
comprehensive view of national economy, and a view more in har- 
mony with the divine economy that had prepared these vast fertile 
plains of the West for the " homes of men and the seats of empire." 
It was here that new States were to be builded up, that should be 
the future strength of the nation against foreign invasion or home 
revolt. A single regiment of Iowa soldiers during the dark days of 
the Rebellion was worth more to the nation than all the money she 
ever exacted from the toil and sweat of Iowa's early settlers. 
Could the statesmen of 40 years ago have looked forward to this 
day, when Iowa pays her $1,000,000 annually into the treasury of 
the nation for the extinction of the national debt, they would have 
realized that the founding of new States was a greater enterprise 
than the retailing of public lands. 

In January, 1857, another Constitutional Convention assembled 
at Iowa City, which framed the present State constitution. One 
of the most pressing demands for this convention grew out of the 
proliibition of banks under the old constitution. The practical 
result of this prohibition was to flood the State with every species 



160 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

of" wild-cat" currency. Our circulating medium was made up in 
part of the free-bank paper of Illinois and Indiana. In addition 
to this, we had paper issued by Iowa brokers, who had obtained 
bank charters from the Territorial Legislature of Nebraska, and 
had their pretended headquarters at Omaha and Florence. Our 
currency was also well assorted with the bills from other States, 
generally sucli as had the best reputation where they were least 
known. This paper was all at two, and some of it from 10 to 15 
per cent, discount. Every man who was not an expert in detecting 
counterfeit bills, and who was not posted in the history of all 
manner of banking institutions, did business at his peril. The 
new constitntion made ample provisions for house banks under the 
supervision of our own laws. The limitation of our State debt 
was enlarged to $250,000, and the corporate indebtedness of the 
cities and counties were also limited to five per cent, upon the valu- 
ation of their taxable property. The judges of the Supreme Court 
were to be elected by the popular vote. The permanent seat of 
government was fixed at Des Moines, and the State University 
located at Iowa City. The qualifications of electors remained the 
same as under the old constitution, but the schedule provided for 
a vote of the people upon a separate proposition to strike the word 
"white " out of the sufi'rage clause, which, had it prevailed, would 
have resulted in conferring the right of suflfrage without distinc- 
tion of color. Since the early organization of Iowa there had been 
upon the statute books a law providing that no negro, mulatto 
or Indian should be a competent witness iu any suit or proceed- 
ing to which a white man was a party. The General Assembly of 
18o6-'7 repealed this law, and the new constitution contained a 
clause forbidding such disqualification in the future. It also pro- 
vided for the education of "all youth of the State" through a 
system of common schools. This constitution was adopted at the 
ensuing election by a vote of 40,311 to 38,681. 

Oct. 19, 1857, Gov. Grimes issued a proclamation declaring the 
city of Des Moines to be the capital of the State of Iowa. The 
removal of the archives and offices was commenced at once and con- 
tinued through the fall. It was an undertaking of no small mag- 
nitude; there was not a mile of railroad to facilitate the work, and 
the season was unusually disagreeable. Rain, snow and other ac- 
companiments increased the difliculties; and it was not until De- 
cember that the last of the eff'ects, — the safe of the State treasurer, 
loaded on two large " bob-sleds " drawn by ten yokes of oxen, — was 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 161 

deposited in the new capitol. It is not imprudent now to remark 
that, during this passage over hills and prairies, across rivers, 
through bottom lands and timber, the safes belonging to the several 
departments contained large sums of money, mostly individual 
funds, however. Thus Iowa City ceased to be the capital of the 
State, after four Territorial Legislatures, six State Legislatures and 
three Constitutional Conventions had held their sessions there. 
By the exchange, the old capitol at Iowa City became the seat of 
the university, and, except tiie rooms occupied by tlie United States 
District Court, passed under the immediate and direct control of 
the trustees of that institution. Des Moines was now the perma- 
nent seat of government, made so by the fundamental law of the 
State, and Jan. 11, 1858, the seventh General Assembly convened 
at the new capitol. The citizens' association which built this tem- 
porary building borrowed the money of James D. Eads, Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction, and leased it to the State. In 1804 
the State purchased the building. At the session of the General 
Assembly in 1858, James W. Grimes was elected United States 
Senator as successor to George W. Jones. 

In 1856 and 1858 large appropriations were made for the erec- 
tion of public buildings and the support of the unfortunate classes, 
and a loan of $200,000 was authorized. In 1859 the Republicans 
nominated for governor^ Samuel J. Kirkwood, and the Democrats 
selected as their candidate Gen. A. C. Dodge, then just returned 
home from a mission to Spain. Kirkwood was elected by a ma- 
jority of 2,9t)4 votes. 

During the years lS5S-'60, the Sioux Indians became troublesome 
in the northwestern part of the State. They made frequent raids 
for the purpose of plunder, and on several occasions murdered 
whole families of settlers. In 1861 several companies of militia 
were ordered to that portion of the State, to hunt down and expel 
the thieves. No battles were fought. The Indians fled as soon as 
they ascertained that systematic measures had been adopted for 
tlieir punishment. 

The presidential campaign of 1860 was the most remarkable and 
exciting of any in the history of Iowa. The fact that civil war 
might be inaugurated and was threatened, in case Mr. Lincoln wae 
elected, was well understood and duly cotisidered. The people of 
Iowa indulged in no feeling of hatred or ill-will toward the people 
of any State or section of the Union. There was, however, on the 
part of the majority, a cool determination to consider and decide 
10 



162 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

upon our national relations to this institution of slavery, unin- 
fluenced by any threat of violence or civil war. The popular vote 
of Iowa gave Mr. Lincoln 70,409; Stephen A, Douglas, 55,011; 
Breckeuridge, 1,04S. 

The General Assembly of the State of Iowa, as early as 1851, had 
by joint resolution declared that the State of Iowa was "bound to 
maintain the union of these States by all the means in her power." 
The same year the State furnished a block of marble for the Wash- 
ington Monument at the national capital, and by order of the Gen- 
eral Assembly there was inscribed upon its enduring surface the 
following:" Iowa — Her affections, like the rivers of her borders, flow 
to an inseparable Union." The time was now approaching in her 
history when these declarations of attachment and fidelity to the 
nation were to be put to a practical test. 

Certainly the people of no State in the nation could be more vi- 
tally' interested in the question of our national unity than the peo- 
ple of Iowa. The older States of the Union, both North and South, 
were represented in its population. lowans were nearly all immi- 
grants, bound to those older communities by the most sacred ties 
of blood, and most endearing recollections of early days. In addi- 
tion to these considerations of a personal character, there were 
others of the gravest political importance. Iowa's geographical 
position as a State made the dismemberment of the Union a matter 
of serious concern. The Mississippi had been for years its highway 
to the markets of the world. The people could not entertain the 
thought that its navigation should pass under the control of a for- 
eign government. But more than this was to be feared the conse- 
quences of introducing and recognizing in our national system the 
principle of secession or disintegration. 

If this should be recognized as a right, what security had the 
States of the interior against their entire isolation from the com- 
merce of the world, by the future secession of the Atlantic and 
Pacific States. And the fact also remained, that secession or 
separation removed none of the causes of war. Whatever there was 
in the peculiar institution that created dift'erences of sentiment or 
feeling, or caused irritation, still existed after the separation, with 
no court or constitution as the arbiter of rights, and with the one 
resort, only, of the sword to settle differences. In secession and its 
logical and necessary results, we saw nothing but dire confusion 
and anarchy, and the utter destruction of that nationality through 
which alone we felt that our civil liberties as a people could be 
preserved, and the hopes of our civilization perpetuated. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 10)3 

The declaration of Mr. Buchanan's last annual message, that the 
nation possessed no constitutional power to coerce a seceding State, 
was received by the great majority of our citizens with humiliation 
and distrust. Anxiously they awaited the expiring hours of his 
administration, and looked to the incoming President as to an 
exj^ected deliverer that should rescue the nation from the hands of 
traitors, and the control of those whose non-resistance invited her 
destruction. The firing upon the national flag at Sumter aroused 
a burning indignation throughout the loyal States of the Republic, 
and nowhere was it more intense than in Iowa. And when the 
proclamation of the President was published, April 15, 1861, calling 
for 75,000 citizen soldiers to "maintain the honor, the integrity 
and the existence of our national Union, and the perpetuity of 
popular government," we were more than willing to respond to the 
call. Party lines gave way, and for a while, at least, party spirit 
was liushed, and the cause of our common countr}' was supreme in 
the affections of the people. Peculiarly fortunate were the people 
of Iowa at this crisis, in having a truly representative man as 
executive of the State. Thoroughly honest and thoroughly earnest, 
wholl}- imbued with the enthusiasm of the hour, fully aroused to 
the importance of the crisis, and the magnitude of the struggle upon 
which we were entering, with an indomitable will under thd? control 
of a strong common sense, our war governor, Samuel J. Kirkwood, 
was indeed a worthv chief to organize and direct the energies of 
the people. Within thirty days after the date of the President's 
call for troops, the First Iowa liegiment was mustered into the 
service of the United States, a second regiment was in camp ready 
for the service, and the General Assembly of the State was convened 
in special session, and had by joint resolution solemnly pledged 
every resonrce of men and money to the national cause. 

The constitution of Iowa limited the State debt to $250,000, 
except debts contracted to "repel invasion, suppress insurrection, 
or defend the State in war." The General Assembly authorized a 
loan of $SOO,0(iO for a war and defense fund, to be expended in 
organizing, arming, equipping and subsisting the militia of the 
State to meet the present and future requisitions of the President. 
Those in power looked to the s])irit, rather than to the letter of the 
constitution, and acted upon the theory that to preserve the nation 
was to preserve the State, and that to prevent invasion was the most 
effectual means of " repelling" it. A few, however, in both branches 
of the General Assembly were more careful of the letter of the cou- 



164 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

Btitution. Three votes in the Senate and 17 in the House were 
cast against the loan bill. These bonds were at seven per cent, 
interest. Only $300,000 were ever issued, and they were purchased 
and held chiefly by our own citizens. We had at this crisis James 
W. Grimes and James Harlan in the United States Senate, and 
General Samuel R. Curtis and General Yandever to represent us 
in the House of Representatives. During the first year of the war, 
Iowa furnished 16 regiments of infantry, six of cavalry and three 
batteries, — in all, 22,000 soldiers. Iowa had no refuse popula- 
tion to enlist as '' food for powder." Her cities contained none of 
that element found about the purlieus of vice in the great centers 
of population. Her contribution to the armies of the republic was 
a genuine offering of manhood and patriotism. From her fields, 
her workshops, her counting-houses, her ofiices, and the halls of 
her schools and colleges, she contributed the best muscle, sinew 
and brain of an industrious, enterprising and educated people. The 
first regiment of Iowa soldiers fought the battle of Wilson's Creek 
after their term of enlistment had expired, and after they were 
entitled to a discharge. They were citizen soldiers, each of whom 
had a personal interest in the struggle. It was to them no question 
of enlistment, of bounty or of pay. When the gallant General Lyon 
placed Mmself at their head, and told them that the honor of Iowa 
and of the nation was in their hands, he addressed men who knew 
what the appeal meant, and to whom such an appeal was never 
made in vain. 

At the fall election of 1861, party spirit had revived; and tbe 
contest for the control of the State administration was warm and 
earnest. Dissensions arose in both parties, but the election re- 
sulted in a majority of 16,600 votes for Kirkwood, who was thus 
retained as Governor of Iowa. Both branches of the Assembly 
were also strongly Republican. 

In 1863 the Republicans elected their candidate for Governor, 
Wm. M. Stone, by a majority of 29,000. 

Meanwhile, the General Assembly had passed a law authorizing^ 
the "soldiers' vote," that if, citizens of the State in the volunteer 
military service of the United States, whether within or without 
the limits of the State, were authorized to open a poll on the day 
of the election, and to make return of their votes to the proper 
civil authorities. In the presidential contest of 1864, the popular 
vote at home was as follows: Lincoln, 72,122; McClellan, 47,703. 
The soldier vote returned was: Lincoln, 16,844; McClellan^ 
1,883. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 165 

During these years of our history, the thoughts and energies of 
the people were intent upon the war. The State was simply a re- 
cruiting rendezvous for the army. Our railroads and express lines 
were carrying away the strong and vigorous, and returning to us 
the bodies t)f the cherished dead. The social life of the people was 
made up to a great extent of meetings, to raise means for sanitary 
and hospital supplies. Sociables were held, concerts given, festi- 
vals made; all with one object — to raise money for the sanitary 
commissions. The hearts of the women of Iowa followed their 
loved ones to the field; and their every thought was, how they could 
alleviate the sufferings they were not permitted to share. Sani- 
tary commissions, official and unofficial, were organized, that pro- 
voked one another to good works, and were sometimes provoked 
at one another for their good work! 

The General Assembly did all in its power to encourage enlist- 
ments and to protect the soldiers in the field and their families at 
home. Statutes were enacted suspending all suits against sol- 
diers in the service, and all writs of execution or attachment 
against their property; and county boards of supervisors were au- 
thorized to vote bounties for enlistments, and pecuniary aid to the 
families of those in the service. The spirits of our people rose and 
fell, according to the success of the Union armies. One day the 
bells rung out with joy for the surrender of Vicksburg, and again 
the air seemed full of heaviness because of our defeats on the Pen" 
insula; but through all these dark and trying days, the faith of the 
great majority never wavered. 

The emancipation proclamation of the President was to them 
the inspiration of a new hope. The contest had been conducted 
upon theories that made slavery the very strength of the Rebellion. 
Every slave in the field cultivating grain for the subsistence of the 
rebel army, was the equivalent of a citizen of the loyal States de- 
tained from the army to perform the same labor. To offer freedom 
to the slave was to destroy the rebel base of supplies. 15ut 
stronger than all these theories of political economy, was the 
humanitarian spirit of the people, that hears the cry of the 
oppressed, and commands men and nations to do justice and to love 
mercy. 

In the adjutant's department at Des Moines are ])reserved the 
shot-riddled colors and standards of Iowa's regiments. Upon them, 
bv special authority, were inscribed from time to time duVing the 
war the names of the battle-fields upon which tiiese regiments 



166 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

gained distinction. These names constitute the geographical no- 
menclature of two-thirds of the territory lately in rebellion. From 
the Des Moines River to the Gulf, from the Mississippi to the At- 
lantic, in the mountains of West Yirginia and in the valley of the 
Shenandoah, the Iowa soldier made his presence kno'Wii and felt, 
and maintained the honor of the State, and the cause of the nation. 
They were with Lyon at Wilson's Creek; with Tuttle at Donelson. 
They fought with Siegel and with Curtis at Pea Ridge; with 
Crocker at Champion Hills; with Reid at Shiloh. They were with 
Grant at the surrender of Vicksburg. They fought above the 
clouds with Hooker at Lookout Mountain. They were with Shei^ 
man in his marcli to the sea, and were ready for battle when John- 
son surrendered. They were with Sheridan in the valley of the 
Shenandoah, and were in the veteran ranks of the nation's deliver- 
ers that stacked their arms in the national capitol at the close of 
the war. 

The State furnished to the armies of the Republic, during the 
war, over 70,000 men, and 20,000 of these perished in battle or 
from diseases contracted in the service. 

Iowa's senators and representatives in Congress never failed to 
sustain the national administration in its most vigorous and radi- 
cal war policy. 

Elsewhere in this volume is given a detailed account of Iowa's 
part in the war, and a notice of each regiment furnished by the 
State. 

At the close of the war the citizen soldiers returned to their fields, 
their work-shops and offices, and soon began to repair the losses 
their absence had occasioned to the productive industry of the 
State. From that time till to-day, Iowa's history is tliat of steady 
prosperity, with few of those mishaps which so largely make up 
written history. 

In 1870 the General Assembly made an appropriation and pro- 
vided for the appointment of a board of commissioners to com" 
mence the work of building a new capitol. Tlie act provided that 
the building should be constructed of the best material, and should 
be fire-proof ; be heated and ventilated in the most approved man- 
ner; contain suitable legislative halls, rooms for State officers, the 
iudiciary, library, committees, archives, and collections of the State 
Agricultural Society, and all other purposes of State government. 
The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies, Nov. 23, 
1871. The building is nearly finished, and is a beautiful specimen 
of modern architecture. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



IOWA OF TO-DAY. 



167 



When Wisconsin Territory was organized in 1836, the entire 
population of that portion of the Territory now embraced in tiie 
State of Iowa was 10,531. The Territory then embraced two 
counties, Dubuque and Des Moines, erected by the Territory of 
Miciiigan in 1834. Since tlien, the counties have increased to 99, 
and the population in 1880 was l,t)21:,463. The following table 
will show the population at different periods since the erection of 
Iowa Territory: 



Year. Population. 

1865 75n,()9!) 

181)7 902,040 

1869 1,040,819 

1870 1,191.737 

1873 l,2r.!,33:J 



Year. Population. Year. Popalation. 

1838 22,589118.51 804,774 

1840 4:!,115|1853 230,713 

1844 7.5,1521854 32(i,013 

1846 97,.588iH.56 519,0.55 

1847 116,651118.59 0;18,775 

1849 152,988'l860 674,913|l875 1,366,000 

1850 191,982jl863 701,732|l880 1,624,463 

The most populous county is Dubuque — 42,997. Polk County 
has 41,395, and Scott, 41,270. Not only in population, but in 
everythiug contributing to the growth and greatness of a State has 
Iowa made rapid progress. In a little more than 35 years, its 
wild but beautiful prairies have advanced from the home of the 
savage to a highly civilized commonwealth, embracing all the ele- 
ments of progress which characterize the older States. 

The first railroad across the State was completed to Council 
Bluffs in January, 1871. The completion of three others soon fol- 
lowed. In 1854 there was not a mile of railroad in Iowa. Within 
the succeeding 20 years, 3,765 miles were built and put in success- 
ful operation. 

Elsewhere in this work is given full information as to the pop- 
ulation, finances, mines, climate, geography, geology, agriculture, 
public lands, education, colleges and penal and charitable institu- 
tions of Iowa; and these will therefore not be treated here. 

The present value of buildings for our State institutions, includ- 
ing the estimated cost of the capitol, is as follows: 



State Capitol $2,500,000 

State University 400,000 

AgricuUural Oil. and Farm 300.000 
InstilulioD l'»r the Blind... 1.50.000 
Inst, for the Deaf and Dumb 225,000 



Insliuilion.s for the Insane. 1,149,000 

Orphans' Home 62,000 

Penitentiiirics 408,000 

Nnrinal School .50,000 

Reform School 90,000 



The State has never levied more that two and one-half mills on 
the dollar for State tax, and this is at present the constitutional 
limit. The State has no debt. 



168 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

No other influence has contributed so much to the progress and 
development of Iowa as the newspapers of the State. No class of 
men have labored more assiduously and disinterestedly for the de- 
velopment of the State and the advancement of her material 
interests than her editors. There are now published in Iowa 25 
daily papers, 364 weekly papers and 13 monthly' publications. 
These are as a rule well supported by the people. Such is briefly 
a summary of the history and resources of Iowa. There is perhaps 
no other country on earth where so few people are either rich or 
poor as in Iowa; where there is such an equality of condition, and 
where so many enjoy a competence. The law exempts from exe- 
cution a homestead to every head of a family. Every sober, indus- 
trious man can in a short time acquire a home. Iowa is the home 
for the immigrant. The children of the laboring man have no 
prejudice of caste to overcome in the effort they may choose to 
make for the improvement of their condition in life. Here all 
men enjoy the inalienable blessings of '• life, liberty and the pur- 
suit of happiness," not only unfettered by legal disabilities, but 
also untrammeled by those fixed conditions of social and. business 
life that elsewhere result from accumulated wealth in the posses- 
sion of the few. As education is free, so also the avenues of suc- 
cess are open in every pursuit and calling. The highest incentives 
exist to exertion. Labor and effort, whether manual or mental, 
are held alike honorable; and idleness and crime are alone consid- 
ered disreputable. 

Thriving cities and towns dot the land; an iron net-work of 
thousands of miles of railroads is woven over its broad acres; 10,- 
000 school-houses, in which more than 500,000 children are being 
taught the rudiments of education, testify to the culture and liber- 
ality of the people; high schools, colleges and universities, are gen- 
erously endowed by the State; manufactories are busy on all her 
water courses, and in most of her cities and towns. 

We cannot close this sketch without again quoting from Judge 
Nourse: "The great ultimate fact that America would demon- 
strate is, the existence of a people capable of attaining and pre- 
serving a superior civilization, with a government self-imposed, 
self-administered and self-perpetuated. In this age of wonderful 
progress, America cari exhibit nothing to the world of mankind 
more wonderful or more glorious, than her new States — youn 
empires, born of her own enterprise, and tutored at her own politi 
cal hearth-stone. Well may she say to the monarchies of the old 



3 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 169 

world, who look for evidences of her regal grandeur and state: 
" Behold, these are my jewels." And may she never blush to add: 
" This one in the center of the diadem is called Iowa." 



IOWA AND THE REBELLION. 

The State of Iowa may well be proud of her record dnring the 
war, to suppress the wicked rebellion against the Union, which 
rebellion grew to such gigantic proportions as to require immense 
expenditure and large armies from most of them. It is true, that 
in comparison with the part borne by the national troops in the 
war, the part borne by any single State may be unimportant. The 
fact is, however, that the war was of such magnitude, that the part 
taken by each State in it can be compared with a whole nation's 
part in an ordinary war. Iowa, for instance, sent into the field 
during the Rebellion four times as many men as Gen. Scott had 
under his command during the Mexican war, fully 10 times as 
many as Gen. Jackson had when he won the victory of New Orleans, 
and quite as many as Gen. Washington ever had under command 
at one time. These Union troops from Iowa occupied conspicuou.s 
positions, carried many flags, dropped from their muster rolls in 
death and wounds many comrades, in all the important campaigns 
and battles of the West; in those of Sherman in the Southeast; of 
Canby in the South, and in those of Gen. Sheridan in the Shenan- 
doah Valley. Whether in the promptitude of her responses to the 
calls made on her by the general Government, in the courage and 
constancy of her soldiery in the field, or in the wisdom and efficiency 
with which her civil administration was conducted during the trying 
period covered by the Rebellion, Iowa proved herself the peer of 
any loyal State. 

The bombardment of Fort Sumter. April 12, 1861, and its capitu- 
lation the next daj' to the rebels, under the command of Beauregard, 
aroused the country to the highest pitch of indignation. The cry 
of "Toar.ms!" was heard everywhere, from men of all political 
parties. The enthusiasm was great all over the land, and, perhaps, 
greater in the Northwest than elsewhere. In this section, there are 
but few of entirely sedentary pursuits. Very many more spend 
their days in out-door employments than in in-door vocations, and 
those that are employed in-doors, as a rule, indulge freely in out- 
door sports and exercise. The most successful editor of Iowa is 



170 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

scarcely more distinguished for his independent spirit and able 
paragraphs than he is for his skill in catching fish; whilst most 
of our lawyers and doctors are famous with fowling-pieces. A 
country where there is little dyspepsia must needs be deeph', deeply 
enthusiastic on proper occasions. Certain it is, that the intelligence 
of the fall of Fort Sumter aroused martial patriotism throughout 
Iowa. 

April 15 President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 
75,000 volunteers, and one regiment was assigned as the quota of 
Iowa. On the 17th Gov. Samuel J. Kirkwood issued a proclama- 
tion enjoining the militia of the State immediately to form volun. 
teer companies in the different counties, with a view of entering 
into active service under the President's call, and announcing that 
the regiment required would consist of ten companies of at least 
78 men each. This proclamation had scarcely been printed before 
the executive was besieged by applicants for admission into the 
regiment, which could not contain one-fourth tlie men who were 
ready and anxious to enter it. The people were not a little indig- 
nant that the secretary of war required only one regiment from 
the State, that he would receive but a thousand men of the 
thousands they wanted to give. So urgent were the offers of com. 
panics, that the governor conditionally accepted enough additional 
companies to compose two additional regiments. Tliese were soon 
accepted by the secretary of war. Near the close of May, the 
Adjutant General of the State reported that 170 companies had 
been tendered the governor, to serve against the enemies of the 
Union. The question was eagerly asked, " Which of us will be 
allowed to go? " It seemed as if Iowa was monopolizing the honors 
of the period, and would send the larger part of the 75,000 wanted 
from the whole North. 

There were much difficulty and considerable delay experienced 
in fitting the first three regiments for the field. For the First 
Infantry a complete outfit (not uniform) of clotliing was extemporized 
principally by the volunteered labor of loyal women in the different 
towns — from material of various colors and qualities, obtained 
within the limits of the State. The same was done in part for the 
Second Infantry. Meantime, an extra session of the General 
Assembly had been called by the governor, to convene on the 15th 
of May. With but little delay, that body authorized a loan of 
$800,000, to meet the extraordinary expenses incurred, and to be 
incurred, by the Executive Department, in consequence of the 



HISTOKy OF IOWA. 171 

new emergency. A wealthy merchant of the State (ex-Governor 
Merrill, then a resident of McGregor ) immediately took from the 
governor a contract to supply a complete outfit of clothing for the 
three regiments organized, agreeing to receive, should the governor 
80 elect, his pay therefor in the State bonds at par. This contract 
he executed to tlie letter, and a portion of the clothing ( which was 
manufactured in Boston, at his order) was delivered at Keokuk, the 
place at which the troops liad rendezvoused, in exactly one month 
from the day in which the contract had been entered into. The 
remainder arrived only a few days later. Tiiis clothing was delivered 
to the soldiers, but was subiuquently condemned by the Government 
for the reason that its color was gray, and blue had been adopted 
as the color to be worn by the national troops. Other States had 
also clothed their troops, sent forward under the first call of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, with gray uniforms, but it was soon found that the 
confederate forces were also clothed in gra}', and that color was 
at once abandoned by the Union troops. If both armies were 
clothed alike, annoying if not fatal mistakes were liable to be made. 

Wiiile engaged in these efforts to discharge her whole duty in 
common with all the other Union-loving States in the great 
emergency, Iowa was compelled to make immediate and ample 
provision for the protection of her own borders, from threatened 
invasions on t!he South by the secessionists of Missouri, and from 
danger of incursions from tlie West and Northwest by bands of hostile 
Indians, who were freed from the usual restraint imposed upon 
them by the presence of regular troops stationed at the frontier 
posts. These troops were withdrawn to meet the greater and more 
pressing danger tiircatening the life of the nation at its very heart. 

The governor of the State, in order to provide for the adequate 
defense of Iowa's borders from the ravages of both rebels in arms 
against the Government, and of the more irresistible foes from the 
Western plains, was authorized to raise and equip two regiments of 
infantry, a squadron of cavalry ( not less than five companies ), and 
a battalion of artillery ( not less than three comnanies). Only 
cavalry were enlisted for home defense, however, but in times of 
special danger, or when calls were made by the Unionists of North- 
ern Missouri for assistance against their disloyal enemies, large 
numbers of militia on foot often turned out, and remained in the 
field until the necessity for their services had passed. 

June 13 Gen. Lvon, tiien commandiuir the United States forces 
in Missouri, issued the first order for the Iowa volunteers to move 
to the field. The First and Second Infantry immediately embarked 



172 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

in steamboats and proceeded to Hannibal. Two weeks later the 
Third Infantry was ordered to the same point. These three, to- 
gether with many other of the earlier organized Iowa regiments, 
rendered their first field service in Missouri. The First Infantry 
formed a part of the little army with which Gen Lyon moved on 
Springfield, and fought the bloody battle of Wilson's Creek. It 
received unqualified praise for its gallent bearing on the field. In 
the following month (September), the Third Iowa, with but very 
slight support, fought with honor the sanguinary engagement of 
Blue Mills Landing; and in November the Seventh Iowa, as a part 
of the force commanded by Gen. Grant, greatly distinguished itself 
in the battle of Belmont, where it poured out its blood like water — 
losins: more than half of the men it took into action. 

The initial operations in which the battles referred to took place 
were followed by the more important movements led by Gen. 
Grant, Gen. Curtis, of this State, and other commanders, which re- 
sulted in defeating the armies defending the chief strategic lines 
held by the confederates in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and 
Arkansas, compelling their withdrawal from much of the territory 
previously controlled by them in those States. In these and other 
movements, down to the grand culminating campaign by which 
Vicksburg was captured and the Confederacy permanently severed 
on the line of the Mississippi River, Iowa troops took part in 
steadilv increasing numbers. In the investment and siege of Vicks- 
burg, the State was represented by 30 regiments and two batteries, in 
addition to which eight regiments and one battery were employed 
on the outposts of the besieging army. The brilliancy of their 
exploits on the many fields where they served, won for them the 
highest meed of praise, both in military and civil circles. Multi- 
plied were the terms in which expression was given to this senti- 
ment, but these words of the journals of a neighboring State: "The 
Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes," embody the spirit 
of all. 

In the veteran re-enlistment that distinguished the closing month 
of 1863, above all other periods in the history of re-enlistment for 
the national armies, the Iowa three years' men (who were relatively 
more numerous than those of any other State), were prompt to set 
the example of volunteering for another term of equal length, 
thereby adding many thousands to the great army of those who 
gave this renewed and practical assurance that the cause of the 
Union should not be left without defenders. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 173 

In all the important movements of 1864-'5, by which the con- 
fcdoracy was penetrated in every quarter, and its military power 
finally overthrown, the Iowa troops took part. Their drum-beat 
was heard on the banks of every great river of the South, from the 
Potomac to the Rio Grande, and everywhere they rendered the 
same faithful and devoted service, maintaining on all occasions 
their wonted reputation for valor in the field, and endurance on the 
march. 

Two Iowa three-year cavalry regiments were employed during 
their whole terra of service in the operations that were in progress 
from 1863 to 1866 against the hostile Indians of the Western plains. 

A portion of these men were among the last of the volunteer 
troops to be mustered out of service. The State also supplied a 
considerable number of men to the navy, wlio took part in most of 
the naval operations prosecuted against the Confederate power on 
the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and the rivers of the West. 

The people of Iowa were early and constant workers in the san- 
itary field, and by their liberal gifts and personal eftbrts for the ben- 
efit of the soldiery, placed their State in the front rank of those who 
became distinguished for their exhibitions of patriotic benevolence 
during the period covered by the war. Agents appointed by the 
governor were stationed at points convenient for rendering assisfc- 
, ance to the sick and needy soldiers of the State, while others were 
employed in visiting, from time to time, hospitals, camps and ar- 
mies in the field, and doing whatever the circumstances rendered 
possible for the health and comfort of such of tlie Iowa soldiery as 
might be found there. 

Charitable enterprises also found a ready support in Iowa. 
Some of the benevolent people of the State early conceived the 
idea of establishing a home for such of the children of deceased 
soldiers as might be left in destitute circumstances. This idea first 
took form in 1863, and in the following year a home was opened at 
Fariuin.;ton, Van Buren County, in a building leased for that pur- 
pose, and which soon became filled to its utmost capacity. The 
institution received liberal donations from the general public, and 
also from the soldiers in the field. In 1865 it became necessary to 
provide increased accommodations for the large number of children 
who were seeking the benefits of its care. This was done by estab- 
lishing a branch at Cedar Falls, in Black Hawk County, and by se- 
curing, during the same year, for the use of the parent home. Camp 
Kinsman, near the city of Davenport. This property, by act ot 



174 HISTORV OF IOWA. 

Congress, was soon afterward donated to the institution. In 1 866, 
in pursuance of a law enacted for that purpose, the Soldier's Or- 
phan's Home (which then contained about 450 inmates), became a 
State institution, and thereafter the sums necessary for its support 
were appropriated from the State treasury. A second branch was 
established at Glenwood, Mills County. Convenient tracks were 
secured, and valuable improvements made at all the dilierent 
points. Schools were also established, and employments provided 
for such of the children as were of suitable age. In every way the 
provision made for these wards of the State has been such as to chal- 
lenge the approval of every benevolent mind. The number of chil- 
dren who have been inmates of the home from its foundation to the 
present time is considerably more than 2,000. 

No bounty was paid by the State on account of the men she 
placed in the Held. In some instances, toward the close of the war, 
bounty to a comparatively small amount was paid by cities and 
towns. On only one occasion, that of the call of July 18, 1864, was 
a draft made in Iowa. This did not occur on account of her 
proper liability, as established by previous rulings of the War 
Department, to supply men under that call, but grew out of the 
great necessity that there existed for raising men. The Govern ■ 
ment insisted on temporarily setting aside, in part, the former rule 
of settlements, and enforcing a draft in all cases where sub-districts* 
in any of the States should be found deficient in their supply of 
men. In no instance was Iowa, as a whole, found to be indebted 
to the general Government for meUi on a settlement of her quota 
accounts. 

Not satisfied with merely doing her duty under the law, Iowa of 
her patriotic generosity did more than was required. The 17th, 
18th and 37th Regiments of infantry, the 6th, 7th , 8th and 9th 
Regiments of cavalry were all enrolled, not to meet any call from 
the general Government, but to enable citizens of the State to 
€nlist under the banners of the Union, in excess of all demands 
which could lawfully be made. The State also contributed a large 
number of men and many officers to regiments in Missouri, 
Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and out of 
a population of less than 2,000 arms-bearing colored citizens, raised 
nearly a whole regiment of African troops. But besides the troops 
thus regularly enrolled within the State, and those who formed 
part of regiments in neighboring States, there were not a few of 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 175 

Iowa's citizens in the regular army, in the different staff depart- 
ments of tlic volunteer army, and in commands belonging to far 
distant States. 

Those also should be noticed who were called upon to protect 
the State and adjoining States from raids, to preserve the internal 
peace of the State, etc. In ISGl, when Northern Missouri was 
overrun by predatory bands, and the loyal citizens were being 
driven from their homes by hundreds, and suffering in life, person 
and estate, the border Iowa yeomanry, unskilled in anything per- 
taining to war, responded to the Macedonian cry of their neighbors 
and speeded across the line to holp them, to the number of 1,500. 
They were armed with old fowling pieces and antiquated militia 
gear — but they proved effective nevertheless, their hearts being in 
the right place. In the same year three expeditions were sent out 
to beat back the Jackson bushwhackers who were advancing on 
Iowa, driving out the Union men on their way. These expeditions 
numbered about 1,300 men, and performed valuable service in 
Missouri. 

On the northern border, during the same year, the Sioux City 
cavalry, 93 men, and Capt. Tripp's company, about 50 men, were 
employed to protect the borders against the Indians. 

In 1S62, under authority of the General AssembI}', the Northern 
and Southern Border Brigades, were organized, the one for the 
protection of the State against guerilla bands on the south along 
the entire border, the other to keep in check the disaffected Indians 
intent on mischief in the Northwest. There were five companies 
of the Northern Border Brigade, 250 men, and 10 companies of the 
Southern Border Brigade, 794 men, judiciously stationed at ex- 
posed points. For two years the State at her own expense sup- 
ported these organizations. There can be no doubt that this was 
a wise expenditure, considering the service done — that of staying 
murder, rapine and arson, which were threatening to stalk through 
the State. 

Subsequently SOO militia in 11 companies were called out to 
suppress the celebrated Talley treason in Keokuk County, and 50O 
on account of the disturbances in Poweshiek and Davies Counties. 

At the beginning of tlie war, the population of Iowa included 
about 150,000 men presumably liable to render niilitary service. 
The State raised for general service 39 regiments of infantry, nine 
regiments of faval;-y, and four companies <>f artillery, com])osed of 
three years' men; one regiment of infantry, composed of three 



176 HISTOKV OF IOWA. 

montlis' men; and four regiments and one battalion of infantry, com- 
posed of 100 days' men. The original enlistments in these various 
organizations, including 1,727 men raised by draft, numbered a lit- 
tle more than 69,000. The re-enlistments, including upward of 7,- 
000 veterans, numbered very nearly 8,000. ' The enlistments in the 
regular army and navy, and organizations of other States, will, if 
added, raise the total to upward of 80,000. The number of men 
who, under special enlistments, and as militia, took part at differ- 
ent times in the operations on the exposed borders of the State, 
was probably as many as 5,000. 

As an inevitable result of war, many became prisoners, and suf- 
fered the cruelties of Libby, Anderson ville, and other "pens" in 
the South, which have become famous the world over, solely be- 
cause of the incredible barbarities practiced in them. Considerable 
portions of the 8th, 12th, and 14th Regiments were captured, after 
hard fighting, at Shiloh; the 16th was nearly all surrendered at At- 
lanta; the 17th at Tilton; the 19th at Sterling farm; the 36th at 
Mark's Mill. Many escaped heroically from rebel imprisonment, 
and the narratives of their sufferings would make many interesting 
volumes. 

Every loyal State of the Union had many women who devoted 
much time and great labor toward relieving the wants of our sick 
and wounded soldiery, but for Iowa can be claimed the honor of 
inaugurating the great charitable movement which was so success- 
fully supported by the noble women of the North. Mrs. Harlan, 
wife of Hon. James Harlan, United States Senator, was :he first 
woman of our country among those moving in high circles of soci- 
ety who personally visited the army and ministered to the wants 
of the suff"ering soldiery. In many of her visits to the army, Mrs. 
Harlan was accompanied by Mrs. Joseph T. Fales, wife of the first 
State auditor of Iowa. No words can describe the good done, the 
lives saved, and the deaths made easy by the host of noble women 
of Iowa, whose names it would take a volume to print. Every 
county, every town, every neighborhood in the State had tliese true 
heroines, whose praise can never be fully known, till the final ren- 
dering of all accounts of deeds done in the body. The contribu- 
tions of the State to "sanitary fairs," during the war were enor- 
mous, amounting to many hundred thousand dollars. Highly suc- 
cessful fairs were held at Dubuque, Muscatine, Burlington, and 
Marshalltown, while all the towns contributed most generously to 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 177 

fairs of a less general nature. All this must be added to the work 
of the many " Florence Nightingales" of Iowa, whose heroic sacri- 
fices have won for them the umiying gratitude of the nation. 

It is to be said to the honor and credit of Iowa, that while many 
of the loyal States, older and larger in population and wealth, in- 
curred heavy State debts for the purpose of fulfilling their obliga- 
tions to the general Government, Iowa, while she was foremost in 
duty, while she promptly discharged all her obligations to her sis- 
ter States and the Union, found herself at the close of the w.ir with- 
out any material addition to her pecuniary liabilities incurred 
before the war commenced. Upon final settlement after the restora- 
tion of peace, her claims upon the Federal Government were found 
to be fully etpial to the amount of her bt^nds issu'.'d and sold during 
the war to provide the means for raising and equipping her troops 
sent into the field, and to meet the inevitable demands upon her 
treasury in consequence of the war. 

It was in view of the facts tiiat Iowa had more than done her 
duty during the war, and that without incurring any considerable 
indebtedness, and that her troops had fought most gallantly on 
nearly every battle-field of the war, that the Newark Advertiser and 
other prominent Eastern journals called Iowa the " model State of 
the Republic." 

We give in the following pages a brief account of each regiment 
which was credited to Iowa during the war. 

The First Regiment was organized under the President's first 
proclamation for volunteers for three months, with John Francis 
Bates, of Dubuque, as Colonel; Wm. II. Merritt, of Cedar Rapids, 
as Lieutenant Colonel, and A. B. Porter, of Mt. Pleasant, as Major. 
Companies A and C were from Muscatine (Jounty; Company B, 
from Johnson County; Companies D and E, from Des Moines 
County; Company F, from Henry County; Company G, from 
Davenport; Companies II and I, from Dubuque; and Company K, 
from Linn County. The regiment was mustered into the service 
of the United States May 14, 1861, at Keokuk. The different com- 
panies were independent military organizations before the war. and 
tendered their service before the breaking out of hostilities. The 
regitnent was in quarters in Keokuk for two weeks. During this 
time they beciime proficient in the use of arms, and they learned 
something of practical camp life. June 13, the regiment received 
orders to join Gen. Lyon in Missouri. They immediately embarked 
on board a steamer, and by midnight were at Hannibal, Mo., where 
11 



178 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

they slept on the floor of a large warehouse. They proceeded with- 
out delay to the interior of the State, where Gen. Lyon had jnst 
defeated Gov. Jackson with his so-called State troops. Joining 
Lyon, they were soon given a taste of active service. For two 
months they were almost constantly on the march, and occasionally 
skirmished with the enemy. Aug. 10, a sharp battle was fought with 
the enemy at Wilson's Creek, when the gallant and noble Gen. Lyon 
was killed, and the regiment lost 10 killed and 50 wounded. After 
the battle, the regiment proceeded to St. Louis, and their three 
months having expired, were mustered out Aug. 25, 18(31. The 
number of officei's and men in this regiment were 959. Of these 
13 were killed, ]3 died, lil were wounded, and three were missing. 

The Second Infantry was organized soon after the commence- 
ment of the war, with Samuel R. Curtis, of Keokuk, as Colonel; 
James M. Tiittle of Keosau(|ua, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and M. M. 
Crocker, of Des Moines, as Major; and was mustered into the service 
of the United States at Keokuk, in May, 1861. Company A was 
from Keokuk; CompaniesB and G, from Scott County; Company D, 
from Des Moines; Company E, from Fairfield, Jefferson County; 
Company F, from Van Buren County; Company G, from Davis 
County; Company H, from Washington Count}'; Company I, from 
Clinton County, and Company K, from Wapello County. It par- 
ticipated in the following engageuients: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, 
advance on Corinth, Corinth, Little Bear Creek, Ala., Resaca, Ga., 
Rome Cross Roads, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, 
in front of Atlanta, Jan. 22, 1864, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Eden 
Station, Little Ogeechee, Savannah, Columbia, Lynch's Creek and 
Bentonville; went with Sherman on his march to the sea, and 
tlirough the Carolinas, home. This regiment was one of Iowa's 
most distinguished commands in the war. It was the first 
three years' regiment, and it left for the theater of war even 
before the First Regiment, by a few hours. 

Its companies were enrolled during that first splendid enthu- 
siasm which followed the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and they 
contained many men of talent and reputation. The regiment espe- 
cially distinguished itself in the capture of Fort Donelson, in enter- 
ing which it was awarded the post of honor. It was then that the 
unenthusiastic Gen. Ilalleck pronounced the Iowa Second the 
" bravest of the brave." The Second Veteran Infantry was formed 
by the consolidation of the battalions of the Second and Third Vet- 
eran Infantry, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. , July 12, 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 179 

1865. The total number of officers and men who enlisted in this 
regiment was 1,217. Of tliis number, during the war, 6-1: were 
killed, 134 died, 330 were discliarged, 26S were wounded, 14 were 
missing and 24 were captured. 

The TiiiiJD Infantijy was organized at about the same time as 
the second, with Nelson G. Williams, of Dubuque County, as 
Colonel; John Scott, of Story County, Lieut. Colonel; "Wiu. N 
Stone, of Marion County, as Major, and was mustered into the 
United States service in June, ISGl, at Keokuk. Company A was 
from Dubu'jue County; Company B, frotn Marion County; Com- 
pany C, from Clayton Count}*; Company D, from Winneshiek 
County; Company E, from Boone, Story, Marshall and Jasper Coun- 
ties; Company F, from Fayette County; Company G, from Warren 
County; Company H, from Mahaska County; Company I, from 
Floyd, Butler, Blackhawk and Mitchell Counties; and Comjiany 
K, from Cedar Falls. The regiment was engaged at Blue Mills, 
Mo., Shiloh, Hatchie River, Matamoras, Vicksburg, Johnson, 
Miss., in the Meridian expedition, at Atlanta, in Sherman's march 
to the sea and through the Carolinas to Richmond and Washing- 
ton. Tiie regiment waj veteranized and organized as a battalion 
in 1864, but before the officers received their commissions, the 
battalion bravely fought itself out of existence at the battle of 
Atlanta. The remnant was consolidated with the veterans of the 
Second, and the regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., 
July 12, 1864. The total number of officers and men in the regi- 
ment was 1,074. Of this number, during the war, 57 were killed, 
133 died. 231 were discharged, 269 were wounded, 10 were missing, 
93 were captured and 19 were transferred. 

The Fourth Infantry was organized with G. M. Dodge, of 
Council Bluffs, as Colonel; John Galligan, of Davenport, as Lieut. - 
Colonel; Wm. R. English, of Glen wood, as Major. Company A, 
from Mills County, was mustered in at Jefterson barracks, Mis- 
souri, Aug. 15, 1861 ; Company B, Pottawattamie County, at Coun- 
cil Bluffs, Aug. 8; Company C, Guthrie County, at Jefferson 
barracks. May 3; Company D, Decatur County, at St. Louis, Aug. 
16; Company E, Polk County, at Council Bluffs, Aug. S;Compatiy 
F, Madison County, at Jefferson barracks, Aug. 15; Company G, 
Ringgold County, at Jefferson barracks, Aug. 15; Company H, 
Adams County, at Jefferson barracks, Aug. 15; Company I, Wayne 
County, at St. Louis, Aug. 31; Company K, Taylor and Page 
Counties, at St. Louis, Aug. 31. The regiment was engaged at 



180 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

Pea Ridi^c, Chiclcasaw Bayua, Arkansas Post, Vicksbarg, Jackson, 
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Resaca, and 
Taylor's Ridge. It came home on veteran furlough, Feb. 26, 186-i. 
Returned in April; was in the campaign against Atlanta, Sher- 
man's march to the sea, and thence through theCarolinas to Wash- 
ington, and home. Was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 24, 
1SC5. The total number of officers and men in this regiment was 
1,184, of whom 61 were killed, 205 died, 299 were discharged, 
338 were wounded, 5 were missing, 44 were captured, and 37 were 
transferred. 

The Fifth Infantry was organized with Wm. H. Worthington, of 
Keokuk, as Colonel; C. Z. Mathias, of Burlington, as Lieut. -Colo- 
nel; W. S. Robertson, of Columbus City, as Major, and was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States, at Burlington, July 15, 
1861. Company A was from Cedar County; Company B, from 
Jasper County ; Company C, from Louisa County ; Company D, from 
Marshall County; Company E, from Buchanan County; Company 
F, from Keokuk County; Company G, from Benton County; Com- 
pany H, fromVan Buren County; Company I, from Jackson County ;^ 
and Company K, from Allamakee County. The regiment was en- 
gaged at New Madrid, siege of Corinth, luka, Corinth, Champion 
Hills, siege of Vicksburg and Chickamauga. Went home on vet- 
eran furlough in April, 1864. The non-veterans went home in 
July, 1864, leaving 180 veterans who were transferred to the Fifth 
Iowa Cavalry. Tlie Fifth Cavalry was mustered out at Nashville, 
Tenn., Aug. 11,1865. Tlie regiment had done brave service, and 
amply deserves the high encomium passed upon it by the generals 
of the army. The total number of officers and men in the regiment 
was 1.037, of whom 65 were killed, 126 died, 244 were discharged, 
288 were wounded, 103 were captured, and 50 were transferred. 

The Sixth Infantry' was organized with John A. McDowell, of 
Keokuk, as Colonel; Markoe Cummins, of Muscatine, as Lieut.- 
Colonel; John M. Corse, of Burlington, as Major; and was mustered 
into the service of the United States, Julj' 6, 1861, at Burlington. 
Company A was from Linn County; Company B, from Lucas 
and Clarke Counties; Company C, from Ilardin County; Company 
D, from Appanoose County; Company E, from Monroe County; 
Companj' F, from Clarke County; Company G, from Johnson 
County; Company H, from Lee County; Company I, from Des 
Moines County; and Company K, from Henry County. It was 
engaged at Shiloh, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Big Shanty, Ken 



HISTOKV OF IOWA. 181 

esaw Mountain, Jackson, Black River Bridge, Jones' Ford, in Sher- 
man's march, tlien returned through the Caroiinas. Tiie regiment 
served with distinction at the sieire of Jackson, winning liigh 
praise from General Smith, commanding. It marched tlirough 
most of the Southern States, thousands of miles, and bore its share 
of fatigue with unflinching devotion to duty. The total number of 
officers and men in the regiment was 1,013, of whom 109 were 
killed, 157 died, 265 were discharged, 355 were wounded, 3 were 
missing and S were transferred. 

The Seventh Infantky was organized with J. G. Lauman, of 
Burlington, as Colonel; Augustus Wentz, of Daveiiport, as Lieut. - 
Colonel; E. M. Eice, of Oskaloosa, as Major; and was mustered into 
the United States service at Burlington, July 24, 1861. Company 
A was from Muscatine County; Company B was from Chickasaw 
and Floyd Counties; Company C was from Mahaska County; Com- 
panies D and E, from Lee Co. ; Company F, from Wapello County; 
Company G, from Iowa County; Company II, from Washington 
County; Company I, from Wapello County; and Company K, from 
Keokuk. The regiment was engaged in the battles of Belmont, 
Fort Ilenry, Fort Donelson, Shiloli, siege of Corinth, Corinth, 
Home Cross Roads, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Sl^mty, Kene- 
saw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, siege of Atlanta, July 22d in 
front of Atlanta, Sherman's campaign to the ocean, through the 
Carolinas to Richmond, and thence to Louisville. Was mustered 
out at Louisville, Ky., July 12, 1865. The battle in which the 
Seventh did the most service was that of Belmont, in which it lost 
227 in killed, woxinded and missing. Tlie regiment by four years 
of faithful service earned as honorable a name as can be found any- 
where in the annals of our volunteer soldiery. The Seventh con- 
tained altogether 1,138 officers and meu; and of these during the 
war 98 were killed, 178 died, 291 were discharged, 354 were 
wounded, and 29 were transferred. 

The Ekjhth Infantry was organized with Frederick Steele, of 
the regular arm}', as Colonel; James L. Geddcs, of Vinton, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; J. C. Ferguson, of Kno.xville, as Major; and 
was mustered into the service of the United States Sept. 12, 1861, 
at Davenport, Iowa. Company A was from Clinton County; Com- 
pany B, from Scott County; Company C, from Washington County; 
Company D, from Benton and Linn Counties; Company E, from 
Marion County; Company F, from Keokuk County; Company Gi 
from Iowa and Johnson Counties; Company II, from Mahaska 



182 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

County; Company I, from Monroe County, and Company K from 
Louisa County. The regiment was engaged in the following battles : 
Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Spanish Fort. AVas 
mustered out at Selma, Ala., April 20, 1866. The Eighth fought 
nobly at Shiloh for 10 hours, but was finally forced to sur- 
render. Most of the command then suffered in rebel prisons for 
eight months, when they were paroled or released. A portion of 
the regiment was not surrendered, and it went into the famous 
" Union Brigade." The regiment was re-organized in 1863, and 
performed faithful service until mustered out in 1866. It was on 
duty in Alabama nearly a year after the collapse of the Rebellion, 
and by the " Campaign of Mobile," earned as warm a reception as 
Iowa gave to any of her returning heroes. Of 1,027 officers and 
men, 5'6 were killed, 187 died, 314 were discharged, 228 were 
wounded, 8 were missing, 394 were captured, and 38 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Ninth Infantet was organized with Wm. Vandever, of 
Dubuque, as Colonel; Frank G. Ilerron, of Dubuque, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel; Wm. H. Coyle, of Decorah, as Major. Company A was 
from Jackson County; Companies B and D, from Jones County; 
Company C, from Buchanan Coimty; Company E, from Claj'ton 
County; Company F, from Fayette County; Company G, from 
Black Hawk County; Company H, from Winneshiek County; 
Company I, from Howard County; and Company K from Linn 
County. The regiment was in the following engagements: Pea 
Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Ring, 
gold, Dallas and Lookout Mountain. It also participated in the 
Atlanta campaign, Sherman's march to the sea, and the retu-rn 
home through North and South Carolina to Richmond. Was 
mustered out at Louisville, July 18, 1865. The Ninth Iowa was 
recruited and organized by its first colonel, Wm. Vandever, who 
was, in 1862, made a brigadier-general. The regiment performed 
most brilliant service during the whole war, and took a prominent 
part in the battle of Pea Ridge. It had marched more than 4,000 
miles, been transported by mail and steamer more than 6,000, and 
traversed every State claimed by the Confederacy except Florida 
and Texas. The regiment brought home four flags, of which two 
were deposited with the adjutant-general, one given to the State 
Historical Society, and one was kept by the regimental association, 
formed by them on being mustered out. Of 1,090 men and officers, 
84 were killed, 275 died, 274 were discharged, 385 were wounded, 
1 was missing, 32 were captured, and 30 were transferred. 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 183 

The Te.ntu Infantry was organized with Nicholas Perezel, of 
Davenport, as Colonel; W. E. Small, of Iowa Citv, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel; John C. Bennett, of Polk County, as Major; and was 
mustered into the service of the United States at Iowa City, Sept. 
0, ISfil. Company A was from Polk County; Company B, from 
"Warren County; Company C, from Tama County; Company D, 
from Boone County; Company E. from Washington County; Com- 
pany F, from Poweshiek County, Company G, from Warren County, 
Company H, from Greene County; Company I, from Jasper County; 
Company K, from Polk and Madison Counties. The regiment 
participated in the following engagements: Siege of Corinth, luka, 
Corinth, Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicks- 
burg and Mission Ridge. Was mustered out Aug. 15, 1865. 

The bloodiest battle in which the Tenth took a prominent part 
was that of Champion Hills, in which it lost half its number in 
killed, wounded and missing. Many regiments on coming home 
gave to the State banners with the names on them of the principal 
battles in which they had been engaged. The Tenth gave up its 
colors with the simple inscription, "Tenth Iowa Veteran Volun- 
teers;" and when a visitor to the State Department looks at tliis 
banner, torn and bloody with four years of hard service, he will 
think that " Tenth Iowa Veteran Volunteers "' is as proud an in- 
scription as flag ever unfurled to the bieeze of heaven. Of 1,027 
officers and men, 63 were killed, 170 died, 2d6 were discharged, 
277 were wounded, 17 were captured, and 49 were transferred. 

The Eleventh Infantry was organized with A. M. Hare, of 
Muscatine, as Colonel; John C. Abercrombie, as Lieut. -Colonel; 
Wm. Hall, of Davenport, as Major; and was mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States at Davenport in September and October, 
1861. Company A was from Muscatine; Company B, from Mar- 
shall and Hardin Counties; Company C, from Louisa County; 
Companies D, H and I, from Muscatine County; Company E, 
from Cedar County; Company F, from Washington County; Com- 
pany G, from Henry County; and Company K, from Linn County. 
The regiment was engaged in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, 
battles of Corinth. Vicksburg, Atlanta campaign, and battle of 
Atlanta. Was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 15, 1865. 
No regiment did better service in the war, and no regiment met 
with a heartier welcome on its return home. Of 1,022 men, 58 
were killed, 178 died, 158 were discharged, 23i were wounded, 4 
were missing, 63 were captured and 42 were transferred. 



184 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

The Twelfth Infantry was recruited soon after the disaster at 
Bull Run, under a proclamation by President Lincoln calling for 
more volunteers. It was organized with J. J. Wood, of Maquoketa, 
as Colonel ; John P. Coulter, of Cedar Rapids, as Lieut. -Colonel; 
^amuel D. Brodtbeck, of Dubuque, as Major; and was mustered 
into the service of the United States in October and November, 
1861, the last company Nov. 25. Company A was from Hardin 
County; Company B, from Allamakee County; Company C, from 
Fayette County; Company D, from Linn County; Company E, 
from Black Hawk County; Company F, from Delaware Count}'; 
Company G, from Winneshiek County; Company H, from Du- 
buque and Delaware Counties; Company I, from Dubuque and 
Jackson Counties; and Company K, from Delaware County. The 
regiment was engaged at Shiloh, Fort Donelson, siege of Vicks- 
burg, Tupelo, Mississippi, White River, Nashville and Spanish 
Fort. Was mustered out at Memphis, Jan. 20, ISCG. In the bat- 
tle of Shiloh the Twelfth fought gallantly all day in company with 
the Eighth and Fourteenth, and at sunset surrendeiod. They 
endured a loathsome captivity in rebel prisons for eight months, 
when they were exchanged, and the regiment was re-organized. A 
few who were not captured at Shiloh performed active service in 
the " Union Brigade " during these eight months. The newly 
equipped regiment immediately joined the army before Vicksburg, 
and served actively the rest of the war. When the regiment veter- 
anized, Jan. 4, 1864, a larger proportion of men re-enlisted than in 
an}' other regiment from Iowa. The following spring the regi- 
ment was home for a few weeks on veteran furlougii. After Lee's 
surrender the regiment was continued in the service in Alabama, 
on guard and garrison duty for several months. Of 981 officers 
and men, 33 were killed, 285 died, 258 were discharged, 222 were 
wounded, 404 were captured, and 23 were transferred. 

The TniRTEENTH Infantry was organized with M. M. Crocker of 
Des Moines, as Colonel; M. M. Price, of Davenport, Lieut. -Colonel; 
John Shane, of Vinton, as Major; and was mustered into the 
service of the United States Nov. 1, 1861. Company A was from 
Mt. Vernon; Company B, from Jasper Coimty; Company C, from 
Lucas County; Company D, from Keokuk County; Company E, 
from Scott County; Company F, from Scott and Linn Counties; 
Company G, from Benton County; Company H, from Marshall 
County; and Companies I and K, from Washington County. The 
regiment was in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Corinth, Ken- 



HISTORV OF lOSVA. 185 

esawilnnntain, siege of Vicksburg, campaign against Atlanta, Sher- 
man's marcli to the sea, and through the Carolinas home. Was 
mustered out at Louisville, July 21, 1865. This regiment was es- 
pecially fortunate in having sucli a commander as Colonel Crocker. 
The men at lirst objected to drilling tive or six hours every da}', 
and other severe discipline, but afterward, in the battle of Siiiloli 
and elsewliere, they had ample reason to be grateful for their drill 
under Col. Crocker. The Thirteentli did noble service in many 
important aflairs of the war, and had the honor of being the first 
Union troops to enter Columbia, S. C, where the secession move- 
ment first began. Of a total of 9S9 officers and men, 68 were 
killed, 224 died, 270 were discharged, .313 were wounded, 6 were 
missing, 88 were captured, and 34 were transferred. 

The FouKTEKXTii Infantry was organized in the fall of 1861, 
under the call of Oct. 3. Before the regiment was organized, the 
first three companies raised, A, B and C, were ordered on garrison 
duty at Fort Randall, Dakota Territory, and remained ever after- 
ward detaclied from the regiment. So that although in form they 
were a part of the Fourteenth Iowa for some time, they were never 
under its commanding officer. Afterward, these companies for a 
time were called tlie First Battalion of the 41st Infantry; but this 
regiment never being organized, tliey finally were attached to a cav- 
alry regiment. The Fourteenth therelore had at first but seven com- 
panies. In June, 1863, the number of comi^anies was raised to 10, 
and thus constituted for the first time a full regiment. The regi- 
ment was first organized with Wm. T. Sliaw, of Anamosa, as 
Colonel; Edward W. Lucas, of Iowa City, as Lieut.-Colonel; Hiram 
Leonard, of Des Moines County, as Major; and was mustered into 
the service of the United States at Davenport, in October, 1861. 
Company A was from Scott County ; Com])any B, from Bremer and 
Chickasaw Counties; Company C, from Bremer, Butler and Floyd 
Counties; Company D, from Henry and Van Buren Counties; Com- 
pany E, from Jasper County; Company F, from Van Buren and 
Henry Counties; Company G. from Tama and Scott Counties; Com- 
pany H, from Linn County; Company I, livini Henry Count}'; and 
Company K, from Des Jloines County. The regiment was in tlie 
battle of Fort Donelson, Sliiloh, Corinth, Pleasant Hill, Meridian, 
Ft. De Russey, Tujielo, Town Creek, Tallahatcliie, Pilot Knob, 
Old Town, Yellow Bayou, and others. Was mustered out, cxcej)! 
veterans and recruits, at Davenport, Nov. 16. 1864. The regiment 
was nearly all captured at the battle of Siiiloh, but was after a few 



186 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

months exchanged and reorganized. The Fourteenth did some of 
the hardest fighting tliat was done in the war. Of 840 officers and 
men, 31 were killed, 148 died, 191 were discharged, 168 were 
wounded, 1 was missing, 269 were captured, and 23 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Fifteenth Infantry was organized in the winter of 1861-'2, 
with Hugh T. Eeid, of Keokuk, as Colonel; Wm. Dewey, of Fre- 
mont County, as Lieut. -Colonel; W. "W. Belknap, of Keokuk, as- 
Major; and was mustered into the service of the United States at 
Keokuk, March 19, 1862. Company A was from Linn County; 
Comjiany B, from Polk County; Company C, from Mahaska County; 
Company D, from "Wapello County; Company E, from Van 
Buren County; Company F, from Fremont and Mills Counties; 
Company G, from Marion and Warren Counties; Company H, from 
Pottawattamie and Harrison Counties; Company I, from Lee, Van 
Buren and Clarke Counties; and Company K, from "Wapello, Van 
Buren and "Warren Counties. The regiment participated in the 
battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, battles of Corinth, Vicksburg, 
campaign against Atlanta, battle in front of Atlanta, in Sherman's 
march to the sea, and through the Carolinas to Richmond, "Wash- 
ington and Louisville, where it was mustered out, Aug. 1, 1864. 
The regiment was most actively engaged at the siege of Atlanta, 
where it was under fire from the rebels for 81 days. The gallant 
Fifteenth will long be honored bj' the grateful people of Iowa, for 
its faithful service of three years and a half in the heart of the Re- 
bellion. Of 1,196 men, 58 were killed, 277 died, 306 were dis- 
charged, 416 were wounded, 7 were missing, 83 were captured, and 
27 were transferred. 

The Sixteenth Infantry was organized under the first call of 
1861, and was at that time supposed to be the last Iowa would be 
called upon to furnish. But the war was only begun, and Iowa 
was destined to furnish more troops after the Sixteenth than before. 
As organized, the Sixteenth had Alexander Chambers (formerly 
Captain in the regular army') for Colonel; A. H. Sanders, of Dav- 
en]iort, for Lieut.-Colonel; and "Wm. Purcell, of Muscatine, for 
Major. It was mustered into the service of the United States at 
Davenport, Dec. 10, 1861. Company A was from Clinton County; 
Company B, from Scott County; Company C and E, from Musca- 
tine County; Company D, from Boone County; Company F,-from 
Muscatine. Clinton, and Scott Counties; Company G, from Du- 
buque County; Company H, from Dubuque and Clayton Counties; 



UISTORY OF IOWA. 187 

Company I, from Black Hawk and Linn Counties; and Company 
K, from Lee and Muscatine Counties. Tlie Si.\teentli was in the 
battles of Shiloli, sie^e of Corinth, luka, Corinth, Kenesaw Mount- 
ain, Nickajack Creek, and the various battles around Atlanta; in 
Sherman's campaigns, and those in the Carolinas. Its first battle 
was the bloodiest of the war — Shiloh ; and that thcj- behaved so well 
under their first fire, showed that they were good men. After the 
battle of Shiloh, the " Iowa Brigade " was formed, of which the 
Sixteenth ever after formed a part. This " Iowa Brigade " was most 
highly praised by the Inspector General of the Seventeenth Army 
Corps, who declared in his official report that he had never seen a 
finer looking body of men, in any respect. In the battle before 
Atlanta, the greater part of the regiment was captured, and re- 
mained in cai)tivity two months. The Sixteenth was mustered out 
July 19, 1865, at Louisville. Of its 919 officers and men, 62 were 
killed, 255 died, 211 were discharged, 311 were wounded, 14 were 
missing, 257 were captured, and 29 were transferred. 

Tiie Seven'tkexth Infantry was raised during the spring of 1862, 
and organized with Jolin "W. Rankin, of Keokuk, as Colonel; D. B. 
Hillis, of Keokuk, as Lieut. -Colonel, and Samuel M. Wise, of Mt. 
Pleasant, as Major. It was mustered into the service of tlie United 
States at Keokuk, April 16, 1862. Comjjany A was from Decatur 
County; Company B, from Lee County; Company C, from Van 
Buren, "Wapello, and Lee Counties; Company D. from Des 
Moines, Van Buren, and Jefterson Counties; Company E, from 
Wapello County; Company F, from Appanoose County; Company 
G, from Marion County; Company H, from Marion and Pottawat- 
tamie Counties; Company I, from Jefierson and Lee Counties; and 
Company K, from Lee and Polk Counties. The Seventeenth was 
in the siege of Corinth, the battles of Tuka, Corintli, Jackson, 
Champion Hills, Fort Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, 
and Tilton, Ga., where most of the regiment were made prisoners 
of war. Oct. 13, 1864. The regiment won special commendation 
at the battle of Corinth. Of its 956 members, 45 were killed, 121 
died, 222 were discharged, 245 were wounded, 8 were missing, 278 
were ca))tured, and 28 were transferred. 

The EiGHTEEXTH Infantry, as well as the Seventeenth, was not 
recruited in response to any call of the President, but was a free 
gift from the people of Iowa. It was raised in the early summer 
of 1862, and was mustered into the service of the United States 
at Clinton, Aug. 6, 6, and 7, 1862, with John Edwards, of 



188 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

Chariton, as Colonel; T. Z. Cook, of Cedar Rapids, as Lieut. -Col- 
onel; Hugh J. Campbell, of Muscatine, as Major. Company A was 
from Linn and other counties; Company B, from Clarke County; 
Company C, from Lucas County; Company D, from Keokuk and 
Wapello Counties; Company E, from Muscatine County; Company 
F, from Apjianoose County; Company G, from Marion and Warren 
Counties; Company H, from Fayette and Benton Counties; Com- 
pany I, from Washington County; and Company K, from Wap- 
ello, Muscatine, and Hour}' Counties. ■ It was engaged in the bat- 
tles of Springfield, Moscow, Poison Sjjring, Ark., and others. 
Much of its time was spent in garrison duty, west of the Mississippi, 
and therefore it did not share in the brilliant honors of the great 
battles east of that river. Had opportunity offered, no doubt they 
would have assaulted Vicksburg, or fought above the clouds on 
Lookout Mountain, as bravely as any troops in the Union. It was 
mustered out July 20, 1865, at Little Rock, Arkansas. Of 875 offi- 
cers and men, 28 were killed, 122 died, 233 were discliarged, 79 
were wounded, 63 were captured, and 15 were transferred. 

The Nineteenth Infantry was the first regiment organized under 
President Lincoln's call of July 2, 1862, made wlien the cause of 
the Union looked most gloomy. It was mustered into the United 
States service Aug. 17, 1862, at Keokuk, with Benjamin Crabb, of 
Washington, as Colonel; Samuel McFarland, of Mt. Pleasant, as 
Lieut. -Colonel; and Daniel Kent, of Ohio, Major. Company A 
was from Lee and Van Buren Counties; Company B, from Jeffer- 
son County; Company C, from Washington County; Company D, 
from Jefferson County; Company E, from Lee County; Companies 
F and G, from Louisa County; Com]ianies H and I, from Van Bu- 
ren County; and Company K, from Henry County. The regiment 
served faithfully at Prairie Grove, Vicksburg; in the Yazoo River 
expedition, at Sterling Farm, and at Spanish Fort. At Sterling 
Farm, Sept. 29, 1863, most of the regiment surrendered, after a 
hard fight. They were exchanged July 22d, of the following 
year, when they rejoined their regiment at New Orleans. The 
Nineteenth was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., July 18, 1865. Of 
985 men and officers, 58 were killed, 133 died, 191 were dis- 
charged, 198 were wounded, 216 were captured, and 4:3 were 
transferred. 

The Twentieth Infantry was the second of the 22 regiments 
raised in Iowa under the call of July 2, 1862. The regiment was 
raised within two counties, Linn and Scott, each of which contrib- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 189 

uted five companies, and which vied with each other in patriotism. 
Win. Mc E. T>yc, of Marion, Linn County, was commissioned 
Colonel; J. B. Leek, of Davenport, Lieut.-Colonel; and AVm. 
G. Thompson, of Marion, Major. The muster-in took place at 
Clinton, August 25, 1S62. Companies A, B, F, TI and I 
were from Linn County; and Companies C, D, E and K, from 
Scott County. The Twentieth fought at Prairie Grove and at 
Fort Blakely. Though not engaged in promine"it battles, it 
performed valuable garrison duties on the southern coast. It 
was on Mustang Island, off the coast of Te.\as, seven months. 
Was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., July 8, 1865, and on its return 
liome received a royal welcome from Iowa's citizens. Of 925 
officers and men in the Twentieth, 9 were killed, 1-14 died, 166 
were discharged, 52 were wounded, 13 were captured and 39 were 
transferred. 

The Twenty- First Infantry was raised in August, 1862, with 
Samuel Merrill (ex-Governor of Iowa) as Colonel; Cornelius W. 
Dunlap, of Mitchell, as Lieut.-Colonel; S. F. Van Anda, of Delhi, 
as Major; and was mustered into the service of the United States, 
Aug. 18, 20, 22 and 23, except one company, which had been mus- 
tered in June. Company A was from Mitchell and Black Hawk 
Counties; Companies B, D and G, from Clayton County; Companies 
C, E, F and I, from Dubuque Cjunty; and Companies II and K, 
from Delaware County. The Twenty-First was engaged at Ilarts- 
ville. Mo., Black Iliver Bridge, Fort Beauregard, siege of Vicks- 
burg, and battles of Mobile and Fort Blakely. For nearly a year, 
the regiment served in Missouri, where it distinguished itself by 
the well fought battle of Ilartsville. Then it fought in Mississippi, 
in Louisiana, in Texas, in Louisiana again, in Arkansas, in Tennessee, 
in Louisiana once more, and in Alabama. In the battle of Fort 
Gibson, this and several other Iowa regiments were prominent. The 
Twenty-first was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 15, 
1865. Of its 980 officers and men, 39 were killed, 192 died, 159 
were discharged, 161 were wounded, 2 were missing, 21 were 
cjipturi'd, and 56 were transferred. 

The Twenty-Second Infantry was organized in August, 1862, 
with Wm. M. Stone, of Knoxville (formerly Major of the Third 
Infantry and since Governor of Iowa) as Colonel; John A. Garrett, 
of Newton, as Lieut.-Colonel; Harvey Graham, of Iowa City, as 
Major; and was mustered into the United States service at Iowa 
City, Sept. 10, 1&62. Most of the regiment— sevt;n companies — 



190 HISTOKT OF IOWA. 

were recruited from the one county of Johnsou. Companies A, B, 
F, G, H, I and K were from Johnson County; Company C was 
from Jasper County; Company D, from Monroe County; and Com- 
pany E, from "Wapello County. The Twenty-second served in many 
of the Southern States, and was engaged at Vieksburg, Thompson's 
Hill, Champion Hills, in Sherman's campaign to Jackson, at Win- 
chester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. The regiment particularly 
distinguished itself in an assault upon the enemy's works at Vicks- 
burg, and in the battle of Winchester, in the Shenandoah Valley, 
where it lost 109 men. In the Vicksburg assault, the regiment 
lost 164. Gen. Grant says iu that assault, only Sergeant Griffith 
and 11 privates (of the Twenty-second) succeeded in entering the 
fort. Of these only the sergeant and one man returned. Altogether 
there were 30 Iowa regiments concerned in the siege of Vicksburg. 
The regiment was mustered out at Savannah, Ga. , July 25, 1865. 
Of 1,008 members, 58 were killed, 1B2 died, 161 were discharged, 
267 were wounded, 8i were captured and 42 were transferred. 

The Twenty-Third Infantey was organized with Wm. Dewey, 
of Fremont County, as Colonel; W. H. Kinsman, of Council BluflFs, 
as Lient.-Colonel ; S. L.Glasgow, of Corydon, as Major; and was 
mustered into the service of the United States at Des Moines, Sept. 
19, 1862. Companies A, B and C were from Polk County; Company 
D, from Wayne County; Company E, from Pottawattamie County; 
Company F, from Montgomery County; Company G, from Jasper 
County; Company H, from Madison County; Company I, from 
Cass County; and Company K, from Marshall County. The regi- 
ment was engaged at Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Black River, Cham- 
pion Hills, Vicksburg, Jackson, Milliken's Bend and Fort Blakely. 
The Twenty-third are the acknowledged heroes of the battle of 
Black River Bridge, and the equal sharers with other troops of the 
honors of many battle-fields. At Black River but a few minutes 
were used in assaulting and carrying the rebel works, but those few 
minutes were fought with fearful loss to the Twenty-third Iowa. 
After the successful fight, in which the Twenty-first Iowa also 
took part. Gen. Lawler passed down the line and seized every 
man by the hand, so great was his emotion. Gen. Grant called it 
a brilliant and daring movement. The regiment also distin- 
guished itself greatly at Milliken's Bend. It was mustered out at 
Harrisburg, Te.xas, July 26, 1865. Of its 961 officers and men, 41 
were killed, 233 died, 181 were discharged, 135 were wounded, 3 
were captured and 42 were transferred. 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 191 

The TwKNTT-FoirRTH Infantky, called '• The Iowa Temperance 
Kegiiueiit," was raised by Eber C. Byam, of Linn County, and 
consisted of men who were pledged to abstain from the use of liquor 
in any shape. Eber C. Byam, of Mt. Vernon, was Colonel; John 
Q. Wilds, of Mt. Vernon, Licnt.-Colonel; Ed. Wright, of Spring- 
dale, as Major; and the regiment was mustered into the service of 
the United States at Muscatine, Sept. 18, 1862. C-mpany A was 
from Jackson and Cliiit.)ii counties; Company B and C. from 
Cedar County; Company D, from Washington, Johnson and Cedar 
Counties; Company E, from Tama County; Companies F, G and 
H, from Linn County; Compan}- L from Jackson County; and 
Company K, from Jones County. The regiment was engaged at 
Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Gen. Banks' Red River expedition, 
Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. The two battles in 
which tlie Twenty -fourth took the most prominent part were those 
of Sabine Cross Roads (in the Red River expedition) and Fisher's 
Hill. Of 979 men and officers, 56 were killed, 259 died, 205 were 
discharged, 260 were wounded, 2 were missing, 76 were cap- 
tured and 55 were transferred. 

The TwEXTY-FiFTH Infantry was organized near the beautiful 
little city of Mt. Pleasant, with Geoi-ge A. Stone, of Mt. Pleasant, 
as Colonel; Fabian Brydolph as Lieut. -Colonel; and Calom Taylor, 
of Bloom field, as Major. Was mustered into the United States ser- 
vice at Mt. Pleasant, Sept. 27, 1862. Companies A and I were from 
Washington County; Companies B and II, from Henry County; 
Company C, from Henry and Lee Counties; Companies D, E and 
G, from Des Moines County; Couipany F, from Louisa County; 
and Company K, from Des Moines and Lee Counties. The regi- 
ment was engaged at Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Walnut Bluff, 
Chattanooga, Campain, Ringgold, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mount- 
tain, battles around Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Jonesboro, Ship's 
Gap, Bentonvillc, and was with Sherman on his march through 
Georgia and the Carolinas, to Richmond and Washington. The 
capture of Columbia, the capital of the chief disloyal State, was 
effected by Iowa troops, among which were those of the Twenty- 
fifth. The regiment was mustered out at Washington, D. C, 
June 6, 1865. Of 995 men and officers, 39 were killed, 223 died, 
140 were discharged, 183 were wounded, i were missing, IS were 
captured and 71 were transferred. 

The Twi.NTv-SiXTu Ln-fantky was organized near the beautiful 
city of Clinton, and the companies were mostly enrolled in Clin- 
ton. Milo Smith, of Clinton, was Colonel; S. G. Magill, of 



192 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

Lyons, was Lieut.-Colonel; Samuel Clark, of De Witt, was Major; 
and the regiment was mustered in at Clinton, in August of 1862. 
Company A was from Clinton and Jackson Counties; Company B, 
from Jackson County; and Companies C, D, E, F, G, II, I and K, 
from Clinton County. The regiment was engaged at Arkansas 
Post,Vickbbiirg, Snake Creek Gap, Ga., Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Decatur, siege of Atlanta, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, 
Lovejoy Station, Ship's Gap, in Sherman's campaign to Savannah 
and home through the Carolinas. The regiment took part in many 
great battles, and did faithful service all through tlie war, after 
winning commendations from its generals. On the return home, 
the regimental flag was deposited with the State archives, inscribed 
in golden colors with the names of tlie battles and victories in 
which they had shared. It was mustered out of the service at 
Washington, D. C, June 6, 1865. Of 919 men and officers, 44 
were killed, 244 died, 147 were discharged, 165 were wounded, 
27 were captured and 70 were transferred. 

The Twenty-Seventh Infantky was recruited in the northern 
part of Iowa, and was organized with James I. Gilbert, of Lansing, 
as Colonel; Jed. Lake, of Independence, as Lieut.-Colonel; and 
G. W. Howard, of Bradford, as Major. It was mustered into the 
service of the United States at Dubuque, Oct. 3, 1862. Companies 
A, B and I were from Allamakee County; Companies C and H, 
from Buchanan County; Companies D and E, from Clayton 
County; Company F, from Delaware County; Company G, from 
Floyd and Chickasaw Counties; and Company K, from Mitchell 
County. The Twenty-seventh was engaged at Little Rock, Ark., 
the battles of the Lied River expedition, Fort De Russey, Pleasant 
Hill, Yellow Bayou, Tupelo, Old Town Creek and Fort Blakely. 
This regiment had varied experience in the matter of climate; for 
their first active service was in Minnesota, while before the war 
was over they made a voyage on the gulf, from the Balize to Mo- 
bile Bay. After faithful service through the rest of the war, the 
regiment was mustered out Aug. 8, 1865, at Clinton, Iowa. Of 
940 officers and men, 9 were killed, 183 died, 207 were dis- 
charged, 142 were wounded, 6 were missing, 32 were captured 
and 47 were transferred. 

The Twenty-Eighth Infantry was organized during the autumn 
of 1862, with the following officers: Wm. E. Miller, of Iowa City, 
Colonel; John Connell, of Toledo, Lieut.-Colonel; and H. B. 
Lynch, of Millersburg, as Major. Companies A and D were from 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 193 

Benton County; Companies Band G, from Iowa County; Com- 
panies C, H and I, from Poweshiek County; Company E, from 
Johnson County; Company F, from Tama County, and Company 
K, from Jasper County. The regiment was engaged at Port Gib- 
son, Jackson and siege of Vicksburg; was in Banks' Red River ex- 
pedition, and fought at Sabine Cross Roads, in the Shenandoah 
Valley, at Wincliester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. In this last 
the regiment was most prominently engaged. During its service 
it fought a dozen battles, and traveled well-nigh the entire circuit 
of the Confederacy. The Twenty-eighth was mustered out of ser- 
vice at Sas-annah, Ga., July 31, 1865. Of its 956 officers and men, 
56 were killed, 111 died, 1S7 were discharged, 262 were wounded, 
10 were missing, 93 were captured and 44 were transferred. 

The TwENiT-NiNTH Infantry was organized at Council Bluffs, 
and mustered into the service of the United States, Dec. 1, 1S62, 
with Thos. H. Benton, Jr., of Council Bluffs, as Colonel; R. F. Pat- 
terson, of Keokuk, asLieut.-Colonel; and Charles B. Shoemaker, of 
Clarinda, as Major. Company A was from Pottawattamie County; 
Company B, from Mills County; Company C, from Harrison 
County; Company D, from Adams and Adair Counties; Company 

E, from Tremont County; Company F, from Taylor County; 
Company G, from Ringgold County; Company H, from Union 
County; Company I, from Guthrie County, and Company K, from 
all the counties named above. The Twenty-Ninth was engaged 
at Helena, Arkansas Post, Terre Noir, and Spanish Fort. Though 
it was one of the best disciplined and bravest regiments in the war, 
it was long kept from participation in active service by being sta- 
tioned in Arkansas. The regiment was mustered out at New 
Orleans, Aug. 15, 1865. Of a total of 1,005 officers and men, 21 
were killed, 268 died, 132 were discharged, 107 were wounded, 1 
was missing, 55 were caj)tured and 37 were transferred. 

The Thietieth Infantky was organized in the summer of 1862, 
with Charles B. Abbott, of Louisa County, as Colonel; Wm. M. 
G. Torrence, of Kcoknk, as Lieut.-Colonel; Lauren Dewey, of Mt. 
Pleasant, as Major; and was mustered into the service of the 
United States at Keokuk, Sept. 23, 1862. Companies A and I 
were from Lee County; Company B, from Davis County; Com- 
pany C, from Des Moines County; Company D, from Van Buren 
County; Companies E and K, from Washington County; Company 

F, from Davis County; and Companies G and H, from Jefferson 
County. The regiment was engaged at Arkansas Post, Tazoo 

12 



194 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

Cit^', Vicksburg, Cherokee, Ala., Chattanooga, Ringgold, Resaca, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Jonesboro and 
Taylor's Ridge; accompanied Sherman in his campaign to Savan- 
nah and through the Carolinas to Richmond, and was in the grand 
review at "Washington, D. C. The Thirtieth was in the thickest 
of the war, and came home loaded with honors, leaving its honored 
dead on a score of battle-fields. It was mustered out June 5, 1865. 
Of 978 officers and men in this regiment, 44 were killed, 264 died, 
145 were discharged, 222 wei-e wounded, 2 were missing, 19 
were captured and 48 were transferred. 

The Thiety-First Infantry was organized in the summer of 
1862, with AVilliam Smyth, of Marion, as Colonel; J. W. Jenkins, 
of Maquoketa, as Lieut.-Colonel; and Ezekiel Cutler, of Auamosa, 
as Major; it was mustered into the service of the United States at 
Davenport, Oct. J 3, 1862. Company A was from Linn County; 
Companies B, C and D, from Black Hawk County; Companies E, 
G and H, from Jones County; and Companies F, I and K, from 
Jackson County. The Thirty-first was engaged at Chickasaw 
Bayou, Arkansas Post, Raymond, Jackson, Black River, Vicksburg, 
Cherokee, Lookout Mountain. Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Taylor's 
Hills, Snake Creek Gap, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big 
Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro; was in Sher- 
man's campaign through Georgia and the Carolinas, and was mus- 
tered out at Louisville, Ky., June 27, 1865. The regiment always 
did its part nobly. It was received home with speeches, feasting, etc., 
but the people's joy was tempered with sadness, as the regiment 
had gone forth 1,000 strong, and returned with 370. But had 
not so many regiments returned with thinned ranks, the Rebell- 
ion had not been conquered — the Union had not been saved. Of 
977 officers and men, 13 were killed, 279 died, 176 were discharged, 
85 were wounded, 13 were captured and 72 were transferred. 

The Thirty-Second Ikfantky was organized in the fall of 1862, 
with John Scott, of Nevada, as Colonel; E. H. Mix, of Shell Rock, 
as Lieut.-Colonel; and G. A. Eberhart, of AVaterloo, as Major. The 
regiment was mustered into the service of the United States at 
Dubuque, Oct. 5, 1S62. Company A was from Hamilton, Hardin 
and Wright Counties; Company B, from Cerro Gordo County; Com- 
pany C, from Black Hawk County; Company D, from Boone 
County; Company E, from Butler County; Company F, from Har- 
din County; Company G, from Butler and Floyd Counties; Com- 
pany H, from Franklin County; Company I, from Webster County; 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 195 

and Company Tv, from Marshall and Polk Counties. The regiment 
was engaged at Fort De Rnssey, Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, Old 
Town Creek, Nashville, and other battles. For some time the 
regiment was separated, and the detachments in different fields, 
but at last thev were all united, and the regiment served as a unit. 
It was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, Aug. 21, 1865. Of 925 
officers and men, 59 were killed, 212 died, 171 were discharged, 142 
were wounded, 9S were captured and 35 were transferred. 

The TniKTY-TinKD Infantry was organized in the fall of 1862, with 
Samuel A. Eice, a popular politician of Central Iowa, as Colonel; 
Cyrus H. Maskey, of Sigourncy, as Lieut.-Colonel; Hiram D. Gib- 
son, of Knoxville, as Major, and was mustered into the service of 
the United States at Oskaloosa, Oct. 1, 1862. Companies A 
and I were from Marion County; Companies B, F and H, from 
Keokuk County; Companies C,D, Eand K, from Mahaska County, 
and Company G, from Marion, Mahaska and Polk Counties. The 
regiment was engaged at Little Rock, Helena, Saline River, Spanish 
Fort and Yazoo Pass. The regiment worked to best advantage at 
the brilliant victory of Helena. It remained in Arkansas till the 
early part of 1865, when it moved south to take part in the closing 
scenes in Alabama. The Thirty-third was mustered out of service 
at New Orleans, July 17, 1865. Of 985 men and officers, 26 were 
killed, 211 died, 115 were discharged, 177 were wounded, 7 were 
missing, 71 were captured and 32 were transferred. 

The Thirty-Fourth Infantry was organized in the fall of 1862, 
with George \V. Clark, of Indianola, as Colonel ; W. S. Dungan, 
of Chariton, as Lieut.-Colonel ; R. D. Kellogg, of Decatur, as 
Major; and was mustered into the service of the United States at 
Burlington, Oct. 15,1862. Companies A and I were from Decatur 
County; Companies B, C, and D, from AYarren County; Company 
E, from Lucas County; Company F, from Wayne County; Com- 
pany G, from Lucas and Clarke Counties; Company H, from 
Madison and Warren Counties; and Company K, from Lucas 
County. The regiment was engaged at Arkansas Post, Fort Gaines 
and other places in Te.xas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. 
Jan. 1, 1865, the regiment was consolidated with the Thirty-eighth- 
Recruits from the Twenty-first and Twenty-third had been on the 
muster-out of those regiments, transferred to the Thirty-fourth, and 
this regiment had a total of 1,131 officers and men at its muster-out 
at Houston, Texas, Aug. 15, 1865. Of 953 properly belonging to 



196 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

this regiment, 4 were killed, SS-t died, 314 were discharged, 16 
were wounded, 4 were captured and 22 were transferred. The 
regiment traveled over 15,000 miles in its service. 

The Thiett- Fifth Infantry was recruited in the summer of 1S62, 
and mustered into the service of the United States at Muscatine, 
Sept. 18, with S. G. Hill, of Muscatine, as Colonel; James S. 
Rothrock, of Muscatine, as Lieut.-Colonel; and Ilenrj O'Conner, 
of Muscatine, as Major. Companies A, B, C, D and E were from 
Muscatine County; Company F, from Muscatine and Louisa 
Counties; Companies G, H and I, from Muscatine and Cedar 
Counties; and Company K, from Cedar County. The regiment 
participated in the battles of Jackson, siege of Yicksburg, Bayou 
Rapids, Bayou de Glaze, Pleasant Hill, Old River Lake, Tupelo, 
Nashville and the Mobile campaign. The Thirty-fifth served 
bravely in a dozen battles, and traveled 10,000 miles. Quits return 
home, it was greeted with a most hearty reception, and a re-union 
of old soldiers. The regiment was mustered out at Davenport, 
Aug. 10, 1865, and paid and disbanded at Muscatine six days later. 
Of 984 officers and men, 38 were killed, 208 died, 192 were dis- 
charged, 95 were wounded, 3 were missing, 15 were captured and 
65 were transferred. 

The Thirty-Sixth Infantry was organized in the summer of 1862, 
with Charles W. Kittredge, of Ottumwa, as Colonel; F. M. Drake, 
of Unionville, Appanoose County, as Lieut.-Colonel; and T. C. 
"Woodward, of Ottumwa, as Major. The regiment was mustered 
into the service of the United States, at Keokuk, Oct. 4, 1862. 
Company A was from Monroe County; Companies B, D, E, H and 
K, from Wapello County; and Companies 0, F, G and I, from 
Appanoose County. The Thirt^'-sixth was engaged at Mark's 
Mill's, Ark., Elkins' Ford, Camden, Helena, Jenkins' Ferry and 
other places during the "Little Rock expedition." The regiment 
suffered greatly from sickness. Before it was fully organized, even, 
small-pox and measels attacked the men, and the command lost a 
hundred men. Then it was obliged to encounter the malarial 
influences of Yazoo River and Helena. Before they recovered their 
vigor fully, more of them were forced to surrender to the rebels. 
The regiment was mustered out at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 24, 
1865. Of 986 officers and men, 35 were killed, 258 died, 191 were 
discharged, 146 were wounded, 460 were captured and 24 were 
transferred. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 197 

TheThikty-Seventh Infantry was generally known as the "Gray- 
Beard Regiment." It was composed of men over 45 years of an;e, 
and hence not snbject to military service; bnt their patriotism in- 
duced them to enlist, and the services of the rcijiment were ac- 
cepted by the secretary of war, for post and garrison service. It 
was organized with Geo. "W. Kincaid, of Muscatine, as Colonel; 
Geo. R. West, of Dubuque, as Lieut. -Colonel; and Lyman Allen) 
of Iowa City, as Major. The muster-in took place at Muscatine, 
Dec. 15, 1S62. Company A was from Black Hawk and Linn 
Counties; Company B. from Muscatine County; Comj^any C, from 
Van Buren and Lee Counties; Company D, from Johnson and 
Iowa Counties; Company E, from Wapello and Mahaska Coun- 
ties; Company F, from Dubuque County; Company G, from 
Appanoose, Des Moines, Henry and Washington Counties; Com- 
pany II. from Henry and Jefferson Counties; Company I, from 
Jasper, Linn and other counties; and Company K, from Scott and 
Fayette Counties. The regiment served at St. Louis, in guard of 
military prisons, tlien on the line of the Pacific Railway, then at 
Alton, 111. Here they remained guarding rebel prisoners, till 
January, ISGrt, when they moved to Rock Island, to perform simi- 
lar duties until June 5. They served the next three months, in 
very hot weather, at Memphis. Thence the command moved to 
Indianapolis. From here live companies went to Cincinnati, three 
to Columbus and two to Gallipolis, Ohio. At these ports they re- 
mained till May, 1865. This " Gray-Beard Regiment" was the 
only one of its kind in the war, and it received many favorable ex- 
pressions from commanding officers under whom it served. It 
was mustered out May 21:, 1865, the day of the grand review at 
Washington. The Thirty-seventh was the first Iowa three years' 
regiment to come home, and was mustered out thus early by espe- 
cial request of Gen. Willich, in whose brigade they were, in order 
that they might save their crops — most of them being farmers. 
Of 914 officers and men, 3 were killed, 145 died, 359 were dis- 
charged, 2 were wounded; none were missing and none were 
ca})tured. 

The Thirty-Eighth Infantry was recruited in August, 1862, and 
mustered into the service of the United States at Dubuque, Nov. 
4, with D. H. Hughes, of Decorah, as Colonel; J. O. Hudmitt, of 
Waverly, as Lieut. -Colonel; and Charles Chad wick, of West Union, 
as Major. Companies A, F, G and II were from Fayette County; 
Company B, from Bremer County; Company C, from Chickasaw 



198 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

County; Companies D, E and K, from "Winneshiek Connty; and 
Company I, from Howard County. The regiment participated in 
the siege of Vicksburg and Banks' Red River expedition and was 
consolidated with the Thirty-fourth Infantry, Jan. 1, 1865. Of 
all Iowa's regiments, the Thirty-eighth was most unfortunate in 
regard to sickness. It had not been in the service two years, when 
more than 300 enlisted men and a number of officers had died of 
disease. During the same period 100 had been discharged for ina- 
bility. There were long weary weeks when there were not enough 
well men to take care of the sick, not even enough to bury the 
dead. It was at last obliged to give up its own existence. Though 
the regiment had not had an opportunity to achieve brilliant re- 
nown in the field, it did fulfill a no less honored destiny than many 
whose banners were covered with the names of battles. It did all 
that men could do — it gave itself up for the good of the service. 
Of its 910 men, 1 was killed, 314 died, 120 were discharged, 2 were 
wounded and li were transferred. 

The Thirtt-Ninth Infantry was organized with H. J. B. Cura- 
mings, of Winterset, as Colonel; James Redfield, of Redfield, Dal- 
las County, as Lieut. -Colonel; and J. M. Griffiths, of Des Moines, 
as Major. Companies A and F were from Madison County; Com- 
panies B and I, from Polk County; Companies C and II, from Dallas 
County; Company D, from Clarke County; Company E, from 
Greene Connty; Company G, from Des Moines and Henry Coun- 
ties; and Company K, from Clarke and Decatur Counties. The 
regiment was engaged at Parker's Cross Roads, Tenn., Corinth, 
Allatoona, Ga., Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and was in 
Sherman's march to the sea, and through the Carolinas to Rich- 
mond. The regiment was one of the most distinguished in the 
field, and met with a most royal welcome from the warm-hearted 
peopleof Iowa, on its return home. It had previously taken part 
in the grand review at Washington. It was mustered out at Wash- 
ington, June 5, 1865, and was disbanded at Clinton, Iowa. Of 
its 933 officers and men, 41 were killed, 143 died, 123 were dis- 
charged, 113 were wounded, 206 were captured and 16 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Fortieth Infantry was the highest in numerical order of 
Iowa's three years' regiments, but not the last to leave the State. 
Three or four other regimental organizations, too, were commenced, 
but not completed. Some 300 men were enlisted for the Forty- 
first, who united with the three companies of the Fourteenth, sta- 



UISTOKY OK IOWA. 199 

tioned at Fort Randall, Dakota Territory; another regiment, to be 
called the Forty-second, was attempted, with camp at Dubuque; 
and another still, at Ottumwa, was to be called the Forty-third. 
These attempts were unsuccessful in so far as the complete formation 
of an infantry regiment after the Fortieth was concerned. The 
Fortieth was organized at Iowa City, Nov. 15, 1862, with John A. 
Garrett, of Newton, as Colonel ; S. F. Cooper, of Grinnell, as Lieut.- 
Colonel; and S. G. Smith,of Newton, as Major. Companies A and 
H were from Marion County; Company B, from Poweshiek County; 
Company C, from Mahaska County; Companies D and E, from 
Jasper County; Company F, from Mahaska and Marion Counties; 
Company G, from Marion County; Company I, from Keokuk 
County; and Company K, from Benton and other counties. The 
regiment participated in the siege of Vicksburg, Steele's e.xpedi- 
tion. Banks' Red River expedition, and the battle of Jenkins Ferry, 
It was called the "Copperhead Regiment" by political partisans, 
but it bore its share of the fatigues of war in a patriotic way that 
might have been emulated by some of their political enemies. The 
fact is, moreover, the regiment always gave a small Republican 
majority, though the contrary was believed for a time. The For- 
tieth was mustered out at Port Gibson, Aug. 2, 1S65. Of 900 
officers and men, 5 were killed, 196 died, 13i were discharged, 
43 were wounded, 3 were captured and 26 were transferred. 

The FoETY- First Infantry was never completed as an infantry 
regiment. It contained three companies; A, from Black Hawk, 
Johnson and other counties; B, from Johnson County; and C, from 
Des Moines and other counties. Its infantry organization was 
under the command of John Pattee, of Iowa City. Under authority 
from the war department, these three companies became K, L 
and M, of the Seventh Cavalry. 

The FoRTY-FoDjJTH Infantry was raised in the summer of 1864. 
Generals Grant and Sherman being actively engaged with large 
armies against the enemy, the governors of the northwestern 
States proposed to the authorities of the war department to send 
into the field a considerable number of troops for a short term of 
service, who might relieve others on guard and garrison duty at 
the rear, and thus be the means of adding largely to the force of 
drilled and disciplined men at the front. This proposition was 
after a time accepted, and the term of service was established at 
100 days. Gov. Stone accordingly issued his proclamation calling 
for Buch troops, and the citizens responded with four regiments 



200 



HISTOET OF IOWA. 



and one battalion. Because commissions had been issued to persons 
designated as officers of the Forty-first, Forty-second and Forty* 
third Regiments, which were never organized, however, although 
considerable was done in the way of their formation, the num- 
ber of the regiments of hundred-days men commenced with Forty- 
four. This regiment was under the command of Colonel Stephen 
fl. Henderson, and was mustered in at Davenport, June 1, 1864. 
Company A was from Dubuque County; Company B, from Mus- 
catine County; Company C, from Joufes, Linn and Dubuque Coun- 
ties; Company D, from Johnson and Linn Counties; Company E, 
from Bremer and Butler Counties; Company F, from Clinton 
and Jackson Counties; Company Q, from Marshall and Hardin 
Counties; Company H, from Boone and Polk Counties; and Compa- 
nies I and K, from Scott County. The regiment did garrison duty 
at Memphis and La Grange, Tenn., and was mustered out at Daven- 
port, Sept. 15, 1864. Of 867 officers and men in the Forty-fourth, 

1 was killed and 18 died. There were no other casualties. 

The FoETY-FiFTH iNFAiJTEY was mustered in at Keokuk, May 25, 
1864, with A. H. Bereman, of Mt. Pleasant, as Colonel; S. A. 
Moore, of Bloomtield, as Lieut. -Colonel; and> J. B. Hope, of Wash- 
ington, as Major. Companies A and H [were from Henry County, 
Company B, from Washington County; Company C, from Lee 
County; Company D, from Davis County; Company E, from Henry 
and Lee Counties; Company F, from Des Moines County; Company 
G, from Des Moines and Henry Counties; Company I, from Jef- 
ferson County ; and Company K, from Van Buren County. This 
was the first of the regiments of hundred-days' men organized; it 
even preceded the Forty-fourth. It performed garrison, duty in 
Tennessee, and was mustered out at Keokuk, Sept. 16, 1864. Of 
912 officers and men, 2 were killed, 19 died, 1 was wounded, and 

2 were transferred. 

The FoETT-SiXTH Lifantet was organized with D. B. Henderson, 
of Clermont, as Colonel; L. D. Durbin, of Tipton, asLieut.-Colonel; 
and G. L. Tarbet, as Major. Was mustered in at Dubuque, 
June 10, 1864. Company A was from Dubuque; Company B, from 
Poweshiek County: Company C, from Dallas and Guthrie Coun- 
ties; Company D, from Taylor and Fayette Counties; Company E, 
from Ringgold and Linn Counties; Company F, from Winneshiek 
and Delaware Counties; Company G, from Apjianoose and Dela- 
ware Counties; Company H, from Wayne County; Company I, 
from Cedar County; and Company K, from Lucas County. The 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 201 

Forty-sixth performed garrison duty in Tennessee, and was mus- 
tered out at Davenport, Sept. 23, 186i. Of its 892 officers and 
men, 2 were killed, 24 died, 1 was wounded and 3 were captured. 

The Foktt-Seventh Infantry was mustered into the service of the 
LTnited States at Davenport. June 1, 18G4-, with James P. Sanford, 
ot Oskaloosa, as Cob^nel; John Williams, of Iowa City, as Lieut.- 
Colonel; and G. J. Wright, of Des Moines, as Major. Company 
A was from Marion and Clayton Counties; Company B, from 
Appanoose County, Company' C, from Wapello and Eenton 
Counties; Company D, from Buchanan and Linn Counties; Com- 
pany E, from Madison County; Company F, from Polk County- 
Company G, from Joimson County; Company H, from Keokuk 
County; Company I, from Mahaska County ; and Company K, from 
Wapello Count}'. This regiment was stationed at the sickly place 
of Helena, Arkansas, where many succumbed to disease. Of 884 
officers and men, one was killed, 46 died, and one was transferred. 

The Forty-Eighth Infantry (Battalion) was mustered into the 
service at Davenport, July 13, 1864, with O. H. P. Scott, of Farm- 
ington, as Lieut. -Colonel. Company A was from Warren County; 
Company B, fi-om Jasper County; Company C, from Decatur 
County; and Company D, from Des Moines and Lee Counties. 
The battalion served its time guarding rebel prisoners on Rock 
Island, in the Mississippi River, opposite Davenport. It was mus- 
tered out at Rock Island barracks, Oct. 21, 1864. Of 346 officers 
and men, four died, and four were transferred. The services of 
these hundred-days' men were of great value to the national cause. 

They were acknowledged by the President of the United States, 
in a special executive order, returning his hearty thanks to officers 
and men. 

The First Cavalry was organized in the spring ot 1861, with 
Fitz Henry Warren, of Burlington, as Colonel; Charles E. Moss 
of Keokuk, as Lieut. -Colonel; and E. W. Chamberlain, of Burling- 
ton, James O. Gower, of Iowa City, and W. M. G. Torrence, of 
Keokuk, as Majors. Company A was from Lee, Van Buren and 
Wapello Counties; Companj- B, from Clinton County; Company C, 
from Des Moines and Lee Counties; Company D, from Madison 
and Warren Counties; Company E, from Henry County; Company 
F, from Johnson and Linn Counties, Company G, from Dubuque 
and Black Hawk Counties; Company H, from Lucas and Mor- 
rison Counties; Company I, from Wapello and Des Moines Coun- 
ties; Company K, from Allamakee and Clayton Counties; Company 



202 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

L, from Dubuque and other counties; and Company M, from Clin- 
ton County. The regiment was engaged at Pleasant Hill, Mo., 
Rolla, New Lexington, Elkins' Ford, Little Eock, Bayou Metoe , 
"Warrensburg, Big Creek Blufis, Antwineville, and Clear Creek. 
The regiment veteranized in the spring of 186i. It did not take 
the usual 30-days' furlough until May, for their services were 
needed in the tield, and they gallantly volunteered to remain. 
After the war was closed, the First served in Texas, with Gen. 
Custer, until its muster-out, Feb. 15, 1866. Of 1,478 officers and 
men, 43 were killed, 215 died, 207 were discharged, 88 were 
wounded, 2 were missing, 22 were captured, and 39 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Second Cavalry was organized with W. L. Elliott, a Captain 
in the third cavalry of the regular array, as Colonel; Edward Hatch^ 
of Muscatine, as Lieut.-Colouel; and N. P. Hepburn, of Marshall- 
town, D. E. Coon, of Mason City, and H. W. Love, of Iowa City, 
as Majors, Tlie regiment was mustet'ed in at Davenport, Sept. 1, 
1861. Company A was from Muscatine County; Company B, 
from Marshall County; Company C, from Scott County; Company 
D, from Polk County; Company E, from Scott County; Company 
F, from Hamilton and Franklin Counties; Company G, from 
Muscatine County; Company H, from Johnson County; Company 
I, from Cerro Gordo, Delaware and other counties; Company K, 
from Des Moines County; and Companies L and M from Jackson 
County. The Second participated in the siege of Corinth, the 
battles of Farmington, Booneville, Rienzi, luka, Corinth, CofFee- 
ville, Palo Alto, Birmingham, Jackson, Grenada, Collierville, 
Moscow, Pontotoc, Tupelo, Old Town, Oxford and Nashville. The 
regiment performed active and arduous service all through the war, 
and so often distinguished itself as to become well known through- 
out the nation. It was mustered out at Selma, Ala., Sept. 19, 1865. 
Of its 1,394 officers and men, 41 were killed, 224 died, 174 were 
discharged, 173 were wounded, 10 were missing, 74 were captured 
and 42 were transferred. 

The Third Cavalry was mustered in at Keokuk, August and 
September, 1861, with Cyrus Bussey, of Bloomfield, as Colonel; 
H. H. Trimble, of Bloomfield, as Lieut.-Colouel; and G. H. 
Perry, H. C. Caldwell and W. C. Drake, of Corydon, as Majors. 
Companies A and E were from Davis County; Company B, from 
Van Buren and Lee Counties; Company C, from Lee and Keokuk 
Counties; Company D, from Davis and Van Buren Counties; 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 203 

Company F, from Jefferson County; Company G, from Van Buren 
County; Company H, from Van Buren and Jefferson Counties; 
Company I, from Appanoose County; Company K, from Wapello 
and Marion Counties; Company L, from Decatur County; and 
Company M, from Appanoose and Decatur Counties. The Third 
was engaged at Pea Ridge, La Grange, Sycamore, near Little Rock, 
Columbus, Pope's Farm, Big Blue, Ripley, Coldwater, Osage, 
Tallahatchie, Moore's Mill, near Monte vallo, near Lidependence, 
Pine Bluff, Bott's Farm, Gun Town, "White's Station, Tupelo and 
Village Creek. The regiment was raised by Hon. Cyrus Bussey, 
who, in his call for volunteers, requested each man to bring with 
him a good cavalry horse to sell to the Government. In two weeks 
he had a thousand men, well mounted, in the rendezvous at Keokuk. 
In order to still further hasten matters. Col. Bussey personally 
contracted in Chicago for equipments. In this way the delay 
experienced by other regiments in preparing for the field was 
entirely avoided. The regiment took an active part in many battles 
and raids, and always behaved with distinguished gallantry. Was 
mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 9, 1865. Of 1,360 officers and 
men, 65 were killed, 251 died, 311 were discharged, 166 were 
wounded, 1 was missing, 146 were captured and 34 were 
transferred. 

The Fourth Cavalry was organized and mustered into the service 
of the United States at Mt. Pleasant, Nov. 21, 1861, with Asbury 
B. Porter, of Mt. Pleasant, as Colonel; Thomas Drummond, of 
Vinton, as Lieut.-Colonel; and S. D. Swan, of Mt. Pleasant, J. E- 
Jewett, of Des Moines and G. A. Stone, of Mt. Pleasant, as Majors. 
Company A was from Delaware County ; Company C, from Jefferson 
and Henry Counties; Companies D and K, from Henry County; 
Company E, from Jasper and Poweshiek Counties; Company F, 
from Wapello County; Company G, from Lee and Henry Counties; 
Company H, from Chickasaw CouJity; Company I, from Madison 
County; Company L, from Des Moines and other counties; and 
Company M, from Jefferson County. The Fourth fought bravely 
and lost men at every one of the following engagments: Gun Town; 
Miss., Helena, Bear Creek, Memphis, Town Creek, Columbus, 
Mechanicsburg, Little Blue River, Brownsville, Ripley, Black 
River Bridge, Grenada, Tupelo, Yazoo River, White River, Osage, 
Lock Creek, Okalona, and St. Francis River. The Fourth was 
one of the bravest and most successful regiments in the field, and 
its services were of the utmost value to the Union arms. It was 



204r HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 10, 1865. Of 1,227 officers aud 
men, 44 were killed, 207 died, 241 were discharged, 119 were 
wounded, 3 were missing, 94 were captured, and 35 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Fifth Cataley was but in part an Iowa regiment. The 
States of Minnesota and Missouri and the Territory of Nebraska 
were largely represented; but as Iowa had the most, it was desig- 
nated as an Iowa regiment. It was organized and mustered into 
the service at Omalia, with Wm. W. Lowe, of the regular army, as 
Colonel; M. T. Patrick, of Omaha, as Lieut.-Colonel, and Carl 
Schaeifer de Bernstein, a German baron, Wm. Kelsay and Alfred 
B. Brackett as Majors. Companies A, B, C and D were mostly 
from Nebraska; Company E, from Dubuque County; Company F, 
from Des Moines, Dubuque and Lee Counties; Company G, from 
Minnesota; Company H, from Jackson and other counties; Com- 
panies I and K, from Minnesota; Company L, from Minnesota and 
Missouri; and Company M, from Missouri. Companies G, I and 
K were transferred to Minnesota volunteers, Feb. 25, 1864. The 
new Company G was organized from veterans and recruits, and 
Companies C, E, F and I of the Fifth Iowa Infantry. The new 
Companies I and K were organized from veterans and recruits, and 
Companies A, B, D, G, H and K of the Fifth Infantry. This 
regiment was engaged at the second battle of Fort Donelson, 
Wartrace, Duck River Bridge, Sugar Creek, Newman, Camp 
Creek, Cumberland Works, Tenn., Jonesboro, Ebenezer Church, 
Lockbridge's Mills, Pulaski and Cheraw. The gallant Fifth was 
in many situations requiring the greatest coolness and courage, 
and always acquitted itself with high honor. At one time the reg- 
iment was surrounded by rebels, and the colonel in charge of the 
brigade had escaped with two other regiments to the Union lines 
reporting the Fifth all killed or captured. But the result was far 
from that. At the critical time the brave Major Young, after- 
ward Colonel of the regiment, thundered out in the still night air, 
" The Fifth Iowa is going straight through; let the brave follow!" 
Then came the single word of command, "Forwai-d !" and when they 
reached the rebel lines, "Charge!" Fifteen hundred troopers 
dashed at full speed over the bodies of the surprised rebels, and 
escaped to the Union lines with the loss of but 15 men. The reg- 
iment was finally mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 11, 1865. 
Of its 1,245 officers and men, 47 were killed, 141 died, 224 were 
discharged, 56 were wounded, 217 were captured and 17 were 
transferred. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 205 

The Sixth Cavalry was organized and mustered in at Daven- 
port, Jan. 31, 1S63, with D. S. Wilson, of Dubuque, as Colonel; 
S. M. Pollock, of Dubuque, as Lieut. -Colonel; and T. II. Shepherd, 
of Iowa City, E. P. Ten Broeck, of Clinton, and A. E. House, of 
Delhi, as Majors. Company A was from Scott and other counties; 
Company B, from Dubuque and other counties; Company C, from 
Fayette Count}'; Company D, from "Winneshiek County; Company 
E, from southwest counties of the State; Company F, from Alla- 
makee and other counties; Company G, from Delaware and Bu- 
chanan Counties; Company H, from Linn County; Company I, 
from Johnson and other counties; Company K, from Linn County; 
Company L, from Clayton County; and Company M, from John- 
son and Dubuque Counties. This regiment was employed on the 
frontier against the Indians, and did excellent service. Their prin- 
cipal engagement was the battle of White Stone Hill, in which 
they severely punished a band of hostiles. The Sixth was mus- 
tered out at Sioux City, Oct. 17, 1865. Of 1,125 officers and men 
19 were killed, 72 died, 89 were discharged, 19 were wounded and 

7 were transferred. 

The Seventh Cavalry was organized and mustered into the ser- 
vice at Davenport, April 27, 1863, with S. W. Summers, of Ot- 
tumwa, as Colonel ; John Pattee, of Iowa City, as Lieut. -Colonel; 
and H. H. Heath and G. M. O'Brien, of Dubuque, and John S. 
Wood, of Ottumwa, as Majors. Companies A, B, C and D were 
from Wapello and other counties in the immediate vicinity; Com- 
panies E, F, G and H were from all parts of the State; Company 
I, from Sioux City; Companies K and F had been infantry 
companies, and were from Johnson and other counties; and Com- 
pany M had been an infantry company and was from Des Moines 
County. This regiment also served against the Indians in the 
West. It fought bravely in many battles, and won the lasting 
gratitude of the people of the West. It was mustered out at 
Leavenworth, Kansas, May 17, 1866, except Companies K, L and 
M, which were mustered out at Sioux City, June 22, 1866. Of its 
562 officers and men, 47 were killed, 101 died, 252 were discharged, 

8 were wounded and 9 were transferred. 

The Eighth Cavalry was recruited by Lieut. Dorr, of the 
Twelfth Infantry. As the result of his energy, 2,000 men were 
soon enlisted for the Eighth! Some 300 were rejected, 450 were 
turned over to the Ninth Cavalry, and about 75 to the Fourth 
Battery. The Eighth was organized with Joseph B. Dorr, of Du- 



206 mSTOET OF IOWA. 

buque, as Colonel; H. G. Earner, of Sidney, as Lieut.-Colonel; 
John J. Bowen, of Hopkinton; J. D. Thompson, of Eldora; and 
A. J. Price, of Guttenberg, as Majors; and was mustered into the 
United States service at Davenport, Sept. 30, 1863. Company A 
was from Page County; Companies B and L, from Wapello 
County; Company C, from Yan Bnren County; Company D, from 
Kinggold County; Company E, from Henry County; Companies 
F and H, from Appanoose County; Company G, from Clayton 
County; Company I, from Marshall County; Company K, from 
Muscatine County; and Company M, from Polk County. This 
regiment served gallantly in guarding Sherman's communications, 
and at the battles of Lost Mountain, Lovejoy's Station, Newnan 
and Nashville. It participated in Stoneman's cavalry raid around 
Atlanta, and Wilson's raid through Alabama. After the close of 
hostilities and before the muster out. Col. Dorr died of disease. 
He was much beloved by his command, and highly respected at 
home, where he had been an able editor. The Eighth was mus- 
tered out at Macon, Ga., Aug. 13, I860. Of its 1,231 officers and 
men, 30 were killed, 106 died, 67 were discharged, 87 were wounded, 
2 were missing, 259 were captured, and 22 were transferred. 

The Ninth Cavalry was the last three years' regiment recruited 
in Iowa. It was organized and mustered into the service of the 
United States at Davenport, Nov. 30, 1S63, with M. M. Trumbull, 
of Cedar Falls, as Colonel; J. P. Knight, of Mitchell, as Lieut.- 
Colonel; E. T. Ensign, of Des Moines, Willis Drummond, of Mc- 
Gregor, and Wm. Haddock, of Waterloo, as Majors. Company 
A was from Muscatine County; Company B, from Linn County; 
Company C, from Wapello and Decatur Counties; Company D 
from Washington County; Company E, from Fayette County; 
Company F, from Clayton County; Companies G and H, from 
various counties; Company I, from Wapello and Jefferson Coun- 
ties; Company K, from Keokuk County; Company L, from Jasper 
and Marion Counties; Company M, fi-om Wapello and Lee Coun- 
ties. The regiment performed heavy scouting, guard and garrison 
duties in Arkansas, for the small part of the war after it was organ- 
ized. It was mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., Feb. 28, 1866. 
Of its 1,178 officers and men, 6 were killed, 178 died, 64 were dis- 
charged, 15 were wounded, 1 was captured, and 11 were trans- 
ferred. 

The FiEST Battery of Light Artillery was enrolled in the coun- 
ties of Wapello, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jefferson, Black Hawk, and 
others, and was mustered into the service at Burlington, Aug. 17, 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 207 

1861, with C. H. Fletcher, of Burlingtou, as Captain. Was en- 
gaged at Pea Ridge, Port Gibson, in the Atlanta campaign, at 
Chickasaw Bayou, Lookout Mountain, etc. Was mustered out at 
Davenport, July 5, 1865. Of 149 members, 7 were killed, 55 died, 
35 were discharged, 31 were wounded, and 3 were transferred. 

The Second BArrERr was enrolled in the counties of Dallas, Polk, 
Harrison, Fremont, and Pottawattamie, and mustered in at Council 
Blufis, and at St. Louis, Aug. 8 and 31, 1861, with Nelson I. 
Spoor, of Council Bluffs, as Captain. The battery was engaged at 
Farmington, Corinth and other places. Was mustered out at 
Davenport, Aug. 7, 1865. Of a total of 123 officers and men, 1 
was killed, 30 died, 16 were discharged, 15 were wounded, 1 was 
captured, and 6 were transferred. 

The Third Battery was enrolled in the counties of Dubuque, 
Black Hawk, Butler, and Floyd, and was mustered into the service 
at Dubuque, in September, 1861, with M. M. Hayden, of Dubuque, 
as Captain. The battery was engaged at Pea Ridge and other 
important battles. Was mustered out at Davenport, Oct. 23, 1865. 
Of 142 officers and men, 3 were killed, 34 died, 28 were discharged, 
and 18 were wounded. 

The Fourth Battery was enrolled in Mahaska, Henry, Mills, 
and Fremont Counties, and was mustered in at Davenport, Nov. 
23, 1863. This battery was on duty most of the time in Louisiana, 
but did not serve in any important battles. Was mustered out at 
Davenport, July 14, 1865. Of 152 officers and men, 6 died, 11 
were discharged, and 1 was transferred. 

The Iowa Regiment of Colored Troops was organized and 
mustered into the service of the United States, Oct. 23, 1863. John 
G. Hudson, Captain Company B, Thirty-third Missouri, was Col- 
onel; M. F. Collins, of Keokuk, was Lieut.-Colonel; and J. L. 
Murphy, of Keokuk, was Major. This regiment was afterward the 
Sixtieth Regiment of United States Colored Troops. It was not 
called upon to fight, but performed valuable guard and garrison 
duties at St. Louis and elsewhere South. 

The NoRTUERN Border Brigade was organized by the State of 
Iowa to protect the Northwestern frontier. James A. Sawyer, of 
Siou.x City, was elected Colonel. It consisted of five companies, all 
enlisted from the northwestern counties. 

The Southern Border Brigade was organized by the State 
for the purpose of protecting the southern border of the State,and was 
organized in the counties on the border of Missouri. It consisted 
of seven companies, in three battalions. 



208 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

PE0M0TI0N8. 

The following promotions were made by the United States Gov- 
ernment from Iowa regiments: 

MAJOE-GENEBALS. 

Samuel R. Curtis, Brigadier-General, from March 31, 1863. 
Frederick Steele, Brigadier-General, from Nov. 29, 1863. 
Frank J. Herron, Brigadier-General, from Nov. 39, 1863. 
Grenville M. Dodge, Brigadier-General, from June 7, 1864. 

BEIGADIER-GESEEALS. 

Samuel R. Curtis, Colonel 3d Infantry, from May 17, 1861. 
Frederick Steele, Colonel 8th Infantry, from Feb. 6, 1863. 
Jacob G. Lanraan, Colonel 7th Infantry, from March 31, 1863. 
Grenville M. Dodge, Colonel 4th Infantry, from March 31, 1863. 
James M. Tuttle, Colonel 3d Infantry, from June 9, 1863. 
Washington L. Elliott, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from June 11, 1863. 
Fitz Henry Warren, Colonel 1st Cavalry, from July 6, 1862. 
Frank J. Herron, Lieut. -Co'onel, 9th Infantry, from July 30, 1863. 
Charles L. Matthies, Colonel 5th Infantry, from Nov. 29, 1863. 
Wm. Vandever, Colonel 9th Infantry, from Nov. 39, 1863. 
Marcellus M. Crocker, Colonel 13th Infantry, from Nov. 29, 1863. 
Hugh T. Reid, Colonel 15th Infantry, from March 13, 1863. 
Samuel A.. Rice, Colonel 33d Infantry, from Aug. 4, 1863. 
John M. Corse, Colonel 6th Infantry, from Aug. 11, 1863. 
Cyrus Bussey, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from Jan. 5, 1864. 
Edward Hatch, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from April 27, 1864. 
Elliott W. Rice, Colonel 7th Infantry, from June 30, 1864. 
Wm. W. Belknap, Colonel 5th Infantry, from July 30, 1864. 
John Edwards, Colonel 18th Infantry, from Sept. 36, 1864. 
James A. Williamson, Colonel 4th Infantry, from Jan. 13, 1864. 
James I. Gilbert, Colonel 27th Infantry, from Feb. 9, 1865. 
Thomas J. McKean, from Nov. 31, 1861. 

BEEVET MAJOR- GENEEALS. 

JohnM. Corse, Brigadier General, from Oct. 5, 1864. 
Edward Hatch, Brigadier-General, from Dec. 15, 1864. 
Wm. W. Belknap, Brigadier-General, from March 13, 1865. 
W. L.Elliott, Brigadier-General, from March 13, 1865. 
Wm. Vandever, Brigadier-General, from June 7, 1865. 

BEEVET BEIGADIEE-GENEEALS. 

Wm. T. Clark, A. A. G., late of 13th Infantry, from July 23, 1864. 
Edward F. Winslow, Colonel 4th Cavalry, from Dec. 12, 1864. 
8. G. Hill, Colonel 3oth Infantry, from Dec. 15, 1864. 
Thomas H. Benton, Colonel 29th Infantry, from Dec. 15, 1864. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 209 

Samael S. Glasgow, Colonel 23d Infantry, from Dec. 19, 1864. 
Clark R. Weaver, Colonel 17lh Infantry, from Feb. 9, 1865. 
Francis M. Drake, Lieut.-Colonel 30lh Infantry, from Feb. 22,1865. 
Geo. A. Stone, Colonel 25th Infantry, from March 13, 1865. 
Datus E. Coon, Colonel 2d Cavalry, from March 8, 1865. 
George W. Clark, Colonel 34th Infantry, from March 13, 1865. 
Herman H. Healh. Colonel 7th Cavalry, from March 13, 1865. 
J. M. Hedrick, Colonel 15th Infantry, from March 13, 1865. 
"W. W. Lowe, Colonel 0th Cavalry, from March 3, 1865. 



STATE INSTITUTIONS. 

THE STATE UNIVERSITY. 

By act of Congress, approved July 20, 1840, the Secretary of 
the Treasury was authorized to "set apart and reserve from sale, 
out of any of the public lands within the Territory of Iowa not 
otherwise claimed or appropriated, a cjuautity of land not exceed- 
ing two entire townships, for the use and support of a university 
within said Territory when it becomes a State. The first General 
Assembly, therefore, by act approved Feb. 25, 1847, established 
the "State University of Iowa" at Iowa City, then the capital of 
the State. The public buildings and other property at Iowa City 
were appropriated to the Uuiversit}', but the Legislative sessions 
and State offices were to be held in them until a permanent loca- 
tion for a capital was made. 

The control and management of the University were committed 
to a board of 15 trustees, to be appointed by the Legislature, and 
live were to be chosen every two years. The superintendent of 
public instruction was made president of this board. The organic 
act provided that the University should never be under the control 
of any religious denomination whatever, and that as soon as the 
revenue from the grant and donations should amount to $2,000 a 
year, the University should commence and continue the instruction, 
free of charge, of 50 students annually. Of course the organiza- 
tion of the University at Iowa City was impracticable, so long as 
the scat of government was retained there. 

In January, 1849, two branches of the University and three nor- 
mal schools were established. The branches were located at Fair- 
field and Dubuque, and were placed upon an equal footing in re- 
spect to funds and all other matters, with the University at Iowa 
13 



210 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



City. At Fairfield, the Board of Directors organized and erected a 
building at a cost of $2,500. This was nearly destroyed by a hur- 
ricane the following year, but was rebuilt more substantially by 
the citizens of Fairfield. This branch never received any aid from 
the State, and Jan. 24, 1853, at the request of the board, the Gen- 
eral Assembly terminated its relation to the State. The branch 
at Dubuque had only a nominal existence. 

The normal schools were located at Andrew, Oskaloosa and Mt. 
Pleasant. Each was to be governed by a board of seven trustees, 
to be appointed by the trustees of the University. Each was to 
receive $500 annually from the income of the University fund, 
upon condition that they should educate eight commonschool 
teachers, free of charge for tuition, and that the citizens should 
contribute an equal sura for the erection of the requisite buildings. 
The school at Andrew was organized Nov. 21, 181:9, with Samuel 
Ray as principal. A building was commenced and over $1,000 
expended on it, but it was never completed. The school at Oska- 
loosa was started in the court-house, Sept. 13, 1852, under the 
charge of Prof. G. M. Drake and wife. A two-story brick build- 
ing was completed in 1853, costing $2,473. The school at Mt. 
Pleasant was never organized. Neither of these schools received 
any aid from the University fund, but in 1857 the Legislature ap- 
propriated $1,000 for each of the two schools, and repealed the 
laws authorizing the payment to them of money from the Univer- 
sity fund. From that time they made no further effort to con- 
tinue in operation. 

From 1847 to 1855, the Board of Trustees was kept full by reg- 
ular elections by the Legislature, and the trustees held frequent 
meetings, but there was no actual organization of the University. 
In March, 1855, it was partially opened for a term of 16 weeks. 
July 16, 1S55, Amos Dean, of Albany, N. Y., was elected presi- 
dent, but he never entered fully upon its duties. The University 
was acjain opened in September, 1855, and continued in operation 
imtil June, 1856, under Professors Johnson, Welton, Van Valken- 
burg and Grifiin. 

The faculty was then re-organized, with some changes, and the 
University was again opened on the third Wednesday of Septem- 
ber, 1856. There were 124 students — 83 males and 41 females — in 
attendance during the years 1856-'7, and the first regular catalogue 
was published. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 211 

At a special meeting of the board, Sept. 22, 1857, the honorary 
degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on D. Franklin Wells. 
This was the first degree conferred by the University. 

The new constitution, adopted in 1857, definitely fixed the cap- 
ital at Des Moines, the State University at Iowa City, and provided 
that it sliould have no branches. In December of that year the 
old capitol building was turned over to the trustees of the Univer- 
sity. In 1858, $10,000 were appropriated for the erection of a 
boarding hall. The board closed the University April 27, 1858, on 
account of insuflicient funds, and dismissed all the faculty except 
Chancellor Dean. At the same time a resolution was passed 
excluding females. This was soon after reversed by the General 
Assembly. 

The University was re-opened Sept. 19, 1860, and from this date 
the real existence of the University dates. Mr. Dean had resigned 
before this, and Silas Totten, D. D., LL. D., was elected presi- 
dent, at a salary of $2,000. Aug. 19, 1862, he resigned, and was 
succeeded by Prof Oliver M. Spencer. President Spencer was 
granted leave of absence for 15 months, to visit Europe, and Prof. 
Nathan R. Leonard was elected president pro tern. President 
Spencer resigning, James Black, D.D., Vice-President of "Wash- 
ington and Jefl"erson College, Penn., was elected president. He 
entered upon his duties in September, 1868. 

The law department was established in June, 1868, and soon 
after the Iowa Law School at Des Moines, which had been in suc- 
cessful operation for three years, was transferred to Iowa City and 
merged in the department. 

The medical department was established in 1869. 

Since April 11, 1870, the government of the University has been 
in the hands of a Board of Regents. 

Dr. Black resigned in 1870, to take effect Dec. 1, and March 1, 
1871, Eev. Geo. Thatcher was elected president. 

In June, 1874, the chair of military instruction was established, 
and Lieut. A. D. Sclienk, Second Artillery, U. S. A., was detailed 
by the President of the United States as professor of military 
science and tactics. 

In June, 1877, Dr. Thatcher's connection with the University 
was terminated, and C. W. Slagle was elected president. He was 
succeeded in 1878 by J. L. Pickard, LL. D., who is the present 
incumbent. 



212 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

The University has gained a reputation as one of the leading 
institutions of the West, and this position will doubtless be main- 
tained. The present educational corps consists of the following, 
besides President Pickard: in the collegiate department, nine profes- 
sors and six instructors, including the professor of military science; 
in the law department, a chancellor, two professors and four lectur- 
ers; in the medical department, eight professors and ten assistant 
professors and lecturers. 

No preparatory work is done in the University, but different 
high schools in the State, with approved courses of study, are 
admitted as preparatory departments of the University whose grad- 
uates are admitted without examination. Common schools, high 
schools and University are thus made one connected system. 

The present number of students in the collegiate department is: 
males, 163; females, 69; total, 232; inlaw department, 140; in med- 
ical department, 195. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

This is located at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, and was 
opened in 1876. The institution trains teachers for our schools, 
and is doing excellent, though limited, work. What is wanted is 
more room, and increased facilities of every kind. Other institu- 
tions of a similar kind should also be established tliroughout the 
State. 

STATE AGEICULTUBAL COLLEGE. 

The State Agricultural College and Farm were established by 
act of the General Assembly approved March 23, 1858. The farm 
was located in Story County, at Ames. In 1862 Congress granted 
to Iowa 240,000 acres of land for the endowment of schools of agri- 
culture and the mechanical arts. In 1864 the assembly voted $20,000 
for the erection of the college building. In 1866 $91,000 more 
were appropriated for the same purpose. The building was com- 
pleted in 1868, and the institution was opened in the following 
year. The college is modeled to some extent after Michigan Ag- 
ricultural College. 

Tuition is free to pupils from the State over 16 years of age. 
Students are required to work on the model farm two and a half 
hours each day. The faculty is of a very high character, and the 
institution one of the best of its kind. Sale of spirits, wine and 
beer as a beverage is forbidden by law within three miles of tlie 
College. The current expenses of this institution are paid by the 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 213 

income from the permanent endowment. A. S. "Welch, LL. D., is 
president, and is assisted by 12 professors and eight instructors. 
Whole number of students admitted, 2,600; present number, 210. 
The College Farm comprises 860 acres, of which 400 are in cultiva- 
tion. 

PKAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE, 

By an act of the Legislature of Iowa, approved Jan. 24, 1855, 
the Iowa Institute for tlie Deaf and Dumb was established at Iowa 
City. 

In 1866 a great effort was made to remove the Institute to Dea 
Moines; but it was finally permanently located at Council Bluffs, 
and the school opened in a rented building. In 1868 Commis- 
sioners were appointed to locate a site, and superintend the erection, 
of new buildings, for which the Legislature appropriated $125,000. 
The commissioners selected 90 acres of land two miles south of the 
city. 

In October, 1870, the main building and one wing were com- 
pleted and occupied. In February, 1877, fire destroyed the main 
building and east wing, and during the summer following, a tor- 
nado blew off the roof of the new west wing and the walls were 
partially demolished. About 150 pupils were in attendance at the 
time of the fire. After that, half the classes were dismissed and the 
number of pupils reduced to 70. 

The present officers are: B. F. Clayton, President, Macedonia; 
term expires in 1886; A. Rogers, Secretary; term expires 1884; 
John H. Stubenranch; term expires in 1884. The county superin- 
tendent of schools annually reports all persons of school age that 
are deaf and dumb; also those too deaf to acquire learning in the 
common schools. The cost per pupil is $28 per quarter, and is 
paid by the parents or guardian; but when unable -to do so, the 
expense is borne by the respective county. The regular appropria- 
tion is $11,000 per annum, drawn quarterly. Parents and guard- 
ians are allowed to clothe their children. 

The whole number admitted to the Institute is 621. Present 
number, 221. Last biennial appropriation, $27,839. 

COLLEGE FOB THE BLIND. 

Tiic first person to agitate the subject of an Institute for the 
Blind was Prof. Samuel Bacon, himself blind, who, in 1S52, estab- 
lished a school of instruction at Keokuk. The n^xt year the Insti- 



214 HISTOKT OF IOWA. 

tnte was adopted by the State, and moved to Iowa City, by act of 
the Legislature, approved Jan. 18, 1853, and opened for the recep- 
tion of pupils, April 4, 1853. During the first term 23 pupils 
were admitted. Prof. Bacon, the principal, made his first report 
in 185-1, and suggested that the name be changed from '' Asylum 
for the Blind" (which was the name first adopted), to that of 
"Institution for the Instruction of the Blind." This change was 
made in 1855, and the Legislature made an annual appropriation 
of $55 per quarter for each pupil; afterward this appropriation 
was changed to $3,000 per annum. 

Prof. Bacon was a fine scholar, an economical manager, and in 
every way adapted to his position. During his administration the 
Institution was in a great measure self-supporting by the sale of 
articles manufactured by the blind pupils. Tiiere was also a 
charge of $25 as an admission fee for each pupil. Prof. Bacon 
founded the Blind Asylum at Jacksonville, Illinois. 

In 185S the citizens of Vinton, Benton County, donated a quarter 
section of land and $5,000 for the establishment of the asylum at 
that place. On the 8th of May, that same year, the trustees met 
at Vinton and made arrangements for securing the donation, and 
adopted a plan for the erection of a suitable building. In 1860, 
the contract for enclosing was let to Messrs. Finkbine & Lovelace, 
for $10,i20. In August, 1862, the goods and furniture were re- 
moved from Iowa City to Vinton, and in the fall of the same year 
the school was opened with 2-1 pupils. 

The Institution has been built at a vast expenditure of money, 
much greater than it seemed to require for the number of occu- 
pants. The Legislative Committee, who visited the College in 
1878, expressed their astonishment at this utter disregard of the 
fitness of things. They could not understand why $282,000 
should have been expended for a massive building for the accom- 
modation of only 130 people, costing the State over $5,000 a year 
to heat it, and about $500 a year for each pupil. 

The present officers are: Robert Carothers, Superintendent; T. 
F. McCune, Assistant Superintendent; Trustees: Jacob Springer, 
President; M. H. Westbrook, J. F. White, C. O. Harrington, W. 
H. Leavitt, S. H. Watson. Whole number of occupants, 436. 
Present number, males, 36; females, 50. Salary of superintend- 
ent, $1,200; assistant, $700; trustees, $4.00 per day and mileage. 
Annual appropriation, $8,000, and $128 per year allowed for each 
pupil. Annual meeting of trustees in June. Biennial appropri- 
ation in 1880, $3,000. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 215 

IOWA HOSPITAL FOB THE INSANE. 

The Iowa Hospital for the Insane was established by an act of 
the Legislature, approved Jan. 24, 1855. Gov. Grimes, Edward 
Johnston, of Lee County, and Cliarles S. Blake, of Henry County, 
were appointed to locate the institution and superintend the 
erection of the building; $4,4:25 were appropriated by the Legis- 
lature for the site, and $50,000 for the building. Tlie commissioners 
located the institution at Mount Pleasant, Henry Connty, and a 
plan of the building was drawn by Dr. Eell, of Massachusetts. The 
building was designed to accommodate 300 patients, and in October 
work commenced, superintended by Henry Winslow. The building 
was not ready for occupancy until March, 1S61. The Legislature 
had appropriated $258,555.67 before it was completed. One hundred 
patients were admitted within three months. In April, 1876, a 
portion of the building was destroyed by fire. From the opening 
of the Hospital to the close of October, 1877, there were admitted 
3,684 patients. Of these, 1,141 recovered, 505 were improved, and 589 
were discharged unimproved; 1 died. During this period, 1,384 
of the patients were females. 

The trustees are elected by the Legislature, and all officers are 
chosen by the trustees. Superintendents are chosen for six years. 
Dr. Ranney was first chosen in 1S65; his present term expires in 
1886; salary, $2,000 per annum. Whole number of patients ad- 
mitted, 4,598; present numbar of males, 298; present number of 
females, 235. Trustees are paid $5.00 per day and mileage, not to 
exceed 30 days each year. Annual meeting, first Wednesday in 
October; quarterly, January, April and September. 

Present officers are: Mark Hanney, M. D., Superintendent; H. 
M. Bassett, M. D., J. P. Brubaker, M. D., and Max Witte, M. D., 
Assistant Physicians. 

HOSPITAL FOB THE INSANE, AT INDEPENDENCE. 

The Legislature of 1867-'8 adopted measures providing for an 
additional hospital for the insane; and an appropriation of $125,000 
was made for that purpose. Maturin L. Fisher, of Clayton County, 
E. G. Morgan, of Webster County, and Albert Clark, of Buchanan 
County, were appointed commissioners to locate and superintend 
the erection of a building. These commissioners commenced their 
labors June 8, 1868, at Independence. They were authorized to 
select the most desirable location, of not less than 320 acres, within 



216 mSTOEY OF IOWA. 

two miles of the city of Independence, that might be offered by the 
citizens free of charge. They finally selected a site on the west 
side of the Wapsipinicon Kiver, about a mile from its banks, and 
about the same distance from Independence. The contract for 
building was awarded to David Armstrong, of Dubuque, for $88,114. 
It was signed Nov. 7, 1868, and work was immediately commenced. 
George Josselyn was appointed superintendent of the work. The 
first meeting of the trustees was called in July, 1872. At the 
September meeting, Albert Reynolds, M. D., was elected Superin- 
tendent of the Hospital, George Josselyn, Steward, and Mrs. Anna 
B. Josselyn, Matron. 

The Hospital opened May 1, 1873. Whole number of patients 
admitted, 2,000; present number (1882), 533; males, 290; females, 
243. Biennial appropriation, 1880, $35,300. 

The present ofiicers are: G. H. Hill, Superintendent, term ex- 
pires in 1882; salary, $1,600; H. G. Brainard, M. D., Assistant 
Superintendent, salary, $1,000; Noyes Appleman, Steward; salary 
$900; Mrs. Lucy M. Gray, Matron; salary, $600. 

soldiers' orphans' home. 

This institution is located at Davenport, Scott County, and was 
originated by Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer, during the late Rebellion. 
This noble woman called a convention at Muscatine, Sept. 7, 1863, 
for the purpose of devising means for the education and support of 
the orphan children of Iowa, whose fathers lost their lives in 
defending their country's honor. The public interest in the move- 
ment was so great that all parts of the State were largely repre- 
sented, and an association was organized, called the Iowa State 
Orphan Asylum. The first meeting of the trustees was held 
Feb. 14, 1864, at Des Moines, when Gov. Kirkwood suggested 
that a home for disabled soldiers should be connected with the 
Asylum, and arrangements were made for raising funds. At the 
next meeting, in Davenport, tlie following month, a committee 
was appointed, of which Mr. Howell, of Keokuk, was chairman, 
to lease a suitable buildint;, solicit donations, and procure suitable 
furniture. This committee secured a large brick building in Law- 
rence, Yan Buren County, and engaged Mr. Fuller, of Mount 
Pleasant, as Steward. Tlie work of preparation was conducted so 
vigorously that July 13, following, the executive committee an- 
nounced that they were ready to receive children. Within three 
weeks 21 were admitted, and in a little more than six months, the 
soldiers' orphans admitted numbered 70. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 217 

Miss M. Elliott, of Washington, was appointed the first matron, 
but she resigned the following February, and was succeeded by 
Mrs. E. G. Piatt, of Fremont County. 

"The Home" was sustained by voluntary contributions until 
186G, when it was taken charge of by the State. The Legislature 
appropriated $10 per month for each orphan actually supported, 
and provided for the establishment of three Ilonies. The one in 
Cedar Falls was organized in 1S65, an old hotel building was fitted 
up for it, and by the following January there were 96 inmates. In 
October, 1869, the Home was removed to a large brick building, 
about two miles west of Cedar Falls, and was very prosperous for 
several years; but in 1876 the Legislature devoted this building to 
the State Normal School. The same year the Legislature also 
devoted the buildings and grounds of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, 
at Glenwood, Mills County, to an institution for the support of 
feeble-minded children. It also provided for the removal of the 
soldiers' orphans at Glenwood and Cedar Falls Homes to the insti- 
tution at Davenport. 

The present officers are: S. W. Pierce, Superintendent; Mrs. F 
W. Pierce, Matron. Whole number admitted, 1,525; present 
number, males, 79; females, 90. The 18th Grand Armj' appro- 
priated $2,000 to build eight new cottages, school-house and other 
buildings; these have been completed, and the Home will, when 
furnished, accommodate 200 children. Superintendent's salary, 
$1,200 per annum. Trustees are elected for two years. 

ASTLUil FOE FEEBLE-MINDED CHILDKEN. 

An act of the General Assembly approved March 17, 1876, pro- 
vided for the establishment of an asylum for feebleminded children 
at Glenwood, Mills County; and the buildings and grounds of the 
Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that place were taken for this purpose. 
The asylum was placed under the management of three trustees, one 
of whom should be a resident of Mills County. 

The grounds to be used were found in a very dilapidated condi- 
tion, and thorough changes were deemed necessary. The institu- 
tion was opened Sept. 1, 1876, and the first pupil admitted Sept. 
■4. By November, 1877, the number of pupils had increased to 87. 
The whole number admitted has been 257. Present inmates 
number 200. 



218 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

THE PENITENTIARY. 

The first penal institution was established by an act of the Terri- 
torial Legislature, approved Jan. 25, 1839. Tiiis act authorized the 
governor to draw the sum of $20,000 appropriated by an act of 
Congress in 1S38, for public buildings in the Territory of Iowa. 
It provided for a Board of Directors, consisting of three persons, 
to be elected by the Legislature, who should superintend the build- 
ing of a penitentiary to be located within a mile of the public 
square, in the town of Fort Madison, county of Lee, provided that 
the latter deeded a suitable tract of land for tiie purpose, also a 
spring or stream of water for the use of the penitentiary. 

The first directors were John S. David and John Claypole. 
They were given the power of appointing the warden, the latter 
to appoint his own assistants. The citizens of Fort Madison exe- 
cuted a deed of 10 acres of land for the building, and Amos Ladd 
was appointed superintendent June 5, 1839. The work was soon 
entered upon, and the main building and warden's house were 
completed in the fall of 1841. It continued to meet with additions 
and improvements until the arrangements were all completed ac- 
cording to the design of the directors. The estimated cost of the 
building was $55,933.90, and was designed of suflicient capacity to 
accommodate 138 convicts. 

Iowa has adopted the enlightened policy of humane treatment of 
prisoners, and utilizes their labor for their own support. Their 
labor is let out to contractors, who pay the State a stipulated sum 
therefor, the latter furnishing shops, tools, machinery, etc., and the 
supervision of the convicts. 

The present oflicers of the prison are: E. C. Mc Millen, "War- 
den, elected 1878 and 1880; Hiel Hale, Deputy Warden; W. C. 
Gunn, Chaplain, A. W. Iloffmeister, Physician; M. T. Butterfield, 
Clerk. 

The whole number of convicts admitted up to the present time 
(1882) is 3,387. Number of males in 1881, 350; females, 3; num- 
ber of guards,3 3. The warden is chosen biennially by the Leg- 
islature, and receives a salary of $2,000 per annum. 

ANAMOSA PENITENTIARY. 

In 1872 the first steps toward the erection of a prison at Ana- 
mosa, Jones County, were taken, and by an act of the General As- 
sembly, approved April 23, this year, "William Ure, Foster L. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 211) 

Downing and Martin Heisey were appointed commissioners to 
construct and control prison buildings. They met on the 4th of 
June following, and selected a site donated by the citizens of Ana- 
mosa. The plan, drawings and spocitications were furnished by 
L. "W. Foster & Co., of Des Moines, and work on the building 
was commenced Sept. 28, 1872. In 1S73, 20 convicts were trans- 
ferred from the Fort Madison prison to Anamosa. 

The ofBccrs of the Anamosa prison are: A. E. Martin, Warden; 
L. B. Feet, Deputy Warden; Mrs. A. C. Merrill, Chaplain; 
L. J. Adair, Physician; T. P. Parsons, Clerk. The whole num- 
ber admitted since it was opened is 816. Number of males in 
1882, 133; females, 2. Salaries of officers the same as those of 
the Fort Madison penitentiary. 

boys' reform school. 

By act approved March 31, 1868, the General Assembly estab- 
lished a reform school at Salem, Henry County, and provided for 
a board of trustees, to consist of one person from each Congressional 
District. The trustees immediately leased the property of the 
Iowa Manual Labor Institute, and Oct. 7 following the school 
received its first inmate. The law at first provided for the admission 
of children of both sexes under 18 years of age. The trustees were 
directed to organize a separate school for girls. 

In 1872 the school was permanently located at Eldora, Hardin 
County, and $45,000 were appropriated for the necessary buildings. 

In 1876 the law was so amended that only children over seven 
and under 16 years of age are admitted. 

The children are taught the elements of education, in particular 
the useful branches, and are also trained in some regular course of 
labor, as is best suited to their age, disposition and capacity. They 
are kept until they arrive at majority, unless bound out to some 
responsible party, which relieves the State of their care. Occasion- 
ally they are discharged before the age of 21, for good conduct. 

The institution is managed by five trustees, elected by the Legis- 
lature. Whole number of boys admitted, 818. There are 204 
inmates at present, and also 63 in the girls' department, at Mitchell- 
ville. The biennial appropriation for 1880 was $16,900. 



220 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETr. 

By act of the General Assembly approved Jan. 28, 1857, a State 
Historical Society was provided for in connection with the Uni- 
versity. At the commencement, an appropriation of $250 was 
made, to be expended in collecting and preserving a library of 
books, pamphlets, papers, paintings and other materials illustrative 
of the history of Iowa. There was appropriated the sum of $500 
per annum to maintain this society. The management consists of 
a board of 18 curators, nine appointed by the governor, and nine 
elected by vote of the society. 

The State Historical Society has published a series of very 
valuable collections, including history, biography, sketches, remi- 
niscences, etc., with quite a large number of finely engraved portraits 
of prominent and early settlers, under the title of " Annals of 
Iowa." 

STATE AGRICULTURAL SOOIETT. 

This society is conducted under the auspices of the State, and is 
one of the greatest promoters of the welfare of the people under the 
management of the State government. It should receive more 
pecuniary assistance than it does. The Society holds an annual 
Fair, which has occurred at Des Moines since 1878. At its meetings 
subjects are discussed of the highest interest and value, and these 
proceedings are published at the expense of the State. 

The officers are a president, vice president, secretary, and 
treasurer and five directors. The last hold office for two years, and 
the other officers one year, 

FISH HATCHING-HOUSE. 

This was established in 1874, and has for its object the supplying 
of rivers and lakes with valuable fish. The General Assembly first 
appropriated the sum of $3,000. Three fish commissioners were 
appointed, and the State is divided into three districts, one for each 
commissioner. The Hatching-House was erected near Anamosa, 
Jones County, and is conducted in the same manner as similar 
houses in other States. Since 1876 there has been but one com- 
missioner, B. F. Shaw. Mr. Shaw is enthusiastic in his work, and 
has distributed hundreds of thousands of small fish of various kinds 
in the rivers and lakes of Iowa. The 16 th General Assembly passed 
an act in 1878 prohibiting the catching of any kind offish except 
brook trout from March until June of each year. 



EDUCATIONAL. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

In no subject connected with our civilization and progress have 
the people taken so deep an interest as in that of education. The 
public schools have especially engaged the attention of our best 
citizens and legislators. The gerui of the free public-school system 
of Iowa, which now ranks second to none in the United States, was 
planted by the first settlers. They had migrated to the " Beauti- 
ful Land" from older States, where they had enjoyed to some ex- 
tent its advantages, and they determined that their children should 
be similarly favored, in the land of their adoption. 

The system thus planted was expanded and improved until now 
it is justly considered one of the most complete, comprehensive and 
liberal in the country. Nor is this to be wondered at when it is 
remembered that humble log school-houses were built almost as 
soon as the log cabins of the earliest settlers were occupied by their 
brave builders. In the lead-mining regions of the State, the first to 
be occupied by the white race, the hardy pioneer provided the means 
for the education of their children, even before they had comfortable 
dwellings for their families. School-teachers were among the first 
immigrants to Iowa. "Wherever a little settlement was made, the 
school-house was the first thing undertaken by the settlers in a body; 
and the rude, primitive structures of the early time only disappeared 
when the communities increased in population and wealth, and 
were able to replace them with more commodious and comfortable 
buildings. Perhaps in no single instance has the magnificent 
progress of the State of Iowa been more marked and rapid than in 
her common-school system and in her school-houses, which, long 
since, superseded the log cabins of the first settlers. To-da}' the 
school-houses which everywhere dot the broad and fertile prairies 
of Iowa are unsurpassed by those of any other State in this great 
Union. More especially is this true in all her cities and villages, 
where liberal and lavish appropriations have been voted, by a 
generous people, for the erection of large, commodious and elegant 

(221) 



222 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

buildings, furnished with all the modern improvements, and cost- 
ing from $10,000 to $60,000 each. The people of the State have 
expended more than $10,000,000 for the erection of public school 
buildings. 

Tlie first school-house within the limits of Iowa was a log cabin 
at Dubuque, built by J. L. Langworthj, and a few other miners, 
in the autumn of 1833. When it was completed, George Cabbage 
was employed as teacher during the winter of lS33-"4, and 35 
pupils attended his school. Barrett Whittemore taught the school 
term, with 25 pupils in attendance. Mrs. Caroline Dexter com- 
menced teaching in Dubuque in March, 1S36. She was the first 
female teacher there, and probably the first in Iowa. In 1S39, 
Thomas H. Benton, Jr., afterward for 10 years Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, opened an English and classical school in 
Dubuque. The first tax for the support of schools at Dubuque 
was levied in 1840. 

At Burlington, a commodious log school-house, built in 1S34-, 
was among the first buildings erected. A Mr. Johnson taught the 
first school in the winter of lS34-'5. 

In Muscatine County, the first school was taught by George 
Bumgardner, in the spring of ISB^. In 1839, a log school-house 
was erected in Muscatine, which served for a long time as school- 
house, church and public hall. 

The first school in Davenport was taught in 1838. In Fairfield, 
Miss Clarissa Sawyer, James F. Chambers and Mrs. Reed taught 
school in 1839. 

Johnson County was an entire wilderness when Iowa City was 
located as the capital of the Territory of Iowa, in May, 1839. The 
first sale of lots took place Aug. 18, 1839, and before Jan. 1, 1840, 
about 20 families had settled within the limits of the town. Durinof 
the same year, Mr. Jesse Berry opened a school in a small frame 
building he had erected on what is now College street. 

In Monroe County, the first settlement was made in 1843, by 
Mr. John R. Gray, about two miles from the present site of Eddy- 
ville; and in the summer of 1844 a log school-house was built by 
Gray, Wm.V. Beedle, C. Renfro, Joseph McMullen and "Willoughby 
Randolph, and the first school was opened by Miss Urania Adams. 
The building was occupied for school purposes for nearly 10 years. 

About a year after the first cabin was built at Oskaloosa, a log 
school-house was built, in which school was opened by Samuel W. 
Caldwell, in 1844. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 223 

At Fort Dos Moines, now the capital of the State, the first school 
was taught bv Lewis Whitten. Clerk of the District Court, in the 
winter of 1840-7, in one of the rooms on " Coon Row, " built for 
barracks. 

The first school in Pottawattamie County was opened by George 
Green, a Mormon, at Council Point, prior to 1S49; and until about 
1854 nearly all the teachers in that vicinity were Mormons. 

The first school in Decorah was taught in 1855, by Cryus C. 
Carpenter, since governor of the State. In Crawford County the 
first school-house was built in Mason's Grove, in 1856, and Morris 
McHenry first occupied it as teacher. 

During the first 20 years of the history of Iowa, the log 
school-house prevailed, and in 1861 there were 893 of these prim- 
itive structures in use for school purposes in the State. Since that 
time they have been gradually disappearing. In 1865 there were 
796; in 1870, 336; and in 1875, 121. 

Jan. 1, 1839, the Territorial Legislature passed an act providing 
that '■ tliRre shall be established a common school, or schools, in 
each of the counties in this Territory; which shall be open and free 
for every class of white citizens between the ages of five and 21 
years." The second section of the act provided that '• the County 
Board shall, from time to time, form school districts in their respect- 
ive counties whenever a petition may be presented for the purpose 
by a majority of the voters resident within such contemplated 
district." These districts wore governed by boards of trustees, 
usually of three persons; each district was required to maintain 
school at least three months in every year; and later, laws were 
enacted providing for county school-taxes for the payment of 
teachers, and that whatever additional sum mightbe required should 
be assessed upon the parents sending in proportion to the length 
of time sent. 

In 1846, the year of Iowa's admission as a State, there were 20,- 
000 scholars, out of 100,000 inhabitants. About 400 school dis- 
tricts had been organized. In 1850 there were 1,200, and in 1857 
the number had increased to 3,265. 

In March, 1858, upon the recommendation of Hon. M. L. Fisher, 
then superintendent of public instruction, the seventh General 
Assembly enacted that "each civil township is declared a school 
district," and provided that these should be divided into sub-dis- 
tricts. This law went into force March 20, 1858, and reduced the 
number of school districts frorn about 3,500 to less than 900. This 



224 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

change of school organization resulted in a very material reduction 
of tlie expenditures for the compensation of district secretaries and 
treasurers. An eliort was made for several years, from 1S67 to 
1872, to abolish the sub-district system. Mr. Kissell, Superintend- 
ent, recommended this in his report of Jan. 1, 1872, and Gov. Mer- 
rill forcibly endorsed his views in his annual message. But the 
Legislature of that year provided for the formation of independ- 
ent districts from the sub-districts of district townships. 

The system of graded schools was inaugurated in 1849, and new 
schools, in which more than one teacher is employed, are univer- 
sally graded. 

Teachers' institutes were organized early in the history of the 
State. The first official mention of them occurs in the annual 
report of Hon. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., made Dec. 2, 1850, who 
said: "An institution of this character was organized a few years 
ago, composed of the teachers of the mineral regions of Illinois, 
Wisconsin and Towa. An association of teachers has also been 
formed in the county of Henry, and an efiort was made in October 
last to organize a regular institute in the county of Jones." At 
that time, although the beneficial influence of these institutes was 
admitted, It was urged that the expenses of attending them was 
greater than teachers witli limited compensation were able to bear- 
To obviate this objection, Mr. Benton recommended that " the sum 
of $150 should be appropriated annually for three years, to be 
drawn in installments of $50 by the superintendent of public 
instruction, and expended for these institutions." He proposed 
that three institutes should be held annually at points to be desig- 
nated by the superintendent. 

The expense of this would be trifling, and all recognized the ben- 
efits to be derived; and yet no legislation was had until March, 
1858, when an act was passed authorizing tlie holding of teachers' 
institutes for periods not less than six working days, whenever not 
less than 30 tea-^hers should desire. The superintendent was 
authorized to expend not exceeding $100 for any one institute, to 
be paid out by the county superintendent, as the institute might 
direct, for teachers and lecturers, and $1,000 was appropriated to 
defray the expenses of these institutes. 

Mr. Fisher at once pushed the matter of holding institutes, and 
Dec. 6, 1858, he reported to the Board of Education that institutes 
had been appointed in 20 counties within the preceding six months 
and more would have been held but the appropriation had been 
exhausted. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 225 

At the first session of the Board of Education, commencing Dec. 
6, 1858, a code of school laws was enacted, which retained the 
existing provisions for teachers' institutes. 

In March, 1860, the General Assembly amended the act of the 
board by appropriating "a sum not exceeding 850 annually for 
one such institute, held as provided by law in each county." In 
1865 the superintendent, Mr. Faville, reported that " the provis- 
ion made by the State for the benefit of teachers' institutes has 
never been so fully appreciated, both by the people and the teach- 
ers, as during the last two years." 

By an act approved March 19, 1874, normal institutes were estab- 
lished in each county, to be held annually by the county superin- 
tendent. This was regarded as a very decided step in advance by 
Mr. Abernethy, and in 1876 the General Assembly established the 
first permanent State normal school at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk 
County, appropriating the building and property of the Soldiers' 
Orphan's Home at that place for that purpose. This school is now 
" in the full tide of successful experiment." 

The present public-school system of Iowa is admirably organized, 
and if the various officers who are entrusted with the educational 
interests of the commonwealth continue faithful and competent, 
should and will constantly improve. 

Funds for the support of the public schools are derived in sev- 
eral ways. The 16th section of every Congressional township 
was set apart by the general Government for school purposes, 
being one thirty-sixth part of all the lands of the State. The 
minimum price of these lands was fixed at one dollar and twenty- 
five cents per acre. Congress also made an additional donation to 
the State of 500,000 acres, and an appropriation of five per cent, on 
all the sales of public lands to the school fund. The State gives 
to this fund the proceeds of the sales of all lands which escheat to 
it ; the proceeds of all fines for the violation of the liquor and 
criminal laws. The money derived from these sources constitutes 
the permanent school fund of the State, which cannot be diverted 
U> an}- other purpose. The penalties collected by the courts for 
fines and forfeitures go to the school fund in the counties where 
collected. Tlie proceeds of the sale of lands and the five per cent, 
fund go into tlie State Treasury, and the State distributes these 
proceeds to the several counties according to their request, and 
the counties loan the money to individuals for long terms at eight 
per cent, interest, on security of land valued at three times the 
14 



226 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

amount of the loan, exclusive of all buildings and improvements 
thereon. The interest on these loans is paid into the State Treas- 
ury, and becomes the available school fund of the State. The 
counties are responsible to the State for all money so loaned, and 
the State is likewise responsible to the school fund for all moneys 
transferred to the counties. The interest on tliese loans is appor- 
tioned b}' the State Auditor semi-annually to the several counties 
of the State, in proportion to the number of persons between the 
ages of five and twenty-one years. The counties also levy an an- 
nual tax for school purposes, which is apportioned to the several 
district townships in the same way. A district tax is also levied 
for the same purpose. The money arising from these several 
sources constitutes the support of the public schools, and is suffi- 
cient to enable every sub-district in the State to aiford from six to 
nine months' school each year. 

The burden of direct taxation is thus lightened, and the efficiency 
of the schools increased. The taxes levied for the support of the 
schools are self-imposed. Under the admirable school laws of the 
State, no taxes can be legally assessed or collected for the erection 
of school-houses until they have been ordered by the election of a 
district at a school meeting legally called. The school-houses of 
Iowa are the pride of the State and an honor to the people. If 
they have been built sometimes at a prodigal expense, the tax-pay- 
ers have no one to blame but themselves. The teachers' and con- 
tingent funds are determined by the Board of Directors under 
certain legal instructions. These boards are elected annually, 
except in the independent districts, in which the board may be 
entirely changed every three years. The only exception to this 
mode of levying taxes for support of schools is the county school 
tax, which is determined by the County Board of Supervisors. 
The tax is from one to three mills on the dollar ; usually, however, 
but one. 

In 1881 there were in the State 4,339 school districts, contain- 
ing 11, Sii schools, and employing 21,776 teachers. The average 
monthly pay of male teachers was $32.50, and of female teachers 
$27.25. There were 594,730 persons of school age, of whom 431,- 
513 were enrolled in the public schools. The average cost of tuition 
for each pupil per month was $1.62. The expenditures for all 
school purposes was $5,129,819.49. The permanent school fund is 
now $3,547,123.82, on which the income for 1881 was $234,622.40. 



HISTORY OF IOWA.. 227 

In each connty a teachers' institute is held annunlly, under the 
direction of the county superintendent. The State contributes $50 
annually to each of these institutes. 

Good as the public-school system is, there is ranch room for im- 
provement, and certain reforms are everywhere called for. Among 
the changes needed are the revision and simplification of the school 
law, the establishment of county high schools, of which there is bnt 
one at present, and provision by the Assembly for more State nor- 
mal schools. 

HIGHER EDUCATION. 

Besides the State University, State Agricultural College and 
State Normal School, which are described under the head of State 
Institutions, ample provision for liigher education has been made 
by the different religious denominations, assisted by local and 
individual munificence. There are, exclusive of State Institutions, 
23 universities and colleges, 111 academies and other private 
schools. All these are in active operation, and most of them stand 
high. A list of the universities and colleges, and brief notice of 
each, is herewith given: 

Amity College is located at College Springs, Page County; S. C. 
Marshall is president. There are six instructors and 225 students. 

Burlington University is located at Burlington, Des Moines 
County. E. F. Stearns is president of the faculty. There are five 
instructors and 63 students. 

Gallanan College is located at Des Moines, Polk County. There 
are 14 in the faculty, of which C. R. Pomeroy is president, and 188 
students enrolled. 

Central University is located at Pella, Marion County. It is an 
institution of the Baptist denomination. Rev. G. W. Gardner is 
president of the faculty, which numbers seven. There are 196 
students. 

Coe College is located at Cedar Rapids, Linn County. S. Phelps 
is president. There are 10 in the faculty, and 100 students. 

Cornell College is located at Mt. Vernon, Linn County, and is 
under the control of the M. E. Church. W. F. King is president. 
There are 20 instructors and 400 students. This college is one of 
the highest in character, and has a large attendance. 

Brake University is located at Des Moines, Polk County. G. T. 
Carpenter is president, and is ably assisted by 25 instructors. There 
are 125 students. 



228 HISTOET OF IOWA. 

Oriawold College is located at Davenport, Scott County, and is 
tinder the control of the Episcopal Church. W. S. Perry is presi- 
dent. There are seven instructors and 80 students. 

Iowa College is located at Grinnell, Poweshiek County. G. F. 
Magoun is president. There are 14 instructors and 359 students. 
The institution is one of the leading colleges in Iowa, and is perma- 
nently endowed. 

Iowa Wesleyan University is located at Mt. Pleasant, Henry 
County. W.J. Spaulding is president. There are six in the faculty, 
and over 160 students in attendance. The University is under the 
auspices of the M. E. Church, and enjoys a high degree of prosperity. 

Luther College is situated in Decorah, Winneshiek County. L. 
Larson is president of the faculty, which numbers 10. There are 
165 students in attendance. 

Oliyi College is located at Olin, Jones County. C. L. Porter is 
president. 

Oskaloosa College is situated at Oskaloosa, Mahaska County. 
G. H. McLaughlin is president. The faculty numbers five, and 
the students 190. The college stands very high. 

Penn College is situated in Oskaloosa, Mahaska County. B. 
Trueblood is president of the faculty, which numbers five. There 
are 175 students in attendance. 

Simpson Centenary College is located at Indianola, Warren 
County. E. L. Parks is president. There are nine instructors 
and 150 students. 

Tabor College is located at Tabor, Fremont County. Wm. M. 
Brooks is president. The college was modeled after Oberlin Col- 
lege, in Ohio. The faculty consists of six, and there are 109 stu- 
dents. 

Upper Iowa University is located at Fayette, Fayette County, 
and is under the control of the M. E. Church. Rev. J. W. Bis- 
sell is president. There are 11 instructors and 350 students. 
This University stands very high among the educational institutions 
of the State. 

University of Des Moines, at Des Moines, has five instructors 
and 80 students. 

Whittier College was established at Salem, Henry County, by 
the Friends. J. W. Coltrane is president. There are four instruct- 
ors and 105 students. 

Riverside Institute. This school is located at Lyons, on a 
beautiful elevation overlooking the Mississippi River, and is one 
of the most sensible schools in the West, special care being taken 



HISTOET OF IOWA. 



of the health and physical development of the pupils. To Rev. 
W. T. Currie is due the credit of establishing and giving prosper- 
ity to this academy. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

EMINENT MEN OF IOWA. 

"We present biographical sketches of several of Iowa's most emi- 
nent statesmen, which doubtless will prove interesting to every 
citizen of this State. 

William B. Allison was born at Perry, Ohio, March 2, 1829; 
studied law and practiced in Ohio until he removed to Iowa, in 
1857 ; served on the staff of the governor of Iowa, and aided in 
organizing volunteers in the beginning of the war for the suppres- 
sion of the Rebellion ; was elected a representative from Iowa in 
the 38th Congress, as a Republican, receiving 12,112 votes against 
8,452 votes for Maliony, Democrat; was re-elected to the 39th Con- 
gress, receiving 16,130 votes against 10,470 votes for B. B. Richards, 
Democrat ; was re-elected to the 40th Congress, receiving 15,472 
votes against 10,470 votes for Noble, Democrat ; was re-elected to 
the 41st Congress, receiving 20,119 votes against 14,120 votes for 
Mills, Democrat, and 149 votes for Thomas, Independent, serving 
in the House ot Representatives from Dec. 7, 1863, to March 
3, 1871 ; was elected to the United States Senate as a Republican, 
to succeed James Harlan, Republican, and took his seat March 4, 
1873. 

Cj/rus Clay Carpenter was born in Hartford Township, Sus- 
quehanna Co., Pa., Nov. 24, 1829. His father and mother died 
when he was quite young, and at the age of 12 years he found 
himself alone in the world, and destitute. He first attempted to 
learn the trade of clothier, bat not liking this, he quit after a few 
months and spent the next few years on a farm. He spent each 
winter in school. At the age of 18 he commenced teaching 
school, and for the ne.xt four years divided his time between teach- 
ing and attending the academ}' in Hartford. He then left his na- 
tive State for Ohio, where he engaged in teaching for one and a 
half years, and working in summer on a farm. 

In 1854 he turned his face westward, stopping at various points 
in Illinois and Iowa, and finally reached Fort Dodge, where he 
found employment as assistant to a Government surveyor, in divid- 



230 HISTOKY OF IOWA. 

ing townships immediately west of the Fort. His entire worldly 
possessions at this time were contained in a carpet-sack which he 
carried in his hand. 

After working a short time at surveying and teaching school, he 
opened a land-ofSce, and in platting and surveying lands for those 
seeking homes he found constant and profitable employment for 
the next three years. During this time he became extensively 
known, and being an active Republican, he was elected to the Leg- 
islature in the fall of 1857. His district then comprised 19 
counties, which he represented during the following legislative 
term, being the first session held in Des Moines after the removal 
of the capital from Iowa City. 

In 1861, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, he volunteered his 
services, and he steadily rose from commissary to Brevet Colonel, 
with which rank he was mustered out at the close of the war. 

In the fail of 1866 he was elected Register of the State Land 
Office, which required his removal to Des Moines. He was re- 
elected in 1868. In 1870 he refused a renomination, and returned 
to Fort Dodge. In the fall of 1871 he was elected Governor of Iowa, 
which office he filled for four years. 

Gov. Carpenter's services as public speaker and orator have been 
widely sought after and highly appreciated, and he has made him- 
self one of Iowa's most popular men. 

In 1878 he was elected to the 46th Congress from his district, in 
1880 he was re-elected, and he now sits in the 47tli Congress. 

Chester Cicero Cole was born in Oxford, Chenango Co., N. T., 
June 4,1824, and in that place he passed the earlier portion of 
his life. He received a good academic education, and at the age of 
18 was prepared to enter the junior class in Union College; 
but from this he was prevented by a severe and protracted illness. 
Four years later he entered the law school at Harvard University, 
where he received a thorough legal training. 

June 24, 1848, he married Amanda M. Bennett, and soon after 
he located in Marion, Ky., where he commenced the practice of his 
chosen profession. His rise was rapid and he soon acquired a lucra- 
tive practice. 

In May, 1857, Judge Cole came to Des Moines, Iowa, where he 
has since resided, and practiced for some time with his usual suc- 
cess. Two years later he was a candidate for Judge of the Supreme 
Court on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated. 



kiSTORT OF IOWA. 231 

At the beginning of the war he took a firm stand on the side of 
the Government, and liencc naturally found his alliance with the 
Republican party. During the war he lent his whole energies to 
rallying the people to the Union cause. In the campaign of 1863 
he contributed powerfullj' to the election of William M. Stone as 
Governor of Iowa. He was probably the first prominent man in 
Iowa to advocate openly negro suflVage. 

In December, 1S63, Judge Cole took an active part in the estab- 
lishment of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, of which he was first a 
Trustee and then President. His administration was most suc- 
cessful. 

In February, 186-t, he was appointed one of the Judges of the 
Supreme Court, and in the following fall was elected to the same 
position by over 40,000 majority. To this position he was re-elected 
iu 1870. Since then he has edited the Western Jurist, and sev- 
eral volumes of Reports. Few men have contributed more to the 
welfare of Iowa than Judge Cole. 

Augustus C. Dodge was born at St. Genevieve, Mo., Jan. 2, 1812; 
received a public-school education; removed to Burlington, Iowa, 
and was Register of the land-office there from 1838 to 1840; was 
elected a delegate from Iowa in the 2(;th Congress as a Democrat; was 
re-elected to the 27th, 28th and 29th Congresses, serving from Dec. 
8, 1840, to March 3, 1847; was elected U. S. Senator from Iowa on 
its admission as a State, serving from Dec. 26, 1848, to his resigna- 
tion, Feb. 8, 1855; was appointed by President Pierce Minister to 
Spain, serving from Feb. 9, 1855, to March 12, 1859; was a dele- 
sate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1864; 
was elected Mayor of Burlington on an Independent ticket Feb- 
2, 1864. 

James W. Grimes, L. L. D., was born in Deering, Ilillsboro Co., 
N. H., Oct. 20, 1816; was the youngest of eight children, and of 
Scotch-Irish extraction; entered Dartmouth College in August, 
1832, and commenced the study of law in February, 1835, with 
James Walker, at Peterboro, N". H. ; settled at Burlington (now iu 
Iowa, then in the "Black Hawk purchase," which was attached to 
the Territory of Michigan) May, 1836, and engaged in the practice 
of law, 12 years; was partner with Henry W. Starr. His public ser- 
vice was as secretary to an Indian commission held at Rock Island, 
Sept. 27, 1836; was a Representative of Des Moines County in 1838 
and in 1843 in the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa, 
and in 1852 in the General Assembly of the State; was one of the 



232 HI8T0ET OF IOWA. 

founders of the Republican party and earnestly opposed tlie repeal 
of the Missouri Compromise; was chosen Governor in August, 
1854, for the term of four years, having been nominated for the of- 
fice at the last State Convention of the "Whig party ever held in 
Iowa, and also by the Free-Soil Democracy. By the eifect of a new 
constitution his tenure of office terminated in January, 1858, when 
he was chosen U. S. Senator from March 4, 1859; in January, 1864, 
was chosen for a second term; resigned in August, 1869, owing to 
failing health. He first suggested to the Senate the introduction 
of iron-clad vessels into the navy, July 19, 1861. He died suddenly 
of heart disease at Burlington, Iowa, Feb. 7, 1872. 

James Harlan was born in Clarke Co., 111., Aug. 26, 1820; re- 
ceived a classical education, graduating at the Asbury University, 
Indiana; studied law; was the Iowa State Superintendent of Pub- 
lic Instruction in 1847; was President of the "Wesleyan University, 
Iowa, in 1848; was elected as U. S. Senator from Iowa as a Wiiig, 
in May, 1855, and his seat having been declared vacant on the 
ground of an informality in his election, he was again elected in 
1856 for the remainder of the term; was re-elected in 1860; in 1865 
he entered the cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, and resigned 
in September, 1866, having been re-elected to the U. S. Senate as 
a Republican, to succeed S. J. Kirkwood, Republican, and serving 
from September, 1866, to March 3, 1873. 

Stephen Hempstead was born at New London, Conn., Oct. 
1, 1812. At the age of 16 he removed to St. Louis with his 
parents and brothers. In the spring of 1830 he went to Galena, 
where he was clerk in a commission house. He was there during 
the Sac and Fo.k war, and was an oflicer in an artillery company 
organized for the protection of that place. After the defeat of 
Black Hawk he spent two years as a student in Illinois College, at 
Jacksonville. He then studied law, and was admitted to practice 
in 1836. He was the first lawyer to practice in Dubuque. 

Upon the organization of Iowa into a Territory, Mr. Hempstead 
was elected as a member of the Legislative Council, in which he 
was chairman of the committee on judiciary. At the second session 
of the Council he was elected President thereof. He was also 
President of the Council in 1845. 

In 1844 he was elected one of the delegates to the first Constitu- 
tional Convention. In 1848 he was one of the Commissioners 
appointed to revise the laws of Iowa, which revision was adopted 
as the " Code of Iowa," in 1851. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 233 

In 1850 he was elected Governor of the State, and served in that 
capacity for four years. In 1855 he was elected County Judge of 
Dubuque County, and held this office for 12 years, when he was 
forced to retire on account of ill health. 

James B. Howell was born in New Jersey, July 4, 1816 ; re- 
moved to Newark, Lickin<^ Co., Ohio, in 1819 ; graduated at 
Miami University, Ohio, in 1837; studied law with H. II. Hunter, 
of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 1839; moved to Iowa 
in 181:1, and settled at Keosauqua, where he practiced law several 
years ; in 1845 he purchased tiie Whig paper, and has ever since 
been engaged in the newspaper business, removing to Keokuk in 
1849, where in 1854 he started "The Daily Whig," afterward 
changing tlie name to "The Daily Gate City ;"' took a prominent 
part in organizing the Republican party in Iowa in 1855 ; was a 
delegate to the Fremont Convention in 1856, and has since taken 
an active part in the politics of Iowa ; was elected a U. S. Senator 
from Iowa as a Republican, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of James W. Grimes, and served from Jan. 26, 1870, to 
March 3, 1871. 

George W. Jones was born at Vincennes, Indiana ; received a 
classical education, graduating at Transylvania University, Ken- 
tucky, in 1825 ; studied law ; was admitted to the bar, but was 
prevented by ill health from practicing ; was Clerk of the United 
States Court in Missouri in 1826 ; served as an aide-de-camp to 
Gen. Henry Dodge in the Black Hawk war ; removed to Wiscon- 
sin Territory and settled at Sinsinawa Mound; was Judge of the 
County Court ; was Colonel and subsequently Major-General of 
militia ; was elected a delegate from Wisconsin Territory in the 
24th Congress as a Democrat; was re-elected to the 25th Congress, 
serving from Dec. 7, 1835, to 1837, when his seat was success- 
fully contested by James Duane Doty, Whig ; was appointed Sur- 
veyor-General of the Northwest Territory by President Van Buren; 
was removed by President Harrison, and re-appointed by President 
Polk; was elected U. S. Senator from Iowa, and re-elected, serving 
from Dec. 26, 184S, to March 3, 1859; was Minister Resident to 
the United States of Colombia March 8, 1859, to Nov. 4, 1861 ; 
on his return to the United States he was charged with disloyalty 
and imprisoned at Fort Warren ; resided at Dubuque ; became 
interested in agriculture and purchased a farm. 

John A. Kasson was born in Charlotte, Vt., Jan. 11, 1822. 
His father died when he was only six years old, and thus he began 
early to learn the lesson of self reliance. He took a course in the 



234: HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

State University at Burlington, graduating in 1842. He immedi- 
ately took up tlie study of law, and was finally admitted to prac- 
tice in the courts of Massachusetts. 

After spending a year in the office of Timothy Coffin, he formed 
a partnership with Thomas D. Elliott, afterward for many years 
a member of Congress. After five years of practice he decided to 
come "West. 

At St. Louis he spent one year in the law office of Hon. Joseph 
Crockett, and then opened an office alone. He speedily acquired 
large and lucrative practice. 

In 1857 he established himself at Des Moines, Iowa, where his 
ability and reputation soon brought him a large practice. In 1858 
he was appointed chairman of the Eepublican State Central Com- 
mittee. In 1860 he was a delegate from Iowa to the National 
Eepublican Convention at Chicago, which nominated Abraham 
Lincoln. After the convention he took the stump in Illinois and 
Iowa. 

In 1861, at the request of Senator Grimes and others, he was 
appointed First Assistant Postmaster General. While holding 
this office, he was tendered a nomination to Congress fi-om the 
Fifth Congressional District of Iowa, which he accepted. He was 
elected, by 3,000 majority, to the 38th Congress. He was re- 
elected to the 39th Congress, and barely defeated for the 40th. 

He then went abroad to negotiate postal treaties with various 
countries. During his absence he was elected to the General 
Assembly of his State. 

In 1872 he was re-elected to Congress, and he has ably repre- 
sented Iowa in that body since with the exception of two terms. 
He is now in the 47th Congress. He has always been an active 
worker, and has been talked of for Speaker of the House of Rep- 
resentatives. 

Samuel J. Kirhwood was born in Hartford Co., Md., Dec 
20, 1813 ; received a limited education at the Academy of John 
McLeod, in Washington City ; removed to Eichland Co., Ohio, 
in 1835, and studied law there ; was admitted to the bar in 1843 ; 
was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1845, and again in 1847 ; was 
in 18501851 a member of the convention that fi-amed the present 
Constitution of the State of Ohio ; removed to Johnson Co., Iowa, 
in 1855 ; was elected to the State Senate in 1856 ; was elected 
Governor in 1859, and again in 1861; was in 1863 nominated 
by President Lincoln and confirmed as Minister to Denmark, but 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 235 

declined the appointment ; was elected TJ. S. Senator from Iowa 
as a Republican in place of James Uarlan, resigned, serving from 
Jan. 24, 1S66, to March 3, 1867 ; was again elected Governor of 
Iowa in 1875 ; was again elected a Senator from Iowa, serving 
from March 4, IS 77. His term of service will expire March 3, 
1883. 

Samuel Merrill was born in Turner, Oxford Co., Maine, 
Aug. 7, 1822. At the age of 16 he moved with his parents 
to Buxton, where his time was mostly engaged in teaching or at- 
tending school until his majority. He taught in the sunny South 
for a short time, and then returned to Vermont, where he farmed 
for several years. In 1847 he moved to Tanworth, N. H., where 
lie engaged in mercantile pursuits. 

In 1856 he turned westward, and settled at McGregor, Iowa, 
where he established a branch mercantile house of his firm. His 
business rapidly grew into an extensive wholesale house. 

He had served two terms in the Legislature of New Hampshire, 
and in 1860 he was elected to the Assembly of Iowa. 

In 1862 he was commissioned as Colonel of the 21st Infantry, 
and he served bravely until a wound compelled him to resign, in 
June, 1864. He was unable to attend to his private affairs for 
many months. 

In the tall of 1S67 he was elected Governor of Iowa, and this 
position he held for two terms, till 1872. He has served always 
most acceptably and is a very popular man. He delivered the 
address when the corner-stone of the new capitol was laid. 

James B. 'Weaver was born at Dayton, Ohio, June 12, 1833. 
He received a common-school education and then studied law with 
Hon. S. G. McAckrau, of Bloomtield, from 1853 to 1856. He 
graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in April, 1856, and has 
since been engaged in the practice of law. 

Immediately after the breaking out of hostilities, in April, 1861 
he enlisted as a private in the Second Iowa Infantry. He served 
faitlifully throughout the war, and was rewarded with rapid pro- 
motions. He was First Lieutenant of Comjjany G of his regiment, 
and was promoted Major, Oct. 3, 1862. Oct. 12 of the same year, 
he was commissioned Colonel of his regimtnt, the colonel and 
lieutenant-colonel having both been killed at the battle of Cor- 
inth, Miss. He was breveted Brigadier-General of volunteere, 
to date from March 13, 1864, for gallantry on the field. 



236 HISTOEY OF IOWA. 

In October, i866, he was electedDistrict Attorney of the Second 
Judicial District of Iowa, In January of the following year, he 
was appointed United States Assessor of Internal Revenue, for the 
First District of Iowa, which office he held for six years, when it 
was abolished by law. 

He was elected to the 46th Congress as a member of the 
National Greenback party, receiving 16,366 votes against 14,308 
votes for E. S. Sampson, Republican. Gen. Weaver has worked 
earnestly for his party, and in 1880, was its Presidential candidate. 

George G. Wright was born at Bloouiington, Ind., March 24, 
1820 ; was educated at private schools, and graduated at the State 
University of Indiana in 1839; read law with his brother, Joseph 
Wright, at Rockville, Ind.; removed to Iowa, in October, 1840, 
and commenced practice; served as Prosecuting Attorney in 1847- 
'8; was elected to the State Senate of Iowa in 1849, and served two 
terms; in 1854, was chosen Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of 
the State, and was elected to the same bench by the people (owing 
to a change in the State Constitution) in 1860, and again in 1865; 
was a professor in the law department of the State University six 
years, commencing in 1865; was elected a United States Senator 
from Iowa, as a Republican, to succeed James B. Howell, Republi- 
can, who had been elected to till the vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of James W. Grimes, and served from March 4, 1871> 
to March 3, 1877. 

FINANCIAL. 

Iowa has no State debt. Whatever obligations have been in- 
curred in the past have been promptly met and fully paid. Many 
of the counties are in debt, but only four of them to an amount 
exceeding $100,000 each. The bonded debt of the counties amounts 
in the aggregate to $2,592,222, and the floating debt, $153,456; 
total, $2,745,678. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 
CENSUS OF IOWA. 



237 



COUNTIES. 


1840. 


1850. 


1860. 


1870. 


1880. 








984 

1,533 

13,337 

11,931 

454 

8,496 

8,244 

4,i32 

4,915 

7,906 

57 

3,724 

147 

281 

1,612 

13,949 

940 

58 

4,336 

5,427 

52 

30,728 

18,938 

383 

5,344 

13,764 

8,677 

11,034 

19,611 

180 

31,164 

105 

12,073 

3,744 

1,309 

5,074 

1,374 

793 

3,058 

1,699 

179 

5,440 

3,621 

18,701 

3,168 

332 

43 

8,029 

18.493 

9 883 

15,038 

17,573 

13,306 

13,271 

416 

29,232 

18,947 


3,983 

4,614 

17,868 

16,456 

1,212 

32,454 

21,706 

14,584 

12,528 

17,034 

1,.585 

9,951 

1,602 

2,451 

5,464 

19,731 

4,722 

1,967 

10,180 

8,735 

1,523 

27,771 

35,357 

3,530 

12,019 

15,565 

12,018 

17,432 

27,256 

1,389 

38,969 

1,392 

16.973 

10,768 

4,738 

11,174 

4,627 

6,399 

7,061 

6,055 

999 

13.684 

8,931 

21,463 

6,283 

3,596 

226 

16,664 

22,619 

22,116 

17,839 

24.898 

19,731 

19,434 

3,351 

37,210 

28,852 


11,199 








11,188 


Allamakee 




777 
3,131 


19,791 


Appanoose 




16,636 






7,448 






672 
135 
735 


34,888 


Black Hawk 




23,913 






20,838 


Bremer 




14,081 


UiK'hanan 




517 


18,547 


Buena Vista . ... 




7,537 
14,293 


Butler 






(>allioiiD 






5,595 


Carroll 






12,351 








16,943 


Cedar 


1,253 


3,941 


18 937 




11,461 


Cherokee 






8 240 








14 534 


Clarke 




709 


11,513 
4,348 
38,829 
36,764 
12,413 


Clav 






1,101 
821 


3,873 
3,823 


Clinton 








854 

7,264 

965 

1,759 
12,988 


18,746 
16,408 










15 336 


Delaware 


168 
5,577 


17 9.52 




33,099 


Dickinsoii 


1,901 




3,059 


10,841 


42,997 


Emmett 


1550 






825 


23 258 


Floyd 




14.677 








10,248 
17,653 






1,244 


Greene 




13 725 


Grundy 






13,639 








14,863 


Hamilton 






11,353 
3 453 














17 SOS 








16 649 


Henn* 


3,772 


8,707 


20,826 

10,837 

6 341 




Humboldt 












4,383 
19,221 
ai 771 




" 1,411 


832 
7,310 
1,280 
9,904 
4,472 
3,007 
4,822 






25 962 


Jefferson 


2,773 

1,49! 

471 


17,478 
25 429 




21,052 




31 259 






6179 


Lee 


6,093 
1,373 


18,861 
5,444 


34 859 


Linn 


37,'235 



238 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 
CENSUS OF IOWA CONTINUED. 



COUNTIES. 


1840. 


1850. 


1860. 


1870. 

13,877 

10,388 

221 

13,884 

22,508 

34,436 

17,576 

8,718 

9,583 

3,654 

13,734 

5,934 

31,688 

715 


1880. 


Louisa 


1,927 


4,939 

471 


10,870 
5,766 


13,146 




14,530 
1 968 


Lyon . . 




Madison 




1,179 

5,989 

5,483 

338 


7,339 

14,816 

16,813 

6,015 

4,481 

3,409 

833 

8,612 

1,256 

16,444 

8 


17,325 


Maliaska 




35 301 


Marion 




25,111 
23,752 






Mills 




14,135 


Mitchell 






14 861 








9,055 


Monroe 




2,884 


13,719 






1.5,895 


Muscatine 


1,942 


5,731 


23,168 


O'Brien 


4,1.55 








2,319 


Page 




551 


4,419 

132 

148 

103 

11,625 

4,968 

5,668 

3,933 

346 

35,959 

818 

10 

4,051 

5,385 

3,590 

3,013 

17,081 

14,518 

10,281 

14,335 

6,409 

2,504 

168 

13,943 

1,119 

756 

653 


9,975 
1,386 
2,199 
1,446 

27,8.57 

16,893 

15,581 

5,691 

1,411 

38,509 

3,549 

570 

11,651 

16,131 

6,989 

5,986 

17,673 

22,346 

17,980 

18,952 

11,287 

10,484 

1,563 

33,570 

6,173 

3,893 

2,392 


19,667 


Palo Alto 




4,131 


Plymouth 






8,567 


Pocahoutaa 






3,713 


Polk 




4,513 

7,838 
615 


42,395 


Pottawattamie 




39,846 






18,936 






12 085 


Sac 






8,774 


Scott 


2,140 


5,986 


41,370 


Shelby 


13,696 


Sioux 






5,426 


Story 

Tama 






16 966 




8 
204 


31, .585 


Taylor 




15,635 






14,980 


Van Buren 


6,146 


13,370 
8,471 

961 
4,957 

340 


17,043 




25,282 






19,.578 


Washington 

Wayne 


1,594 


20,375 
16,127 
15,950 


Winnebaffo 






4,917 


AVinnp'^hiek 




546 


23,937 






14,997 -^ 


Worth 






7,953 


Wright . 






5,062 










Total 


43,112 


192,314 


674,913 


1,191,793 


1,634,463 











CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



As might be expected, the census of every State in the Union 
shows an increase of population, as well as industries, agricultural 
and mineral resources, benevolent and educational institutions, etc., 
to the present time. We present in the following table the number 



HI8T0EY OF IOWA. 



239 



of inhabitants in each State, and also the area and population per 
square mile : 



STATES. 



POP. IN 1880. 


SQUARE MILES. 


1,262 344 


50,722 


S02.rM 


52,198 


8(J4,(i80 


188,981 


iy4,(i4!) 


104,.500 


622. f)8.'? 


4,674 


140,054 


2.120 


206,.')66 


59,268 


1, 538,983 


58,000 


3,078,036 


55,410 


1,978,3,58 


33,809 


1,024,403 


55,045 


995,335 


81,318 


1,048,599 


37,600 


940.203 


41,346 


048,94.5 


31,776 


935,139 


11,184 


1,783,080 


7,800 


1,034,090 


56,451 


780,807 


83,.531 


1,131.899 


47,756 


21 09,09 1 


65,350 


452,432 


75,995 


62,205 


112,090 


347,784 


9,280 


1,130,892 


8,320 


5,083,173 


47.000 


1,400,000 


50,704 


3,197,794 


39,964 


174,707 


95,244 


4,282,738 


46,000 


270,528 


1,306 


995,700 


29,385 


1,. 542, 403 


45,600 


1,597,5(19 


237,504 


332,2,S0 


10,212 


1,512,203 


40,904 


618,193 


23,000 


1,315,386 


53.924 


49,369,965 


1,950,171 



POP. PEE 
SQ. MILK. 



Alabama 

Arkansas 

Oaliloniia , 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Dehuvare 

Florida 

Oeoraia. .- , 

lllhiois 

Indiana , 

Iowa , 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Mabsachuselts.. . 

Michigan 

Minnesota , 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

Now Hampshire. 
New Jersey. . .. 

New York 

Noith Carolina.. 

Ohio 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania.. . . 
Rhode Island.. . . 
South Carolina. . 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Vermont 

Virginia 

West Virginia. . . 
Wisconsin 



Total , 



25 
13K 

133 

73 

26>^ 
56 
58 
30 
12ii 
43 
23 
20 
85 
229 
29 

9 
34 
33 

6 

H 
39 
141 
108 

80 

m 

93 
213 
33 
34 
67^ 
33 

36H 

27 

34 



CKNSOS OF THE TEERITOKIES. 



TEKKITORIES. 



Arizona 

Dakota 

District of Columbia . . 

Idaho 

Montana 

New Mexico 

Utah 

Washington 

Wyoming 

Total 



POP. IN 1880. 



40,441 

134.502 

177,038 

32,011 

39,157 

118,430 

143,907 

75,120 

20,788 



782,504 



SQUARE MILES. 



113,916 

147,490 

60 

90,932 

143,770 

121,201 

80.056 

69 944 

93,107 



965,032 



240 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 
TEEBITORIAL OFFICERS. 



Govenors. — Robert Lucas, 1838-'41; John Chamber, 184:l-'5; 
James Clark, 1845. 

Secretaries. — Wm. B. Conway, 1838, died 1839; James Clark, 
1839-'41; O. H. "W. Stull, ISil-'B; Samuel J. Burr, 1843-'5; Jesse 
Williams, 1845. 

Auditors.— i^i.&'i. Williams, 1840-'3; William L. Gilbert, lS43-'5; 
Eobert M. Secrest, 1845. 

Treasurers. — Thornton Baylie, 1839-'40; Morgan Eeno, 1840. 

Judges. — Charles Mason, Chief Justice, 1838; Joseph Williams, 
183S; Thomas S. Wilson, 1838. 

Presidents of Council. — Jesse B. Brown, 1838-'9; Stephen 
Hempstead, 1839-'40; M. Bainridge, 1840-'l; J. W. Parker, 1841-'2; 
John D. Elbert, 1842-'3; Thomas Cox, 1843-'4; S. Clinton Hasting, 
1845; Stephen Hempstead, 1845-'6. 

Speakers of the House. — William H. Wallace, 1838-'9; Edward, 
Johnson, 1839-'40; Thomas Cox, 1840-'l; Warner Lewis, 1841-'2; 
James M. Morgan, 184ii-'3; James P. Carleton, 1843-'4; James 
M. Morgan, 1845; George W. McLeary, 1845-'6. 

STATE OFFICERS. 

GOVEENOES. 



Ansel Briggs, 1846.'50. 
Stephen Hemstead, 1850- '54. 
James W. Grimes, 1854-'58. 
Ralph P. Lowe, 1858-'60. 
Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1860-'64. 
William M. Stone, 1864-'68. 



Samuel Morrill, 1868-'72. 
Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1872-76. 
Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1876-'77. 
J. G. Newbold, 1877-'78. 
John H. Gear, 1878-'82. 
Buren R. Sherman, 1882. 



LIEUTENANT-GOVEENOES. 



Oran Faville, 1858-'60. 
Nicholas J. Rusch, 1860-'62. 
John R. Needham, 1862-'64. 
Enoch W. Eastman, 1864-'66. 
Benjamin F. Gue, 1866-'68. 
John Scott, 1868-'70. 



M. M. Walden, 1870-'72. 
H. C. Bulls, 1872-'74. 
Joseph Dysart, 1874-'76. 
Joshua G. Newbold, 1876-'78. 
Frank T. Campbell, 1878-'82. 
Orlando H. Manning, 1882. 



This office was created by the new constitution Sept. 3, 1857. 



JUerOKT OF IOWA. 
8ECRKTARIE8 OF STATE. 



241 



Elisha Cutter, Jr., 1846-'48 
Joseph H. Bonney, 184:8-'50. 
George W. McCleary, 1850-'56. 
Elijah Sells, 1856-'63. 



James Wright, 1863-'67. 
Ed. Wright, 1867-'73. 
Josiah T. Young, 1873-'79. 
J. A. T. Hull, 1879. 



AunrroRs of state. 



Joseph T. Fales, 1846-'50. 
WMlii.u Pattee, 1860-'54. 
Andrew J. Stevens, 185-l:-'55. 
John Pattee, 1855-'o9. 
Jonathan W. Cattell, 1859-65. 



John A. Elliott, 18«5-'71. 
John Russell, 1871-76. 
Buren R. Sherman, 1875-'81. 
Wm. Y. Lucas, 1881. 



TREASURERS OF STATE. 



Morgan Reno, 1846- '50. 
Israel Kister, 1850-'52. 
Martin L. Morris, 1852-'59. 
John W. Jones, 1859-'63. 
William fl. Holmes, 1863-'67. 



Samuel E. Rankin, 1867-'73. 
William Christy, 1873-'77, 
George W. Berais, 1877-'81. 
Edwin H. Conger, 1881. 



ATTORNEY-GENERALS. 



David 0. Cloud, 1853-'56. 
Samuel A. Rice, 1856-'60. 
Charles C. Nourse, 1860-'64. 
Isaac L. Allen, 1865-'66. 
Frederick E, Bissell, 1866-'67. 



Henry O'Connor, 1867-'72. 
Marcena E. Cutts, l872-'76. 
John F. McJunkin. I877-'81. 
Smith McPherson, ISSI. 



ADJUTANT-GENERALS. 



Daniel S. Lee, 1851-'55. 
George W. McCleary, 1855-'57. 
Elijah Sells. 1857. 
Jesse Bowen, 1857-'61. 



Nathaniel Baker, lS61-'77. 
John H. Looby, 1877-'78. 
W. L. Alexander, 1878. 



REGISTERS OK THE STATE LAND-OFFICE. 



Anson Hart, 1855-'57. 
Theodore S. Parvin, 1857-'59. 
Amos B. Miller, 1859-"62. 
Edwin Mitchell, 1862-'63. 
Josiah A. Harvey. 1863-'67. 
15 



Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1867-'71. 
Aaron Brown, 1871-'75. 
David Secor, 187o.'79. 
J. K. Powers, 1879. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



8UPEBINTENDENTB OF PPBLIC INSTEUCTION. 



James Harlan, 1847-'48. 
Thos. H.Benton, Jr., 1848-'54. 
James D. Eads, 1854:-'57. 
Joseph C. Stone, 1867. 
Maturin L. Fisher, 1857-'58. 
Oran Faville, 1864-'67. 

This office was created in 18'l-7 and abolished in 1858, and the 
duties then devolved upon the secretary of the Board ot Education; 
it was re-created Marcli 23, 1864. 



D. Franklin Wells, 1867-'68. 
A. S. Kissell, 1868-'72. 
Alonzo Abernethy, 1872-'76. 
Carl W. Van Coelen, 18'76-'82. 
John W. Akers, 1882. 



STATE PEINTEES. 



Garrett D. Palmer and George 
Paul, 1849-'51. 

William H. Merritt, 1851-'53 

William A. Hornish, 1853. 

Dennis A. Mahonej and Jo- 
seph B. Dorr, 1853-'55. 

Peter Moriarty, 1855-'57. 



John Teesdale, 1857-'61. 
Francis W. Palmer, 1861 -'69- 
Frank M. Mills, 1869-'71. 
G. W. Edwards, 187l-'73. 
Rich. P. Clarkson, 1873-'79. 
Frank M. Mills, 1879. 



STATE BINDERS. 



William M. Coles, 1855-'58. 
Frank M. Mills, lS58-'67. 
James S. Carter, 1867-71. 



J. J. Smart, 1871 -^o. 
H. A. Perkins, 1875-79. 
Matt. Parrott, 1879. 



SECRETARIES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

T. H. Benton, jr., 1859-'63. | Oran Faville, 1863-'64. 
This office was abolished March 23, 1864. 

PRESIDENTS OF THK SENATE. 



Thomas Baker, 1846-'47. Wm. E. Leffingwell, 1851-'53. 

Thomas Hughes, lS47-'48. Maturin L. Fisher, 1853-'55. 

John J. Selman, 1848-'49. Wm. W. Hamilton, 1855-'57- 
Enos Lowe, 1849-'41. 

Under the new constitution the Lieut. Governor is President of 
the Senate. 



HIBTOKT OF IOWA. 



S43 



SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE. 



Jesse B. Brown, 1846-'48. 
Smiley H. Bonham, lS48-'50. 
George Temple, 1850-'52. 
James Grant, 1852-'54. 
Reuben Noble, 1854-'o6. 
Samuel Mc Farland, lS56-'57. 
Stephen B. Sheledy, 1857-'59. 
John Edwards, 1859-'61. 
Rush Clark, 1861-'63. 



Jacob Butler, 1863-'65. 
Ed. Wright, 1865-'67. 
John Russell, 1867-'69. 
Aylett R. Cotton, 1809-'71. 
James Wilson, 1871-'73. 
John H. Gear, 1873-77. 
John Y. Stone, 1877-79. 
Lore Altbrd, 1880-'81, 
G. R. Struble, 1882. 



CHIEF .JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COUBT. 



Charles Mason, 1847. 
Joseph Williams, 1S47-'4S. 
S. Clinton Hastings, 1848-'49. 
Joseph Williams, lS49-'55. 
George G. Wright, 1855-'60. 
Ralph P. Lowe, 1860-'62. 
Caleb Baldwin, 1862-'64. 
George G. Wright, 1864-'66. 
Ralph P. Lowe, 1866-'68. 
John F. Dillon, 1868-70. 
Chester C. Cole, 1870-71. 



James G. Day, 1871-72. 
Joseph M. Beck, 1872-74. 
W. £. Miller, 1874-76. 
Chester C. Cole, 1876. 
Wm. H. Seevers, 1876-77. 
James G. Day, 1877-'7S. 
James H. Rothrock, 1878-79. 
Joseph M. Beck, 1879-80. 
Austin Adams, 1880-'82. 
Wm. H. Seevers, 1SS2. 



ASSOCIATE JUSTICES. 



Joseph Williams, held over 
from Territorial government un- 
til a successor was appointed. 

Thomas S. Wilson, 1847. 

John F. Kinney, 1847-'54. 

George Greeno, 1847-'55. 

Jonathan C. Hall, lS54-'.55. 

William G. Woodward, 1855. 

Norman W. Isbell, 1855-'56. 



Lacon D. Stockton, 1856-'60. 
Caleb Baldwin, 1860-'64. 
Ralph P. Lowe, 1860. 
George G. Wright, I860. 
John F. Dillon, 1864-70. 
Chester C. Cole, 186^-77. 
Joseph M. Beck, 1868. 
W. E. Miller, 1870. 
James G. Day, 1870. 



UNITED STATES SENATORS. 



Augustus C. Dodge, 1848-'55. 
George W. Jones, 1848 -'69. 



James B. Howell, 1870. 
George G. Wright, 1871-77. 



Mi 



meroBY of iowa- 



James Harlan, 1855-'65. 
James W. Grimes, 1859-'69. 
Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1866. 
James Harlan, 1867-'73. 



William B. Allison, 1873-'79. 
Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1877-'81. 
Wm. B. Allison, 1879.. 
James W. Mc Dill, 1881. 



MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF KEPRESENTATIVE8. 



1846-'47.— S. Clinton Hast- 
ings, Siiepherd Leffler. 

1847-'49.— Wm. Thompson, 
Shepiierd Leffler. 

1849-'51.— Wm. Thompson, 
Dan.F. Miller, Shepherd Leffler. 

1851-'53.— B. Henn, Lincoln 
Clark. 

lS53-'55.— Bernhart Henn, 
John P. Cook. 

1855-'57.— Aug. Hall, Jas. 
Thorington. 

1857-'59.— Samuel R. Curtis, 
Timothy Davis. 

1859-'61.— Samuel R Curtis, 
William Vandever. 

1861-'63.— Samuel R. Curtis, 
J. F. Wilson, Wm. Vandever. 

lS63-'6.5.— James F. Wilson, 
Hiram Price, Wm. B. Allison, J. 
B. Grinnell, John A. Kasson, 
Asahel W. Hubbard. 

1865-'67.— James F. Wilson, 
Hiram Price, William B. Alii- 
son, Josiah B. Grinnell, John A. 
Kasson, Asahel W. Hubbard. 

1867-'69.— Jas. F. Wilson, Hi 
ram Price, William B. Allison, 
William Luughbridare, Grenville 
M. Dodge, Asahel W. Hubbard. 

1869-'71.— George W. McCra- 
ry, William Smyth (died Sept. 
30, 1870, and succeeded by Wm. 
P. Wolf), William B. Allison, 
William Loughbridge, Frank W. 



Palmer, Charles Pomeroy. 

1871-'73.— Geo. W. McCrary, 
Ayiett R. Cotton, W. G. Don- 
nan, Madison M. Walden, Frank 
W. Palmer, Jackson Orr. 

1873-'75.— Geo. W. McCrary, 
Ayiett R. Cotton, W. G. Don- 
nan, Henry 0. Pratt, James 
Wilson, William Loughbridge, 
John A. Kasson, James W. Mc- 
Diil, Jackson Orr. 

lS75-'77.— Geo.W. McCrary, 
John Q. Tufts, L. L. Ainsworth, 
Henry O. Pratt, James Wilson, 
Ezekiel S. Sampson, John A. 
Kasson, James W. McOiil, Ad- 
dison Oliver. 

1877— '79.-J. C. Stone. Hiram 
Price, T. W. Burdick, N. C. 
Deeriug, Rush Clark, E. S. 
Sampson, H. J. B. Cummings 
W. F. Sapp, Addison Oliver. 

1879-'81.— Moses A. MeCoid, 
Hiram Price. Thonuis Upde- 
ofraff, N. C. Deerinsf, Rush 
Clark (died in May, 1878, and 
succeeded by Wm. G. Thomp- 
son), J. B. Weaver, E. H. Gil- 
lette, W. F. Sapp, Cyrus C. Car- 
penter. 

1881-'S:3.— M. A. McCoid, S. 
S. Farwel!, Thomas Updegraff, N. 
C. Deering, AV. G. Thompson, 
M. E. Cutts, John A. Kasson. 
W. P. Hepburn, C.C. Carpenter. 



HISTORY OF KnVA. 245 

PRESENT STATE OFFICERS. 

Governor, Biiren R. Sherman. 

Secretary, Jolin A. T. Hull. 

Deputy Secretary, Wm. T. Ilainmond. 

Auditor, Win. V. Lucas. 

Deputy Auditor, Riifus L. Chase. 

Book-keeper. L. E. Ay res. 

Treasurer, Edwin H. Conger. 

Deputy Treasurer, C. R. Cliase. 

Register Land.Office^ Jas. K. Powers. 

Deputy Register, John M. Davis. 

Suft. Pub. Inst., John W. Akers. 

Printer, Frank M. Mills. 

Binder, Matt. Parrott. 

Adjutant-General. W. L. Alexander. 

Snp''t. Weights and Measures^ Prof. N. R. Leonard. 

Librarian, Mrs. S. B. Maxwell. 

Assistant Librarian., Jessie Maxwell. 

SUPREME COURT. 

Wm. H. Seevers, Chief Justice, Oskaloosa. 
James G. Daj', Sidney. 1 

James 11. Rothrock, Tipton. i T Hw "^ 

Joseph M. Beck, Fort Madison j ^ 
Austin Adams, Dubuque. J 

Smith McPherson, Att'y Gen., Red Oak. 
E. J. Holmes, Clerk, Des Moines. 
John S. Runiitlls, Reporter, Des Moines. 




VIEW ON THE DES MOINES RIVER. 





/ /■ 



h 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUMT. 



CHAPTER I. 

IN THE BEGINNING. 

It has been scarcely a half century since the first permanent set- 
tlement was made in what is now known as Scott County, in the 
beautiful State of Iowa, and only a half century since the territory 
comprising the county was ceded by the Indian occupants to the 
United States Government, the treaty being made with Gen. Win- 
fiold Scott, in whose honor it is named. But what changes have 
been wrought in that time! Previous to 1832 the present populous 
county was an unknown wilderness, inhabited only by the wild 
beasts of the forests, wild birds of the air, and scarcely less wild 
red men who roamed at will over the broad prairies and through 
the heav}' forests; fishing in the Mississippi, or the Waj)sipinecon 
Rivers, or hunting the game that everywhere abounded, seemingly 
caring nothing for tlie morrow, and only living in the ever present. 
The thought of the " pale-faces '' penetrating this beautiful country 
had not yetdisturbed them, and so they continued on in their daily 
life of hunting and fishing, with occasionally a short war between 
tribes to relieve the monotony of their lives. But the time was 
soon to come when they were to surrender up the lands and move 
on toward the setting sun. The time was soon to come when all 
nature must be changed. The fair prairies with their beautiful 
flowers, painted only by the hand of God, must be broken up by 
the husbandman, and grain fit for the use of civilized man sown 
therein; forests were to be felled and clearings made that the art 
of man could be exercised in the building and adornment of horaes- 
Thus it was, too, when Captain Benjamin W. Clark located on sec- 
tion 22 in Bufi"alo township in 1833. Previous to this time the soil 
had been unvexed by the plow, and the woodman's ax, had seldom 
been heard. The cabin of the settler, with its smoke curling 
16 (249) 



250 HISTOET OF SCOTT COrTNTT. 

heavenward, and with an air inviting the weary traveler to come 
and rest, was not to be seen, nor even the faintest trace ot 
civilization; but instead, boundless emerald seas and luxuriant 
grasses. 

These the gardens of the deserts — these 

The unshorn fields, boundless and beautiful. 

And fresh as the young earth, ere man had sinned. 
Lo ! they stretch 

In airy undulations far away 

As if the ocean in the gentlest swell 

Stood still, with all his rounded billows fixed. 

And motionless forever. 

ORIGINAL INHABITANTS. 

The original inhabitants of this section were various tribes ol 
Indians, particularly the Sauks or Sacs, and the Musquakees or 
Foxes. For centuries it is probable that they hunted and fished 
and fought each other, tribe conquering tribe, until finally near the 
beginning of the present century it was in peaceable possession ot 
the Sacs and Foxes. 

In 1804 the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States, through 
General Ilarrison, all their lands lying upon Rock River, and much 
elsewhere. The principal Sac village was at a point of land be- 
tween the junction of the Mississippi and Rock River— a point just 
below the present site of Davenport, on the Illinois side. There, 
according to tradition, had been a village for 150 years. The 
entire country belonging to the tribes, bordered on the Mis- 
sissippi, and extended about 700 miles down the river from the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, reaching very nearly to the Missouri 
River. In 1820, they numbered about 3,000 persons in all, ot 
whom, perhaps, 600 were warriors. 

The Sac village alluded to was commanded by the celebrated 
Black Hawk, alias Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak. The Musquakees, 
or Foxes, lived further north, and had, near the lead mines, their 
principal village. Still, notwithstanding the separation of the Sacs 
and Foxes, they were, in reality, but one tribe, as they hunted 
together, had similar customs, and so far as unity of purpose was . 
concerned in their enmity to the Sioux, and other nations, they 
were indissoluble. 

Black Hawk was the most celebrated "brave" of his nation. 
He had been in the service of England in 1812; had been an inti- 
mate friend of Tecumseh; was ranked among the hraves at the early 
age of 16, and at the age of 20, or thereabouts, succeeded hie 



HISTORY OF SCOTT CODNTT. 251 

father as cliief, the latter having been killed in a bloocl_y. battle with 
the Cherokees. With such a life, scarcely if ever defeated in bat- 
tle—proud, imperious, and with a deep tinge of melancholy in his 
later years — venerated by his braves, and feared by his enemies, 
he was no common man, nor would his nature admit of such treat- 
ment as might be endured patiently by ordinary or less strongly 
marked men. 

Black Hawk would never acknowledge the validity of the treaty 
of 1804. As the wliites did not desire to occupy the country ceded 
until about the year 1830, the Indians were permitted peacefully to 
remain. At that time they were ordered across the Mississippi 
River and took up their abode on the Iowa eide. But the s})irit of 
discontent was in Black Ilawk, and the same spirit permeated many 
others among his tribe. They therefore crossed the river into 
Illinois, took possession of their old villages and murdered several 
white persons. This movement of Black Hawk excited alarm 
among the white people who had settled in that part of Illinois, 
and complaint was made to Governor Eeynolds, of that State, 
against their presence. The complaints represented that the In- 
dians were insolent, and had committed many acts of violence. 
Governor Ford says the Indians ordered the white settlers away, 
threw down their fences, unroofed their houses, cut up their grain, 
drove ott and killed their cattle, and threatened the peojde with 
death if they remained. These acts of the Indians were considered 
by Governor Reynolds to be an invasion of the State. He imme- 
diately addressed letters to Gen. Gaines, of the United States army, 
and to Gen. Clark, the Superintendent of Indian Attairs, calling 
upon them to use the intiuence of the Government to procure the 
peaceful removal of the Indians, if possible; at all events, to pro- 
tect the American citizens who had purchased those lands from the 
United States, and were now about to be ejected by the Indians. 
Gen. Gaines repaired to Rock Island, and becoming convinced the 
Indians were intent upon war, he called upon Gov. Reynolds for 
700 mounted volunteers. The Governor obeyed the requisition, 
and issued a call upon the northern and central counties, in 
obedience to which 1,500 volunteers rushed to his standard at 
Beardstown, and about the 10th of June were organized and 
ready to be marched to the seat of war. The whole force was di- 
vided into two regiments, an odd battalion and a spy battalion. 

Black Hawk, becoming convinced that he could do nothing 
against the force sent against him, retreated across the river, and 



252 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

fearing pursuit from Gen. Gaines, returned witli his chiefs and 
braves to Fort Armstrong and sued for peace. A treaty was here 
formed with tliem, by which they agreed forever to remain on the 
west side of the river and never to recross it without the permission 
of the President or the governor of the State. The treaty of 1804 
was thus at last ratified by these Indians. Notwithstanding this 
treaty, early in the spring of 1832 Black Hawk and the disaffected 
Indians prepared to reassert their right to the disputed territory, 
and therefore again crossed the river, and thus was brought on the 
celebrated Black Hawk war, which resulted so disastrously to him- 
self and tribe. 

Speaking of the Black Hawk war, Ford, in his " History of Illi- 
nois," says: 

" The united Sacs and Fox nations were divided into two par- 
ties. Black Hawk commanded the warlike band, and Keokuk, 
another chief, headed the band which was in favor of peace. 

" Keokuk was a bold, sagacious leader of his people; was gifted 
with a wild and stirring eloquence, sure to be found, even among 
Indians, by means of which ho retained a greater part of his na- 
tion in amity with the white people. 

" But nearly all the bold, turbulent spirits, who delighted in mis- 
chief, arranged themselves under the banner of his rival. Black 
Hawk had with him the chivalry of his nation, with which he re- 
crossed the Mississippi in the spring of 1832. 

" He directed his march to the Rock couniry, and this time aimed, 
by marching up the river into the countries of the Pottawatomies 
and Winuebagoes, to make them his allies. Governor Reynolds, 
upon being informed of the facts, made another call for volun- 
teers. In a few days 1,800 men rallied under his banner at 
Beardstown. This force was organized into four regiments and a 
spy battalion. The whole brigade was put under the command of 
Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside, of the State militia, who had 
commanded the spy battalion in the first campaign. 

" On the 27th of April General Whiteside, accompanied by Gov- 
ernor Reynolds, took up his line of march. The army proceeded 
by the way of Oquawka, on the Mississippi, to the mouth of Rock 
River, and here it was agreed between General Whiteside and Gen- 
eral Atkinson, of the regulars, that the volunteers should march up 
Rock River about 50 miles, to the Prophet's town, and there en- 
camp, to feed and rest their horses and await the arrival of the 
regular troops in keel boats, with their provisions. Judge William 



HISTOKY OF SCOrr COUNTT. 253 

Thomas, who again acted as quartermaster to the volunteers, made 
an estimate of the amount of provisions required until the boats 
conld arrive, which were supplied, and then General Whiteside took 
up his line of march. 

" But when he arrived at the Prophet's town, instead of remain- 
ing there, his men set fire to the village, which was entirely con- 
sumed, and the brigade marched on in the direction of Dixon, 40 
miles higher up the river. 

"When the volunteers had arrived within a short distance of 
Dixon, orders were given to leave the baggage wagons behind, so 
as to reach there by a forced march. And for the relief of the 
horses, the men left large quantities of provisions behind with the 
wagons. 

" At Dixon General Whiteside came to a halt, to await a junction 
with General Atkinson, with provisions and the regular forces; and 
from here parties were sent oat to reconnoitre the enemy and ascer- 
tain his position. The army here found upon its arrival, two bat- 
talions of mounted volunteers, consisting of 27.5 men^ frona the 
counties of McLean, Tazewell, Peoria and Fulton, under the com- 
mand of Majors Stillnian and Bailey. The officers of this force 
begged to be put forward upon some dangerous service in which 
they could distinguisli themselves. 

" To gratify them they were ordered up Rock Eiver to spy out the 
Indians. Major Stillman began his march on the 12th of May, 
and pursuing bis way on the sontlieast side he came to " Old 
Man's " Creek, since called " Stillman's Rnn," a small stream 
which rises in White Rock Grove, in Ogle County, and falls into 
the river near Bloomingdale. Here he encamped just before night ; 
and in a short time a party of Indians on horseback were discovered 
on a rising ground about a mile distant from the encampment. A 
party of Stillman's men mounted their horses without orders or 
commander, and were soon followed by others, stringing along for 
a quarter of a mile, to pursue the Indians and attack them. 

"The Indians retreated after displaying a red flag, the emblem 
of detiance and war, Ijut were overtaken and three of them slain. 

"Here Major Hackelton, being dismounted in the engagement, 
distinguished himself b)' a combat with one of the Indians in which 
the Indian was killed, and Major Hackelton afterward made ills 
way on foot to the camp of General Wiiiteside. 

"Black Ilawk was near by with his main force, and being 
prompt to repel an assault, soon rallied his men, amounting then 
to about 700 warriors, and moved down upon Major Still- 



254 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

man's camp, driving the disorderly rabble, the recent pursuers, 
before him. These valorous gentlemen, lately so hot in pursuit, 
when the enemy were few, were no less hasty in their retreat, when 
coming in contact with superior numbers. They came with their 
horses in a full run, and in this manner broke through the camp 
of Major StiUman, spreading dismay and terror among the rest of 
his men, who immediately began to join in the flight, so that no ef- 
fort to rally them could possibly have succeeded. Major Stillman, 
DOW too late to remedy the evils of insubordination and disorder in 
his command, did all that was practicable, by ordering his men to 
fall back in order and form on higher ground; but as the prairie 
rose behind them for more than a mile, the ground for a rally was 
never discovered; and besides this, when the men once got their 
backs to the enemy, they commenced a retreat without one thought 
of making a fiirtlier stand. 

"A retreat of undisciplined militia from the attack of a superior > 
is apt to be a disorderly and inglorious flight; and so it was here, each 
man sought his own individual safety, and in the twinkling of an 
eye the whole detachment was in utter confusion. Theywere pur- 
sued in their flight by 30 or iO Indians, for 10 or 12 miles the 
fugitives in the rear keeping up a flying tire as they ran, until the 
Indians ceased pursuing. 

" But there were some good soldiers and brave men in Stillman's 
detachment, whose individual efforts succeeded in checking the 
career of the Indians, whereby many escaped that night who would 
otherwise have been easy victims of the enemy. 

" Among these were Major Perkins and Captain Adams, who 
fell in the rear, bravely fighting to cover the retreat of their 
fugitive friends. 

" But Major Stillman and his men pursued their flight without 

looking to the right or left until they were safely landed at Dixon. 

"The party came straggling into camp all night long, four or 

five at a time, each fresh arrival confident that all who had been 

left behind had l)een massacred by the Indians. 

" Tiie enemy was stated to be just behind in full pursuit, and 
their arrival was looked for every moment. Eleven of Stillman's 
men were killed, and it is only astonishing that the number was so 
few. 

This was about the only engagement, if engagement it could be 
called, in which the Indians were victorious. They at once re- 
treated and were followed for weeks by the whites. 



HISTORY OF 900TT COUNTT. 365 

Dispatches were received from Gen. Atkinson, dated Blue 
Mounds, July 25, 1832, stating that Gen. Henry with his brigade 
and Gen. Dodge with a regiment of Michigan volunteers, succeeded 
by forced marches in overtaking Black Hawk on the banks of the 
Wisconsin on the evening of the 2l8t of July, 1832 ; they imme- 
diately attacked the Indians, killing about 40 men, and wounding 
a much larger number, as the Indians were seen during the action 
bearing a great many wounded off the tield. The loss on our part was 
trifling, amounting to one man killed and nine wounded. Night com- 
ing on no pursuit could be attempted, and thus the enemy was saved 
from entire destruction. Black Hawk passed over to an island in 
the "Wisconsin, to which place he had sent his women. 

Genis. Henry and Dodge remained on the ground the succeeding 
dav and night, unable to renew the attack, having neither boats, 
canoes, nor the means of constructing rafts across the river. * * * 
The troops under Genls. Henry and Dodge are represented to have 
behaved with great gallantry, resisting with firmness a charge from 
the enemy on horseback, and in turn charging him with great 
promptness, routing the Indians at every point, to which is attrib- 
utable the very small loss on our side. While our men deserve 
great credit for gallantry and steadiness, the Indians are entitled to 
no less consideration for the skill and perseverance displayed by- 
them in their retreat. * * * A squaw captured stated that Black 
Hawk had lost 200 warriors in the different skirmishes before 
the battle with Gen. Dodge — that many of those embarking in 
canoes had been lost in consequence of bad canoes. 

Battle of Bad Axe, Aug. 2, 1832. * * * At 2 o'clock pre- 
cisely the bugle sounded and in a short time all were ready to 
march. 

Gen. Dodge's squadron was honored by being placed in front, 
the infantry followed next, Gen. Henry's brigade next, Gen- 
Alexander's next, and Gen. Posey's brigade formed the rear guard. 

Gen. Dodge called for, and soon received, 20 volunteer spies to 
go ahead of the whole army. 

In this order the march commenced. They had not gone more 
than five miles, however, before one of our spies came back, 
announcing that they had come in sight of the enemy's picket 
guard. The intelligence was quickly conveyed to Gen. Atkinson 
and by him to all the commanders of the brigade, and the celerity 
of the inarch was instantly increased. In a few minutes more the 
fire commenced about five hundred yards in front of the army 



256 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

between our epies and the Indian picket guard. The Indians were 
driven by our spies from hill to hill, but kept up a tolerably brisk 
fire from every situation commanding the ground over which our 
spies had to march. But they were charged and routed from their 
hiding places, and sought safety by retreating to the main body on 
the bank of the Mississippi, and joined in one general effort to 
defend themselves or die on the ground. 

Lest some might escape up or down the river Gen. Atkinson, 
very judiciously ordered Genls. Alexander and Posey to join the 
right wing of the army and march down to the river above the 
Indian encampment on the bank, and then move down. Gen. Henry 
formed the left wing, and marched in the main trail of the enemy. 
The United States Infantry and Gen. Dodge's squadron of the 
mining troops marched in the center. 

With this order our whole force descended the almost perpen- 
dicular bluff into a low valley, heavily timbered, with a large 
growth of underbrush, weeds and grass. Sloughs, deep ravines and 
old logs were so plentiful as to afford every facility for the enemy 
to make a strong defense. 

Gen. Henry first commenced a heavy fire, which was returned by 
the enemy. The Indians being routed from their first hiding 
places, sought others. Gen. Dodge's squadron and the United 
States troops soon came into action, and with Gen. Henry's men, 
rushed into the defiles of the enemy and killed all in their way 
except a few who succeeded in swimming a slough of the Mississippi, 
150 yards wide. 

During this time Alexander and Posey's brigades were marching 
down the river and fell in with another part of the enemy's army, 
and killed and routed all that opposed them. 

The battle lasted upward of three hours. About 50 of the 
enemy's, women and children were taken prisoners, and many were 
killed in the battle. 

The loss of the Indians can never be ascertained exactly, but ac- 
cording to the best computation it must have exceeded 150. Our 
loss in killed and wounded was 27.* 

From the official report of Gen. Atkinson to Major-General 
"W. Scott, dated x\ug. 9, 1832, I make the following extracts: " I 
marched at 2 o'clock A. M. with the regular troops under Col. 
Taylor and Gen. Dodge's battalion, leaving the brigades of Genls. 



*From the History of the United States, published by C. B. Taylor, in 1837. 



» HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 257 

Posey, Alexander, and Henry to follow as they were not yet ready 
to march — their horses having been turned out before the order of 
the night before had been received by them. After marching about 
three miles the advance of Dodge's battalion came up with a small 
part of the enemy and killed eight of them and dispersed the residue." 
After giving a lengthy report of the events of the battle Gen. 
Atkinson says: " Both the regular and volunteer troops conducted 
themselves with the greatest zeal, courage and patriotism, and are 
entitled to the highest approbation of their country. To Brigadier- 
Gen. Henry, of the 3d Brigade of Illinois volunteers; to Gen. Dodge, 
of the Michigan volunteers, and to Col. Taylor, of the United States 
Infantry, tiie greatest praise is due for the gallant manner in which 
they brought their respective corps in, and conducted them through 
the action. *** Of the United States Infantry live privates 
were killed and four wounded. Of Genls. Posey's and Alexander's 
brigades one private in each was wounded. Of Gen. Henry's, one 
Lieutanant and five privates were wounded. Of Gen. Dodge's, one 
Captain, one Sergeant and four privates were wounded. " 

Tiie historian ( not Gen. Atkinson) says: " Black Hawk, while 
the battle waxed warm, had gone up the river on the east side. His 
valuables, many of them, together with certificates of good char- 
acter and of his having fought bravely against the United States, 
in the war of 1812, signed by British officers, were found on the 
battle ground. 

"Black Hawk was captured by some Winnebagoes at the Dalles, 
on the Wisconsin River, and delivered to Gen. Street at Prairie du 
Chien. on the 27th of August. 1832. Among the number captured 
wa? a son of Black Hawk, and also the Prophet,a noted chief, who 
formerly resided at Prophet's town, in Whiteside county, and who 
was one of the princij)al instigators of the war. Thus ended the 
Black Hawk war. The militia were sent to Dixon and discharged. 
Black Hawk and the Prophet were taken east and confined in Fort- 
ress Monroe for a time. On the 4th day of June they were set 
free. Before leaving the fort. Black Hawk delivered the follow- 
ing farewell speech to the commander : 

" 'Brother, I have come on my own part, and in behalf of my 
companions, to bid you farewell. Our great father has at length 
been pleased to permit us to return to our hunting grounds. We 
have buried the tomahawk, and the sound of the rifle hereafter 
will only bring death to the deer and the buflalo. Brothers, you 



258 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. * 

have treated the red man very kindly. Your squaws have made 
them presents ; you have given them plenty to eat and drink. 
The memory of your friendship will remain till the Great Spirit 
says it is time for Black Hawk to sing his death song. Brother, 
your houses are as numerous as the leaves on the trees, and your 
young warriors like the sands upon the shore of the big lake that 
rolls before us. The red man has but few houses and few warriors, 
but the red man has a heart which throbs as warmly as the heart 
of his white brother. Tiie Great Spirit has given us our hunting 
grounds, and the skin of the deer which we kill there is his favor- 
ite, for its color is white, and this is the emblem of peace. This 
hunting dress and these feathei's of the eagle are white. Accept 
them, ray brother. I have given one like this to the White Otter. 
Accept it as a memorial of Black Hawk. When he is far away 
this will serve to remind you of him. May the Great Spirit bless 
you and your children. Farewell.' 

"After their release from prison they were conducted, in charge 
of Major Garland, through some of the principal cities, that they 
might witness the power of the United States and learn their own 
inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes flocked to 
see them wherever they were taken, and the attention paid them 
rendered their progress through the country a triumphal proces- 
sion, instead of the transportation of prisoners by an officer. At 
Rock Island the prisoners were given their liberty, amid great and 
impressive ceremony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him a dwelling 
near Des Moines, Iowa, and furnished it after the manner of the 
whites, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and hunting and fish- 
ing. Here, with his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he 
passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit, it may 
be said, that Black Hawk remained true to his wife, and served her 
with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her more 
than 40 years." 

Black Hawk died Oct. 3, 1838. 

FIRST VISIT OF WHITE MEN. 

Father Marquette, the French Missionary, was doubtless the first 
white man that ever set foot on the soil of Scott County. Long 
before the discovery of the IVlississippi River by Marquette and 
Joliet, June 17, 1673, tradition says that the spot of ground now 
occupied by the city of Davenport was a large and populous Indian 
village. There can be but little doubt from the history of these 



BISTORT OF SCOTT OOUNTT. 259 • 

missionaries, that it was here thej first landed. in their voyage down 
the Mississippi, after tliey entered it from the mouth of the Wis- 
consin, on the 17th of June. The first landing made by them on 
record was on the 21st, four days after they entered the river, and 
was upon the western bank, where they say: " We discovered foot- 
prints of some fellow mortals, and a little path ( trail ) leading into 
a pleasant meadow. " Following the trail a short distance, they 
heard the savages talking, and, " making their presence known by a 
loud cry, " they were led to a village of the " lUinis." 

There could not have been sufiicient time between the 17th and 
21st for tlie %'oyagers to have descended below this point, or to have 
reached the lower or Des Moines Kapids, which some historians 
claim to have been their first landing place. There having been 
an Indian village here from time immemorial, and according to 
Indian tradition, fixes the fact most conclusively that it was at 
Davenport that the soil of Iowa, as well as of Scott County, was 
first pressed by the foot of a white man. Tlie legends of the Indians 
are full of historic lore, pertaining to this beautiful spot, comprising 
Davenport, Rock Island and their surroundings. 

There were many traces of the aborigines existing when the first 
settlers came to this country. Several Indian mounds, or burial 
places, of quite large dimensions,were still used by wandering bands 
of Indians as late as 1835 and 1836, situated on the banks of the 
river, about two miles below Davenport, where was formerly the 
farm of Ebenezer Cook. Indian graves have been found in exca- 
vations about the city, and relics of ancient date discovered, showing 
that this spot has been the home of the red men for centuries, and 
corroborating the testimony of Black Hawk and others as to the 
tradition of their fathers. 

Black Hawk was ever ready to tell of the traditions of his people, 
and often dwelt with much interest and excitement on them. He 
says they came from Gitche Gamsue, '■ the big water" ( Lake 
Superior), and Indians that are yet living say that the home of 
their fathers was at Sunken Creek, that empties into Lake Superior, 
and that as they traveled westward, they encountered foes whom 
they fought and conquered, and that in time they were conquered 
by their enemies, and tribe fought tribe for possession of the land, 
until tliey reached the great river, the Massa-Sepo, which signifies 
"The Father of Rivers." 

The tradition of the Sacs, who have always lived upon the prairies 
is that their name means ''Man of the Prairie," or prairie Indian. 
They also aver that their friends, the Musquakies, which signifies 



260 HISTORT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

"Foxep," were a sly and cunning people, and united with them 
for strength to tight their enemies, the tribes of the Kickapoo and 
mini, and that they have ever lived in peace as one tribe and one 
people. These were the Indians in possession of the country when 
the United States assumed jurisdiction over it, and of whom it was 
purchased. 

The treaty of Gen. Scott with the Indians was ratified by Congress 
at its session in the winter of 1S33. Thus did the United States 
come into possession of the soil of Scott County. Of the Indians 
from whom it was purchased, and of the tribes who had been in 
possession in earlier days, the Sacs and Foxes were provided with 
homes in Kansas, and are fast dwindling away. But a remnant is 
left of the tribes of the Winnebagoes, Chippewas, Pottawatomies, 
Ottawas, Menominees, and other powerful bands that were in pos- 
session of the country from 'the lakes to the Missouri, at the 
termination of the American Revolution. Their destiny is written. 
The onward march of the Anglo-Saxon race tells with unerring 
prophecy, the fate of the Red Man ! They are doomed to become 
extinct! 

FIRST SETTLEMENT. 

At the close of the Black Hawk war, in 1832, there were no settle- 
ments upon the Iowa side of the river. The purchase from the Sac 
and Fox tribe of Indians of the Territory, now comprising Scott 
County, was made in common with all the river counties, on the 
15th of September, 1832, the treaty being held with Gen. Scott up- 
on the site of the buildings of the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific 
Railroad freight depot. 

In the spring of 1833 Captain Benjamin "W. Clark, a native of 
Virginia, who had settled and made some improvements on the 
Illinois shore, where is now the town of Andalusia, came across the 
Mississippi, planted a crop, built a large cabin, and moved across 
in December following and commenced a settlement upon the pres- 
ent site of the town of Bufl:alo, and was doubtless the first settler 
on the soil of Scott County.. He had been a captain of a company 
of mounted volunteer Rangers in the Black Hawk war, under Gen. 
Dodge. Here, in Buflalo, he made the first claim, erected the first 
cabin, broke the first ground, planted the first corn, and raised the 
first produce in the county. His nearest neighbors at this time, 
upon the Iowa shore, then known as the " Black Hawk purchase,'' 
were at Burlington and Dubuque. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 261 

OTHER EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

In the fall of 1833 Roswell H. Spencer built a log cabin upon the 
bank of the river a little below the ferry landing from Ilainptou, 
afterward established, on the opposite side of the river to Valley 
City, a town laid out upon the Iowa side. This was the first settle- 
men| in what is now Pleasant Valley township. 

In February, 183i, George W. Harlan built a cabin within the 
limits of the present city of Le Claire, and was the first actual set- 
tler of the township. Eleazer Parkhurst came next. Nathan and 
Martin W. Smith also came the same year. 

In the year 1834 Antoine Le Claire settled upon his '■ reserve " 
at Davenport. He was followed by others in due time, and one 
more settlement was formed. Thus began the settlement of Scott 
County, now one of the wealthiest and most populous counties in 
the State. 

OKGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 

The county slowly grew in numbers until it became evident 
there was a number living within its boundaries large enough to 
entitle them to a county organization, when the Legislature of the 
Territory, then Wisconsin Territory, in the winter of 1837-'38 
passed an act creating the county, the boundaries of which were as 
follows: 

" Beginning at a point in the middle of the main channel of the 
Mississippi River, where the line dividing townships 1 and 2, east of 
the fifth principal meridian intersects the same; thence north with 
said range-line to the line dividing townships 78 and 79 north; 
thence west with said line to the fifth principal meridian; thence 
north with said meridian to the line dividing townships SO and 
81 north; thence east with said line to a point where the said 
line intersects or crosses the Wapasipinica River; thence down 
the main channel of said river to its mouth; thence due east to 
the middle of the main channel to the place of beginning; shall be, 
and the same is hereby constituted, a separate county, to be called 
Scott." 

It will be seen by reference to the map that the county lacks a 
township in the southwest corner of being square. The reason of 
this is easily explained. In the first Territorial Legislature that 
convened at Burlington in December, 1837, the act was passed cre- 
ating the boundaries of Scott County as well as many others. Un- 



262 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

fortunately for the well-being ol many a town site and village, this 
honorable body had too many speculators in town lots among its 
members. Dr. Reynolds, then living three mOes above Bloomington, 
now Muscatine, had laid off atown called Geneva, upon which all his 
efforts lor the county were centered. The manner and extent of 
laying off counties were to decide the destiny of many a town site 
which had been made especially for the county seat. Theobjactof 
Dr. Reynolds was to press the upper line of Muscatine County up 
the river as far as possible, so as to make Geneva central, and lessen 
the chances of Bloomington, which was an applicant for favor. The 
Davenport and Rockingham member, Alex. W. Mc Gregor, knew 
that if the Scott County line ran too far down the river, Buffalo, 
then a rival, and by far the most populous and important town 
above Burlington, would stand too great a chance, so that a com- 
promise was entered into, and this township given to Muscatine 
County. 

COUNTY SEAT CONTEST. 

The act by which the county was organized also provided for 
holding an election for the county seat on the third Monday in 
February, 1838. Rockingham and Davenport were the only points 
to be voted for. The contest was a warm and exciting one on the 
part of the representatives of eac h town. The leading men on the 
Rockingham side were Dr. Barrows, Willard Barrows, Gen. G. B. 
Sargent, Ebenezer Cook, John P. Cook, Benjamin W. Clark, ot 
Buffalo; Mr. Robertson, John Sullivan and John S. Sheller. Un- 
der the Davenport standard were rallied G. L. Davenport, James 
Mc Intosh, Antoine Le Claire, G. C. R. Mitchell, Levi S. Colton, 
D. C. Eldredge, Sheriff Wilson and Captain Litch. 

The great importance of the county seat election is apparent. 
The fortunate town in the election was to become important from hav- 
ing the seatof justice. The matter had been before the Legislature, 
and an attempt was made to locate it by that body, bu: a scheme 
of bribery and corruption among some ot its members was brought 
to light, and an act then passed to leave it to the people. The 
Rockingham advocates were confident that if a fair election was 
held, that town would be victorious in the contest. The southern 
part of the county at that time was the most populous, and could 
poll more votes than Davenport, besides which the Le Claire town- 
ship, at the head of the rapids, took sides with Rockingham, 



HISTORY OF gOO'rr COCNTY. 263 

expecting at 8ome future time to effect an alteration in the county 
lines on tlie north, so as to make Le Claire more central, and, of 
course, it was policy to vote for the most southern point in the 
election. 

The returns of the election were to be made to Gov. Dodge, ot 
Wisconsin, Iowa then being a part of that Territory. The act speci- 
fied that the place having the largest immber of votes sliould be 
declared the county seat, and that it should be the duty of the gover- 
nor upon such return being made, to issue his proclamation accord- 
ingly. It is said that a few days before the close of the contest, 
the Davenport people suddenly became aware that they were in 
need of more laborers, and in order to secure them. Dr. Bellows, 
of Dubuque, was authorized by the Davenport people to send as 
many as he could gather together. He succeeded in securing the 
services of several sleigii loads, according to Willard Barrows, "of 
the most wretched looking rowdies that had ever appeared in the 
streets of Davenport. They were the dregs of the mining districts 
of that early day; filled with impudence and profanity, soaked in 
whisky and done up in rags." According to the same autiiority, 
when the election was over " the Dubuque delegation of miners 
returned home, having drank 10 barrels of whisky and cost the 
contracting parties over $3,000 in cash." 

Davenport polled a majority of votes and the rejoicing was most 
enthusiastic. Bonfires and illuminations were exhibited, and the 
result was considered a great and final triumph. But while these 
rejoicings were going on in Davenport, Dr. E. S. Barrows and 
John C. Higgins were on their way to Mineral Point, Wiscon- 
sin, to see Gov. Dodge, with documents sufficient to prove the 
fraud that had been perpetrated at Davenport. Upon- this expos- 
ure, the governor refused to issue his certificate of election. 

Thus things remained, until the Legislature met in June, at 
Burlington, at which time they passed an act for another election 
for the county seat, between Davenport and Rockingham, to be 
held in the following August. This act more particularly defined 
the manner in which the election should be held, and voters were 
required to have a residence of 60 davs. The returns of this 
election were to be made by the county commissioner's clerk, 
Ebenezer Cook, to the sheriff of Dubuque County, and he was to 
count the votes in the presence of the county commissioners of 
that county. The place having the greatest number of votes was 
to be entered on the books ot the county commissioners, and such 
place to become the seat of iustice. Says Mr. Barrows: 



264 HISTORV OF SCOTT COtJNTT. 

"At this election, Kockinghain, feeling rather sore under its 
treatment at the last election, laid aside all conscientious scruples 
in relation to the whole matter, and chose to light the enemy in 
its own way, well knowing that the act, by its wording, did not 
require legal votes. The campaign opened with vigor. The note 
of preparation was sounded and the contending parties summoned 
to the iield. The county was canvassed and the unstable and 
wavering were brought into the ranks on one or the other side. 
Building lots were proffered and accepted for influence and for 
votes, in both places. Col. Sullivan employed many extra hands 
around his mill just about that time. The struggle was harder 
than before, and the corruption much greater, though carried on 
in a different manner. The day of election came. The officers 
appointed to attend the polls were either not sworn at all or sworn 
illegally, so that in case of defeat a plea might be set up for a new 
election. The ballot-box was stuffed. Illegal voting in various 
ways was permitted. Non-residents of Scott County swore they 
were "old settlers," while the poll-books and ballot-box showed a 
list of names that no human tongue was ever found to answer to. 

"A great mystery seemed to hang over the Rockingham polls. 
They had been watched by the Davenport party, and yet when the 
ballot-box was emptied of its contents it showed most astonishing 
results. The committee sent down from Davenport to watch the 
polls could never explain where all the votes came from! The 
names in the box and on the poll-books agreed, but the great diffi- 
culty seemed to be that the settlement did not warrant such a tre- 
mendous vote. This, however, was afterward explained as being 
in strict conformity with the oath taken by some of the judges and 
clerks of the election, which was that they should ' to the best of 
their ability, see that votes were polled to elect Rockingham the 
county seat.' 

" The election being over, the returns were made to the sheriff 
of Dubuque County, and counted in the presence of the commis- 
sioners, as provided in the act, when a majority was found for 
Rockingham. The commissioners, for some cause, failed to make 
the entry upon their records, as required by the act, but during 
the week took the liberty of 'purging the polls,' throwing out a 
sufficient number of votes to give Davenport the majority by two 
votes. One of the votes thus thrown out was that of John W. 
Brown, who settled on Black Hawk Creek in 1835, and was still 
living there. By this proceeding Davenport was declared the 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 267 

county seat. Thereupon the Rockingliam party made application 
to the Su))reme Court for a mandamus, directed to the County 
Commissioners of Dubuque County, requiring them to make tlie 
proper entry upon their records of election in Scott County, in ac- 
cordance with the act of the Legislature. On the final hearing of 
the case, the court decided tliat they had no original jurisdiction 
over the case, but at the request of the parties, the case having 
been fully argued upon its merits, the court examined the whole 
question and gave an opinion, the effect of which was that Kock- 
ingham was tlie county seat.'' 

The affair not being settled to the satisfaction of all the parties 
concerned, the Legislature passed an act for anotiier election. At 
this election there were two otlier points added to Davenport and 
Rockingham as aspirants for the county seat. One was the "geo- 
graphical center," and the other was a quarter-section of land at 
the moutli of Duck Creek, called " Winfield." Before the election 
the geographical center was dropped. Davenport and Rocking- 
ham then commenced offering town lots, and money for the use of 
the county, in case the county seat shoukl be located on tiieir 
ground. Thousands of dollars and donations of lots and hinds 
were made, and bonds given to secure it to the county, in case of 
the selection of the point desired by either party. At length 
Rockingham, tiring of the contest, withdrew her claims, and the 
election was left for decision between Davenport and tlie " Duck 
Creek cornfield," as it was called. 

As an illustration of the inducements held out for tlie location of 
the count}' seat the following is given. The first was placed in the 
liands of the county treasurer by parties interested in securing 
the county seat for a section near the mouth of Duck Creek: 

" A donation of 90 acres of land is offered the county at the 
mouth of Duck Creek, provided that point should be selected at 
the first election. In addition to the land which the donators have 
agreed to give, sell and convey to the county, they also off"er $826, 
mostly materials. The people have both ]>ropositions before them, 
and they will be enabled to decide as to the amount donated for 
each point. A tax of $6,000 or $8,000 on the inhabitants of the 
county would be oppressive in our present infant and embarrassed 
state, and it is hardly supposed any person would vote for such a 
tax when they have the offer of a donation nearly if not amply 
sufficient to cover all expenses." 
17 



268 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Davenport offered tlie following : 

Davenport, August 3, 1840. 

"Whereas, the question of the location of the county seat in Scott County is to 
be settled by a vote of the people of said county, the points to be voted for being 
Davenport, Rockingham, and a place in Pleasant Valley near the mouth of Duck 
Creek ; and whereas, Rockingham and said point.in Pleasant Valley, near the 
mouth of Duck Creek, have each proposed donations to the county to erect public 
buildings therein, to be paid by the place in which the countj- seat should be 
located ; this proposition the subscribers believe to have been made with a view 
of inttueacing the voters of said county to vote for said points instead of Daven- 
port; and believing Davenport is the most suitable place, and wishing to counter- 
act said undue influence, for the purpose of making a sum equal if not greater 
than that offered by either of those points, we, the subscribers, agree, and hereby 
bind ourselves to give and convey in fee simple to the County Commissioners of 
Scott County the property described by each of us, to be disposed of in raising 
a fund for the benefit of the county, to be applied exclusively to (he erection of a 
court-house and jail, on condition that the town of Davenport shall be the point 
selected as county seat of Scott County; and we who do not give lots or land, 
bind ourselves to pay in cash, or the manner stipulated, the sum affixed opposite 
our respective names, on the terms therein stated. In witness whereof we have 
hereunto set our hands and seals. 

By virtue of a resolution passed by the mayor, recorder and trustees of the 
town of Davenport, authorizing the mayor, on behalf of the corporation, to sub- 
scribe the sum of $500, to aid in defraying the expense of erecting a court-house 
and jail in the town of Davenport, I, John H. Thorington, Mayor of the town of 
Davenport, do promise on the part and in behalf of said corporation, to pay to 
the Commissioners of Scott County, on or before the first day of August next, 
the sum of .$.500 provided, and it is expressly understood, that the above 
stipulated subscription is binding only upon condition that the said town of Dav- 
enport shall be selected as the permanent seat of justice for Scott County, and 
not otherwise. 

The town of Davenport, by John A. Thorington |500. 

I, Antoine LeClaire, promise to convey, on the condition before stipulated, the 
following described lots and lands, to-wit : Lot 3, block 15 ; 3, block 38 ; 3, 4 and 
6, block 30 ; 1, block 12; 8, block 38; 8, block 33; 7, 8. 9 and 10, block 7. Outlots 
Nos. 3, 10, 19, 23, 34, containing four acres each. Antoine LECLAniE. 

I, Antoine LeClaire, Attorney for P. G. Hambough, promise to convey, on the 
conditions above stipulated, the following described lots : 5 and 6, block 14; 5 and 
6, block 3.5 ; 1 and 3, block 37. P. G. Hambough, 

By Antoine LeClaire. 

I, George Davenport, promise to convey on the conditions above stipulated, tl e 
following described lots, to-wit: West half of block 33; lots 4, 5 and 6, block 11 : 
1, 2, 7 and 8, block 35; 5, block 3. Geouge Davenport. 

I, John Macklot, promise to convey on the conditions above stipulated, the fol- 
lowing described lots, to-wit : Lots 1, 3, 7 ani 8, block 36, if the court-house is 
placed on Bolivar Square. John Macki.ot. 

Antoine LeClaire, agent for James May, promises to pay on the conditions be- 
fore stipulated, the following described lots to-wit: Lots 1 and 2, block 13; 1. 
block 39; 7 and 8, block 37; 3, block 13. Antoine LeClaire. 

Agent for James May. 



inSTOBY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



269 



We, James and Robert Mcintosh, promise to convey on the couilitions before 
stipulated, the following (lescril)ed lots: 7 and 8, block 12; 3 and 4, in block 14; 
7 and 8 in block 30; 5 in block ;}9; 2 in block 35. J. & R. MoIntosh. 

INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS. 



James Hall $150 

N. 8(iuires, carpenter work 300 

H. Leonard, in brick 300 

E.Hulse 200 

A . Logan 50 

8. B.Steele 10 

Thomas Foster 40 

A. Green, by R. Bennett 25 

PhilipCody 20 

Eldridge & McCor.l 50 

I, John Litch, agree to give one good, 
enporl (in Powers" addition), as soon as 
seat. 

George Bowers If. 20 

W. Parmele 20 

John Cronkite .-.. 10 

C. C. Alvord 10 

William M. Moran 5 

W. G.Ruby 10 

H. J. Chapman 25 

John F. Boy uton 10 

J. M. Wiiherwa.x 50 

William S. Collins 15 

Strong Burnell 20 

Asa Hale 10 

Timothy Dillon 20 

John Pape 25 

Samuel Armitage 5 

Franklin Culver 5 

William McDade 5 

W. B. Arnold 6 

A. J. Dawes 5 

D. Hoge 50 

T. S. Hoge 50 

John D. Evans 20 

Riddle & Morton 100 

George Colt 5 

J.MD. Burrows ,50 

John Owens 50 



E. V. Kerr and G. T^it $ 10 

W. W. Dodge 25 

W. B. Watts 35 

Alfred Carter 100 

Geo. L. Davenport 50 

Seth F. Whiting 25 

James O. Kelly 10 

W. McCammon 30 

W. W. Whitlemore 25 

Thomas Dillon 50 

handsome lot in the lower part of Dav- 
Davenport shall be niade the county 

JOIIN LiTCH. 

James Rumbold $ 5C> 

Charles Leslie 25 

A. L. Beattie 10 

Henry Wright 15 

R. S. Craig 10 

John W. King 10 

James M. Bowling 30 

John Evans 10 

John Wilson IQO 

William Nichols 50 

Lewis Ebert 10 

J. W. Parker 100 

A. W. Perry 25 

Peter Porter and A. Perry 25 

George Francis 13 

L. J. Center for J. Remer 25 

L. J. Center 10 

James Miller 5 

Isaac Squires 20 

William Lovell 10 

John n. Thorington 25 

Alex. W. McGregor 35 

Walter B. Warren 10 

George W. Warren 20 

William Harmon 15 

Henry Powers 50 



I.George Davenport, hereby promise to pay to the County Commissioners of 
Scott County, in lieu of the lots offered above, to aid in erecting the public build- 
ings, the sum of twelve hundred dollars (!fl, 200), should the commissioners 
prefer, the same to be paid in installments, as may be reciuircd in the progress of 
the buildings, provided the same shall be erected on Bolivar Square. 

GEODdR D.VVBNPORT. 



270 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

I, Antoine LeClaire, hereby promise to pay to the Commissioners of the County 
of Scott, in lieu of the lands and lots oiTered above, to aid in erecting the public 
buildings, the sum of tbree thousand dollars in cash, or its equivalent, should the 
said Commissioners prefer the same, to be paid in such installments as may be 
required iu the progress of the building, as witness my hand and seal this 10th 
day of August, 1840. Antoine LeClaire. 

Davenport gained tlie election, erected the jjublic btiildiiigs free 
of all cost to the county, according to her contract, and thus termi- 
nated one of the most exciting questions that had ever disturbed 
the quiet of the peaceful community. Says Mr. Barrows, a friend 
of Kockingliam: 

" The battle was long and spirited. Tiie contending parties with- 
drew from the bloodless field with happy triumph, each having out- 
generaled the other, and found that even when a victory was won 
the laurels are not always sure. A peace treaty was held at the 
Rockingham Hotel in the winter of ISiO, where the most promi- 
nent actors in the last scenes met as mutual friends, and buried the 
hatchet forever, ratifying the treaty, as it was called, by a grand ball, 
where more than 40 couples mingled in the dance and seemed to 
forget at once all the strife and bickerings of the past, and seal their 
friendships anew with earnest and willing hearts. During the 
whole of this controversy, singular as it may appear, the utmost 
wood feeling and gentlemanly conduct prevailed. No personal 
feuds grew out of it, and to this day, it is often the source of much 
merriment among the old settlers, and is looked upon as only the 
freaks and follies of a frontier life." 



Tiie act providing for the holding of an election for the county 
seat on the third Monday in February, 1838, also provided for an 
election two weeks afterward for county officers, at which election 
liockingham elected her candidates. Tlie commissioners elected 
were B. F. Tike, Alfred Carter, and A. W. Campbell, with Eben- 
ezer Cook for county clerk. 

The first session of the Commissioners' Court was held at the 
store of H. W. Higgins, in Rockingham. The following are the 
proceedings of this first meeting: 

" Present — Benj. F. Pike, and Andrew W. Campbell. 

"The board proceeded to the ajipointment of a clerk. 

" Ordered — That Ebenezer Cook be appointed clerk to the board. 

" Ebenezer Cook having appeared in pursuance of his appoint- 
ment, and taken the oath of office, entered upon his duties as clerk. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 271 

"Ordered — That the clerk take the necessary steps to procure 
from the Secretary of the Territory, a seal for the use of this board. 
" Ordered — Tiiat this board do meet, at its Aj)ril session, in 
the town of Rockingham. 

" Ordered — That Benj. F. Pike be allowed tiiree dollars for one 
day's service as county commissioner. 

"Ordered — That Andrew W. Campbell be allowed three dollars 
for one day's service as county commissioner. 

"Ordered — That Ebenezer Cook be allowed three dollars for one 
day's service as clerk. 

" And the board adjourned to session in course." 

At the April session, 1838, the county was divided into election 
precincts, and polls were ordered open at Rockingham Hotel, 
Rockingham and Marmaduke. S. Davenport,William Lings, Lewis 
Ringlesbv. appointed judges of election; at Davenport Hotel, 
Davenport, L"a Cook. John Forest, Adam Noel, judges of elec- 
tion; at house of Caleb 11. Gardener, West Eufialo, Elias Moore, 
M. M. Bosworth, James Williainsou, judges of election; at 
house of Roswell II. Spencer, Pleasant Valley, Stephen Henley, 
Jabez A. Birchard, John Work, judges of election; at house of 
Thomas Hubbard, Elizabeth Cit}-, Josiah Scott, William Rowe, 
Daniel Hyers, judges of election; at house of Ezra Allen, Allen's 
Grove, Lester Hines. John K. Spicer, Isaiah Ilurlburt, judges of 
election. 

Christopher Rowe was appointed county treasurer, but failing 
to qualify, Ira Cook was appointed at the May term of tiic board, 
and at once entered into bonds, and the discharge of the duties of 
the office. 

At this same session Ira Cook was appointed and ijualified as 
assessor in place of Joseph Mounts, who had previously been 
appointed, but failed to qualify. 

The editor of the I own News, publishetl at Dubuque, was allowed 
six dollars for advertising an election to be held for the location 
of the county seat. 

At this session, the board took it upon itself to regulate the 
price of ferriage across the Mississippi and Wapsipinecon Rivers, 
the rates of which may be found in another chapter of this work 
upon the subject of " Ferries." 

The county was divided into 11 road districts; the first, second 
and third begins as follows: 



272 HiSTOEr OF scorr countt. 

Road District, No. 1, to comprise all tlie territory lying within 
tlic following limits: Townships 77 and 78, range 2 eqst, except 
the east tier of sections. 

Road District, No. 2, the oast tier of sections, townships 77 and 

78, and sections 30 and 25, township 79, the west half of townships 
77 and 78, range 3, and sections -28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, township 

79, range 3. 

Road District, No. 3, one half of township 78, and southeast 
quarter of township 79, range 3; the west tier of section in town- 
ship 78, range 4, and sections 19, 30, 31, township 79, range 4. 

Mathias Mounts was appointed supervisor of District No. 1; 
Otto Ct. McClaim, of No. 2; John Forrest, of No. 3. 

Polls were ordered opened at the town of Parkhurst, and Martin 
W. Smith, Eleazer Parkhurst and Thomas C. Eads appointed judges. 

Polling places were also established for Clinton County, which 
was attached to Scott County at this time. 

Grand and petit juries were selected at this session, for the first 
term of the District Court, the names of which are given in the 
chapter on "Courts." 

At the July session, a two-mill tax was ordered levied on the 
real estate of the county, for opening and repairing public high 
ways, and five mills for general purposes. 

The first tavern licenses were granted at this session, one to 
Samuel Barkley, in Davenport, and one to II. W. Higgins, in 
Rockingliam. 

November 12, the commissioners met in Rockingham and ad" 
journed to meet in Davenport, that town being declared the county 
seat, an election having previously been held for that purpose. 
Only one of the three members went over to Davenport, and there- 
fore there was no quorum, and the lone member adjourned. 

A special session was called for Nov. 26, at Davenport, the newly 
elected county seat. Alfred Carter was the onl3' member present. 

A. W. Campbell sent in his resignation as a member of the board. 

B. F. Pike, the third member, was in Rockingham and would not 
honor Davenport with his presence; therefore Mr. Carter, on the 
principle that "if the mountain would not go to Mahomet, Mahomet 
would have to go to the mountain," adjourned to meet in Rock- 
ingham. But little business was transacted other than granting 
licenses for taverns and ferries. 



HISTORT OF SCOIT COUNTY. 273 

In Jamiary, 1839, the board met ap^ain at ' Rockinoham, no 
cause beino^ assigned wh}' they did not meet in Davenport. The 
full board 'was present, includinf^ A. W. Campbell, whose resig- 
nation had never been acted upon, and was probably withdrawn. 

At the annual election this year, John Work was elected in place 
of B. F. Pike, whose term had expired. 

At the January meeting in 1S40, Ebenezer Cook, the commis 
sioners' clerk, was ordered to bring suit against John Litch, of 
Davenport, for violation of the license law, Mr. Litch persisting 
in selling liquor without a license. 

At the annual election in the spring of 1840 the ticket favored 
by the Rockingham party for county commissioners was elected. 

At a special session of the Board of County Commissioners 
held March 25, 1S40, a proposition was read from Adrian H. Dav- 
enport and .John II. Sullivan in which they offered to build a court- 
house and jail upon certain conditions. The commissioners were 
bound to have a jail in Rjckingham, as will be seen by the follow- 
ing notice published in the Towa Su?i, published in Davenport, of 
May 12, 1840: 

Notice to Contractors. 

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Commissioners of Scott 
Countj', for building of a .TAIL in the town of Kockingham, until the first day 
of July next, on which day the proposal will be opened and the contract let. 

A plan and specifications may be seen by calling on .John H. Sullivan, Esq., 
Commissioner to superintend the erection. 

Proposals to be endorsed, " Proposals for Erecting a Jail in Scott County," and 
directed to ".John H. Sullivan, Esq., Commissioner to superintend the erection 
of a jail in Rockingham." 

By order of the Board of Commissioners of Scott County. 

Ebenezer Cook, Clerk. 

Rockingham, May 12, 1840. 

It is needless to say the jail was never erected. 

The commissioners made a proposition to A. H. Davenport and 
J. H. Sullivan, in which it was provided that in case of failure or 
non-acceptance J. H. Sullivan and A. H. Davenport were to con- 
vey' 160 lots to the county wiiich were to be sold and amount ex- 
pended for the erection of a court-house and jail. The proposition 
was accepted. 

The commissioners' clerk was ordered to insert proposals for the 
erection of a jail in the Imoa Territoriol Gazette, published at Bur- 
lington, and also to advertise tlie sale of town lots in four different 
newspapers, the sale to take place July 4, 1840. 



274 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

The couutj-seat question being settled in favor of Davenport 
the Board of County Commissioners met at Davenport in special 
session Oct. 26, 1840. 

But little business of public interest was transacted by the board 
for several years, the sessions being taken up in auditing bills and 
appointing committees and hearing reports on locations of public 
roads. 

In 1845 steps vrere taken to organize the county into townships, 
and at the January meeting of the board in 1846 it was ordered that 
township lines as organized remain the same as precinct lines 
heretofore organized, except a slight change made in the line be- 
tween Rockingham and Davenport. The name of Parkhurst pre- 
cinct was changed to Fairview township, and Point Pleasant 
precinct was called "Winfield township. 

At the April, 1846, meeting of the board part of Pleasant Valley 
township was added to Fairview, and the name of the latter was 
changed to Le Claire. 

At the October meeting of the same year Allen's Grove township 
was divided, the western part taking the name of Liberty and the 
eastern, Allen's Grove. 

By act of General Assembly, approved January, 1851, the County 
Commissioners' Court was abolished, and all the ])owers developing 
upon that body were transferred to the county judge. 

From the organization of the county' to this time the following 
named served as count}' commissioners: 

1838 — Benjamin F. Pike, Andrew W. Campbell, Alfred Carter. 

1839— A. "VV. Campbell, Alfred Carter, John Work. 

1840— A. W. Campbell, Alfred Carter,* John Work. 

1841— Same as in 1840. 

1842— John Work, John C. Quinn, Otho G. McClain. 

1843— Same as in 1842. 

1844— John C. Quinn, Asahel Hubbard, Otho G. McClain. 

1845— Otho G. Mc Clain, JohnC. Quinn, Cyrus G. Blood. 

1846— John C. Quinn, C. G. Blood, Asa Foster. 

1847 — C. G. Blood, Asa Foster, Stephen Thompson. 

184S— C. G. Blood, Asa Foster, £. S. Wing. 

1849— Asa Foster, E. S. Wing, A. C. Fulton. 

1850— E. S. Wing, A. C. Fulton, John W. Wiley. j 



* Resigned, and John C. Quinn elected to fill vacancy. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 275 

COUNTY JUDGES. 

The business of the county was transacted bj' the county judges 
from 1851 to ISGl, a period of 10 years. See County Courts in 
Chapter IV., for list of county judges. 

BOARD OF SUPKEVISORS. 

In accordance with an act of tlie General Assembly entitled, " An 
act creating a County Board of Supervisors, defining their duties 
and the duties of certain county officers," passed March 22, I860' 
the county of Scott was organized under the new law, and at the 
election held Nov. 6, 1860, supervisors were elected. Each town- 
ship was entitled to one supervisor without regard to the number of 
inhabitants. Davenport having over 12,000 inhabitants was entitled 
to three members of the board. 

The first meeting of the board was held Monday, Jan. 7, 1861. C. 
Stewart Ells was elected president. 

The representation was continued at one from each township and 
three from Davenport until 1866, when one more was added to the 
latter's representation. In 1868 the number was increased to five. 

The law in 1870 was changed, and instead of a Board of Super- 
visors, composed of a representative from each township, there were 
three elected by the entire county, who had vested in them the same 
powers as the old board. 

In 1874 the county availed itself of the privilege oflered by the 
State law to increase the number of representatives on the board 
to five, which number is yet retained. 

The following is a complete list of the members of the Board 
from 1801 to 1882 inclusive: 

1861. 
i C.Stewart Ells. 

Davenport — a Thomas K. Fluke, 
( Mathias J. Rohlfs. 

Le Oaire — Horace Carjienter. 

Wintield— Henry G. Xeal. 

frinceton — Giles M. Pinneo. 

Buffalo— Dan B. Shaw. 

Blue Grass — Daniel L. Lyon. 

Hickory Grove — James H. Ross. 

Pleasant Valley — Philip Earhart. 

Allen's Grove — Epliraiin Snyder. 



276 HISTORY OF SCO'lT COUNTY. 

Liberty — Azotiis M. Frost. 
Cleonti — Benjamin P. Putnam. 
Rockingham — Elisha S. Mowrey. 

1862. 

i C. Stewart Ells, 
DavenjDort — < Thomas K. Fluke, 

( George M. Matthews. 
Le Claire — Horace Carpenter. 
Winiield — John C Qninn. 
Princetf)n — Giles M. Pinneo. 
Buffalo— Dan B. Shaw. 
Blue Grass — Daniel L. Lyon. 
Hickoi'y Grove — James H. Ross. 
Pleasant Valley — Philip Earhart. 
Allen's Grove — ^Ephraim Snyder. 
Liberty — Azotus M. Frost. 
Cleona— Benjamin P. Putnam. 
Rockingham — Elisha S. Mowrey.* 

1863. 

f John L. Davios, 
Davenport — -{ Thomas PL Fluke, 

( George M. Matthews. 
Le Claire — Horace Carpenter. 
Winiield — Henry G. Neal. 
Princeton — Giles M. Pinneo. 
Bufl'alo — Warner L. Clark. 
Blue Grass — Daniel H. Lyon. 
Hickory Grove — James H. Ross. 
Pleasant Valley — ^Philip Earhart. 
Allen's Grove — Montgomery Thompson. 
Liberty — Azotus M. Frost. 
Cleona — William M. Murray. 
Rockingham — John Coleman. 

1864. 

I John L. Davies, 
Davenport — -j George M. Matthews, 

i Moses C. Farber. 
Le Claire — Horace Carpenter. 
Winiield — Alexander Brownlee, Sr. 
Princeton — James McConnell. 
Buffalo— Warner L. Clark. 



♦Died .ind .John Coleinau elected to fill the vacancy. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 377 



Blue Grass — Samuel Little. 
Hickory Grove- -James II. Ross. 
Pleasant Valley — Jesse L. Hetiley. 
Allen's Grove — Montgomery Tliorapson. 
Liberty — Don C. Gates. 
Cleona — William M. Murray. 
Rockingham — Enoch Mead. 

ISHo. 

i John L. Davies, 
Davenport — } Moses C. Farber, 

( George W. Matthews. 

Le Claire — Robert Scott. 
Winfield— E. S. Wing. 
Princeton — James McConnell. 
Buffalo — William Posten. 
Blue Grass — Samuel Little. 
Hickory Grove — James H. Ross. 
Pleasant Valley — Jesse L. Henley. 
Allen's Grove — William N'utting. 
Liberty — Don 0. Gates. 
Cleona— William M. Murray. 
Rockingham — George P. Whitcomb. 

LS66. 

f John L. Davies, 
rw ^ I Moses C. Farber, 

Davenport-^ George M. Matthews, 

I Charles S. Watkins. 
Le Claire — Robert Snuth. 
Wintiekl— C. H. Ficke. 
Princeton— Joseph McConnell. 
Buffalo— William Posten. 
I)lue Grass — Samuel Little. 
Hickory Grove — James H. Ross. 
Pleasant Valley^Bachus Birchard. 
Allen's Grove — William Nutting. 
Liberty — James II. Freeman. 
Cleona — William M. Murray. 
Rockingham — Edward Rickcr. 
Ben Butler~E. S. Wing. 

ISfiT. 

( John L. Davies, 

|-v , Peter N. Lau, 

P 1 George M. Matthews, 

[ Chas S. Watkins. 



278 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



Le Claire — C C. Applegate. 
Winlield — James McManua. 
Princeton — G. W. Pinneo. 
Buftalo— G. W. Baker. 
Blue Grass— William S. Schmidt. 
Hickory Grove — James H. Ross. 
Pleasant Valley— Baclius Birchard. 
Allen's Grove— John Heller. 
Liberty — Joseph Freeman. 
Cleona — George W. Murray. 
Rockingham — Edward Ricker. 
Butler— D. R. Stearns. 
Lincoln— John Larrimer. 
Sheridan— H. JI. Fry. 

1S68. 

f John L. Davies, 

I Th. Sindt, 
Davenport—-) Christ. Kruse, 

I Thomas Robeson, 

[G. M. iMatthews. 
Le Claire— C. C. Applegate. 
Princeton — Michael Moore. 
Buffalo— Geo. W. Baker. 
Blue Grass— James Herron. 
Pleasant Valley— J. "VV. Means. 
Allen's Gr(5ve— H S. Newton. 
Liberty — A. M. Aplin. 
Cleona— F. Theodore Blunck. 
Rockingham — S. Bawden. 
Butler— D. R. Stearns. 
Lincoln — W. B. Murray. 
Sheridan — William Rigg. 
Winfield—Ale.xander Williamson. 
Hickory Grove— Julius Langheim. 

1869. 
( Th. Sindt, 
I Chris. Kruse, 

Davenport— -{ Thomas Robeson, 
I Edwin Smith, 
[B. H. Lahrman. 

Le Claire — C. C. Applegate. 

Princeton — Mark Matthews. 

Butialo— Horace Miller. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNl'Y. 279 

Blue Grass — Henry Goering. 
Pleasant Valley — James W. Means. 
Allen's Grove — E. S. Newton. 
Liberty — J. II. Freeman. 
Cleona — F. Theodore Bliuick. 
Rockingham — S. I^awden. 
Butler — William Cressler. 
Lincoln — Wm. B. Murray. 
Sheridan — William Rigg. 
Winfield — Alex. Williamson. 
Hickory Grove — Julius Langheim. 

1870. 
fTh. Sindt, 
I John ]\[. Lyter, 
Davenport — -{ John Lambert, 
I H. A. Runge, 
l_B. II. Lahrmat). 
Le Claire — Erastus Decker. 
Princeton — Mark Matthews. 
Buftalo — Horace Miller. 
Blue Grass — Henry Goering. 
Pleasant Valley — James W. Means. 
Allen's Grove — E. S. Newton. 
Liberty — J. II. Freeman. 
Cleona — John A. Gittord. 
Rockingham- -Stephen Bawden. 
Lincoln — William B. Murray. 
Sheridan — William Rigg. 
Winfield — John Madden. 

Hickory Grove — Julius Langheim. ^ 

Butler — William Cressler. 

1871. 
Julius Langheim. John L. Davies. 

Erastus Decker. 
1872. 
Julius Langheim. John L. Davies.* 

Erastus Decker. 
1873. 
George S. Shaw. George Murray 

Julius Langheim. 



♦Died and George 8. Shaw appointed to fill the vacancy. 



280 



Julius Lauglieim. 



George Murray. 
Julius Langheim. 



John Madden. 
George G. Dennis. 



George Murray. 
Fred. Kautz. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

IS 74. 

George Murray. 
John Madden. 
1875. 

Jolm Madden. 
Fi'ederick Kautz. 
George L. Dennis. 
1876. 

Julius Langheim. 
Frederick Kautz. 
George Murray. 
1877. 



Julius Langheim. 



A. J. Emeis. 
Thomas W. MeCausland. 
1878. 

A. J. Emeis, 

Tliomas W. MeCausland. E. S. Newton, 

H. S. Garlock. 
187y. 

E. S. Newton, 
H. Thomson, 
Louis Schworm. 
1880. 

T. W. MeCausland, 
E. S. Newton, 
Louis Schworm. 
1881. 

Louis Schworm, 
John S. Ackley, 
F. A. Quistorf. 
1882. 

John S. Ackley, 
Caspar Foster, 
Henry C. Chapman. 



George Murray, 



T. W. MeCausland, 
H. S. Garlock, 



II. F. Laverenz, 
H. S. Garlock, 



T. W. MeCausland, 
H. F. Laverenz, 



T. W. MeCausland, 
F. A. Quistorf, 



CHAPTER II. 

SCIENTIFIC. 

GEOLOGY OF SCOrr COUNTY, HY A. S. TIFFANY. 

Scott County is bounded on the south and east by the Mississippi 
River, and on the north by tlie Wapsipinecon. Tliese streams liave 
cut througli the superficial deposits and have invaded tlie underly- 
ine: rocks for a considerable depth. The lowest rocks ex]X)sed in 
the county are the Niagara limestone, Upper, Silurian series, 
whicli is exposed from east of Crow Creek, in Pleasant Valley 
township, through the eastern and northern boundaries of the 
comity. It is also exposed in the beds of most of the tributaries to 
the above named rivers throughout the northern and eastern por- 
tions of the county. It is a light-butl crystalline magnesian lime- 
stone, which makes a superior quality of quicklime. The organic 
remains it contains are, some of them, common to that group of 
rocks throughout the United States, and some of them are common 
in tlie same group of rocks in Europe. 

The next rock, in ascending order, is the Le Claire quarry rock. 
It deserves more than a passing notice, for its economic value as a 
dimension stone. It is easier wrought into the required shape, and 
more enduring than any other stone that has been used in the 
county. This stone may be examined at the comer of Brady and 
Seventh streets, Davenport, where it has been exposed to the most 
severe test for 27 years, yet sliows no signs of disintegration. 

Able geologists ditter in regard to t])e geological horizon of this 
rock. T'rof. James Hall, in his Report on the Geology of Iowa, 
page 74, regards it as tlie equivalent of tiie Onondaga salt 
group, and Prof. A. H. Worthen and Prof. C. A. White regard it 
as belonging to the Niagara group. The rock is almost destitute of 
organic remains, which leaves the student at sea with only lithol- 
ogy and super-position to determine its horizon. Its super-position 
cannot be studied successfully at Le Claire. Tiiere are, however, 
many places in Scott, Cedar, Clinton and Jones Counties wliere 
the super-position of this formation can be studied with some suc- 
cess, with the conclusion that it is superior to the Niagara. Tlie 
Niagara rocks had been land, and consequently subject to denuding 

(281) 



•282 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

agencies, foi- a lon^ periled before the formation under consideration 
had begun to be deposited. These older rocks had been deeply 
scored and grooved by the channels of drainage. Dui-ing tliis pe- 
riod many hundreds of feet of Silurian rock were deposited in the 
State of New York. 

When subsidence had brought the Niagara group below the 
ocean again, tlie deposition of the rocks under consideration took 
place, tilling the interstices iu the Niagara group. Being thus ])ro- 
tected by the older and harder Niagara rocks, they have escaped 
subsequent erosion, while tftehigherportions, which once connected 
these numerous outlines, have been swept away. 

There is a tine exposure of this rock on tiie south side of the 
Wapsipinecon River, six miles above Oxford Mills, where a hundred 
feet of strata may be seen, the top thin and fissile and somewhat 
porous, the strata becoming thicker as \'0u descend to the base, 
where they attain a thickness of 20 to 30 inches, close and 
compact, the lines of bedding being a perfect plane, resting on 
the rough Niagara, which is elevated above the water line of 
the river; the bottom layers contain cavities lined with caleshar, 
and in some places iiint concretions. Prof. Hall, in the New York 
Report of the Geology of the Fourth District, page 142. Fig. 57, in 
describing the water lime grou]), figures some acicular crystals of 
sulphate of baryta, which are numerous in this group of rocks at 
Anamosa. I regard this group as the equivalent of the New York 
water lime. It is calcareous in the west, and contains too little 
silica and alumina for a cement. 

The Devonian comes next in ascending order. The lower mem- 
ber is known as the Corniferous or Upper Helderberg. It makes 
its appearance a little below the mouth of Crow Creek, on the river 
shore, in Pleasant Valley township, and has extended west of the 
city limits of Davenport. Duck Creek has cut its channel through 
this formation from where the Harrison street road crosses it to its 
mouth. It is for the most part a hard, compact, heavy-bedded 
limestone, breaking with a rough fracture. It endures exposure 
well, and makes a strong but dark-colored quicklime. There are a 
few feet of its strata variegated with drab and gray, which have 
been exposed near the Great Western Brewery. 

The most of this formation is destitute of organic remains. A 
few feet of the upper section of rock at the quarries west of Dav- 
enport have furnished many fossils, which are characteristic of 
the group in other States, among which we have Terabraturia-har- 




'^. 








t 



/ 




// I) 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 285 

monia, PUitijitorna-ventricosa, Naticopsis-hximuth, Parocelaa- 
o/iioensls, Protas-olarus, and tish remains. We have at this time 
collections of them in the hands of Professors St. John and 
Worthen, at Springfield, Illinois, for identification and description. 

The Hamilton group reposes on the Corniferous, where it has not 
been removed by erosion. The Hamilton shales make their first 
appearance in Le Claire's ravine, in Davenport. They are unknown 
east of that point in this county. The quarries previously men- 
tioned have a light covering of Hamilton remaining, which has not 
been removed by erosion. 

All the ravines in Buffalo township have made deep cuts through 
the Hamilton shales. On the Sauer farm, on section 13, the shales 
are largely made up of crinoid stems and bryozoa corals. The 
stems are for the most part white, set in buff and blue gangue. 
When polished they are very ornamental and have received the 
name of Iowa marble. 

At Buffalo the shales are developed at their full force. They are 
literally filled with organic remains, and have furnished a great vari- 
ety of good fossils to illustrate tiie life of the Devonian ocean. They 
become more calcareous west of Bufialo, and extend to the western 
extremity of the county adjacent to the river. 

The Kinderhook has been assigned to the sub-carboniferous by 
Professors A. H. Worthen and C. A. White. There are only a few 
small outlines remaining of this formation in the west end of the 
county. It is generally yellow and drab, soft arenaceous shale. It 
is exposed in several ravines in Buffalo township between the Ham- 
ilton group and the Coal Measures. 

COAL MEASURES. 

The Mississippi River has abraded its channel from about two 
miles below Le Claire to the western extremity of Scott County, 
through the Coal Measures, leaving remnants of shale and conglom- 
erate sand rock on either shore, generally remote from its margin. 
The lower coal vein. No. 1, which lies above and near the conglom- 
erate sand rock, is the only one which has been deposited in this 
county, and time justified Professor Hall's report. In his " Geol- 
ogy of Iowa," page 125, he says : "From all examinations made 
in this region, no evidence has been obtained of a second coal seam." 
18 



286 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 

Coal has been successfully mined in sections 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11, 
in Buffalo township, for many years. It is generally of excellent 
quality. This small outline will soon become exhausted and leave 
the people of this county dependent for their indispensable fuel to 
be brought from the Illinois or Central Iowa coal fields. There 
has already been a good deal of fruitless labor expended in search- 
' ing for coal in Buffalo, Blue Grass, Pleasant Yalley and Le Claire 
townships. It is possible there may be some small pockets of coal 
that would be productive in this long field of thin outlyers. but the 
chances of the expense being rewarded is exceedingly small. The 
Coal Measures rest unconforraably on the Kinderhook, Hamilton, 
Corniferous, and the Niagara groups — on the latter alone in Pleas- 
ant Valley and Le Claire townships. 

QUATEENAEY. 

A large portion of the country is heavily covered with drift, the 
boulder-clay forming the base reposing on the underlying rocks. It 
is composed of clay, sand, gravel and small boulders. It is unstrat- 
ified and attains a thickness in some places of 60 to 80 feet. The 
gravel it contains is for the most part priiBitire, but some of it is 
from the Paloeozoic rocks, and not unfrequently places of coal. Upon 
tliis boulder clay grew the old conifer forest. It is the period of the 
elephant and mastodon. This forest-bed was finally covered with 
the layers, probably to a depth of more than 100 feet. Subsequent 
erosion has removed this as well as the underlying boulder-clay 
along the river valleys, and has reduced its thickness on the divides, 
or high prairie land, to trom 40 to 60 feet. The loess is composed 
of clay, very finely commuted silica, with a little lime and oxide of 
iron. It furnishes all the brick stock of this country. The loess 
has been described by some authors to be unstratified, which 
proves to be a mistake. It is only when long and deep cuts have 
been made in the loess where its stratified character is made to 
appear. It is usually modified by slides from ten to fifteen hundred 
feet from its outcrop, which destroys the lines of deposition. 

GE0L0GICA.L EXAMINATION OF A SECTION OF BLUFFS AT DAVENPORT. 
BY PEOF. W. H. PRATT. 

1 have taken occasion to watch the progress of the excavation 
of the C, R. I. &P. R. R- track through the bluff" west of Daven- 
port and to note the arrangement and position of the deposits ex- 



HI8T0RT OF SCOTT COtTNTY. 287 

posed, and to collect specimens of all the relics of the ages which 
are to be found there. 

The surface of the prairie, which at this point extends to the 
edge of the bluiis, is somewhat undulating, highest almost at the 
extreme edge, and gently sloping backward toward the north. The 
cut is nearly in a north and south direction, and the deepest part 
is 44 feet below the prairie surface. 

Beneath the recent soil, which is one foot in depth, is about 20 
feet of the usual '"yellow clay" No. 2. The lines of stratification 
in this stratum consist principally of iron-stained streaks, and occa- 
sional thin layers of sandinterstratified, and frequently a distinctly 
laminated structure, the laminai being much curved. Many cal- 
careous sandy concretions of one or two ounces in weight are found 
in this yellow loam, which in all respects corresponds very closely 
with the loess of the valley of the Rhine, as described by Sir 
Charles Lyell, and indeed lie also alludes to the formation " which 
borders on the great plain of the Mississippi," as being of the same 
character. This loam also contains some shells, among which are 
found Succinea ohliga, S. avara, Helieena occulta, Pupafallax and 
Helix striatella, extremely fragile, but unbroken, which latter fact, 
in connection with the general uniformity and horizontal position 
in the strata, shows that the whole must have been deposited in 
comparatively still waters. This clay makes excellent brick. 

Next below the yellow clay, the line of division being in some 
places not very distinct, is a layer, varying from three to five feet 
in thickness of bluish clay. No. 3, containing a few shells of some of 
the above-named species. This cla}' presents no lines of stratification 
whatever, and there seems to be strong indication of its having 
been thrown down rapidly and very soon after the submergence or 
overflow which changed this whole region into an immense fresh- 
water lake. 

The above described layer rests directly upon a bed, one foot 
thick, of brown peat, No. 4, which, when thoroughly dried, will 
burn, though it is very poor fuel. In some places the forms of the 
peat-mosB, Hypum aduncum, as determined by Prof. C. II. Peck, 
State Botanist of New York, are preserved; and considerable quan- 
tities of much decomposed corniferous wood, some pieces being 
several inches in diameter, are found distributed through the peat 
bed. As no roots are found penetrating the soil, it seems doubtful 
whether the wood grew in the immediate locality. 



288 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Below the peat is the '- ancient soil," No. 5, two feet in depth. 
This is a rich vegetable mold, of a dark brown color, much resem- 
•bling the peat itself, but more decomposed, more earthy, and darker. 

Both the soil and peat are- of very uniform thickness, and exactly 
horizontal, while the overlying strata correspond in some degree to 
the contour of the prairie surface. No shells or other fossils have 
as yet been observed in this soil. 

Underlying the old soil and extending to the bottom of the 
excavation — about 18 feet, and probably much lower — is the boulder 
drift, No. 6, consisting of a very tenacious " blue clay," intimately 
mixed with tine sand, and containing much gravel and small 
boulders, and growing coarser as we descend. No shells or other 
organic remains have been discovered here. The pebbles and 
boulders of this formation have all been smoothly water-worn, and 
very many of them have subsequently been scratched and ground 
by glacial action, of the prevalence of which, in this latitude, at 
some remote period, they aiford good additional evidence, fully in 
accordance with the "glacial theory" so ably maintained by Prof 
Agassiz, and now generally accepted as a truth. 

It is quite apparent that all these strata were deposited before 
the mighty river, which, at a later period, iilled the valley from 
hillside to hillside, had excavated its broad channel, and the blufis 
had assumed their present form, and before any strong currents 
were established in the waters which accomplished the work. This 
is shown from the fact that all the strata, including the old soil and 
peat bed, extend entirely unchanged to the edge of the bluff, out- 
cropping when not hidden from view .by land slides, or by the 
recent soil. 

A tusk, several molars and some bones of a mammoth {^Elepha^ 
prlmi genius) of a race whose last individual roamed over the con- 
tinent ages ago, were exhumed sometime since by the steam exca- 
vator, and traces were observed of other portions of the skeleton 
entirely decomposed. This was found at the junction of the 
yellow and bluish clays, three feet above the peat bed, indicating 
that the skeleton was deposited after the blue stratum, the body 
having floated there upon the waters, or the creature perhaps hav- 
ing "waded in" to his destruction. The tusk was considerably 
broken by the machine, but was nearly all secured. It was nearly 
seven feet in length, very much curved, and measures four and 
three-fourths inches in diameter at the base. One of the molars 
weighs nine and a half pounds. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 289 

One of the chief circumstances indicating that the cla}- No. 3, 
next above the forest bed, was deposited suddenly, is the appearance 
of an ancient ditch, which was cut through the peat bed and soil, 
and considerably below, its whole depth being about six feet. It 
would seem that it this iiad been exposed to the action of a 
flood of stil! waters for any considerable time, the black soil at its 
sides would have been softened and disintegrated, and settled 
down somewhat into the bottom, and the light-colored clay in set- 
tling gradually into the ditch, would necessarily have become more 
mixed with it, and if in running water it would still more certainly 
have been so. It is, however, distinct all the way down, the line 
between them being as sharp as a lead-pencil mark on paper. 

The clay within the ditch is as clean, and every way precisely the 
same, as that extending over the whole surface, and perfectly con- 
tinuous with it, and without the slightest appearance of separation. 

A sudden overflow of the clay upon this region might account 
for the position of the elephant bones several feet above the old 
surtace, by the animal being overwhelmed by it, and perishing 
there. 

MOUND NO. 3, cook's FAKM GROUP.* 
BY REV. J. GASS. 

Mound No. 3 is the largest of this group, and is situated on the 
highest ground in the vicinity. Its diameter at the base is about 
60 feet and height three and one-half feet above the natural 
grade. Having been many years under cultivation, its height has 
doubtless been thereby somewhat reduced. The form is not coni- 
cal, but considerably flattened. It is a so-called double mound, 
there being in the central portion two graves, extending east and 
west, and parallel to each other, separated by three to four feet of 
earth, and excavated to a depth of two and one-half feet below the 
natural surface, reaching to the hard clay in the middle of the 
excavation, which is sloping on all sides, giving it a concave form, 
though flattened at the bottom. The actual mound raised over the 
whole is now only three to four feet above the original surface, and 
presents somewhat the form of a cone. 

When in the latter part of 1874 I, with the assistance of W. 
Engelbrecht, E. Borgelt and 11. Decker, who were at that time 
theological students, explored the other mounds of this group, I 



* From the Proceedings of the Davenport Academy of Science. 



290 HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

opened at the same time the southern grave of this mound, the 
details of which work I here give in full, from notes taken at the 
time. 

We made an opening several feet in width, and, as we afterward 
found, three or four feet to the south of the grave, in the southern 
part. At the depth of one foot we found a scattered layer of lime- 
stone, under which was a stratum of earth about one foot deep. At 
the southern side of this opening, one and one-half feet from the 
surface, we discovered two human skeletons. From the condition 
of these skeletons, and from their arrangement, and the nature of 
the objects found associated with them, it is clearly shown that 
they belong to our century, and not to the age of Mound-Builders, 
the bones being in a good state of preservation, and, as is often 
found in Indian graves, covered with the boughs of oak-trees. 

The objects found with these bones were a tine steel, a common 
clay pipe, a number of shell and glass beads and a silver ear-ring. 
A few of the bones exhibit some cuts, made apparently by sharp 
teeth or some cutting instrument. It should also be remarked that 
fragments of human bones were found scattered through the earth 
at about the same depth as the skeletons above referred to, — one 
and one-half feet below the surface. 

Immediately beneath the above mentioned skeletons was found 
a thin layer of river shells, from one to two inches in thickness, 
which sloped slightly toward the north. At the south side of this 
excavation, about two feet below the surface, we found a large quan- 
tity of ashes. This bed of ashes was beyond the circumference of 
the shell layer, hence we cannot positively determine whether the 
ashes had been placed there by the Mound-Builders. 

The layer of shells above ' mentioned rested upon a stratum of 
earth 12 inches in depth, under which was found a second bed 
of shells, three or four inches in thickness. This second layer of 
shells sloped more abruptly to the northward, which induced us to 
proceed in that direction, until we reached what proved to be the 
south side of the grave. There, at the depth of about two feet be- 
low the second shell bed, about five and one-half feet below the 
surface, were discovered three skeletons, two of adults, and the third 
that of a child, lying in a horizontal position on the hard clay, with 
the heads to the west and the feet to the east. The small skeleton 
was lying between the two larger ones. 

At the east end of the grave we found several small fragments 
of skulls. All of the bones were covered with loose black earth, 
occupying the space between them and the lower shell bed. Im- 



HISTORY OF SCOrr C'OUN'IT. 291 

mediately in contact with the bones of the child's skeleton were a 
large number of copper beads. About three inches above the south- 
ernmost of the two larger skeletons and near the right shoulder 
were discovered two copper axes lying side by side, with the sharp 
edges toward the south. 

Near the northernmost skeleton were found three copper axes 
in the same relative position except that they were about two feet 
above the bottom of the grave, and imtnediately beneath the lower 
layer of shells. Nos. 1 and 2 were lying side by side with the 
sharp edge toward the south, and No. 4 lying across them with 
the edge westward. All the axes had been wrapped in cloth, 
which was more or less imperfectly preserved. A few ot the bones 
of the child were of a greenish color, quite well preserved, proba- 
bly b}' the action of the copper; while the rest of them, as well as 
those of other skeletons, crumbled in pieces as soon as removed. 
Just north of the northernmost large skeleton, and in a small 
cavity excavated at the north side of the grave, were found the fol- 
lowing articles: 1st, A number of small red stones arranged in the 
form of a star, about three inches in diameter; 2d, Two carved 
stone pipes, one having the form of the ground hog and the other 
a plain one; 3d, Several canine teeth of the bear, etc. ; 4th, One 
arrow head; 5th, One large broken pot. with bones of the turtle ad- 
hering to the inside of thefragments; 6th, Two pieces of galena; 
7th, A lump of yellow ochre. Here I would also mention that at 
each end of this grave were found several stones of a few pounds 
weight each. 

The fact that the bottom of this grave sloped upward and out 
ward in all directions, confirmed our opinion that all the contents 
of this mound had been discovered and a further search would be 
useless. Messrs. Farquharson, Tiffany and Pratt, to whom full 
permission was given to prosecute a further search, concurred in 
this opinion, and did not think it advisable to avail themselves of 
the opportunity. The work on this mound was therefore discon- 
tinued, and operations commenced in an adjacent one. 

In tilling the field containing these mounds, many shells were 
turned up by the plow, on the north side of mound No. 3. This cir- 
cumstance led me to believe that the shell layer extended further 
to the north than I had formerly supposed, and to consider it prob- 
able that on the side opposite to the former excavation, on the 
northern slope of the mound, a second grave might be found north 
of the first, or some other reason must exist for the extension of 
the shell layer so far in this direction. 



292 HISTORY OF SCOT!' COl'Na'Y. 

My iatention to begin in the latter part of the summer the work 
of a second excavation was repeatedlj' frustrated by the unusual 
wetness of the ground and various private hindrances, until the 
early settings of severe winter weather made it seem advisable to 
postpone operations until spring. Learning, however, in Decem- 
ber, that the farm was rented to a new tenant, who was to take 
possession on the first of March, 1877, and that after that date the 
permission to excavate, which had heretofore been freely granted, 
could no longer be obtained, the shortness of the time remaining 
induced me to commence a new exploration, in spite of the difE- 
cnlties attending such work in winter, the ground being frozen to 
the depth of about two and one-half feet. Accordingly, on the 
10th of January, the weather having somewhat moderated, I com- 
menced the work, assisted by Messrs. Willrodt and Stroltzenan, 
aided also by live other men, whose curiosity attracted them to the 
spot. 

Commencing on the north side of the mound, about 15 feet 
northwest of one grave, and, as we afterward found, about six feet 
from another grave, we made an opening several feet in diame- 
ter. Five or six inches below the surface we came upon a shell 
layer one or two inches in thickness, which sloped downward to- 
ward the southeast, until at a distance of four or five feet it reached 
the depth of two feet, or rather more, from the surface. 

Between the sui'face and this tirst laj-er of shells a number of 
human bones were found scattered through the soil; also a num- 
ber of stones, which, as was afterward observed, were more nu- 
merous over the second grave. Associated with these bones, 
which, like those on the other side of the mound, were doubtless of 
modern times, we found a few glass beads and fragments of a brass 
ring. This layer of shells rested upon a stratum of earth from 12 
to 15 inches in thickness; and beneath this was a second layer of 
shells. This layer was from three to four inches thick, and in 
a sloping position, nearly parallel with the upper layer. These 
indications caused us to continue our excavations in this direction, 
and SI) we reached the nortliwest corner of the second grave. 
Here the shell layer was live inches thick. Below this layer was 
a stratum of loose, black soil or vegetable mold, of 18 or 20 inches, 
resting on the firm, undisturbed cla}'. In this soil were discovered 
fragments of human bones, and small pieces of "coal slate," or 
bituminous shale. 



HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 293 

Tliese circumstances arrested particular attention, and caused 
mo to proceed with more caution, until soon after — about five 
o'clock in the afternoon — we discovere'i the two inscribed tablets 
of coal slate, which, with other relics from the mound, are now in 
the museum of the Academy. The two tablets were lying close 
together on the hard clay, in the northwest corner of the grave, 
about five and one-half teet below the surface of the mound, the 
larger one to the soutliward and the smaller one north of it. The 
smaller one is engraved on one side only, and the larger one on both 
sides. The larger one was lying with that side upward which was 
somewhat injured by a stroke of the spaile. and the smaller one 
with the engraved side upward. They were covered on both sides 
with clay, on removal of which the markings were for the first 
time discovered. A number of fragments of the coal slate lay in 
the immediate vicinity of the tablets. It should also be remarked 
that I did not leave the mound, after penetrating through the frost, 
until the tablets were discovered and taken from their resting-place 
with my own hands. 

South of the tablets, in the southwest corner of the grave, were 
found a few pieces of skull-bones, of which one piece was saturated 
with the green carbonate of copper. Also, several pieces of hu- 
man cervical vertebrae, a small bit of copper, and an artificially 
wrought bone. In this grave were a great number of bones of the 
body, and also in the northeast corner, as in the southwest corner 
above mentioned, .some j>ieces of skull and bones of the neck. It 
seems probable that liere had been two skeletons, h'ing one with 
the heail to the west and the other to the east, but this cannot be 
positively determined. 

About two and one-lialf feet esist of the west end, at the south 
side of the grave, and about three inches from the bottom, we found 
a copper ax, which exhibited no indications of having been wrap- 
ped in cloth, and two feet still farther east, on the same side of the 
grave, a few copper beads, fragments of pottery, and a piece of 
yellow pigment. A jiiece of mica, two crystals of "dog-tooth,'' 
some flakes of selenite, and a flint arrow-head were afterward 
found. In all parts of this grave, above the bones, we found many 
pieces of rotten wood, and. in one instance, a piece of bone about 
three inches in length, apinireiitly artificially wrought. 

The two shell layers over the second grave were united toward 
the middle of the mound, and formed a continuous layer with the 
shells in the southern part, showing that both of the graves were 



/ 

294 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

covered at the same time. These layers were lowest immediately 
over each grave. The shell-beds are composed of the species of 
river shells common in this vicinity, having been separated. They 
extend about two or three feet beyond the graves in every direction, 
terminating in a border of stone, fitted closely together, and form" 
ing on the north and south sides a layer of about two feet in width, 
and on the east and west sides consisting of only a single row. 

Over the middle of the broad layer of stones on the north side 
was found a bed of aslies and a number of human bones, at the 
junction of the layer of shells and stones at the northwest corner, 
and immediately beneath them a few fragments of bones, with cuts 
or scratches, like those described, found on the south side. It was 
remarked that in the earth near the surface of all parts of the 
mound were found more or less of human bones, showing that it 
was used as a burial place in comparatively modern times. Pieces 
of pottery were found at the top of this mound, also at the top of 
other mounds of this group. 

I subsequently made a further exploration of the mound, and it 
was at this time that the copper ax, a number of copper-beads and 
fragments of pottery and yellow pigment, mentioned in the de- 
scription of this mound, were obtained. The value of these articles 
in themselves is scarcely commensurate with the expense incurred, 
but the opportunity thus afforded for further observations upon the 
structure of the mound was very desirable, and has given us a better 
understanding of the whole, and I would present my thanks to the 
Academy for thus having enabled me to prosecute the work to 
completion, and to present a fuller description of the entire struc- 
ture. 

After finding the tablets, some intruders entered the excavation 
in our absence and took some relics, which, however,! was fortunate 
enough to obtain from them. These were some pieces of mica, 
some cr^'stals of dog-tooth-spar, flakes of selenite, and an arrow 
head, which are also in tlie Academy Museum, with the ax and 
other articles above mentioned. 

I now have to also reoort that in other places in the immediate 
vicinity, and to the southward of this group, where mounds are 
supposed to exist, I have made a careful examination by boring a 
great number of holes and examining the earth from diiferent depths. 
We found in each case a number of stones, as in the other mounds, 
and below these stones only sand and gravel and the hard clay, 
but no indications of shells, human bones or other artificial de- 
posits, and hence concluded them to be only natural elevations. 



CHAPTER III. 
PIONEER LIFE. 

One of the most interesting phases of national or local history 
is that ot a settlement of a new country. What was the original 
state in which the pioneer found the country, and how was it made 
to blossom as the rose? 

Pioneer life in Scott County finds its parallel in almost every 
county in the State, and throughout the entire West. The beauti- 
ful prairies were to be robbed of their natural ornaments and the 
hand of art was to assist in their decoration. Who was to under- 
take this work? Were they qualified for the task* What will be 
the effect of their labors upon future generations? 

EAKLY MANNEKS AND CUSTOMS. 

The young men and women of to-day have little conception of the 
mode of life among the early settlers of the country. One can 
hardly conceive how great a change has taken place in so short a 
time. In no respect are the habits and manners of the people sim- 
ilar to those of 60 years ago. The clothing, the dwellings, the 
diet, the social customs, have undergone a total revolution, as 
though a new race had taken possession of the land. 

In a new country, far removed from the conveniences of civili- 
zation, where all are compelled to build their own houses, make their 
own clothing and procure for themselves the means of subsistencCj 
it is to be expected that their dwellings and garments will be rude. 
These were matters controlled b}' surrounding circumstances and 
the means at their disposal. The earliest settlers constructed whaf 
were termed " three-faced camps," or, in other words, three walls, 
leaving one side open. They are described as follows: The walls 
were built about seven feet high, when poles were laid across at a 
distance of about three feet apart, and on these a roof of clapboards 
was laid, which were kept in place by weight poles placed on them. 
The clapboards were about four feet in length and from eight 
inches to ]2 inches in width, split out of white oak timber. Ko 
floor was laid in the "camp." The structure required neither door, 

(205) 



296 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

window, nor chimney. The one side left out of the cabin answered for 
all these purposes. In front of the open side was built a large log 
heap, which served for warmth in cold weather and for cooking 
purposes in all seasons. Of course there was an abundance of light, 
and, on either side of the fire, space to enter in and out. These 
" three-faced camps '' were probably more easily constructed than 
the ordinary cabin, and was not the usual style of a dwelling-house. 
The cabin was considered a material advance for comfort and 
home life. This was, in almost every case, built of logs, the space 
between the logs being filled in with split sticks of wood, called 
"chinks," and then daubed over, both in side and outside, with mortar 
made of clay. The floor, sometimes, was nothing more than earth 
tramped hard and smooth, but commonly made of " puncheons," 
or split logs, with the split side turned upward. The roof was 
made by gradually drawing in the top to the ridge-pole, and, on 
cross pieces, laying the "clapboards," svhich, being several feet in 
length, instead of being nailed, were held in place by poles laid on 
them, called " weight poles," reaching the length of the cabin. For 
a fire-place, a space was cut out of the logs on one side of the room, 
usually about six feet in lengtli, and three sides were built up of 
logs, making an ofl'set in the wall. This was lined with stone, if 
convenient; if not, then earth. The flue, or upper part of the chim- 
ney, was built of small split sticks, two and a half or three feet in 
length, carried a little space above the roof, and plastered over with 
clay, and when finished was called a •• cat-and-clay" chimney. The 
door space was also made by cutting an aperture in one side of the 
room of the required size, the door itself being made of clapboards 
secured by wooien pins to two cross-pieces. The hinges were also 
of wood, while the fastening consisted of a wooden latch catch- 
ing on a hook of the same material. To open the door from the 
outside, a strip of buckskin was tied to the latch and drawn through 
a hole a few inches above the latch-bar, so that on pulling the string 
the latch was lifted from the catch or hook, and the door was opened 
without further trouble. To lock the door, it was only necessary 
to pull the string through the hole to the inside. Here the family 
lived, and here the guest and wayfayer were made welcome. The 
living room was of good size, but to a large e.xtent it was all — 
kitchen, bed-room, parlor and arsenal, with flitches of bacon and 
rings of dried pumpkin suspended trom the rafters. In one corner 
were the loom and other implements used in the manufacture of 
clothing, and around the ample fireplace was collected the kitchen 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 297 

fnrniture. The clothing lined one side of the sleeping apartment, 
suspended from pegs driven in the logs. Hemp and flax were gen- 
erally raised, and a few sheep kept. Out of these the clothing for 
the family and the sheets and coverlets were made by the females 
of the house. Over the door was placed the trusty rifle, and just 
back of it hung the powder-horn and hunting-pouch. In the well- 
to-do families, or when crowded on the ground floor, a loft was 
sometimes made to the cabin for a sleeping place and the storage 
of " traps " and articles not in common use. The loft was reached 
by a ladder secured to the wall. Generally the bed-rooms were sepa- 
rated from the the living-room by sheets and coverlets suspended 
fi'om the rafters, but until the means of making these partition 
walls were ample, they lived and slept in the same room. 

Familiarity with this mode of living did away with much of the 
discomfort, but as soon as the improvement could be made, there 
was added to the cabin an additional room, or a '• double log cabin," 
being substantially a " three-faced camp, " with alog room on each 
end and containing a loft. The furniture in the cabin corresponded 
with the house itself The articles used in the kitchen were as few 
and simple as can be imagined. A '"Dutch oven," or skillet, a long- 
handled frying pan, an iron pot or kettle, and sometimes a coffee- 
pot, constituted the utensils of the best furnished kitchen. A little 
later, when a stone wall formed the base of the chimney, a long 
iron " crane " swung in the chimney-place, which on its " pot-hook" 
carried the boiling kettle or heavy iron pot. The cooking was all 
done on the flre-place and at the lire, and the style of cooking was 
as simple as the utensils. Indian, or corn meal was the common 
flour, which was made into " pone " or " corn-dodger," or " hoe- 
cake," as the occasion or variety demanded. The "' pone " and 
the •' dodger " was baked in the Dutch oven, which was first set on 
a bed of glowing coals. When the oven was filled with the dough, 
the lid, already heated on the fire, was placed on the oven and 
covered with hot embers and ashes. When the bread was done it 
was taken from the oven and placed near the fire to keep warm while 
some other food was being prepared in the same oven for the forth- 
coming meal. The " hoe-cake " was prepared in the same way as 
the dodger — that is, a stift' dough was made of the meal and water, 
and, taking as much as could conveniently be held in both hands, it 
was molded into the desired shape by being tossed from hand to 
hand, then laid on a board or flat stone placed at an angle before 
the fire aiid jjattei down to the required thickness. In the fall and 



298 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

early winter, cooked pumpkin was added to the meal dough, giving 
a flavor and richness to the bread not attained bj the modern 
methods. In the oven from which the bread was taken, the venison 
or ham was then fried, and, in the winter, lye hominy, made from 
the unbroken grains of corn, added to the frugal meal. The woods 
abounded in honey, and of this the early settlers had an abundance 
the year round. For some years after settlements were made, the 
corn meal formed the staple commodity for bread. 

These simple cabins were inhabited by a kind domestic industry 
and happiness rarely elsewhere to be found. 

It is well for " Young America ' ' to look back on those early 
days. It involved a life of toil, hardship, and the lack of many 
comforts, but it was the life that made men of character. Scott 
County to-day has no better men than the immediate descendants 
of those who built their cabins in the forest, and by patient en- 
durance wrought out of the wilderness the landmarks for a pros- 
perous commonwealth. One of these writes that " the boys were 
required to do their share of the hard labor of clearing up the farm, 
for much of the country now under the plow was at one time 
heavily timbered, or was covered with a dense thicket of hazel and 
voung timber. Our visits were made with ox teams, and we 
walked, or rode on horseback, or in wagons to ' meeting.' The boys 
' pulled,' ' broke ' and ' hackled ' flax, wore tow shirts, and indulged 
aristocratic feelings in fringed ' hunting-shirts,' ' coon-skin caps,' 
' picked ' and ' carded ' wool ijy hand, and ' spooled ' and ' quilled ' 
yarn for the weaving till the back ached." 

Industry such as this, supported by an economy and frugality 
from which there was then no escape, necessarily brought its own 
reward. The hard toil made men old before their time, but 
beneath their sturdy blows they saw not only the forest pass away, 
but the fields white with the grain. Change and alterations were 
to be expected, but the reality has distanced the wildest conjecture; 
and, stranger still, multitudes are still living who witnessed not 
only the face of nature undergoing a change, about them, but the 
manners, customs and industries of a whole people almost wholly 
changed. Many an old pioneer sits by his fireside in his easy chair, 
with closed eyes, and dreams of the scenes of the long ago. 

WEDDINGS. 

The wedding was an attractive feature of pioneer life. There was 
no distinction of life and very little of fortune. On these accounts 
the first impressions of love generally resulted in marriage. The 



KISTORT OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 299 

family establishment cost but little labor — nothing more. The 
marriage was always celebrated at the Iiouse of the bride, and she 
was generally left to choose the officiating clergyman. A wedding, 
however, engaged the attention of the whole neighborhood. It was 
anticipated by both old and j'oung with eager expectation. In the 
morning of the wedding day the groom and his intimate friends 
assembled at the house of his father, and after due preparation, de- 
parted, en masse, for the " mansion " of his bride. The journey 
was sometimes made on horseback, sometimes on foot, and some 
times in farm wagons and carts. It was alwaj's a merry journey; 
and to insure merriment the bottle was always taken along. On 
reaching the house of the ])ride the marriage ceremony took place, 
and then dinner or supper was served. After the meal the dancing 
commenced, and generally lasted until the following morning. The 
figures of the dances were three and four handed reels, or square 
sets and jigs. The commencement was always a square four, which 
was followed by what pioneers called "jigging;" that is, two of the 
four would single out for a jig, and were followed by the remaining 
couple. The jigs were often accompanied by what was called "cut- 
ting out," that is, when either of the parties became tired of the 
dance, on intimation, the place was supplied by some one of the 
company, without interruption of the dance. In this way the 
reel was often continued until the musician was exhausted. 
About nine or ten o'clock in the evening a deputation of young 
ladies stole off the bride and put her to bed. In doing this they 
had to ascend a ladder from the kitchen, which was composed of 
loose boards. Here, in the pioneer bridal chamber, the young, 
simple-hearted girl was put to bed by her enthusiastic friends. 
This done, a deputation of young men escorted the groom to the 
same department, and placed him snugly by the side of his bride. 
The dance still continued, and if the seats were scarce, which was 
generally the case, says a local witness, every j'oung man, when 
not engaged in the dance, was obliged to offer his lap as a seat 
for one of the girls, and this offer was sure to be accepted. Dur- 
ing the night's festivities spirits were freely used, but seldom to 
excess. The infare was held on the following evening, where the 
same order of exercises was observed. 

SHAKES. 

Another feature of pioneer life which every old settler will viv- 
idly recall was the " chills and fever." " fever and ague," or 
"shakes," as it was variously called. It was a terror to new comers, 



300 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

for in the fall of the year almost everybody was afflicted with it. It 
was no respecter of persons; everybody looked pale and sallow as 
though frost-bitten. It was not contagious, but derived from im- 
pure water and air, wliich was always developed in the opening up 
of a new country of rank soil like that of Scott County. The 
impurities continued to absorb from day to da}', and from week to 
week, until the whole corporate body becomes saturated with it as 
with electricity; and then the shock came; and the shock was a 
regular shake, witli a fixed beginning and ending, coming on in 
some cases each day, but generally on alternate days, with a regu- 
larity that was surprising. After the shakes came the fever, and 
this "last estate was worse than the first;" it was a burning hot fever 
and lasted for hours. When you had the chill you couldn't 
get warm, and when you had the fever you couldn't get cool. 
It was exceedingly awkward in this respect — indeed it was. 
Not would it stop for any contingency; not even a wedding in the 
family would stop it. It was imperative and tyrannical. When 
the appointed time came around, everything else had to be stopped 
to attend to its demands. It didn't even have any Sundays or holi- 
days. After the fever went down you still didn't feel much better; 
you felt as though you had gone through some sort of a collision, 
threshing machine, or jarring machine, and came out, not killed, 
but next thing to it. You felt weak, as though you had run too 
far after something, and then didn't catch it. You felt languid, 
stupid and sore, and was down in the mouth and heel, and partially 
raveled out. Your back was out of fix, your head ached and your 
appetite was crazy. Your eyes had too much white in them; your 
ears, especially after taking quinine, had too much roar in them, 
and your wliole body and soul were entirely woe-begone, disconso- 
late, sad, poor and good for nothing. You didn't think much ot 
yourself and didn't believe that other people did either; and yon 
didn't care. You didn't quite make up your mind to commit sui- 
cide, but sometimes wished some accident would happen to knock 
either the malady or yourself out of existence. You imagined that 
even the dogs looked at you with a sort of commiseration. You 
thought the sun had a sort of sickly shine about it. About this 
time you came to the conclusion that you would not take the whole 
State as a gift; and if you had the strength and means you would 
pick up Hannah and the baby, and your traps, and go back 
" yauder " to " Old Virginny," the " Jarseys," Maryland or " Penn- 
sylvany." 




0S^ ^5^ 





i^^, 



, i 



<^^ 



HISTORY OF scorr county. 303 

And to-day, the swallows flitting 
Round ray cabin, see me sitting 
Moodily within the sunshine, 

Just inside my silent door, 
Waiting for the 'ager,' seeming 
Like a man forever dreaming ; 
And the sunlight on me streaming 

Throws CO shadow on the floor ; 
For I am too thin and sallow 

To make shadows on the floor — t 

Nary shadow any more! 

The foregoing is not a mere picture of the imagination. It is 
simply recounting in quaint phrase what actually occurred in hun- 
dreds of cases. Whole families would sometimes be sick at one 
time, and not one member at all able to wait upon another. 
Labor or exercise always aggravated the malady, and it took Gen- 
eral Laziness a long time to thrash the enemy out. These were 
the days for swallowing all sorts of roots and " yarbs " and whisky 
straight, with some faint hope of relief. Finally, when the case 
wore out, the last remedy got the credit of the cure. 

WOLF HUNTING. 

" In early days more mischief was done by wolves than by any 
otlier wild animal, and no small ]iart of the mischief consisted in 
their almost constant' barking at night, which always seemed men- 
acing and frightful to the settlers. Like mosquitoes, tlie noise they 
made appeared to be about as dreadful as tlie real depredations 
they committed. The most effectual, as well as the most exciting, 
method of ridding the country of these liateftil pests, was that 
known as the "circularwolf hunt," by which all the men and boys 
would turn out on an appointed day, in a kind of circle, comprising 
many square miles of territory, with horses and dogs, and then 
close up toward the center field of operation, gathering, not only 
wolves, but also deer and many smaller " varmint.'" Five, ten, or 
more wolves, by tliis means, would be killed in a single day. The 
men would be organized with as much system as a small army, 
everyone being posted in tlie meaning oi every signal and the ap- 
plication of every rule. Guns were scarcely ever allowed to be 
brought on such occasions, as their use would be unavoidably dan- 
gerous. The dogs were depended ujion for the final slaughter. 
The dogs, by the way, had all to be held in check by a cord in the 
19 



304 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

hands of their keepers until the final signal was given to let them 
loose, when away they would all go to the center of battle and a 
more exciting scene would follow than can easily be described. 

EELIGION. 

The religious element in the life of the pioneer was such as to 
attract tlie attention of those living in more favored places. The 
pioneer was no hypocrite. If he believed in horse-racing, whisky- 
drinking, card-playing, or anything of like character, he practiced 
them openly and above board. If he was of a religious turn of 
mind he was not ashamed to own it. He could truthfully sing, 

I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, 
Or blush to speak his name. 

But the pioneer clung to the faith of his fathers, for a time, at 
least. If he was a Presbyterian he was not ashamed of it, but 
rather prided himself on being one of the elect. If a Methodist, 
he was one to the fullest extent. He prayed long and loud if 
the spirit moved him, and cared nothing for the empty forms of 
religion: 

A traveling Presbyterian minister, visiting this region of country 
at a very earl}' day, thus s])eaks of the sectarian feeling which 
then existed. 

"In these new religions, too, of the most absolute independ- 
ence, you see all the wanderings of human thought, every shade of 
faith, every degree of the most persevering attachment to precon- 
ceived opinions. You see, too, all degrees of pretension in relig- 
ion, followed by unhappy manifestations of the hoUowness of such 
pretensions. You meet, it is true, with more cheering circum- 
stances, and we sometimes are able to see that which we strongly 
wish to see. At one point you meet with a respectable Methodist 
and begin to feel an attachment to the profession. He next meets 
you with harmony and co-operation on his lips, and the next thing 
which you hear is you are being charged of being a fierce Calvin- 
ist, and that you have preached that "hell is paved with infants' 
skulls." While, perhaps, the society with which you are con- 
nected hear from an opposite quarter, and from a pretended friend, 
that in such a sermon you departed from the dicta of the great 
Master and are leading the people to the gulf of Armenianism. 
The Baptists are as exclusive as in the older regions. Even among 
our own brethren, it is well known that there is some feeling of a 



HI8T0RT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 305 

questionable nature, some rivalry between the pupils, the doctors 
and schools of Andover and Princeton. The Cumberland Presby- 
terians, with all the freshness of a new sect, are not found lacking 
in this order of things. Lastly, there are the Catholics, abundantly 
more imited in faith, in spirit, and in purpose than we are, who 
claim a kind of proscriptive right to the ground, on the pretext of 
prior possession. Add to these the followers of Elias Smith, and 
the multitudes of men who would be founders of new sects, and 
you will have some idea of the sectarian feeelings that you will 
have to encounter." 

But these sectarian feelings were not to last. Separated from 
the religious influences of the land of their birth, and seldom hear, 
ingthe gospel message, they were literally starving for the " bread 
of life," and the worthy minister, of whatever denomination, that 
chanced to call received a cordial welcome. The best the early 
pioneers had to give was at his service. All they required was 
that he be a true and faithful follower of Christ, and preach to 
them of a common salvation. 




CHAPTER ly. 

COURTS OP SCOTT COUNTY. 

"When Adam and Eve were placed in the garden of Eden, the 
Lord gave unto them laws requiring implicit obedience on pain of 
punishment for violation thereof. The existence of laws implies 
that there shall be courts of justice and officers to execute the laws. 

DISTRICT COURT. 

Scott County, on its organization, was made part of the second 
judicial district of the Territory of Wisconsin, Hon. David Irwin 
being the presiding judge thereof. In a small but well-preserved 
court record book, still among the archives of the clerk's office, 
at the court-house, can be seen the original records of the first 
District Court held in this county, in the fair hand-writing of the 
lamented Ebenezer Cook. 

The first entry made upon the records of the District Court is a 
certificate of the appointment of Ebenezer Cook, clerk of the 
court, bearing date May 30, 1838, and signed by David Irwin, pre- 
siding judge of the second judicial district of Wisconsin Terri- 
torv, and associate judge of the Supreme Court. Mr. Cook 
accepted the appointment and entered into bonds with John H. 
Sullivan and Adrian H. Davenport. This appointment was con- 
tinued by Judge Joseph Williams, the first presiding judge of 
the second judicial district of the Territory of Iowa, under date 
Oct. 4, 1838. 

It was further ordered by Judge Irwin that the seal ''hereunto 
attached" be until further notice recognized as the seal of the 
second judicial district for Scott County. This seal, be it known, 
bears no judicial impress, no scales of Justice, not even a vestige 
of Justice herself, in her usual blindfolded condition ; but simply 
the coat of arms of the United States as represented on one side of 
a good round silver quarter dollar, such money, in those primitive 
days being in vogue. As a seal of the court it is believed to have 
been as good as any other for the time being. 

(306) 



HISTORY OF SCO'n' COUNTY. 307 

So much having been effected in the interest of justice unto some, 
and law for everybody, nothing further appears to have been done 
until the following October. 

In 1S38 Hon. Joseph Williams was appointed judge of the 
second judicial district. Judge Williams was from Pennsylvania, 
and settled in Muscatine early in the year 183S. He was a man of 
good talents, though not of judicial mind. As a public speaker, he 
was considered one of the best in the Territory. He was said to 
have been a natural orator, his powers of mimicry and facial 
expression being almost perfect. While on a visit East some years 
after, he met an old schoolmate and companion of his boyhood. 
The two together spent some happy hours in recalling the scenes 
of lon^ ago. Judge Williams wrote upon one of the books of his 
friend the following : 

'O, Jerry, Jerry, I've found you at last, 
And memory goes back to the scenes of the past, 
And I think of old Somerset's mountain of snow, 
When you were but Jerrj', and I was but Joe. 

Judge Williams opened court here on the 4th day of October, 
1838. The appointment of E. Cook as clerk was re-affirmed, and the 
" two bit " seal declared in full virtue. The court met in St. An- 
thony's church, a small building still standing in St. Anthony's 
church grounds and now used as a part of a school-house. Father 
Palamorgues, the then Catholic priest in charge, deemed it no dese- 
cration of the holy place to have it temporarily used as a temple 
of justice. It was a building of a single room, and small at that, 
hence afforded no accommodations for juries. Down Front street, 
three doors east of Main, was a low, two-story building, the prop- 
erty of Geo. L. Davenport, but partially completed, though the 
loxoa Sun had been darting its rays from the upper story since the 
previous August; — here was found a room in which the first Scott 
County grand and petit juries held their deliberations. The build- 
ing was afterward finished, and became the first family residence 
of Mr. Daveport. ) 

Frazer Wilson was appointed deputy marshal for this term of 
court, the marshal of the Territory not being present. 

The first business transacted was the issuing of a venire for a 
grand jury returnable forthwith, whereupon the marshal sub- 
poenaed the following named jurors: John Work, James 0. Kelley, 
J. A. Birchard, L. S. Colton, R. H. Spencer, James Mc lutosh, 
Walter B. Warren, Caleb H. Gardner, James Hall, Andrew Logan, 



308 HISTOKT OF SCOTT COITNTT. 

Luman, M. Strong, Benjamin W. Clark, Jacob Heller, Philip 
Suites, William L. Cook, Samuel Hedges, A. J. Hyde, John Rob- 
inson, Isaac Hantley, John Lewis, Ira Cook and Smith Mounts. 
R. H. Spencer was appointed foreman. 

After being charged the jury retired, and after spending some 
time returned into court, and by their foreman reported that they 
had no business before them. They were each allowed for one day'^s 
attendance and mileage from their place of residence, after which 
they were discharged from any farther attendance at this term as 
grand jurors. 

On motion of Gilbert C. R. Mitchell, Rufus Harvey, of Rock 
Island, 111., was admitted to practice at the Scott County bar, the 
first to be admitted before the local court. 

On motion by the same, Simeon Meredith was also admitted, and 
there being no district attorney, he was by the judge appointed 
to that position pro tempore. 

Jonathan W. Parker was also admitted to practice. 

On motion of the district attorney the venire for the original 
grand jury was set aside, and a venire de novo for a grand jury was 
awarded, and made returnable forthwith. The sheriff reported as 
follows : 

Wheeler Hedges, W. B. V. Franks, Samuel Hedges, Alfred 
White, M. J. Lyman, J. M. Robertson, John R. Spicer, Isaac Haw- 
ley, W. L. Cook, L. S. Cotton, John Forrest, L. M. Strong, John 
Work, John Robinson, Ephraim Knapp, James Thompson, A. J- 
Patten, W. H. Patten, Cheney Munger, Seth F. Whiting. 

Wheeler Hedges and W. B.V. Franks were excused from attend- 
ance. The jury as impaneled were sworn in, with Samuel Hedges 
as foreman. The jury was charged and retired to consider busi- 
ness. 

The first term of the Scott County District Court lasted for three 
days. On the third day the venire which was placed in the hands 
of the sheriff on the first day for a petit jury was returned. The 
names of those selected were as follows: Roswell H. Spencer, A. J. 
Patten,^James Mackintosh,Walter B.Warren, Jacob Heller, Ephraim 
Lane, John Lewis, Andrew J. Hyde, William H. Baker, Caleb h. 
Gardner, Robert Mackintosh, Daniel Wilson, Richard Peace, John 
Squires, M. A. Harrington, James Hall, Cheney Munger. 

Why there were but 18 is an open question. The jury was re- 
turned Oct. 6, 1838, but on examination of the records of the 
county commissioners, we find that on the fourth of the preceding 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COtTNTY. 309 

May, a panel of 24 was announced as " the petit jury of the lirst 
term of the District Court of Scott County." There are no records 
of such a term being held, and no one now living whom the writer 
has met can give any account of it. The records of the commission- 
ers show that of the 2-i called by the board only 11 came. 

Tiie jury impaneled Oct. 7 was discharged on the same day, 
and the proper allowance oi per diem, and mileage allowed. 

The first case docketed in the District Court was that of J. A. 
Birchard, Jr., Administrator, vs. Horatio G. Stone, C. C. Applegate, 
William Stacy, and Alfred "White, in which leave to file declaration 
was granted. 

The second was that of Paul Fullmer, vs. ilartin W. Smith and 
Piiilip Suiter. The defendants were the owners of a mill, just 
below the present city of Le Claire. Various cases followed, in 
which Elias Moore, Jacob Parlin, IJenjamin "W. Clark, William 
Gibbons, Otis Bennett, Piiiiana Brown, Smith Mounts, John Hen- 
ning, and various other parties were mixed up in the meshes of the 
law. The most interesting one, probably, was that of Alexander 
W. McGregor vs. John Wilson. In speaking of this case, the 
Democrat, of Davenport, says: '' Now the plaintiff was a lawyer, 
or had been before his coining West. He came with a considerable 
stock of goods, which he soon disposed of and then settled on a farm 
in the lower part of the township. As all men are liable to be 
elected to places of honor, so was McGregor elected to the Territorial 
Legislature which then had its sessions at Burlington. Men had 
axes to grind in those days as well as in this more advanced gen- 
eration, and John Wilson had a dull implement of that sort in 
connection with a coveted ferry franchise between Davenport and 
Rock Island. The story goes that AVilson induced McGregor to 
lend him a helping hand in this ferry job, with an understanding 
that iionest toil sliould not go unrefjuited. In fact, it is said some 
notes of hand were passed — the consideration of which had to do 
with able services to be rendered in Wilson's interest. There is a 
tradition among the old settlers that the labor was duly performed; 
but somehow Wilson became a defendant in court, the bone of 
contention being these promissory notes already alluded to. The 
suit was brought before John Forrest, Justice of the Peace, who 
after hearing the testimony and looking up the law points, 
satisfactorily, decided in favor of the plaintitf. 

" It is pretty generally noticed, even in this day, that when a 
party in a law suit loses his case, he thinks the judge, or jury, or 
the attorneys haven't done tlieir duty by him, and he wants to ap- 



310 HISTORY OF SCO'lT CODNTT. 

peal. If he has property to stand the racket of the law, there are 
plenty of good attorneys who will stand by hira to the end — the 
end of the cash balance anyhow. Wilson's pocket was thrifty and 
his blood up. He would appeal. But the justice conld see no use 
in that. He had decided the case just right, as he verily believed, 
and he would hear to nothing of the sort. But the records of the 
court show Judge Williams' order, that the inferior court have 
all the papers and proceedings thereof touching the McGregor- 
Wilson case brought before him by the opening of the court the 
next morning, or be attached. It is probable that the papers were 
forthcoming. 

"The judge and the parties to the suit are all dead and gone. 
The justice, now a venerable old man, is still a good citizen of 
Davenport. Mr. McGregor, having retired from fanning several 
years after the time hereof written, moved into the city and estab- 
lished a law office, and in time drifted into the banking business. 
Speaking of Mr. McGregor, it ma}' he in order to relate a practical 
joke in which he and Ebenezer Cook had a slight interest. Mc- 
Gregor being away from Davenport awhile, sought to surprise his 
friend, Mr. Cook, who, going to the postoffice one day, was sur- 
prised when Postmaster Eldridge handed him out a considerable 
pakage, oa which the postage amounted to $5.40. Postage was 
not prepaid then as now. The parcel was from Pekin, III. Mr. 
Cook looked it over in astonishment. He knew'no one at Pekin ; 
the handwriting, moreover, was not familiar. He was not a Roths- 
child, and $5.40 for the single item of postage was a good deal of 
specie. After much hesitation and not without some misgivings, 
he paid the postage and opened the package. Pebbles and saw- 
dust ! that and nothing more, save a mere scrap of writing, which 
revealed the identity of the sender. Whether Mr. Cook ever re 
taliated or not is not known. 

The cases already mentioned pertained to the first day's session 
of the District Court of the County of Scott, Territory of Iowa. A 
srrand jury had been called, also a petit jury, and the machinery 
of the court placed in running order, though the petit jury venire 
had not been returned when the court adjourned for the day, 
on the fourth day of October, 18-38. 

The court convened the next morning. The first case on the 
docket was that of William Gibbons vs. Otis Bennett, entitled 
"Trespass in the case'' — probably a " claim jumping '' case, in- 
volvnig, as the plaintift swears in an affidavit for bail, about 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTV. 311 

$700 The parties were Clinton County people, that county 
being attached to Scott for judicial purposes. The noted 
tirni of Rorer & Starr, of Burlington, appeared for defendant. 
Plaintifl' non-suited and the order of the court entered up" that the 
defendant go hence without dela)-, and recover against plaintifl 
the costs by him, about his defense, in this behalf expended." 
Whether he ever succeeded in getting even with said plaintiff is no 
recorded uj)on the papers at hand. The court papers fail to show 
the name of the plaintiff's attorney, if he had any. Of the defend- 
ants, Mr. Rorer was regarded as one of the first judicial minds of 
the commonwealth. Mr. ' Starr is dead. When the lamp of his 
life went out, one of the rarest, brightest intellects of the State 
was taken. 

Some very important business was transacted on the second day; 
for on motion of Gilbert C. R. Mitchell, W. B. Conway, the tirst 
Territorial Secretary of Iowa, James Grant and J.Wilson Drury 
were admitted to practice at the Scott County bar. Conway, dur- 
ing his short residence here, took up the quarter section now 
known as the Camp McClellan tract. He died in Burlington, the 
Territorial capital, the following year, 1839. His body was 
brought to Davenport for burial, the funeral rites being performed 
by Rev. Father Talamorgues, of St. Anthony's Church. James 
Grant has ever since been a citizen of Scott County, while J. Wil- 
son Drury has resided here and in Rock Island. Both have become 
noted lawyers and have occupied the judicial bench, the torraer in 
this district, the latter in that of Rock Island. At this time Mr. 
Grant had but recently come in from Chicago, then ])art corn 
Held and nearly all mud hole. He was a farmer also, having 
located on a farm in Blue Grass township. It will also be seen that 
Judge Grant's membership of the Scott County bar ante dates all 
its living members. His practice commenced with his admission 
and has continued without interruption ever since. On his coming 
into this district he brought the most extensive law library then in 
the Territory, and has held the rejnitation of keeping the best 
private one ever since. 

On this same day of court the grand jury which had been in 
session, made the first report of indictments, as follows: The first 
finding was not "a true bill," in the case of Jemima Bennett for 
adultery, and the same was true of Otis Bennett; Catherine 
Miller, having been considered by that body on a charge of "as- 
sault with attempt to kill," was likewise found not guilty. William 



312 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

Gibbons was prosecuting witness ii! the first two cases. The fourth 
case reported was that of Fhilena Brown, for arson, against whom 
" a true bill " was found. George Eldred was prosecuting witness. 
This latter case, like the first two, originated in Clinton County 
before William Hogan, a justice of the peace there, and was 
founded on a charge that '' on the night of the third day of Sep- 
tember, 1838, she did burn one certain log house or cabin, which 
was the property and residence of this deponent (George Eldred) 
with a number of other articles; or that he believes the above 
named Philena Brown is guilty of the act, and further deponent 
saith not." She was held to bail in $500 to appear at the next 
term of the District Court, Matthew A. Harrington and R. C. 
Brown, sureties. The case came on for hearing before Judge 
Williams, with Simeon Meredith, prosecuting attorney, and Rorer 
& Starr, attorneys for defendant, who cleared their client, and an 
attachment was issued against Mr. Eldred for the costs, amounting 
to $100.31. which Deputy Sheriff Broddlestou returned with 
" no property found." The fee bill may not be uninteresting. It 
was as follows: 

clerk's fees. 

Entering defendant's appearance '. $ .12^ 

Discharging bail 25 

Entering suit on court calendar 12^ 

Docketing cause , 18f 

Filing papers 31 J 

Swearing and impaneling jury 50 

Taxing costs 37^ 

Entering motions llf 

Issuing subpcenas 37^ 

Issuing writ of executions ; 25 

Taking two recognizances 50 

Entering discharge 12^ 

Total |5.31i 

sheriff's fees. 

Attending prisoners before court $ -25 

Making out jury list 25 

Appearance of defendants ■ • . -12^ 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 313 

Opening court • 12^ 

Serving on nine witnesses 1.6Sf 

Mileage, 40 miles 3.20 

Total $5.t3J 

OTHER FEES. 

District Attorney's fee $ 6.00 

Witness fees 83.36 

Total fee bill $100.31 

All of which Uncle Sam had to pay himself, as he undoubtedly 
did. Thus ended the first criminal prosecution in the Scott County 
District Court. Nobody convicted, nobody responsible for costs 
but the Government. 

Next followed an indictment for perjury. Then the grand jury 
retired, but, finding no farther business, was discharged with two 
days' fees and mileage, excepting John Work, who, having taken 
himself off without leave, stood attached to appear at the next term 
of court for contempt. 

As previously stated, the first case docketed in Scott County 
District Court was entitled : " Jabez A. Birchard, Jr., Administrator^ 
vs. PI. G. Stone, C. C. Applegate, William Stacey and Alfred 
White." The suit was brought on a certain promissory note of de- 
fendants, made to the plaintiff, as administrator of the estate of one 
Daniel Wyman, deceased, whereby they "jointly and severally 
promised to pay $!550 without defalcation or stay of execution ^ 
value received in a quit-claim to a certain tract of land lying at the 
mouth of Sycamore Creek." The note was drawn July 1, 1837. 
payable nine months after date. It was not paid as agreed, and suit 
was brought for the October term, 1838 — the first court held in the 
county. James W. Grimes, of Burlington, was the plaintiff's 
attorney, and G. C. R. Mitchell and Jonathan W. Parker, of the law 
firui of Parker & Mitchell, of Davenport, for defendants. 

The musty old papers in the oflBce of the clerk of the District 
Court contain the usual proceedings — the original petition in the 
lawyer-like hand- writing of the future governor of Iowa and senator 
of the United States ; the answer of the defendants in the more 
plain and leisurely written hand of the future judge, Mr. Mitchell. 
The subpoena by which Roswell li. Spencer, Andrew J. Hyde, 



314 HISTOEl OF SCOTT COOfTT. 

Medad J. Lyman, George Carpenter and Ira F. Smith, were sum- 
moned to appear, is made out on a roughly printed blank from the 
lotoa Sun printing office, by D. Hoge, Clerk of the Court in the 
May term of 1S39, 

The answer contains the usual denials, denying everything that 
the plaintifFs petition contains, slick and clean. The case went for 
the plaintiff, and execution was issued for the sum of $353.73, which 
was paid July 5, 1S39, to Mr. Birchard, and the execution was de- 
clared satisfied in full, by A. H. Davenport, Sheriff, by Richard 
Hamer, Deputy. The entire cost of the suit amounted to $17.12^. 
This would be considered a very moderate bill in these late days of 
more expensive litigation. A scrap of paper in the bundles shows 
that the witness, Carpenter, did not live to collect his witness fee, 
but that it was collected into the estate after his decease by William 
Nichols, Administrator. 

In December, 1S73, the Democrat of Davenport liad this to say 
of this case : " Thirty-five years have elapsed since James W. 
Grimes drew up the petition and Ebenezer Cook filed it. The 
judges, the two clerks of the court (^ Ebenezer Cook and David 
Hope), the attorneys on both sides, the plaintiff and two of the 
defendants ( Stacey and White ), have passed beyond the bench and 
bar of earthly tribunals ; the two sheriffs and two of the defendants 
are yet among the living. Frazer Wilson, the first sheriff of Scott 
County, is a resident of Rock Island, we believe ; and A. H. Dav- 
enport is a merchant residing in Le Claire, where also lives 
Applegate, and ( we believe ) Mr. Stone. Two of the witnesses, 
Roswell H. Spencer and Andrew J. Hyde, are yet living, the former 
in Rock Island, the latter on the same farm of many broad acres on 
which he lived at the time of which we write. 

The original papers before us, in all their mustiness, seem not to 
have been opened out to the light for a third of a century. The 
paper is coarse, dingy white, rough of surface, and guiltless of 
ruled lines. The seal bears the impress of the "silver quarter," 
and wherever used is denominated the " temporary seal." 

Exceedingly has the business of this court swelled since the filing 
of these original papers. Numerous judges have occupied the same 
bench since then, one of them, G. C. R. Mitchell, one of the 
attorneys in the case. Lawyers by the hundreds have appeared 
within the bar since then, and clients by the thousands have sought 
justice thereat, sometimes in vain, more often, let us hope, sought 
and found ; millions have rained from the pockets of those who 



HISTORY fiF SCOTT COUNTY. 315 

thought to secure their rights or defend their wrongs, and still the 
court sits on. the sueingand the sued ; lawyers and clients gain in 
nutubers year afteryear as theearth revolves, and the world increases 
in light and knowledge. So it has and does ; so it will until the 
mystic millenial day. when the lion plaintiff and the lamb-like de- 
fendant shall lie down together in peace, and the child-like lawyer 
shall lead them — no more forever. " 

The second session of the District Court of Scott County was 
opened May 27, 1839, and as before, in St. Anthony's church. Hon- 
Thomas S. Wilson had succeeded Judge Williams upon the bench; 
A. H. Davenport had been appointed sheriff by the Territorial 
Legislature; and at chambers in Dubuque, on the 21st of the pre- 
vious February, David Hoge was by Judge Wilson appointed clerk 
of the court, and John V. Berry was appointed district attorney. 
This was an entire re-organization of the tribunal of justice in this 
Judicial District, which embraced the counties of Scott, Clinton, 
Dubuque and Johnson. 

There was no lack of business on the docket. In fact, for a com- 
munity so young and a population so sparse the alacrity with which 
it embraced the courts was highly gratifying — to the lawyers. On 
the first day of the court James Grant, an attorney for the village 
of Rockingham, moved that " this court do now remove to the 
village of Rockingham, for reasons by him filed." The records 
assert, '"Therefore, the court, after having: heard the argument of 
the counsel on the part of the motion and that of counsel opposed, 
took the same under advisement until to-morrow morning." Again 
we quote from the Democrat: 

" Right diligently have we searched the old papers of the court 
in quest of the ' reasons by him filed,' but all in vain. Of course 
the record books show notiiing of the stir that the motion made in 
court. But what naturally would be the result of such a high- 
handed attempt to forever wipe the then infant metropolis of the 
State out of existence, and by the removal of the court condemn it 
to everlasting odium and disgrace, may be easily imagined. It 
was not enough that Judge Irwin, of the United States District 
Court, had turned his back on the infant city, because of the unex- 
ampled nastiness and discomfort of the local tavern, and opened 
court in Rockingham, that he might fare sumptuously every day 
at the more magnificently kept caravansary of Henry W. Higgins; 
it was not enough that the legislative triumvirate of the county had 
hoisted its flag at the doomed villaj^e, utteriv refusin? to acknowl- 



316 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

edge Davenport, save as a neighboring dependency; all this humil- 
iation was not enough; but this belligerent gentleman, then as now 
the farmer-lawyer, must rise in his place, and in a loud voice, a 
motion make that this court adjourn to Rockingham! Tlie only 
reason that can be assigned for this willful attempt at urbicide is 
found in the fact that Mr. Grant's farm was two miles nearer Rock- 
ingham than Davenport, and consequently, if his motion prevailed 
he would have a full hour more in each day of the session in milk- 
ing his cows and hoeing his bean patch. 

" But the motion didn't prevail, and Davenport was saved from 
the very brink of everlasting disgrace! The friends of Davenport 
arose in their might. It is not necessary to say that the pure- 
minded judge was in any way influenced, for judges never are; nor 
yet will it suffice for the Rockingliamers to say that he was a 
Dubuque man, and in all matters between Davenport and Rock- 
ingham, Dubuque sided with the former. We will say nothing 
about the reason for the refusal to grant the motion, but sim- 
ply to reproduce the words of the court as recorded in the Court 
Record : 

" 'The application to remove the District Court of the United 
States in and for Scott County from Davenport to Rockingham. 

'• ' For that it seems to the court that the subject matter of this 
motion does not come before the court in the proper form ; it is 
therefore considered by this court that the relators take nothing by 
their motion, and that the same be overruled.' 

" It is needless here to depict the chagrin that mantled the 
expectant Rockinghamers, or the exultant joy that thrilled the 
Davenport heart, as the decision fell from the lips of this noble 
Daniel of the law. The town rang out with rejoicing, and an old 
settler informs us that some of the ' boys ' didn't get well over the 
exciteraeut for as much as a day or two, so intense was their en- 
thusiasm. 

"The District Court never adjourned to Rockingham. Mr. Grant 
took the case up to the higher tribunals, but while it was stew- 
ing in the court the pluck of the good people of Rockingham gave 
out; they abandoned the idea of making it the county seat, with- 
drew all proposals to the county commissioners to build a court- 
house and jail at their own expense, and so the matter of removal 
ended forever." 

Hon Thomas S.Wilson, the second judge of the district, .was 
identified with the interests of Iowa before it became a State. 
While it was a Territory he was appointed one of its judges ; and 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 317 

there are persons now livin» who recollect him, with his boyish 
look, sitting on tlie bench about -iO years ago. His history ]ire- 
seiits points of no inconsiderable interest. 

He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on the 13th of October, 
1S13, and was the son of Peter Wilson and Frances yStokley) Wilson. 
He was educated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa., an;i grad- 
uated in 1S32. 

After studying law two years he was admitted to the bar, and 
commenced practice in his native town. In a short time he came 
West, stopping first at Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he had a 
brother, Capt. George Wilson, of the United States Infantry, under 
command of Colonel, afterward General, Taylor. 

In the autumn of 1S36 he selected Dubuque for his home- 
Here he has resided for over 40 years, and has often been the 
recipient of political honors. It was in ISoS, when but 25 years of 
age, that he received from President Van Buren the appointment 
of one of tlie judges of the Supreme Court of the Territory. In 
June of the same year he was nominated as a candidate for Con- 
gress by the northern counties, and was preparing to commence 
the canvass when the news came of his judicial appointment. 

Judge Wilson sat on the supreme bencii till ISiT, one year after 
Iowa assumed her sovereignty, when he left that high position to 
form a law partnership with Piatt Smith and his brother, David S. 
Wilson. 

In April, 1852, he was elected judge of the ninth judicial dis- 
trict, and held the office 10 years. Judge Wilson was in the Iowa 
Legislature two terms, in 1S66 and 186S, and at the former session 
was offered the complimentary vote of the Democratic members 
for United States Senator, but declined the honor. 

Judge Wilson married Miss Anna Hoge, of Steubenville, Ohio, 
before he left his native State. She died in lS5i, and 10 years later 
he married Miss Mary Stokley, a native of Derbyshire, England. 

On the admission of Iowa into the Union, and under its first 
constitution, Scott County formed a part of the second district, 
together with the counties of Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton, 
Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Jackson, Jones and Muscatine. In 
1847 Allamakee and Winneshiek were added to the district, and in 
1851 Black Hawk, Bremen, Butler and Grundy- 
James Grant, of Scott County, was the first judge of the district, 
and was elected April 5, 1847, and commissioned April 27- 



318 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

James Grant was born on a plantatiou near the village of En- 
lield, Halifax Co., North Carolina, Dec. 13, 1812. His father, James 
Grant, was the eon of James Grant, who belonged to the High- 
land class of Grants, fought for the Pretender at the battle CuUo- 
den, and was transported for the good of King George II., with 
1,500 others of like rebellious opinions, to the colony of North Caro- 
lina. His mother, Elizabeth Whitaker Grant, was the daughter 
of Mat. C. Whitaker, of Halifax County, who emigrated to North 
Carolina from Warwick Co., Virginia, and who was a lineal de- 
scendent of the Rev. Alexander Whitaker, an Episcopal min- 
ister who was one of the firstVirginia colonists, and who baptized 
Pocahontas. Probably the portrait of Alexander Whitaker in the 
act of baptizing Pocahontas, in the rotunda of the capitol, at Wasli- 
ington, is an imaginary one, but many people think it bears a 
striking resemblance to the Whitaker family, now very numerous 
in North Carolina, and which numbers among its members Mat. 
Whitaker Ransom, a senator from North Carolina, and a son of a 
sister of James Grant's mother. 

James Grant, in size and personal appearance, with a broad fore- 
head and small features below, bears a marked resemblance to his 
mother, and from her inherits both mental and physical peculiari- 
ties. He bears no resemblance to his father, except in certain ex- 
pressions of the countenance when in repose. His father was a 
man of large body, six feet high, bony and muscular; he was 
born to affluence, and was fatherless from his infancy. Like most 
Southern young men, he was not inured to labor; and without par- 
ents to guide him, and possessed of abundance, he studied no pro- 
fession, followed the business of a planter, and lost his estate from 
sheer improvidence, before his son was 12 years old. 

Judge Grant was the second of eightchildren. There was nothing 
peculiar about him in infancy. His first recollection is not unlike 
the picture we see of the boy in new boots. He remembers when 
his frock, as it was called, was discarded for breeches. He com- 
menced going to school the January after he was eight years old. 
On Monday, before he began, his mother taught him his letters. In 
10 months he could spell every word in Walker's dictionary. He 
was precocious. It was no trouble to him to learn, no matter what 
the study. He would occupy no place in his class but first, and 
when his lessons were learned no boy was more ready for play. 
He was always ready to play, to fish, to hunt, to ride. He was 
never truant from school, or from any duty, but always wanted his 




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HISTORY OF SCOTT COtJNTT. 321 

own way. His plays were the amusements of men. He wanted 
a gun to shoot large game, not birds; to hunt the fox on horse- 
back, and not the hare on foot. The schools at which he was tautrht 
were called academies, where boys were fitted for college, and wliere 
Greek and Latin were taught, to the exclusion of many studies now 
properly deemed essential to a common education. 

At 13 he was prepared for college, and taken to the university 
of his native State, at Chapel Hill, to join the freshman class; 
but he was so small that the venerable president, who had taught 
his father, advised the latter to retain him at home for two years, 
then have him join an advanced class. This advice was followed, 
and James Grant entered the sophomore class of 1828, having for 
school-mates, among others, J. D. Hooper, Thomas Owen, Allen 
and Calvin Jones, Jacob Tompson, Secretary of the Interior under 
President Buchanan, James M. Williamson, now of Memphis, Ten- 
nessee. Grant was taken sick in his senior year, and graduated, 
with a class of 13 others in 1S31. As he was not a student for 
part of the year, the distinctions of the class, the highest of 
which would have been his, were conferred on Hooper and Calvin 
Jones. 

Young Grant was a diligent student, and still in size a boy, with 
classmates young men. In the study of mathematics he had no 
equal, and his teacliers pronounced him the best mathematician 
ever in the college up to that time. 

It will be seen that Grant graduated while he was under 18. 
After graduating, he taught school three years at Raleigh, and 
emigrated to the West when he was 21. He is the only one of 
his class who emigrated to the Northwest, and he emigrated be- 
cause he hated to live in a slave State. 

He reached Illinois in December, 1S33, obtained license to prac- 
tice law in January, 1831, and settled in Chicago, then a village of 
5<>0 inhabitants, in April, lS3-:>-. 

Shortly after he went to Chicago, a list-fight about his first client 
brought him into notice, and he soon acquired reputation in his 
business. His combativeness has been sobered by age, but it has 
not left him entirely j'et. He remained in Chicago until June, 
1838, when he discovered that the lake winds impaired his health, 
and he emigrated to the Territory of Wisconsin, selecting Daven- 
port, in Scott County, for his future home, on the ISth of June, 
1838. On the 23d of June Congress created the Territory of Iowa. 
On the 8th of July, 1839, he married his first wife, Sarah E. Hub- 
20 



322 HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

bard, who was born within sound of the waves of Plymouth Rock; 
and thus the Puritan of Massachusetts and the Cavalier of Virginia 
were united in the cold country of the Northwest. 

His first wife gave birth to a daughter, who died in 18il, and 
the mother followed her to the grave in 1842. 

In January, 1S44, he was married to Ada C. Hubbai-d, who emi- 
grated from Windsor, Vt., to Scott County. She died in child- 
birth, in June, 1S46, leaving a daughter, who survived her mother 
a year. 

On June 10, 1848, he was married to his present wife, Elizabeth 
Brown Leonard. She was born Dee. 21, 1825, in the town of 
Griswold, New London Co., Conn. Her parents were James and 
Betsy K. (Brown) Leonard. Her father emigrated from Con- 
necticut with his family in October, 1838. After a long and tedi- 
ous journey of eight weeks by New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, 
the Ohio River, and St. Louis, they all crossed in safety the great 
Father of Waters on an ice bridge, from Savannah, 111., to 
Charleston (now Sabula), Iowa, the 12th of December, 1838. 
Sabnla was the home of her father, James Leonard, till his death, 
which occurred suddenly at Iowa City, in May, 1845, while a 
member of the Legislature, then in session at this place, and was 
the home of his only daughter (Mrs. Grant) until lier marriage in 
June, 1848. 

Judge Grant has met with great success in his profession. In 
1S34 he was appointed by Governor Joseph Duncan prosecuting 
attorney for the sixth district of Illinois, comprising all the north 
part of the State from Chicago to Galena, to Rock Island, Peoria, 
Hennepin, La Salle, Iroquois. He traveled this circuit on horse- 
back, and rode about 3,000 miles a year. In June, 1836, he resigned 
his olfice, finding that it interfered with his home business. 

When he first emigrated to Iowa, he lived on a farm, near Dav- 
enport, and was disposed to give up his practice, but his profession 
would not leave him. 

In 1841 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives, 
of the fourth Iowa Territorial Legislative Assembly, from the district 
composed of Scott and Clinton Counties, his colleague being Joseph 
M. Robertson. In 1844 the people of Scott County elected him to 
represent them, with Andrew W. Campbell and Ebenezer Cook, in 
the first Constitutional Convention, and in 1846 he was again sent 
by the people of Scott County as their sole representative to tlie 
second Constitutional Convention, and in both sessions he drew u]i 
the section embracing the bill of rights. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 323 

The Legislatures of Territories are apt to have difficulties with an 
executive appointment by the President. Governor liobert Lucas 
had his, not only witii the Legislature, but with his secretary. Gov- 
ernor Cliambers, a Whig, wlio succeeded Lucas, a Democrat, had a 
refractory council, who could not confirm his appointments, and in 
1845 or 1846, when his quarrel with the council was at its height, he 
met Grant in the Supreme Court room. He knew that Grant 
though a Democrat, cared nothing for politics, and had no political 
ambition, and he sent his name to the council for prosecuting attor- 
ney in his district. The council confirmed the appointment, after 
rejecting several others, and Grant had to take the office, or ofi'end 
both governor and council, the former of whom thought he was 
doing a gracious act, and the latter, that one of their own party 
ought to accept their confirmation. 

After the adoption of the constitution framed in 1847, under 
which Iowa was admitted into the Union as a State, Grant was elected, 
April 5, 1847, a judge for the district composed of the counties 
of Allamakee, Black Hawk, Ereiner, Butler, Buchanan, Cedar, Clay- 
ton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Grundy, Jackson, Mus- 
catine, Scott, and Winneshiek, and held the office during the term 
of five years, declining a re-election. But although such a man as 
Grant can easily decline an office, it is not so easy to put off a title, 
and that of judge has clung to him ever since his elevation to the 
bench, and by it we designate him in this sketch. In 1851 Judge 
Grant gave life and vigor to the project of the Chicago & Rock 
Island Kaiiroad, was its first president, and made a contract with 
Sheffield & Farnura to build it. In 1852, he was again a member 
of the House of Representatives in the Iowa Legislature from Scott 
County, with Captain Leroy Dodge as bis colleague, and was elected 
speaker. Since that time he has kept aloof from office. 

During the years from 1853 till now he has been engaged in 
the largest and most lucrative practice of any attorney in the North- 
west, and in 1873 his firm received and realized, in a single law 
suit, a fee exceeding $lnO,000. 

Hon. John F. Dillon, ex-Judge of the United States Circuit Court, 
who, as man and boy, has known Judge Grant from almost the first 
day of his arrival in Iowa, says of him: 

" Judge Grant's life has been given esseiitially to the law. AH out- 
side of this has been merely accidental. His political career and 
his public services, except those upon the bench, are mere episodes 
in his life. Although he has kept alive his classical attainments 
in a degree quite unusual among men who have become eminent 



324 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

in the law, his main energies and his chief studies have been in 
the line of his profession. Bj this we do not mean that he has 
been divorced from the world and closeted in his law library; on 
the contrary, he has always taken a lively interest in the current 
events of the day. 

" Few men have a better practical knowledge of mechanics and of 
agriculture, or acquaintance with the wonderful achievements of 
modern science, than he. If his professional life had been cast in 
some of the older States or larger cities, his tastes would ])robably 
have led him to have made the laws of patents for inventions a 
special study, and he would have become eminent in it to a re- 
markable degree. 

" Early in life he discovered the advantages to be derived from 
the possession of law books, which are the most effective imple- 
ments in a lawyer's vocation. It is a fact well-known that he is the 
owner of the most complete and valuable private law library in the 
West, perhaps in the United States. But it is not so generally 
known that he commenced to gather this library jenvs ago, when 
he was vouug and poor, and that a large portion of his surplus 
earnings went steadily into it from year to year, at a time when 
most lawyers, under similar circumstances, would have considered 
themselves unable to buy books. I cannot speak as to the exact value 
of his law library, but I suppose it cannot fall short of $30,000, 
and may much exceed this sum. I cannot permit this occasion to 
pass without an expression of the sense of my great obligation to 
him for the free use of his library. This valuable privilege he has 
not only willingly extended, but the favor has been heightened by 
the warmth and courtesy with which the acceptance of it has always 
been invited. But my own experience in this respect is not singu- 
lar and I share it in common with hundreds. To every lawyer 
iind to every judge his library doors stand always wide open. 

'• It illustrates his public spirit to recur to a fact well known in 
Iowa. When the Legislature required a term of the Supreme Court 
of the State to be held twice a year at Davenport, it was made a 
condition that it should be without cost to the State,— a species o^ 
economy, by the way, which has nothing to recommend it. The 
better to accommodate the court and the bar. Judge Grant fitted 
up a room for the use of the court above his library, and set it 
apart for them for several years, neither receiving nor expecting 
compensation. The judges and bar of the State cannot but feel 
how much they are indebted to him for access to a library which 
was until recently the only one in the State at all complete. 



HISTOKV OF SCOrr COUNTY. 325 

"Judge Grant combines tlie essential qualities of a successful 
lawyer. And lirst among these I place integrity^ without which no 
man can be a great lawyer, nor for any considerable length of time 
a successful one. He is utterly incapable of consciously mis-stat- 
ing to a court a fact, or the effect of a decision, or concealing ad- 
verse decisions. 

"He has the zeal and courage necessary to great success at the 
bar. In addition to this, nature has gifted him with most felici- 
tous powers of expression. In the use of strong, pure, vigorous 
English, it is rare, indeed, to Und one who equals him. I have 
heard him make a law argument of an hour's length, without, as it 
seemed to me, hesitating fur a word, and without using a superflu- 
ous one. Every sentence was short, and, unconsciousl}' to him, 
cleai-ly cut and finely chiseled — in its way a work of art that I have 
often admired. 

" He is a man of strong and tender emotions, and occasionally, 
when the subject is such as to enlist his feelings, truly eloquent 
in the highest sense of this expression. His eulogy of the lamented 
Stockton, which was unpremeditated, pronounced at a meeting of 
the bar of Scott County, brought tears to eyes unused to weep, 
and will never be forgotton by any who heard it. Though char- 
acterized by less feeling, and therefore not so impressive, his re" 
marks on the death of the late chief justice of the Supreme Court of 
the United States, in the Circuit Court at Des Moines, were scarcely 
less happy. If nature had given him a more mellifluous voice, he 
would have gained distinction as a mere orator whether he coveted 
it or not. 

" But his great success in his profession has not been alone ow- 
ing to the qualities and gifts I have named. He \vm, di, practical 
sagacity so marked as justly to entitle it to tlie name of genius. I 
cannot descend into details, but it is this quality which enabled him 
so early to discern that the tide of municipal railway-aid-bond liti- 
gation taken at the flood would lead on to fortune and to fame. He 
fought that battle for years. Every inch of ground was hotly con- 
tested. The State Courts were against his views. The lower Fed- 
eral Courts were likewise against him; but in general he was sus. 
tained by the Supreme Court of the United States; but he had to 
carry his points one by one, and the contest extended through 
many years. Whatever may be thought of the legal merits of the 
controversy in its varied phases, all will agree that for Judge Grant 



326 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

it was a splendid professional victory, one which has justly given 
him great distinction and a satisfaction which is not diminished by 
the more substantial rewards with which it has been attended. 

''What I have called his genius, is as strikingly exemplified by 
what is known as the Mark Howard case, arising out of the sale of 
the old Mississippi ct Missouri Railroad to the Rock Island com- 
pany, in which his sa racity and prompt action secured to his clients 
near a million of dollars, and to himself and partner a fee which is 
understood to be not less than $100,000. 

" His success as a lawyer is by nothing more conclusively shown 
than by the circumstance that although living in a new State and 
comparatively small city, his legitimate professional income is prob- 
ably not exceeded by that of any lawyer in the United States. 

"He had ceased to be a judge before I was admitted to the bar, and 
hence I cannot speak of him in this respect of ray personal 
knowledge. 

" Bat it is concurrent testimony of the bar that he evinced great 
capacity for the prompt dispatch of public business (a most valua- 
ble quality in a nisi prius judge), and that his decisions marked 
an independent mind, disposed to follow the law found in the 
books where it promoted justice in the particular case, but restive 
somewhat under precedent when not conducive to this end. Like 
Mansfield, he tempered the law with equity, and if a judge must 
err in this respect, this is an error on the right side, and one which 
it is easy to pardon, and not diflicult even to admire." 

In referring to the personal characteristics and peculiarities of 
Judge Grant, Hon. George G. Wright saj's, in substance: 

"Judge Grant is a man of very strong feelings and convictions; 
quick, frank, and outspoken, and hence by some thought to be a 
man of strong prejudice. In his judicial capacity, if convinced 
that wrong or oppression was attempted by one party, his detesta- 
tion of it was so strong that if the least doubt obtained, he was apt 
to solve it in favor of the wronged. 

" He conceals nothing; you know where he is all the time. He 
never leaves you in doubt. If you ask his opinion of friend or foe, 
with uiiequaled frankness he tells you, setting down in his judg- 
ment ' naught in malice,' and withholding nothing from you. 

"He is large-hearted and most liberal, and exceedingly devoted 
to his family. Without children of his own, he has always had 
his house filled with them, of relations on both sides. In this 
respect there is no one like him in all my acquaintance. He has 
absolutely added to his before large and most commodious house 



HISTORY OF SCO-IT COUNTY. 327 

to accommodate his adopted children, and no one can see the least 
thing in all his conduct toward them to show that thej are other 
than ' bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.' Constituted as I 
have hinted, he knows no such thing as denying them any want, 
or refusing them any request. 

" He is a fine classical scholar. It is seldom one meets any one 
80 thoroughly at home in the classics, and he has a memory which 
enables him to retain not only his early but his later studies and 
learning. With ancient as well as modern history he is quite 
familiar, using readily, and often with the best eflect, the finest 
eflforts and perorations of the best authors, whether of this or an- 
cient times, of this country or abroad. 

" Judge Grant has a voice which makes him notable wherever he 
goes. Clear, strong, ringing, he commands attention in any crowd 
and before an}- tribunal. It is said that he once led an unsophis- 
ticated officer — outside of a crowded court-room — to believe that a 
fight was in progress or imminent, by his tone and manner in ad- 
dressing a jury; and so excited was the official, and so active his 
eflforts to get in and separate the supposed combatants (court at 
that day being held in a building used as a store-room) that he 
stepped to the top and sank to the bottom of a molasses barrel. 
Or, if this incident is not well-authenticated, it is true that after he 
and Gen. James Wilson had defended the Indians charged with the 
murder of a white man, and after the chiefs had refused to pay the 
General anything more, they proposed to pay the ' little lawyer with 
the big voice ' $300 more. The Judge laughingly says that this was 
the only time when his z^o/ce brought him any money. His friends, 
liowever, know better, and that it has been of not a little value to 
him all through his most active life. And he has led a real active 
life. He can do now more work than half the young men in the 
State. As a farmer, — and he has had large interests as such ever 
since he has been in Iowa, if not before — actively engaged in breed- 
ing the best horses, sheep, cattle and game chickens; as a member of 
the school board; as a lawyer, whether at nisi prius, in the Supreme 
Court of the State, or in Federal Courts; as amember of a deliberative 
body, wherever he is or in whatever engaged, he has always been a 
leading, working man, allowing no one to do his part, always at his 
post, always ready with his eases, and yet always genial, accomo- 
dating, courteous and polite. I doubt whether any one ever heard 
him, however sore his disappointment, say an unkind word of a 
court deciding against him, or knew him to do ought to bring the 
decisions of a judicial tribunal into reproach or disrespect. 



328 HISTOBT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

"He was well fitted for pioneer life. Able, dignified, and fully 
imbued with that strong feeling of self-respect which makes the 
true gentleman, he could and did accommodate himself to his sur- 
roundings, taking life as he found it, and yet always laboring to 
elevate society and make it better and truer. If he could not have 
the most elegant court-room, he nevertheless held his court and dis- 
patched business, giving to all a hearing, and administering jus- 
tice to the rich and poor alike. It is told of him that on one occasion 
he could not reach the county seat of a new county, situated on a 
rising river and without houses, but could the opposite bank of the 
stream, which was too high to cross; tiiat there was but one, and 
that a divorce case, on the docket; that he ordered the sheriff (on 
the other side of the stream) to open court, heard the testimony 
and arguments across the water, announced the decision, and ad-- 
journed the court, and then struck for the next court. For this I 
do not vouch, but it is not unlike him (if the circumstances ren- 
dered it necessary), nor the least to his disparagement. 

"Judge Grant likes to make money, not for the money, but 
because he likes to contribute to the welfare and happiness of those 
dependent upon him, and because he is truly a liberal and public- 
spirited man. Few lawyers in Iowa, by their profession, have made 
80 much. His habits are the very best. He uever dissipates in any 
way, either by the cup, dice-box, cards, or otherwise. In view of 
his active life, mixing or brought into contact with all kinds and 
classes of people, subjected to all the trials and inconveniences of 
pioneer life in his profession, not a member of a Church, it may 
well be doubted whether this could be asserted with equal truth of 
any of his fellows. He is remarkable for his utter abhorrence of 
bad men, lewd society, and I verily believe he would rather have 
any young man dependent upon him jro to an earl}' grave than to 
fall into the habits of too many young men in drinking, gaming, 
and indolence, for he has a most sovereign contempt and dislike of 
all laziness. His influence has been largely for our good on our 
institutions and laws. A man so active is always accomplishing 
something. More than once I have suggested to him that he should 
retire, quit work, and enjoy rest and quiet. But this I knew he 
could not do. He finds the most happiness, the most comfort, the 
most rest, in work. He will go on just as he has for much more 
than one-fourth of a century, until life's pilgrimage is closed, always 
with head and hands full, doing more and resting less than any 
man around him. He appears as young and active as he did 30 
years ago. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 329 

" Of bis apparel he never seems to take a thought. If he had the 
most costly he would never look dressed. While he cultivates 
cleanliness of person, he never takes a second thought whether boots 
are polished or otherwise; whether collar or necktie is on or off; 
whether the hat is in style or not, or whether his clothes are old or 
new. In some respects he may be called eccentric, and yet he is 
ever true to himself and to his true nature." 

Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, who served for several years as 
Territorial judge, a sketch of whom appears on a preceding page, 
succeeded Judge Grant. He was elected A]iril 5, 1852, and served 
until legislated out of office the following year. 

On the 9th of February, 1853, a new district was formed named 
the eighth, composed of the counties of Scott, Cedar, Clinton, 
Jackson, Jones and Muscatine. William E. Leffingwell, of Clinton 
County, was elected April 4, 1853, judge of this new district. He 
subsequently resigned and John B. Booth, of Jackson County, was 
appointed by the governor to till the vacancy, and qualified April 
15, ISS-t. He served until the election of his successor, William H. 
Tnthill, of Cedar County, who was elected in April and qualified 
May 3, 1855. The following sketch of Judge Tuthill is from the 
American Biographical Directory. 

The Tuthills in this country are of English pedigree, and de- 
scended from John Tuthill, who settled at Southold, Long Island, in 
1640. The grandfather and great-grandfather of William Henry Tut- 
hill were participants in the struggle for American independence. 
His father was James M. Tuthill, for many years a merchant in 
New York City, wiiere the son was born on the 5th of December, 
1808. 

His mother was Emma Townsend, a descendant of a prominent 
English family, a representative of it early settling on Long Island. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was educated in a private 
school in New York City, receiving instruction, in addition to the 
rudimentary branches, in Latin, French and the higher mathe- 
matics. From early youth he had a very studious disposition, and 
mastered other branches after leaving school. Having completed 
bis school education young Tuthill learned the art of copper and 
steel-plate engraving, working at it a few 3'ears, when his health 
gave away, and he was obliged to quit the business. In 1832, dur- 
ing the first year the cholera was in the country, he acted, by ap- 
pointment, as assistant secretary of the Xew York Board of Health, 
as secretary of the special medical councils; and among his duties 



330 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

was the compiling of the daily reports of cholera cases. Subse- 
quently he entered the Chemical Bank, now the Chemical National 
Bank, of his native city, and was a clerk there a number of years. 

In 1840 Dr. Tuthill immigrated to Cedar County, Iowa Terri- 
tory, spending one year in the southern part, and in the spring of 
1841 located permanently in Tipton. "When he first came to Cedar 
County there was not a house of any kind on the present seat of 
justice. Tipton was surveyed and laid out early in the spring of 
1840, and when he opened a store there the next year there was 
not more than a dozen families in the place. After continuing in 
trade about two years he turned his attention to law, which he had 
read some before, and on the 13th of November, 1846, was ad- 
mitted to practice in the United States Court. He continued in 
practice until elected judge of the eighth district in 1855, wear- 
ing the ermine five or six years. During this period he was also 
engaged in banking. He has been in that business since 1850 and 
is known as the literary banker of Iowa. 

Dr. Tuthill was prosecuting attorney at an early period in his 
legal profession, and has been notary public constantly for over 
36 years. 

He was originally a Whig, and attended all the State conventions 
of that party in Iowa, until its dissolution in 1854, when he united 
with the Republicans. He has been nominated at difl^erent times 
for both Houses of the General Assembly when a nomination was 
equivalent to an election, but he peremptorily refused to accept 
tiie nomination. The oflices which he has held were urged upon him. 

Judge Tuthill is an Odd-Fellow, and has been grand master ot 
Iowa, and grand representative of the Grand Lodge of the United 
States. He is honorary member of several historical and literary 
societies; is an ardent bibliopholist and an antiquarian; has a 
large law library, and more than 5,00i) miscellaneous volumes — 
one of the largest and best collections of scientific and literary works 
in the State. His callections in genealogy and heraldry are quite 
extensive. His editions of the ancient classics, Livj-, Virgil, etc., 
are of the richest kind. He possesses numerous editions of the 
Bible, from the "Breeches," 300 years old, down to the present 
time. One edition is in six royal folio volumes, the pages be- 
ing the size of an ordinary quarto newspaper, with numerous 
engravings by the best British artists. Only a few of the pro- 
ductions from thepenof Judge Tuthill have been published, among 
them a very able and exhaustive review of the " Dred Scott decis- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 331 

ion" delivered as ati address in 1860, and wliicli is said to have 
swelled the Republican vote of that year; a few historical sketches 
for the " Annals of Iowa," and an address delivered on the occasion 
of the gathering of the Tiithill family at Soiitiiold in 1870. 

Physically, he is small and frail, having more mind than body. 
A stranger conversing with him would say that the engine is mucli 
stouter than the machinery that holds it. Although five feet and 
eight inches tall, his greatest weight ever reached was 126 pounds. 
Of late years it has averaged lOS pounds. 

He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a man of very pure 
character. 

.1 udge Tuthill has had two wives. The first wife was Miss Sarah 
Smith, of New York City. She was married in 1S33, and died in 
1841. The second was Miss Dorothy Platner, of Cedar County, 
married in 1843. She had one child. The 6th of February, 18.57, 
a new district was created composed of the counties of Scott, Clin- 
ton and Jackson. Gilbert C. R. Mitchell, of Scott County, was 
elected Judgeof the district, April 6, 1857, and qualified May 20, but 
subsequently resigned, and Asahel H. Bennett was appointed by the 
governor, and served until the district was abolished and new dis- 
tricts organized under the cjnstitution of 1857. A sketch of Judge 
Mitchell will be found under head of " Illustrious and Prominent 
Dead." A reference is also made to Judge Bennett in the " Bar 
History." 

In accordance with Article V. of the constitution of 1857, 11 
new districts were created, and Scott, Clinton, Jackson and Musca- 
tine comprised the seventh judicial district. 

John F. Dillon, of Scott ('ounty, was elected judge of this dis- 
trict, Oct. 12, 1858, and re-elected Oct. 15, 1862. He subsequently 
resigned, his resignation to take effect Dec. 25, 1863, having been 
elected Judge of the Supreme Court. J. Scott Richraan succeeded 
Judge Dillon, having been appointed by the governor to fill the 
vacancy, Oct. 27, 1863, and elected by the people Nov. 8, 1864. 
He was reelected Oct. 9, 1867. Sketches of Judges Dillon and 
Richman will be found in a succeeding chapter on the " Bar." 

W. F. Brannan, of Muscatine County, sueceeded Judge Dillon 
and served until 1875. 

Walter I. Hayes, of Clinton County, succeeded Judge Brannan, 
and yet serves the district as judge. 

Walter Ingalls Hayes, Judge of the seventh judicial district of 
Iowa, was born at Marshall, Mich., on the 9th of December, 1841, 
and is the son of Dr. Andrew L. and Clarissa Seldon (Hart) Hayes. 



332 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

His father was a native of New Hampshire, of Scotch-Irish ances- 
try, a scion of the New England Hayes family, his mother being 
a Sanborn, of Sanbornton, N. H. 

Dr. Hayes was educated and bred to the profession of medicine 
in his native State, but commenced his professional life in Michi- 
gan, of which State he was an early settler, taking an earnest and 
active interest in its initial concerns. He was a member of the 
Legislature that first sent Gen. Cass to the United States Senate; 
was a brigadier-general of the State militia, and took a lively inter- 
est in military affairs; served in the Texan war, and rendered 
important aid in the raising of troops at the commencement of the 
late Rebellion, but died in 1861, before he had time to buckle on his 
sword in defense of his country. Although a practicing physician 
throughont his life, yet he was commonly known in Michigan as 
General Hayes. The mother of our subject was born in Durham, 
N. Y., of English descent, her ancestry running back to the early 
Puritan stock of New England. 

His parents being in easy circumstances, the early life of our 
subject was pleasant and smooth, free from the bitter but often 
beneficial experiences with which the early lives of many men of 
distinction have been fraught. He received his early education at 
the common schools of his neighborhood, commenced the study of 
law at tiie early age of 19 years in the ofBceof Hughes & Woolley, 
at Marshall, Mich., the senior member of which was the Hon. D. 
Darwin Hughes, now of Grand Rapids, of that State. He subse- 
(piently graduated at the law school of Ann Arbor in Michigan, 
and was admitted to the bar of that State in 1863. A year later he 
became a member of the firm of his late preceptors, which then 
went under the style of Hughes, "Woolley & Hayes. 

In 1866, being offered a desirable partnership by General N. B. 
Baker, late adjutant-general of Iowa, he removed to Clinton, Iowa, 
where he has ever since resided, and at once entered into active prac- 
tice, the firm being Baker & Hayes. This partnership continued 
for about two years, and until General Baker removed permanently 
to Des Moines after which he was without a partner until 1872, 
when he became associated with the Hon. George B. Young, then 
circuit judge, which position the latter resigned in order to resume 
his practice. This alliance, under the name of Hayes & Young, 
continued with great success until August, 1875, when upon the 
recommendation of the bar of the seventh judicial district, he was^ 
although a Democrat, appointed by Governor Carpenter to complete 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 333 

the unexpired term of Jud^e Braanan, resigned, and in October 
following he was elected to the same position by the people, with- 
out opposition. His professional career has been characterized by 
steady, onward and upward progress. He has never deviated into 
special grooves, bat has always been a court and trial lawyer, and 
eminently successful. 

He was United States commissioner for the eastern district of 
Michigan from 1S6J- until he left the State, and was city attorney 
of his native city for the year 1865. He was appointed U. S. Com- 
missioner for Iowa in 1867. and held the office till appointed district 
judge. He was city attorney for Clinton, Iowa, during 1869, and 
city solicitor daring 1S70 and 1871, and was again elected to that 
office in 1875, holding it until his elevation to the bench. He was 
then the Democratic candidate for circuit judge in the seventh dis- 
trict in 1868, but was defeated by Judge Young, afterward his law 
partner. In 1876 he was the Djinocratic candidate for a seat on the 
supreme bench of the State, ha ving been nominated by acclamation. 
He wasa delegate to the Democratic State Convention of Michigan 
in 1864; also the Iowa Democratic State Cjnventions as a rule since 
1868, and to all of the Congressional Conventions of his district since 
that period. In 1872 he was an alternate delegate to. and acted in, 
the Baltimore convention that nominated Horace Greeley for the 
presidency, and when appointed judge was chairman of the Clinton 
County Democratic Committee, a member of the District Congres- 
sional Committee, and a member of the State Democratic Commit- 
tee. He is a stock holder and director o f Clinton National Bank. 
In accepting the office which lie now fills with so much ability, 
Judge Hayes made a serious pecuniary sacrifice, relinquishing a 
practice inferior to but few in the State, and yielding a revenue of 
more than twice his official salary, and retains the position only at 
the request of the bar of the district, unanimously expressed in 
])ablic meeting held at Davenport in the summer of 1876. 

It is superfluous to say that Judge Hayes has given universal 
satisfaction on the bench. He is not only a well-read lawyer, hut 
is also gifted with a master mind. 

In his decisions he is eminently equitable, looking only to the 
legal ])oints and true issues of the controversy, irrespective of the 
standing of litigants or the prominence of attorneys, and fortifying 
them by sound reasoning and established precedent. As a result 
of this his judgments have been sustained with remarkable uni" 
formity by the Supreme Court where appeals have been taken. He 



334 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

is as active in mind as in body; thinks quickly, and decides promptly 
all questions submitted to him, and is the same courteous gentle- 
man on the bench as in the social circle, never having been known 
to utter a harsh word to any attorney practicing before him. 
Whether in otiicial or private life, he is characterized by the most 
thorough independence, tempered in all cases by the courtesy and 
blandness of the gentleman. His honesty as a gentleman, and his 
ability as a jurist are of the highest order. 

On the 28th of June, 1865, he married Miss Frances L., daugh- 
ter of William F. Coan, President of the Clinton National Bank, 
Iowa. 

However great the volume of business now before the District 
Court, there have been times in the history of the county when 
little was done. In April, 1846, the court met, and adjourned the 
same day, there being only one case on the common law docket, 
and none on the criminal. In September, 1847, the Gazette, under 
date of the 9th, said: 

"The District Court adjourned last Tuesday for want of business, 
it having been organized the day previously. When we take into 
consideration that on account of the sickness of Judge Wilson we 
had no court last term, this speaks well for the peaceful character 
of Scott County." 

The clerk ot the District Court in his annual report Nov. 1, 
1848, says: 

" I have the pleasure to report that there has been no conviction 
for crimes or misdemeanors since my last annual report in said 
court, and would add further, that there have been but five indict- 
ments in all found for the past year. 

James Thorington, Clerk.'" 

These five indictments proved to be, two malicious, two aban- 
doned by the prosecuting attorney, and the other ])arty was ac- 
quitted without the jury leaving the box. But the business of the 
court has increased since that day, and the criminal record has 
grown, though taking its population and other circumstances into 
consideration, Scott County will favorably compare with any county 
in the State. 

In 1877 the following convictions were had: 1 vagrancy; 4 petit 
larceny; 1 assault with intent to do bodily injury; 11 nuisance; 2 
falsely assuming to be constables; 3 common assault; 2 malicious 
mischief; 2 man-slaughter; 1 house-breaking; 1 keeping house of 
ill-fame; 1 forgery; 1 uttering forged bond; 1 breaking into build- 
ing and larceny; 2 securing property under false pretense. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 335 

In 1878 there were 10 assaults; 3 riot; 2 keeping gambling 
lionse; 1 maiming; 11 larceny; 3 burglary; 1 obtaining property 
under false pretense; 3 robbery; 1 malicious mischief; 3 breaking 
and entering; 1 manslaughter. 

In 1879 there were 8 breaking and entering to commit public 
offense; 2 assault; S larceny; 6 assault with intent to do bodily in- 
jury; 1 nuisance; 3 malicious mischief; 1 resisting an officer; 1 
permitting gambling; 2 keeping house of ill-fame; 2 adultery. 

In 1880 there were convictions for the following crimes: Steal- 
ing from person, 1; larceny, 2; assault with intent to inflict bodily 
injury, 4; assault with intent to commit murder, 1 ; breaking and en- 
tering into store building, 2; stealing from a public building, 2; 
assault, 1; breaking and entering building to commit public offense, 
1; larceny from private building, 3. 

In 1881 the convictions were for the following crimes: Bur- 
glary, 2; robbery, 2; breaking and entering buildings, 7; stealing, 
3; larceny. 13; assault with intent to commit rape 1; assault with 
intent to commit bodily injury, 2; keeping house of ill-fame, 3; as- 
sault, 3; obtaining money under false pretenses, 1. 

From the annual report of the clerk of the District Court, it is 
found that in 1878 the total expenses of the county on account of 
criminal prosecutions, includingamount paid the District Attorney, 
was $2,166.15. In 1879 the amount was $4,692.94; in 1880 it had 
increased to $9,407.51; which was still further increased in 1881 to 
$10,812.28. 

CIRCUIT COURT. 

In 1868 Circuit Courts were created having jurisdiction in all 
common law cases together with probate jurisdiction. The circuit 
comprised the same counties composing the District Court — Scott, 
Muscatine, Clinton and Jackson. Henry H. Benson, then of Mus- 
catine, but now of Scott, was the first Circuit Judge in this circuit, 
being elected in the fall of 1868, and beginning the discharge of 
his duties in January, 1869. 

D. W. Ellis succeeded Judge Benson January, 1873, and was 
re-elected in 1876. In 187S the district was divided into two cir- 
cuits, Clinton and Jackson comprising the first circuit, and Scott 
and Muscatine the second circuit. Mr. Ellis, living in Clinton 
County, was continued as judge of the first circuit of the seventh 
judicial district; D. C. Richman was elected for the second cir- 
cuit and yet serves as circuit judge. 



336 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

De "Witt Clinton Richman was born at Somerset, Perry Co., 
Ohio, on the 1st of September, 1826, and is the seventh child of 
Everet and Mary ( Scott) Richman, natives of Pennsylvania, and 
brother of Hon. J. Scolt Richman. 

The father of our subject was a Methodist minister, and died 
when the latter was but three years of age, leaving the care of a 
family of seven children upon his wife, who seems to have been one 
of the noblest of her sex. Her genealogy has not been preserved 
beyond the fact that she was descended of Scotch ancestors, and 
that she exhibited many of the traits of character for which that 
utilitarian race are noted. Her watchful care for her children was 
unceasing, and her widowed life was apparently planned and lived 
for the main purpose of rearing her offspring so that they might 
be prepared for honorable and useful lives. And after they had 
grown up and gone out into the world she often expressed great 
satisfaction that her care and watchfulness had been so richly re- 
warded. She died among her loved ones at a good old age. 

De Witt C. was educated at the primitive public schools of 
Buck Co., Pennsylvania, where his mother moved soon after the 
death of his father, from which schools he graduated at the age 
of 12. He was alwaj^s fond of reading and committing to memory 
long picizs. Recti's poetical and prose writings were his favorite 
works ; and he]committed almost the whole of " Guy Mannering" 
to memory. 

From the ao-e of 12 to 16 vears he worked on a farm in Bucks 
County, except a few months spent in a store in Philadelphia. He 
served about a year as clerk in Trenton, New Jersey. 

At the age of IS he removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where his 
oldest brother, John W., was in the grocery- business. Here he 
remained two years clerking for his brother, after which he re- 
turned to Trenton, N. J., and resumed his clerkship and remained 
there till 3853, when at the request of his brother, J. Scott, 
he returned to Muscatine to pursue the study of law in his 
office. He had previously read a little of Blackstone and Kent, but 
now set about it in good earnest, and in the year following was ad- 
mitted to the bar. Being at the time on a visit to friends at 
Knoxville, 111., at the suggestion of Judge Hannaman, of that city, 
he was examined and admitted to the bar there, and afterward at 
Muscatine. 

He was subsequently admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court 
of Iowa; and in March, 1869, was admitted to the bar of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. 




•V ■' 



\i 



»tr^ 



'\. 




(-Myr^ w^ ^h bo-crA^ 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 339 

In 1855 he became a partner with his brother, J. Scott Richman, 
which partnership continued until December, 1863, when the latter 
accepted a seat on the bench of the District Court of the seventh 
judicial district of Iowa, whereupon our subject formed a co-partner- 
ship with J. Carskaden. Though naturally averse to active litigation, 
it has seemed to be his lot to be engaged in some of the most 
important and hotly contested suits arising in his district, among 
which may be mentioned the special railroad tax case growing out 
of the special tax voted in aid of the Muscatine Western Railroad, 
in 1871, the collection of which was strongly resisted by many 
taxpayers and a great many other very intricate cases. 

In politics, our subject was raised a Whig, and on the expiration 
of that party united with the Republican, to which he still adheres 
though he has never held nor sought an office. 

During the late war he was among the staunchest supporters of 
the Government, and gave time, money and labor, toward the rais- 
ing of recruits for the army, and for the benefit of sick and dis- 
abled soldiers and their families. 

He was married at Brooklyn, New York, on the 1st of Septem- 
ber, 1855, to Miss Mary Berdine. 

As a lawyer, he takes rank with the foremost at the bar where 
he has practiced. He puts himself in full sj'mpathy with his client, 
and throws into his argument an earnestness and energy which 
seldom fail of effect. He has a high appreciation of professional 
honor, and would scorn to do an act dishonorable or unfair; nor 
will he on any consideration shield a known criminal from justice. 
But though an eminently successful lawyer, it must be confessed 
that his natural tastes seem more adapted to the peaceful and 
quieter walks of literary life than to excited forensic debate. Such 
tastes and habits have doubtless kept him out of politics, where he 
might have made rapid advancement and won greater renown. 

PEOBATE COUKTS. 

A Probate Court was established in Scott County at the time of 
its organization, and Jonathan W. Parker was the first judge of 
probate, receiving his appointment from the governor of Wiscon- 
sin Territory of which it formed a part. He served about one year 
and was succeeded by Ebcnezer Cook. 

Tiie first term of the court under Judge Parker was held May, 
14, 1838. The first business transacted was the filing probating 
21 



340 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

the will of Abraham Trucks, who died in Davenport a few months 
previous. 

In May, 1839, Judge Cook held his first term. He served until 
1842, when James Thorington was elected. Judge Thorington 
served until 1S51, when the office was abolished by law, the duties 
of which under the new law devolved upon the county judge. 

COUNTY COURT. 

In ISol county courts were established and the office of county 
judge created. By the same act the office of probate judge was 
abolished, as were also the offices of county commissioners, the 
duties of the commissioners and probate judge devolving upon the 
county judge. "William Burris was the first county judge. He 
was elected in the fall of 1851, qualified, and at once entered upon 
the discharge of his duties. Jndge Burris served four years, and 
was succeeded by William L. Cook, who also served a term of two 
years. Charles Weston was elected in 1857 and served two years. 
K. Linderman was first elected in 1859 and re-elected in 1863. In 
1867 he was succeeded by T. D. Eagal, who served until the office 
was abolished, January, 1S69. 

Charles Weston was born in May, ISll, in Washington Co., N. Y. 
He was the youngest son of Hon. Roswell Weston, Judge in the 
Court of Common Pleas. He graduated at an early age at the Rens- 
selaer Institute, of Troy, and in 1832 commenced reading law under 
his father and Gen. Orville Clark, who were then in partnership. He 
remained with them some two years and then transferred his studies 
to the office of Hon. Esek Cowen, who was afterward one of the 
justices of the Supreme Court of the State. 

Several of the highest lawyers of the day were cotemporary with 
Judge Weston at the time — Hon. Mark Skinner, now of Chicago, 
and Nicholas Hill, of Albany, N. Y., studying in the same office, 
and Hon. Daniel Ullman and Hon. Ed. Sandford being admitted 
to the bar of the Supreme Court in the same class of examination 
in 1836. 



I 



CHAPTEK V. 



THE BAR OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



In reviewing the historj' of the bar it must be borne in mind 
that as the prosperity and well-being of every community depends 
upon the wise interpretation, as well as upon the judicious fram- 
ing of its laws, it must necessarily follow that a record of the mem- 
bers of the bar must form no unimportant part in the county's 
history. Upon a few principles of natural justice is erected the 
whole superstructure of civil law, tending to meet the wants and 
subserve the interests of all alike. The business of the lawyer is 
not to make the laws, but to apply them to the daily affairs of men. 
But the interests of men are diversified, and where so many inter- 
ests and counter-interests are to be protected and adjusted, to the 
lawj-er and judge are presented many interesting and complex 
problems. 

Change is everywhere imminent. The laws of yesterday do not 
meet the wants and necessities of the people of to-day, for the old 
relations do not exist. New and satisfactory laws must be estab- 
lished. The discoveries in the arts and sciences, the invention of 
new contrivance for labor, the enlargement of industrial pursuits, 
and the increase and development of commerce are without prec- 
edence, and the science of law must keep peace with them all; 
nay, it must even forecast the event, and so frame its laws as will 
most adequately subserve the wants and provide for the necessities 
of the new conditions. Hence the lawyer is a man of to-day. The 
exigencies he must meet are those of his own time. Ilis capital is 
hie ability and individuality. He cannot bequeath to his suc- 
cessors the characteristics that distinguished him, and at his going, 
as a general thing, the very evidences of his work disappear. 

Anthony Thornton, President of the Illinois State Bar Associa- 
tion, in 1S7S, in an address before the association, thus speaks of 
the lawyer: "In the American State the great and good lawyer 
must always be prominent, for he is one of the forces which move 
and control society. Public confidence has generally been reposed 
in the legal profession. It has ever been the defender of popular 

(341) 



342 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

rights, the champion of freedom, regulated by law, the firm sup- 
port of good government. In times of danger it has stood like a 
rock and breasted the mad passions of the hour, and firmly resisted 
tumult and faction. No political preferment, no mere place, 
can add to the power or increase the honor which belong to the 
pure and educated lawyer. The fame of Mansfield and Marshall 
and Story can never die. ' Times iron feet can print no ruin-trace ' 
upon their character. Their learning and luminous exposition ot 
our jurisprudence will always light our pathway. It is our duty 
to preserve the prestige of the profession. The past, at least, is 
secure; the present and future summon us to action. With the prog- 
ress of society and the increase of population, wealth and trade, 
varied interests arise, and novel questions requiring more thought 
confront us. A disregard of the law has been developed, crime 
meets us unabashed, and corruption stands unmasked in the high 
places of the land. It is no fancy jiicturo that the law has, to some 
extent, lost its authority, and it is only the shade of that which 
once was great. Hence, new duties are imposed, and a firmer cour- 
age is required. *** The exaltation of the profession is a duty en- 
joined upon us. It is a debt which only death can discharge. Lord 
Bacon has said, 'Every man is a debtor to his profession; from 
the which, as men of course do seek to receive countenance and 
profit, so ought they of duty to endeavor themselves, by way of 
amends, to be a help and ornament thereto.' Every lawyer is a 
debtor to his profession. If worthy, it gives him an honorable 
character and high position. The lawyer should prize and love his 
profession. He should value its past renown, and cherish the 
memory of great men whose gigantic shadows walk by us still. He 
should love it for the intrinsic worth and innate trutii of the fun- 
damental truths which adorn it." 

In compiling a history of the bar one is astonished at the small 
amount of material for a memoir of those who have been so inti- 
mately connected with and exerted such influence upon the country's 
welfare and iirogress. Aside from the few who have become great, 
whose names are emblazoned on history's page, but little is known 
of many who at one time were very prominent in the legal profes- 
sion in the county. 

THE EAELY BAR. 

Scott County was organized in 1838, but previous to this time 
several members of the profession had settled in the county first. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 343 

of whom was Gilbert C. R. Mitcbell, who subsequently became 
judge of the District Court, and who for many years, and until his 
death, was an honored member of the bar of the county. A sketch 
of Judge Mitchell will be found in another part of this work. 

Alexander W. McGregor came abo\U the same time with Judge 
Mitcheil, and it is a disputed questi()n with many of the oldest 
settlers as to which of the two arrived first. Sufhce it to say tliat it 
was not Mr. McGregor's intention when he settled here to engage 
in the practice of law. He first went on a farm, where he re- 
mained several years, and then moved into Davenport, where he 
hung out his shingle, and served his clients to the best of his ability 
Mr. McGregor served a term in the General Assembly of the Terri- 
tory. He died about 1859. 

S. B. Hastings came to the county in 1836 and settled at Bufi'alo, 
then the metropolis of the county, where he remained about one year 
and then moved to Muscatine County. He was a good lawyer, and 
afterward rose to high rank as a lawyer and judge. He served as 
judge of the Supreme Court in this State for some years, and in 
the beginning of the gold excitement in California he moved to 
that State, where he became distinguished, serving for many years 
as judge of the Supreme Court. 

Jonathan W. Parker came in 1837, and was here on the organ- 
ization of the county, and at the fii'St term of court was, on motion, 
admitted to practice at the Scott County bar. Mr. Parker never 
took high rank as a lawyer, but was highlj' esteemed as a citizen. 
He served the countj' in the General Assembly, and at one time 
was the presiding officer of the Senate. He died of cholera in 
Cincinnati. 

Simeon Meredith was here at the first term of the District Court 
for Scott County, and, on motion of Judge Mitchell, was licensed to 
practice and was appointed by Jud^e Williams District Attor- 
ney ^o teia. He remained but a short time, as the " picking " for 
lawyers was very slim at that day. He is now dead. 

James Grant was the next attorney to claim a residence in Scott 
County. Coming here for the sake of his health, and with the in- 
tention of being a farmer, he settled in Blue Grass township; bat 
his talents were not allowed to remain idle, and he was almost 
compelled to resume the practice of his profession. A sketch of 
the Judge will be found in the chapteron "Courts of Scott County." 

Ebenezer Cook was admitted to the bar about 184(t, and was 
identified with it to a orreater or less extent until his death, though 



344 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 

he, in later years, gave his attention ahnost exclusively to banking 
and real estate business. A sketch of Mr. Cook will be found 
among the prominent- dead of the countj'. 

Charles Weston came to the county and purchased a farm, and 
also engaged in the practice of his profession. A sketch of Mr. 
"Weston will be found in the chapter on "Courts." 

John P. Cook was an able member of the bar of the past, and 
did a large and lucrative business. Various references are made to 
Mr. Cook in this volume; a speech delivered by him at the Old 
Settlers' Meeting on the occasion of its first festival is given in full; 
and a sketch of him is given in the chapter of the "Prominent 
Dead." 

John L. Davies was a practitioner at the Scott County bar for 
some years. He is now dead. A sketch of him appears among 
the " Prominent Dead." 

John F. Dillon, ex -judge of the United States Circuit Court for 
the eighth judicial circuit, was born in "Washington Co., N. Y. 
on the 25th of December, 1831. His father was Thomas Dillon. 
His paternal and maternal grandfathers were each born in Ireland, 
and emigrated to this country at an early age, and settled in the 
State of New York, from whence his father immigrated to Iowa. 

In 1838, when he was little over seven years old, his parents re- 
moved from Herkimer Co., N. Y., to Davenport, in the then 
Territory of Iowa, in which city he has resided ever since. He 
commenced the study of medicine at the age of 17 years, under 
the direction of Egbert S. Barrows, M. D., then the leading physi- 
cian of Davenport. He attended two courses of medical lectures 
at the Keokuk Medical College, and graduated at the age of 21 
years. He entered upon the practice of his profession, but finding 
after a trial of a few months that it did not accord with his tastes, 
he commenced reading law in the office where his sign as a physi- 
cian was displayed. He was licensed as an attorney in Scott 
County, Iowa, in 1852, and at once commenced the practice of his 
new profession. This year he was elected prosecuting attorney for 
Scott Count}'. 

In 1858, when 27 years of age, he was elected by a majority 
greatly exceeding the majorit}' of his party as the Republican can- 
didate for judge of the seventh judicial district of Iowa, a district 
then composed of the four populous counties of Scott, Muscatine, 
Jackson and Clinton. The first work he did after his election was 
the giving of a close, critical study to all the then reported 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 345 

decisions of the Supreme Court of the State. This resulted in the 
preparation of his lirst legal work, " A Digest of the Decisions of 
the Supreme Court of Iowa." In 1862 he was re-elected without 
any opposition, the bar of the district, without distinction of party, 
uniting in a reijuest to him to continue in the office. During the 
year following his second election, he was nominated by the Repub- 
lican party of his State for one of the judges of the Supreme Court, 
and was elected for a term of si.x years, taking his seat the 1st of 
January, 1S63. In 1869 he was unanimously re-nominated and re- 
elected for another term of six years without any considerable 
opposition, but before he qualified under his second election, and 
while still holding the office of chief justice of the Supreme Court, 
he was nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate as 
circuit judge of the United States for the eighth judicial circuit, 
embracing the States of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, 
Kansas and Arkansas, and recently, also, tlie newly admitted State 
of Colorado. 

During the time he was on the Supreme Bench of the State he 
commenced collecting data for a work on " Municipal Corpora- 
tions " and having become bound to the publishers to prepare the 
treatise, he was compelled to write it out after his accession to the 
Federal Bench. 

The work had an extraordinary sale. The Ql-st edition of 2,500 
copies, published in the year 1872, was exhausted in a few months, 
and the second edition, expanded into two volumes, is already gone. 
The royalty to Judge Dillon on the two editions was the sum of 
S10,000. 

In 1872, seeing the necessity lor a first-class law journal in the 
valley of the Mississippi, he was instrumental in setting on foot 
the publication of the Central Law Journal., himself sketching out 
the plan and for a time contributing much of the material. Hav- 
ing given it a fair start, and being unable longer to give it super- 
vision, he committed the management of it to Seymore D. Tompson, 
of St. Louis. 

He has held 13 terras of court every year for the last six years in 
seven judicial districts and six States. In addition to his other 
labors he has edited and published three volumes of " Circuit Court 
Reports," mostly his own opinions. 

Judge Dillon's opinions on the Supreme Bench of the State may 
be found in the 12 volumes of "Iowa Reports " from the loth to 
the 28th volumes. During this period the judges adopted and rig- 



346 HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

idly maintained the habit of consulting thoroughly upon every case 
before the opinion was written. These consiiltations extended to 
an agreement upon the facts of the case, upon the judgment to be 
rendered, and upon the grounds on which the judgments should be 
placed. This system of voluntarily enforced discipline could not 
fail to be productive of important results, and the decisions of the 
Supreme Courtoflowa naturally acquired a high standing through- 
out the Union and carried with them at home the additional weight 
which attaches to the understanding that an opinion of the court 
was not merely the opinion of a single judge. 

On the 10th of November, 1853, Judge Dillon married Miss 
Anna, daughter of the Hon. Hiram Price, for many years mem- 
ber of Congress for the second district of Iowa. 

Samuel Francis Smith was born at Waterville, Maine, on the 5th 
of September, 1836, and is the son of the Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, 
D.D., a distinguished Baptist clergyman, of Boston, Mass., arid 
Mary (White) Smith. On both sides he is descended from Puri- 
tan ancestors, who settled in Massachusetts early in the I7th cen- 
tury, from whom have sprung some of the noblest names 
that adorn the annals of their country. His father is the 
author of the national hymn of the Republic, " My Country, 
'Tis of Thee," an ode which has found a merited response 
in every Christian "heart, not only in this "sweet land of lib- 
erty," but throughout the globe, which has been rendered into the 
dialect of almost every civilized country in the world, and which is 
sung as frequently in the Alpine valleys and on the slopes of the 
Himalayas as in the fair land that gave birth to its venerated au- 
thor. To be the author of that hymn is glory enough for one man 
and one life time. 

A brother of our subject, the Rev. D. A. W. Smith, D. D., is 
president of the Baptist Theological Seminary, at Rangoon, Indiana, 
a gentleman of rare literary attainments, and of the highest 
mental endowments, whose name is known and honored in 
all the churches. Nor is his ancestry on the female side 
less distinguished, his maternal grandfather, the Rev. Hezekiah 
Smith, D.D., having been an indefatigable chaplain in the Revo- 
lutionary army, during the memorable struggle for liberty, while 
many others of the same line have occupied conspicuous places in 
sundry departments during the intervening century. 

Samuel Francis Smith was fitted for Harvard College and car- 
ried through the freshman year by his father, but failing health. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 347 

superinduced by excessive application, obliged him to discontinue 
study for several years. From the earliest period of his recollec- 
tion he desired to be a lawyer; this was the grand aim of his ambi- 
tion; his tastes ran in the direction of books and studies in that line, 
and all his intermediate efforts were but so many steps toward the 
attainment of his cherished aim. When he could no longer study 
he resolved to earn his own living, and ease his father of the bur- 
den of his support, and for two years served as clerk in various ca- 
pacities. At the age of Id he made up his mind to go West for the 
benefit of his health, and as likely to afford him better facilities for 
the pursuit of his favorite studies. 

He lialted for a few months in Chicago, and afterward settled in 
Davenport, Iowa, which has ever since been his home. He found 
employment in the law office of Hon .James Grant, where he assidu- 
ously devoted his leisure moments to study, the library of his em- 
ployer liaving been kindly placed at his disposal; in this way he 
completed the college course commenced under the direction of his 
father. In 1857 he commenced in earnestness the practical study 
of the law, and in the following year was admitted to the bar, thus 
attaining the end he so earnestly desired and so eagerly sought. Two 
years later he went into partnership with his preceptor. Judge 
Grant. The firm engaged largely in the collection of repudiated 
corporation bonds and were eminently successful, this branch of 
the business being the specialty of Mr. Smith. During the first 
year of his connection witii the firm his proportion of the earnings 
amounted to $240, but under the steady and persistent growth of 
business his emoluments increased also, and during the last year 
of his active partnership his share of the proceeds amounted to 
over $50,000. 

In 1873 his health gave way under a nervous attack, and relax- 
ation and change being necessary for his restoration, he made a 
visit to Europe in that year with his familv, and remained two and 
a half years absent ; visiting the principal cities in that part of the 
globe. Since his return he has engaged in banking operations in 
connection with the Davenport National Bank, of which he is an 
oflicer and large stockholder. 

Mr. Smith is still in the prime of life, a most amiable and 
accomplished gentleman, courteous and modest. As a financier he 
has few superiors, wliiie all his transactions are governed by probity 
and wisdom. He has been a member of tlie Baptist Church since 
he was 15, and is one of the most successful workers and gener- 



3i8 HISTORY OF SCOTT COCNTY. 

ous contributors in its ranks. In politics he has always been Re- 
publican. On the 17th of August, 1S63, he married Miss Marj, 
daughter of the Rev. Julius A. Reed, of Davenport, Iowa, a graduate 
of Yale College, who came West in 1831, and who for nearly 25 years 
was connected with the Congregational home mission cause in Iowa. 

Hans Reiner Claussen was born in a village of the province of 
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Feb. 23, 1804. His father was the 
owner of a farm on which Hans worked, enjoying the advantages 
of a t5ommon-3chool education up to 1820, when he entered a 
college at Meldorf. Leaving Meldorf he became a student at the 
University at Kiel, in 1824, and passed examination as a law student 
in 1829, and in 1830 was admitted to the bar. He commenced the 
practice of law in the neighborhood of his birthplace, and in 1834 
located at Kiel, where the sessions of the Supreme Court for the 
province were held ; he practiced law up to 1851, when he was 
exiled by the king of Denmark, who then ruled over Schleswig- 
Holstein, which is now a province of Prussia. 

Mr. Claussen was a member of the Legislature of Ilolstein from 
1840 to 1851, and in 1S4S and 1849 a member of the German 
Parliament, which convened in May, 1848, at Frankfort-on-the- 
Main, and framed a constitution for a united Germany. That con- 
stitution, however, was repudiated by the German kings, but the 
present constitution of United Germany contains many of the 
essential parts of that framed in 1S4S. The cause of the exile of Mr. 
Claussen was participation in the struggle of Schleswig-Holstein 
for independence from the Danish king. When a Republic was 
established in France, in 1848, the people of the old world were 
greatly aroused, and revolutions broke out in Vienna, Hungary 
Berlin, Saxony, Hanover and Schleswig-Holstein. The Legislature 
of the latter Province elected five members, who were sent to 
Copenhagen to present the grievances of that Province to the king, 
and ask for relief. Mr. Claussen was one of those delegates. The 
father of Theodore Guelich, and Theodore Olshausen, for some time 
editor of Der Demokrat, were also of the number. These then 
were exiled by the Danish king. When these delegates arrived at 
the Danish capital they were in great danger of being mobbed by 
the infuriated Danish people. The hotel where they lodged was 
surrounded by thousands of greatly excited Danes who called the 
delegates traitors and disloyal to their king. When they drove to 
the palace of the king, the streets were densely crowded with an 
infuriated mob, who attempted to overthrow their vehicle and kill 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 3-1:9 

the delegates. The batter classes, however, male strenuous ami 
successful efforts to save their lives. The king received them cour- 
teously, but refused to grant their petitioTis. 

When the delegates returned, they found the people of Schles- 
wig-Holstein in arms against the Danish king. A government of 
the people had been established, and Mr. Claussen was sent to 
Berlin to obtain aid from Prussia. The long struggle in Schles- 
wig-Holstein against the tyranny of the Danish king had created 
throughout Germany great sympathy for the oppressed. In con- 
sequence of the revolution in that capital, a liberal ministry was 
appointed in Berlin. Favoi'ed by these circumstances Mr. Claus- 
sen was successful in his mission, and the armies of Prussia were 
sent to occupy the province and protect the people against Danish 
aggression. This army was withdrawn about a year after, but the 
army of Schleswig-IIolstein was alone able to hold out against the 
Danish till 1851. The enthusiasm to battle for independence was 
great, and boys 16 years of age would voluntarily enter the army. 
Among the latter was Ernst Claussen, now an attorney in Daven- 
port. But the Danish king fully recovered his sway over Schles- 
wig-Holstein, and exiled a large number, among whom was Mr. 
Claussen. Numerous citizens, who could not and would not stand 
the tyranny of the Danes, emigrated to the United States, many 
of whom settled in Scott County. 

Mr. Claussen arrived in the United States in August, 1851, and 
located in Davenport. He began the study of the English lan- 
guage and law, and was admitted to the bar about two years after 
his arrival. In 1855 he erected a steam grist-mill in Lyons, Clin- 
ton Co., and was in the milling business until IS5S. In this he 
was not successful, and lost nearly all his means during the mone- 
tary crisis of 1857. He sold his mill and re-commenced the prac- 
tice of law. In the fall of 1858 he was elected justice of the peace, 
and re-elected in 1860. As his law business continued to grow he 
took his son, Ernst Claussen, as a pirtner. In 1869 he was elected 
to the State Senate and served four years. He was a member 
of the Judiciary', University, Orphan's House, and Constitutional 
Amendment Committees of that body, and took an active part in 
the revision of the code in 1873. In the Senate he op2)osed female 
sufirage, and every attempt to make the prohibitory liquor laws 
more stringent, and would have advocated a license law if there 
had been any prospect of its passage. Since 1S56 he has been a 
Republican. 



350 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

While Mr. Claussen was practicing law in Kiel, lie gave instruc- 
tions in law to students in the Universit}', and wrote a treatise 
about Prcelegata, a difficult matter of the Roman law, which was 
favorably noticed, and which has since created a great deal ot 
discussion among eminent learned professors in Germany. 

Mr. Claussen was united in marriage in May, 1832, with Anniere 
Eahber, a daughter of a Danish civil officer, and niece of a cele- 
brated Danish poet. Four children were born unto them, two of 
whom died in infancy, and two living — Ernst Claussen, an attor- 
ney in Davenport, and Elfi-ieda, wife of Christian Mueller. 

Frank Perrin practiced hereabout ISiO, and subsequently moved 
to !New Orleans. 

W. J. A. Bradford commenced practice here in 1841, and re- 
mained two years, then removed to Clinton County. 

Mr. Firor came about 1844 from Ohio,and subsequently returned 
to the same State. 

James Baker practiced about the same time. He is now living 
in Springfield, Mo. 

Avery Thomas lived in Princeton from 1839 to 1841 and prac- 
iced at the Scott County bar. 

Charles J. Rogers came to Le Claire in 1855 and remained until 
1860, when he removed to Dubuque, where he now resides. 

R. Linderman was also a resident of Le Claire and was for some 
years county judge. He now resides in Colorado. 

Among others of the bar of the past was Frank Plumer, Alfred 
Edwards, I. N. Talraage, John Johns, James A. Buchanan, Alfred 
Church, John W. Van Hoesen, George M. Van Hoesen, D. S. True- 
James Thorington, H. F. Suksdorf, James Armstrong, L. G. John- 
son, A. H. Bennett. 

THE PRESENT BAR. 

The bar of to-day is represented bj' a class of men that reflect 
honor and credit upon tlie profession. The following comprises the 
list as it now stands in the spring of 1882: W. R. H. Alexander, 
H. H. Ascherman, George "W. Bowden, Benson Bros., Bills & 
Block, AY. J. Birchard, Brown & Campbell, G. G. Carstens, Clark 
& Heywood, Ernst Claussen, C. H. Clemmer, Cook & Dodge, 
Davison & Lane. W. T. Dittoe, L. P. Dosh, C. A. Ficke, L. M. 
Fisher, W. A. Foster, H. C. Fulton, T. W. Gilrath, Gannon & Mc- 
Guirk, George E. Gould, Grant ifc Grant, Green & Peters, Carl F. 
Hass, Fred Heinz, Hadley, M. Henley J. Howard Henry, Hirschl 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COL'NTY. 351 

& Preston, George E. Iliibbell, Jenkins & Pratt, H. C. F. Jenson, 
Carl Kuelil, C. N. Lannian, Martin, Murpiiy & Lynch, N. S. 
Mitchell, D. B. Nash, P. L. O'Meare. Samuel Porter, Putnam & 
Rogers, Frank E. Riehman, J. Scott Riclunan, Roderick Rose, W. 
O. Schmidt, L. M. Smith, Otto Smith, M. D. Snyder, Stewart & 
White, P. Stoltenberg, iM. S. Stuyvesant, Thompson & French, 
Waterman & Boyle, W. H. Wilson, Wing & Finke, Charles Whit- 
aker. 

Ernst Claussen, attorney-at-law, commenced practice in 1860, 
and has been an active member since . He is a native of Holsteiu, 
German}', born in 1S33, and was educated at that place. In 1851, 
after the dissolution of the revolutionary army of Schleswig-Hol- 
stein, in whose ranks, although then quite young, he had fought as 
a volunteer, he came to America, and spent the first two years of 
his residence in this country in St. Louis, Mo., coming to Iowa in 
1853, and locating in Davenport, Scott Co. He went to Lyons, 
Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1855, and remained there until 1858, when 
he returned to Davenport. He enlisted, on the first call of the 
President for 75,000 three months' troops, as a member of the First 
Iowa Infantry, and served as First Sergeant of Co. G during the 
term of his enlistment, then retired from the service, and re- 
sumed the practice of his profession and has devoted his attention 
to the law since. He has been a Republican since the organization 
of that party, and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. He was 
quite active in politics in earlier years, but since the Liberal Gree- 
ley movement, of which he was a member, he has taken no part in 
politics. He is a member of the I.O. O. F. and several German soci- 
eties. His parents came to Davenport with him, and still reside 
here. His father, H. R. Claussen, was for many years an active 
member of the Scott County bar, practicing at intervals from the 
time of his arrival here until 1870, when lie retired. Mr. Ernst 
Claussen married his first wife in 1862; she died in January, 1875, 
leaving two children, a daughter, now deceased, and a son. He 
married his present wife in the fall of 187t), and by her had tliree 
children, two living and one deceased. 

Jacob W. Stewart, attorney of the firm of Stewart & White, 
came to Scott County in April, 1853, and has been actively con- 
nected with the bar from then to the present time. He first associated 
himself with J. W. Sennet, an oM classmate, for about two years, 
with varied success; he then remained alone until 1850, when he 
formed a partnership with James Armstrong; this firm dissolved 



352 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

in January, 1873; then remained alone until Jan. 1, 1875, when 
the present partnership with Win. K. White was formed. Mr. 
Stewart has been with the bar of Scott County nearly 30 years, and 
is tlie third oldest member of the bar now practicing. Mr. Stew- 
art was born in Danbury, Conn., in 182S. lie descended from 
Scotch ancestry on the paternal side. His parents, Simeon M. and 
Susan (Gillette) Stewart, were also born in Danbury. Mr. Stewart 
spent the first 14 years of his life there, when his parents moved 
to Ohio and settled in Akron. He was graduated at Dennison 
University, Granville, in the class of 1850. He read law in Peeks- 
kill, N. Y.; was admitted to practice in 1852; came West that fall 
and taught school in Burlington, Iowa, the winter of lS52-'3. He 
then came to Davenport, landing April 26, 1853, and at once 
opened an office for the practice of law. He was chosen prosecut- 
ing attorney in 1856, for the terra of two years. In 1866 he was 
appointed by Andrew Johnson as Collector of United States In- 
ternal Revenue, for the Second Congressional District, composed 
of six counties, which position he filled one year. He was elected 
Mayor of the city of Davenport in 1874, at the end of which time 
he moved outside of the city limits which disqualified him for re- 
election. Since that time he has studiously avoided all official 
connection with politics, and has zealously pursued his profession. 
In the spring of 1875 he purchased a homestead of 40 acres about 
one mile east of the city limits, which is known as Pahquioque, 
laid out and ornamented by a practical landscape gardener, and is 
one of the most beautiful places in this part of the West. He mar- 
ried Fannie A. Ferguson in 1856, who is also of Scotch descent. 
They have one son and one daughter, both adults. 

George E. Huhhell, attorney, was born in Salisbury, Conn., on 
April 7, 1828. His father was John L. Hubbell, a native of Con- 
necticut; his mother was Sophia E. Morse, a distant relative of 
Prof. Morse, of telegraph fame. Her father was sherift'of Xew Ha- 
ven Co., Conn., many years. George's parents reside at Albuquer- 
que, N. M., the former 87 and the latter 77 years of age. The sub- 
ject of this record was reared and educated in Connecticut and 
graduated from Yale law school in 1851, and, opening a law office, 
practiced in New Haven a little over a year. He was married June 
10, 1852, to Mary Brewster Pease, granddaughter of James Brew- 
ster. Soon after his marriage he opened a law office at No. 80 
Nassau street. New York, and practiced there in contact with 
Charles O'Connor, James T. Brady, and other celebrated legal lights. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 353 

His health failing, he came "West and located in Davenport, in 
lb53, and has been actively engaged in the prosecution of his pro- 
fession since. In the spring of 1S64, he entered into partnership with 
his brother, Judge S. A. Hubbell, which continued one year, the 
Judge being appointed by President Johnson, as judge of the Terri- 
torial Court of New Mexico; he died therein April, 1S79. Mr. Hub- 
bell has refused to become a candidate tor any political office, pre- 
ferring rather to devote himself studiously to his profession. He is 
the oldest member of the Scott County bar now in active prac- 
tice, save one. "When he came to Davenport it contained -tjOOO in- 
habitants and now has 22,000. There is but one business firm in 
tlie city that was in existence when he came. Mr. Hubbell buried 
his first wife in February, 1S73. She left four children, viz. : George 
E , Jr., Charles H., Carrie H. and James P. In June, 1S74, Mr. 
Hubbell married his present wife, Mary C. Worthington, a daugh- 
ter of Rev. S. G. J. "Worthington, a Methodist clergyman at Onarga, 
111. Mr. Hubbell has been actively engaged in the temperance 
cause for many years; joined the Sons of Temperance in 1863, and 
was Grand "Worthy Patriarch of the State, at one time. He is 
active and outspoken in behalt of the Prohibition movement from 
conscientious principles, and is a fearless advocate of his convictions 
in private circles, and from the rostrum. 

John C. Bills, attorney, of the law firm of Bills & Block, has 
been a member of the Scott Co. bar since May, 1S56. He is a 
native of Wyoming Co., New York, born in 1833. After re- 
ceiving an academic education, he read law in Buflalo, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1855. The spring following he came West 
and located in Davenport, Iowa, and has been an active and prom- 
inent member of the Scott County bar to the present time. He 
was twice elected mayor of Davenport, in 1870 and 1871, on the 
Republican ticket. He was married in July, 1861, to Clara B. 
Bliss, a native of Wyoming Co., New York. 

Samuel Edward Brown, attorney, of the firm of Brown & 
Campbell, has been a practitioner of the law since 1855, but was 
not admitted to thebar of New York, until 1857; was admitted at the 
May term, 1857, and after a year of practice in that State he came to 
Davenport, June 1, 1858, and this has been his home since. He was 
born in Owego, NewYork, on Nov. 26, 1833. He attended the Owego 
Academy, and Amherst College, Massachusetts, graduating in the 
c'ass of 1855. He at once entered upon the study of law in his 
native place, under B. F. Tracey, and was admitted as above 



354: HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

stated. He was offered a partnership by Col. N. W. Davis, of New- 
York State, one of liis examiners, the same day of his admission, 
which he accepted. He remained there until June 1, 1858, then 
started for the West. James Armstrong an old schoolmate, came 
with him as a partner. They remained together until March 1, 
1860, Mr. Brown being then offered a partnership in the law firm of 
Corbin & Dow, which he accepted. Mr. Corbin being engaged in 
the banking business, soon after retired from the firm, leaving it 
Dow & Brown; a year or two later Mr. Dow retired leaving Mr. 
Brown alone. He took Alfred Sully as a partner, in March, 1864. 
In June, 1870, James D. Campbell being admitted, the firm became 
Brown, Campbell & Sully ; Mr. Sully withdrew from the firm in 
March, 1874, and George E. Gould was taken as a partner in the 
firm from 1874 until 1876, since which time the firm has continued 
as it now exists. Mr. Campbell's attention for the past two years 
has been almost exclusively engaged in railroad business, and there 
has been a division of business since January, 1881. Mr. Brown de- 
votes his energies almost exclusively to Federal Courts, and practices 
over a circuit that embraces Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska, looking 
after foreclosure of mortgages, railroad matters and municipal 
bonds. Mr. Brown's is one of the finest law oflices in the West, it 
together with E. E. Cook's being planned and built according to 
their idea. He married in Owego, Miss Mary Louise Davis, . a 
daughter of his old law partner, in August, 1859. They have five 
sons and two daughters. Mr. Brown losing his father earl^' in 
life, became self-supporting at 13 years of age. He has a fine 
residence at the corner of 16th and Brady streets, comprising a 
fractional square, beautifully improved and ornamented. 

Daniel B. JVash was born in Jacksonville, 111., Dec. 9, 1826. 
His parents were Stephen and Basliua (Belknap) Nash; the former 
born and bred in Massachusetts, the latter in Vermont. They 
were married in the East, and moved to Morgan Co., 111., in 
1820. His mother died in her 86th year on Feb. 9, 1874; his 
father, aged 89 years, died Oct. 19, 1878. The subject of this 
record graduated from Illinois College in June, 1854. Began read- 
ing law with his cousin, Chauncy Nash, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, 
and was admitted to the bar in October, 1855. He entered into 
partnership with his cousin there, in which relation he continued 
for three years; he then moved to Davenport, where he has been 
actively engaged in his profession ever since. In November, 1875, 
he was appointed register in bankruptcy for the district of Iowa, 






^^^^^^-^.^^ ^-T-^iyi^i/r^ 



&^;^^:^^cc.^^.■^^f-^ 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 367 

which position he still liolds, not having entirely completed the 
old business. He iias, in such judicial position, done much ser- 
vice for the United States and litigants throughout the State 
during his official labors. His liabit has been to write regular 
opinions on the more important cases, some of which have been 
reported and quoted by courts as authority, and in some instances 
have been embodied in legal digests. He has paid but little atten- 
tion to politics, having devoted all his energies and talents to his 
profession. He has, however, ever been a pronounced Republican. 
He was married, after settling in Davenport, to Margaret A. 
Hutchinson, a native of New York State, on Sept. 3, 1S64. Their 
married life has been blessed with two children, Martin Belknap, 
born Oct. 28, 1866, and Mary Caroline, Nov. 15, 1871. The family 
are connected with the Episcopal Church. The son, Martin Bel- 
knap, is attending Griswold College. 

John W. Thompson, attorney, of the firm of Thompson & 
French, 209 Main street, was born in Huntington Co., Pa., Oct. 14, 
1823. He was a son of Joseph and Ann (Johnston) Thompson, 
natives of Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter by trade; she was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. They had six children, five 
are still living. John "W". attended school until 19, then taught 
school until 21, when he began the study of law in Huntington, 
Pa., in the office of Thomas P. Campbell; was admitted to the 
bar when 23 years of age, in April, 1847, practicing law in 
Williamsburg and Holidaysburg, Pa., until the spring of 1854; 
then traveled in Texas and other States until April, 1855, when he 
located in Davenport and formed a partnership with Horatio B. 
Earner, which continued until 1861; then continued alone until 
1866, when he and J. D. Campbell were partners until 1870, when 
he continued alone until 1877, then formed his present partnership 
with Nathaniel French. Mr. Thompson married Miss Margaret 
A. Wallace, May 12, 1S74, a native of Westmoreland Co., Pa. She 
was a daughter of John and Martha (Ross) Wallace. Mrs. John 
W. Thompson died March 12. 1875. She was a member of the 
United Presbyterian Church. Mr. John W. Thompson is one of 
the leading representatives of the Davenport bar, having been 
identified with it since April 3, 1855. In politics a "free soil " 
Whig, and cast his first vote tor Honry Clay, but since the organ- 
ization of the Republican party he has been one of its strongest 
supporters. Mr. Thompson was elected a Republican Representa- 
tive to the Iowa Legislature in 1857, and to the Senate in 1859. 



358 HISTOKY OF SCOTl' CurNTT. 

He was a member of the convention of 1860 that nominated 
Lincoln for Fresident, and also a member of the convention of 
1880 that nominated Garfield for President of the United States. 
Edvxird E. Cook^ attorney, ot the firm of Cook and Dodge 
(Frank L. Dodge), has been an active member of the Scott County 
bar since May, 1863. He was born in Scott Co., Iowa, Aug. 13, 
1843. He is the son of John P. Cook, a native of New York State, 
and one of Scott County's earliest attorneys. He came to Daven- 
port in 1836, re d law, and was admitted to practice about 1841, 
in Cedar Co., Iowa, where he located in 1840; he was one of 
the earliest settlers of that county and one of the first settlers in the 
town of Tipton, and helped to make some of the first improvemeiits 
in the place. In October, 1842, he married Eliza A. Rowe, a 
daughter of Christian Rowe, and a citizen of Scott County, to 
which she came with her parents in 1836, from Steuben Co., N. Y. 
In March, 1851, Mr. J. P. Cook moved his family to Davenport, 
where he remained an active member of the legal profession until 
his death , April 16, 1872. He was a member of the 33d Congress 
from this district, served in the sessions of 1853-'4, and 1854-'5. 
The sabject of this memoir was educated in the cities of Washing- 
ton, D. C., Rochester, Geneva, and Albany, N. Y. ; was also a year 
in Griswold College, Davenport, and was the first student in the 
collegiate department in that institution. He graduated from the 
Albany Law School in May, 1863, and was admitted to practice in 
the Supreme Court of New York. He came home to Davenport, 
and was admitted on motion at the May term of the District Court 
of 1863. He then entered the office of his father, for law prac- 
tice, and Jan. 1, 1865, he became a member of the law firm of 
Cook & Drury. Jan. 1, 1871, the firm changed to Cook & Brun- 
ing. This relation continued until the death of Mr. Cook, Sr. In 
May, 1872, Mr. C. formed a partnership with Judge J. S. Richman, 
under the firm name of Cook, Richman & Bruning, continuing 
until Dec. 1, 1875, when Mr. Bruning retired, the firm remain- 
ing Cook (fe Richman till May 1, 1880, when the present partner- 
ship was formed. This firm does a general law practice, have been 
attorneys for the C.,R. I. & P. Ry., and its predecessor, the Miss. 
& Mo. Co. , and have paid considerable attention to corporation 
law. Mr. Cook affiliates with the Democratic party politically, and 
has done considerable committee work in an official way in its be- 
half and as an expositor of its principles, but has refused to become 
a candidate for any office. 



}IISTORT OF SCOTT COTTNTT. 359 

W. A. Foster, attornev, began the practice of law in Scott County 
in October, 1866, and has been an active member of the bar to the 
present time in both State and United States courts. Mr. Foster is 
a native of Scott Co., Iowa, born in 1842; he is a son of Asa Foster, 
born in Ohio, and married a Miss "Wray, a native of Kentucky. They 
came from Indiana in 183S) and settled in what is now Blue Grass 
township, where he followed farming. He died in 1855, his wife in 
1880. The subject of this memoir was educated in Davenport, and 
read law with Davison & True in this city, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1866 and at once opened an office for the practice of his pro- 
fession. The year following he married Lucy Birciiard, a resident 
of Scott County. Mr. Foster was elected to the State Senate on 
the Republican ticket, andjserved from Jan. 1, 1878, to Jan. 1, 1882; 
this is the only office he has been a candidate for, and declined a re- 
nomination. He has attained quite a reputation as a criminal law- 
yer, in the higher grades of criminal cases, and has been called to 
try capital suits in Iowa and adjacent States; he also does a general 
court practice. 

Hugh M. Martin, lawyer, of the firm of Martin, Murphy & 
Lynch, read law in Tiffin, Ohio, with Gen. Wm. H. Gibson, and 
was admitted in 1855. The following year he moved West and lo- 
cated in Marengo. Iowa, and there practiced till 1867. He came 
to Davenport in company with his present partner, G. H. Murphy, 
in June, 1867. In 1S76 Mr. Lynch became a member of the firm. 
They have a large general court practice. Mr. Martin has rather 
avoided than courted politics, but has held several local positions. 
He was elected prosecuting attorney for Iowa County at the August 
election in 1857, and served until the office was abolished by the 
then new constitution, which took effect in 1858. He represented 
Iowa County in the Ninth General Assembly of the State, as a mem- 
ber of the House and as a war Democrat ; was a candidate for 
Congress in the campaign of 1862, in what was then known as the 
fourth congressional district; had a majority of the home vote of 
1,100 as a candidate against Hon. J. B. Grinnell, and was defeated 
by the soldiers' vote outside the State, by a majority of 1,300; was 
a candidate in 1868 for attorney general of the State on the Demo- 
cratic ticket and was only beaten, he says, by about 60,000 
majority. He has served as city attorney of Davenport from 
1873 to 1881, except the year 1879. Mr. Martin was born near 
Tiffiin, Ohio, and was reared on a farm. His education was ob- 
tained in the common schools, the Republic Academy and Heidel- 



360 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

bercr College, Ohio. He was married at Marengo, Iowa, Maj 10, 
1859, to Ellen A. Parker, a native of Massachusetts, and reared in 
Virginia. 

Herman Block, of the law firm of Bills & Block, has been an 
active member of the Scott County bar since 1865. He was born in 
18-iO, in the duchy of Lauenburg, Germany. He was educated in 
the Grymnasium of Kiel, in Holstein, and at 18 years of age immi- 
o-rated to the United States and located at Davenport. Dependent 
upon his own resources, he worked at such employments as were 
accessible to earn a livelihood and enable him to prosecute the 
study of law, in which he zealously engaged without the advantage 
of an instructor. In 1865 he was admitted to the bar and soon 
after commenced practice, having desk-room in the office of Parker 
and McNeal the first year. He practiced alone until 1870, when 
a law partnership was formed with John C. Bills, which still con- 
tinues. The lirm of Bills & Block is one of the ablest and most 
prosperous in this part of Iowa. Mr. Block is a Pepublican in 
sentiment, but has eschewed politics, and has applied himself 
steadily to his profession. He was united in marriage on Christ- 
mas day, 1867, with Miss R. V. VanEpps. a native of New York 
State. Two sons, Louis, born in June, 1869, and John C, born 
in May, 1871, comprise their family. Mr. Block served six years, 
consecutively, as a member of the City School Board, and from 1873 
to 1876 he served as its president. He has been an active mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. since 1866 ; was chosen Grand Patriarch of 
the State in 1874, serving one tei-m ; in October, 1876, he was elected 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa for one year. He has 
filled the office of Grand Representative to the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge of that order for four years. 

W'dUain K. White, attorney, of the firm of Stewart & White, 
has been an active member of the Scott County bar since 1868. He 
was born in Saratoga Springs, li. Y., in 1844. His early life was 
passed there, and he attended the Saratoga schools. He read law 
with Chancellor Reuben H. Walworth, of K^ew York; finished read- 
ing with J. A. Shoudy, now a prominent attorney of New York 
City; was admitted in the early part of 1865, at the general term 
of the Supreme Court at Plattsburg, N. Y. ; went South soon after 
and served by appointment as assistant in the Freedraen's Bureau; 
filled the position until 1868, was then mustered out and came to 
Davenport, stopping accidentally, and, forming some acquaintances 
he opened a law office that fall. After practicing some time alone 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 361 

he took John Ackley as a partner, which continued about a year; 
he then practiced alone until January, 1S73, when he took charge of 
the District and Circuit Courts to which he had been elected clerk 
the fall before. He served one term. Previous to the termination 
of his official career he formed the present law partnership, and 
upon retiring from the clerkship resumed the practice of law in 
whicli he has been since actively engaged. Mr. White was mar- 
ried in 1872, in Ottawa, 111., to Nellie Barger, a native of that 
city. They have one daughter aged si.x years. His residence is a 
beautiful structure, erected by him in 1876. It is located at 1,026 
Brady street, on the bluffs, and overlooks the Mississippi Valley. 
He has always been a Republican, but was elected on the Liberal 
or Greeley ticket ; since then has been identified with the Repub- 
lican party, but has not been a candidate for any office. 

John W. Green, attorney at law, has been a citizen of Scott 
County since 1852 and a member of the Scott County bar since 
1868. He was born in Vernon, Ind., in 1842. He came to this 
county when 10 years of age. He was educated at, and graduated 
from, Monmouth College, 111., in 1862. He entered the army soon 
after as a private in the 83d 111. Infantry, and served three years; 
was promoted to adjutant in 1863, and held that position when 
mustered out in 1S65. He was chiefly in the army of the Ten- 
nessee. Soon after retiring from the army, he went to Albany and 
entered the law school^ there, from which he graduated in 1867. 
He came to Davenport and was a student with Putnam & Rogers 
nntil 1S6S, when he commenced practice on his own account. The 
present law partnership of Green & Peters was formed about eight 
years ago. He was elected twice to the Iowa Legislature, served 
in 1870 and 1872, and the special session of 1873. In 1869 he was 
elected city attorney, which office he resigned when elected to 
the Legislature. He was appointed United States Collector of In- 
ternal Revenue by James A. Garfield on March 10, 1881. His 
district embraces 10 counties. Mr. Green is a decided and 
pronounced Republican in political views. His father, Adam 
Green, spent the last years of his life in this city, dying here in 
1876. During life he was engaged in railroad and canal contract- 
ing. His wife, a native of Kentucky, is still a resident of the city. 

Cfutrles M. Waterrrban, attorney, of the firm of Waterman & 
Boyle, was admitted to the bar in Scott County in 1871, and has 
been in active practice ever since. He practiced alone until 1877, 
when the partnership above named was formed. Mr. Waterman 



362 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

is a native of Frankfort, Ky., bora in January, 1S47; was educated 
in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. After travelius; about consider- 
ably he became a resident of Scott County in 1861; began reading 
law in the spring of 1869 with Davison & True, and was admitted 
to the bar in 1871; remained with his preceptors until 1873 before 
opening a law office. Mr. W. is a Republican and has taken quite 
an interest in politics. He was elected representative from Scott 
County to the State Legislature, and serred in the session of 1878. 
Mr. Waterman's mother is a resident of this county. 

Wm. A. ZywcA, attorney, of the law firm of Martin, Murphy & 
Lynch, Jias been for 10 years an active practitioner at the bar of 
Scott County, and a member of the above-named firm since Janu- 
ary, 1876. He is a native of Virginia, born in Greenbriar County 
in 1846. His parents moved West in 1819, and settled in Mt. 
Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. There the subject of this record re- 
ceived his education in Iowa Wesleyan College, read law in Mt. 
Pleasant one year, then entered the law department of the Iowa State 
University, from which he graduated in June, 1871, and located in 
Davenport one year later. He has been a close student and a very 
successful practitioner. He has studiously avoided politics but 
votes the Democratic ticket. He married in Davenport, Iowa, in 
February, 1875, Josephine McConnell, a native of Indiana. They 
have one child, a daughter. 

Roderick Rose, attorney, a native of Canada was born in 
1838; received an academical education, and taught school there 
one 3'ear; was employed as book-keeper in a wholesale mercantile 
house at that place; came to the United States and to this county 
in 1858; taught school a number of j'ears in the Davenport 
schools, studying law meanwhile; was elected county superin- 
tendent of schools in 1870, but resigned two motiths after. In 1871 
he was admitted to the bar, and opened an office for practice the 
next year. In 1875 he was elected mayor of the city, and re-elected 
in 1876. In the fall of 1879 he was nominated by the Democratic 
party, and ran for representative to the State Legislature, l)nt was 
defeated. In 1880 he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket 
for Congress, but was again defeated, there being a strong Repub- 
lican majority in the district, though he ran largely ahead of his 
ticket in both instances. Mr. Rose was the prime mover in origi- 
nating the public evening school, and was its principal a number 
of years. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W., and is Past Supreme 
Master of the United States having served in that capacity in 1880; 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 363 

served as Grand Master of the State in 1877, and was Supreme 
Representative to the Supreme Lodge in 1S7S. He is a charter 
member of the second lodge in the State of Iowa. He served as 
chairman of the finance committee of the Grand Lodge, and subse- 
quently in the same position in the Supreme Lodge. Mr. Rose is 
a member of 12 ditferent social and benevolent orders, among 
them the Masonic, 1. O. O. F., K. of P., and L. of H. He came to 
Davenport a poor boy, 23 years ago, but is of that temperament 
that takes hold of whatever he undertakes with a will and energy 
that insures success. He was married in Canada in 1856 to Amelia 
Leakwood, who died of consumption a few years latter. He was 
married again in 1865 to Anna E. Ferneau. She was born in Ohio. 
They have two children, viz.: Edwin S., aged 12, and Nellie A., 
aged eight years. 

George E. Gould, attorney, was born in Cumberland Co., 
North Carolina, Dec. 4, 1848. His parents were Wm. E. and 
Frances E. (Sweet) Gould, of English birth, who emigrated to 
America about 181-4 and settled in North Carolina; they removed 
to Iowa in 1856 and located in Scott County. Here the subject of 
this record was educated by a three years' course in Griswold Col- 
lege; read law in Davenport and was admitted to the bar in No- 
vember, 1871. The following year he opened an office in Davenport 
and has since been in active practice, devoting his energies stu- 
diously to his profession with marked success. In politics he is a 
Republican, but not a radical partisan. In 1872 he married Em- 
eline L., daughter of J. J. Humphrey, an early settler in Scott 
County and at present a resident of the city. 

Bleik Peters, attorney at law, of the firm of Green & Peters, 
has been a resident of Davenport since 1855. He was born in 
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, in 1825; was educated in the Uni- 
versity of Germany, from which he graduated in the classical course. 
He entered the army as a volunteer and participated in the cam- 
paign of 1848-9. He studied law in 1846-52 and in August, 1852, 
he inimigrated to America, locating in Marion Co., Iowa, where 
he remained until February, 1853, when he went to St. Louis; 
stayed there until 1855, when he came to Davenport, and engaged 
in the mercantile business. Upon attaining his citizenship he was 
appointed notary public, and was elected justice of the peace in 
the fall of 1862, assuming^ the duties of the office in January, 1863, 
he held this position until Jan. 1, 1873, and the last four years of 
the time was police magistrate also. During that time he paid more 



364 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

than half of the grand total $1,162,465 of fines and costs into the 
school fund treasury that was paid in by the justices and police 
magistrates of the township and city of Davenport, and tried 
within 61 of one-half of the 13,984 of the justices and police mag- 
istrates cases during that period. During his term of office he 
united in marriage 1,160 couples. Upon retiring from the office he 
entered upon the practice of law, as a member of Green & Peters, 
which is one of the leading law firms of Scott County. Previous 
to coming to the United States he was engaged to be married in 
his native country to Matilda Henningen. In 1854 she came to 
Davenport, where they were married Aug. 5 of that year. Mr. 
Peters served as alderman from the second ward of the city in 
1 860 and '61. He has taken an active part in politics, and has 
discussed the political issues of the day in most of the campaigns 
since he became a citizen, from the stand point of Republicanism, 
from the stum]), in the county and vicinity. 

IBred Heinz engaged in the legal practice in Davenport in 1873. 
His parents, B. and Margaret Heinz emigrated from Germany in 
1845 or '46, and settled in St. Louis, Mo., where Fred was born May 
8, 1852. His father served with a Missouri regiment in the Mexican 
war, in which he received a wound which entitles him to a pension. 
In April, 1855, they removed to Davenport, which is their present 
home. The subject of this memoir was educated in the city schools 
and Griswold College. He entered the law office of Parker & Mc- 
Neal when 16 years of age. One year later he became a student 
with Herman Block, remaining with him and the firm of Bills & 
Block three years. May 2, 1873, Mr. Heinz was admitted to the 
bar and at once commenced practice. At the end of six montlis he 
entered into partnership with Ernst Claussen, which expired April 
5, 1880. In October, 1875, he was licensed to practice in the United 
States Courts. He has been somewhat active in politics, in connec- 
tion with committee work and public discussions. He was two 
years secretary of the Democratic Committee, was one year its 
chairman, and is now chairman of the_Deraocratic City Committee, 
in which capacity he has served several years. Mr. Heinz began 
his law practice with a capital of $20, half invested in law books, 
and the remainder in ofiBce furniture. He is now doing a thriving 
and profitable legal business. He is a member of several social orders, 
of the Davenport Shooting Association ,^nd the First Ward Hose 
Company. In September, 1876, he married Minnie Steffen, daugh- 
ter of Claus Stefi'en, one of the pioneer German settlers in Daven- 
port. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COTTKTT. 365 

H. H. Ascherman, attorney at law, Davenport, was born ia 
"Warburg, Prussia, Sept. 15, 1852, son of Conrad and Antoinette 
( Fecke )]Asclierraan. They were married inWarburg, Prussia, about 
1840. By this union there were nine children, six of whom lived 
to be adults, viz. : Ferdinand, Carl A., H. H., Augusta, Albert and 
Louisa. They migrated to the United States in the fall of 1856, 
locating first in Milwaukee, Wis., where they remained a few months 
and then came to Davenport, where Mr. Ascherman's father engaged 
in the grocery business, which he followed until his death, in 1876. 
The subject of this sketch attended the common schools of Daven- 
port, completing his education in Griswold College. He then entered 
the Iowa State Law School, and at the age of 21 years commenced 
reading law with the firm of Putnam & Rogers. In June, 1875, he 
was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession in Davenport, where he still has an office at the corner of 
Main and Second streets. 

Nathaniel S. MltcheU, attorney, was born in Davenport, Iowa, 
Feb. IS, 1853. His father, Gilbert C. R. Mitchell, was a native 
of Tennessee, and settled in Davenport in 1835. He married Miss 
Rose A. Clark, of Irish nativity. Mr. Gilbert Mitchell was a prac- 
ticing attorney, having read law in his native State, and practiced 
in Alabama for a time. He was elected judge of the llth judicial 
district, under the old constitution in 1856 or '57; failing health 
compelled him to resign the ofiice not long after. He traveled for 
some time in the South, to regain his health. He died in Daven- 
port in 1865. Nathaniel S. Mitchell is one of a family of two sons 
and four daughters, of whom the brother and three sisters are 
dead. He read law in Davenport with John W. Thompson, after 
having been educated at Notre Dame, Indiana, graduating fi-om 
there in 1872. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1875, and 
the following spring established an office in this city, and has since 
been engaged in general law practice. In politics he is a Repub" 
lican. He married Miss Charlotte McMenomy in 1874. She was 
born in New York. His mother, who came here in 1842, and his 
sister, Mrs. W. J. McCullough, are residents of this city. 

Peter A. Boyle, lawyer, of the firm of Waterman & Boyle, has 
been practicing law in Scott County since 1876, as a member of the 
above firm. Lie was born in Connecticut, and is now 33 years of 
age; came to Scott County when 16 years old; was educated in 
Griswold College, Davenport, graduating in 1870; entered Har- 
vard Law School that fall, and graduated from there in 1872, and 



366 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

was admitted to practice that fall; entered the law office with Da- 
vison & Lane, and remained until 1876. His parents, John R. and 
Mary J. (Copley) Boyle, are residents of Davenport township, Scott 
County. 

Charles A. Ficke^ attorney, has been a member of the bar of Scott 

County since October, 1877. He is a native of Mecklenburg, Ger- 
many, born April 21, 18.50; was brought by his parents to America 
in 1852. They located in the northern part of this county; later 
they removed tq the city of Davenport, where they now reside. 
The subject of this sketch left the farm and came to the city in 1863 
for the purpose of securing an education. In 1866 he obtained em- 
ployment as salesman in a dry goods store, and continued in that 
capacity until 1868; then clerked for an insurance firm about two 
years, at the close of which time he entered the Davenport Na" 
tional Bank as corresponding clerk, occupying that position until 
July, 1876, studying law meantime. Subsequently attended the 
Albany Law School, from which he graduated in May, 1877. After 
spending five months in Europe he located in Davenport, in the 
practice of law, and has been an active member of the bar of Scott 
County since, and his success has been particularly flattering. Mr. 
Ficke is a Republican in politics, and has been somewhat active in 
committee work, having served as chairman of the Congressional 
Committee, and of the Republican Count}^ Central Committee; but 
has never sought or accepted the candidacy of any oflice. 

William 0. Schmidt, member of the Iowa Legislature and a 
lawyer, was born in Davenport, June 9, 1856. His father, John 
Schmidt, was a native of Oldenburg, Germany, and came to Amer- 
ica in 1834 or '35, and located at St. Louis, Mo. He was for many- 
years a seafaring man, and later ran on the lower Mississippi 
River. He married Margaretta Schricker, a native of Bavaria, in 
St. Louis. They located in Davenport about 1849, and still reside 
here. He operated heavily in the mercantile business for years, 
and was one of the founders of the first Board of Directors of the 
First National Bank of this city, which was the first institution of 
the kind organized in the United States. He has been retired 
from business about 10 years, and onh' looks after the interests of 
his large estate. "William O. is a graduate of the public and high 
schools of Davenport ; graduated from the law department of the 
Iowa State University in 1877, and in June of that year was ad- 
mitted to practice in the Iowa Supreme Court. On attaining his 
majority he was elected Director of the Davenport Savings Bank, 
a position he still holds. He read law with the firm of Putnam & 



HISTORY OF «COTT COUNTY. 367 

Rogers. He was elected alderman from the first ward in the 
spring of 1880, notwithstanding an opposing majority of about 200. 
He was elected to the Iowa Legislature in October, 1S81, by a major- 
it}' of only 63 votes ; the two Republican candidates were elected by 
largo majorities. He and Mr. Leonard, Sheriff, were the only 
Democrats elected. Mr. Schmidt immediately opened a law office 
after graduating and has enjoyed a very successful practice. He 
is a Mason and has taken the 32d degree. He is a member of the 
K. of P., also the A. O. U. W., and has filled official chairs in 
each. His mother is his father's second wife, whom he married a 
short time prior to coming to Davenjjort. Three sons of their 
famil)' are now living. One is in the boot and shoe trade in Dav- 
enport, the other is in Cherokee Co., Iowa. 

J^ra7ik L. Dodge, attorney, of the firm of Cook & Dodge, was 
admitted to the bar June IS, 1877. He then entered the office 
of Cook & Richman, as assistant and bookkeeper, which relation 
be sustained until the dissolution of the firm. May 1, 1880, he 
became a partner with E. E. Cook, in the present firm. Mr. Dodge 
was born in Buffalo, Iowa, July 20, 1856; he is a son of Leroy and 
Susan (Jones) Dodge. His father came to Iowa in 1832, and in 
1836 he came to Davenport. He engaged in boating on the Mis- 
sissippi River, first as a clerk, later as pilot, and finally as an owner 
and operator of steamboats on the river, among them the " James 
McKee " and the " Keokuk," of which he was sole owner. He finally 
abandoned the river in 1859 or '60 and retired to his home in Buf- 
falo, where his family had lived a number of years previously. He 
purchased a large tract of land in Buffalo township, about 1841, 
and settled tlierea number of years later. He died in 1871. His 
first wife, the mother of our subject, died in his early childhood. 
Frank L. attended school at the Iowa State University, from which 
he was graduated in the literary course in the class of 1875; here- 
turned to the law dejiartment of that institution in 1876, from 
which lie graduated in 1877. 

Amhrone P. McGairk, attorney, of the firm of Gannon & Mc- 
Guirk, began the practice of law in Scott County in 187S, at which 
time tlie present partnership was formed; was educated in the 
law course in Michigan State University, grailuating in March, 
1878, and was admitted to tlie Michigan bar in Washtenaw County. 
Mr. McGuirk is a native of St. Mary's, Canada, born in 1854. His 
early education was obtained there; took a course in Jones & 
Yerex's Academy in London, Ontario, and graduated from that 



368 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

school July 18, 1876. He had attended the Michigan State Uni- 
versity, during the sessions of 1874— '5, then spent nearly two 
years reading law in the office of Jones & Mc Dougal, in St. Mary's. 
Ang. 3, 1878, he came to Davenport, since which time lie has de- 
voted himself to his profession. The law practice of the firm is 
qnite satisfactory and steadily growinsr. He is a Democrat in pol- 
itics and has done considerable public speaking in the interest of 
that party, in this county. He is now President of the Catholic 
Litei-ary Society of this city, and has served as its vice-president 
since its organization in 1878. He is secretary of the Emerald 
Dramatic Association, and the Davenport Land League. 

J. Scott Richman, ex-District Judge of the seventh judicial 
district, occupied the bench from 1863 till May, 1872, when he re- 
signed the office, and on the death of John P. Cook he formed a 
law partnership with the son, E. E. Cook, which relation continued 
about eight years. Upon the dissolution of that firm. Judge 
Richman entered into partnership with W. D. Burk and J. J. 
Russell, under the firm name of Richman, Burk & Russell, in 
Muscatine, in July, 1880, since which his time has been divided 
between his business in Muscatine and Davenport. He carries on 
a general and extensive law practice in the several courts, largely 
in the Federal Courts. Judge Richman was born in Summerset, 
Ohio, and was reared in Pennsylvania, whence his mother removed 
from Perry Co., O., with her family of seven children, after the 
death of his father, Rev. Evert Richman, who was a Methodist 
clergyman, and was on the judicial bench as associate judge for a 
number of years; was also clerk of the Ohio Rouse of Repre- 
sentatives seven years. 

Judge Richman began reading law in Bucks Co., Pa., and 
completed the course after coming West in Muscatine, Iowa, and 
was admitted to the bar in 18-40, at 19 years of age. He was mar- 
ried in jSTovember, 1842, to Miss C. A. Hannaman, daughter of 
Judge Hannaman, of Knoxville. 111. Two sons were born of their 
union, viz.: Evert F., born in Muscatine Co., Iowa, Sept. 2.5, 1845; 
at the age of 18 enlisted in the 44th Iowa IntUntry, and was 
appointed adjutant of the regiment at its organization. He was 
admitted to the Muscatine County bar at the age of 20 years; 
practiced there two years; removed to Maquoketa, Jackson Co., 
where he practiced two years. In 1872 he came to Davenport and 
was employed successively by the firms of Cook, Richman & 
Breming and of Cook & Richman; began practice on his own 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 369 

account in Marcb, ISSO; and Clayton S., a lieutenant in the 
United States navy, now stationed at the navy yard at San Fruii- 
cisco,Cal. The Judge lost his wife in February, 1878. Immediately 
after being admitted to the bar the Judge formed a partnersliip 
with Judge S. C. Hastings, now of California, and began practice in 
Muscatine, and continued until 1S49, when Judge Hastings went 
to California. Judge llichman then remained alone in the prac- 
tice several years; then formed a partnership with his brother, 
D. C. Richman, present judge. of the Circuit Court, who read law 
with the subject of this record. This partnership continued until 
he went on the bench in 1863. The Judge was clerk of the Iowa 
House of Representatives one term, and was a member of the 
Constitutional Convention which framed the first constitution 
adopted by the State of Iowa. He was also a member of the 
House of Representatives of Iowa in the extra session of 1856. 
In politics the Judge was an old line Whig, and afterward a Re- 
publican. Davenport has been his iiome since 1872. 

Hadley M. Henley, lawyer, born Feb. 26, 1853, in Scott Co., 
Iowa, is the son of Jesse L. and Sarah (Biggs) Henley, natives of 
Clark Co., Ind. Stephen Henle}', the father of Jesse L., came 
from Indiana by water to Scott Co., arriving in 1836, bringing his 
family with hira. He settled in what is now Pleasant Valley town- 
ship, about eight miles above Davenport, on the Mississippi River, 
and there erected a saw-raill and spent the remaining years of his 
life in that vicinity. Mr. Jesse Henley jnirsued farming in that 
township until 1865, when he moved to the city to give his children 
the benefits of the city schools. He and wife still reside here ;they 
are the parents of one son, Hadley, and one daughter. Hadley at- 
tended Griswold College forfour years, then took an eclectic course 
in Iowa State University in 1872 and '73. Upon leaving school 
he was on the local staff of the Davenport Gazette about three years. 
He then read law with Putnam & Rogers, and graduated from the 
law department of the Iowa State University in the class of 1877. 
lie then s])ent two and one-half years in Putnam & Rogers' as 
head clerk. In October, 1879, he opened a law office in Daven- 
nort, and has been in active practice since, his success exceeding 
iiis most sanguine expectations. Mr. Henley married Miss Ella 
Van Fleet, a native of Bedford, Iowa, on May 28, 1878. They 
have one daughter, Nellie, born Oct. 1, 1879. 

Oeorge C. Preston, lawyer, of the firm of Hirschl & Preston, 
has practiced law in Scott County since June, 1879. He was born in 
Zanesville, O., Nov. 3, 1857 ; came with his parents to Davenport 



370 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

at three years of age ; was educated in tlie Pennsylvania Military 
Academy, Cliester, Pa., from which lie graduated in 1877; entered 
the law department of the Iowa State University in the fall of 1877, 
graduated in 1878, and took the advanced course, closing in 1879. 
He immediately formed the present partnership and began the 
practice of law. His father. A. J. Preston, was for many years in 
the hardware business in Davenport as a member of the firm of 
Sickels & Preston. He is now a member of the Cotton Exchange 
in New York. 

Hon. Jeremiah H. Murphy, of the lirm of Martin, Murphy ife 
Lynch, attorneys, was born in Lowell, Mass., Feb. 19, 1835, son 
of Timothy and Jerusha (Shattuck) Murphy, natives respectively 
of Cork County, Ireland, and New Hampshire. He was educated in 
the public schools of Boston until the age of 14, when his father 
and family of 10 children removed to Fond du Lac Co., Wis., 
and purchased a large farm. Here they remained until 1852, our 
subject in the meantime attending for 18 months the Appleton 
University, of Wisconsin. On removing to Iowa Co., Iowa, in 1852, 
Mr. Murphy and a younger brother, during the first summer, turned 
the sod on something over SO acres of wild land, enclosing and 
placing under cultivation a large farm in the brief period of one 
year. In 1854 he entered the State University of Iowa, at Iowa 
City, graduating in 1857, when he engaged as a law student with 
Hon. Wm. Smith, of Marion. la. ; was admitted to the bar nine months 
afterward, and commenced his professional career at Marengo, 
where he remained nine years. In 1867 he removed to Daven- 
port and formed a partnership with H. M. Martin, which busi- 
ness relation still exists, Mr. Lynch having been recently admitted 
to the firm. Mr. Murphy has given considerable attention to pol- 
itics, having been delegate to numerous State and national conven- 
tions; elected alderman of Marengo in 1860, his first office, mayor 
of Davenport in 1873 and again in 1878, and State senator from 
1874 to 1878. He ran for Congress against Hon. Hiram Price in 
1876, being defeated by only a small majority, and running far 
ahead of his ticket. He was also a Hancock elector in the Presi- 
dential campaign oi 1880. Mr. Murphy was married in 1859 to 
Miss Mary Green, daughter of Sam. Green, a native of England. 
Their two children are Tim and Jessie. Politically Mr. M. has 
been, as he expresses it, "a rock-rooted, moss-covered, iron-clad 
Bourbon Democrat." His religious views are liberal. 



CHAPTER VI. 

EDUCATIONAL. 



The educational history of Scott County is coinraendable, its citi- 
zens not stopping sliort of the bsst. From the beginning a good 
feeling toward the public schools has always existed, and an earnest 
desire has been manifested on tlie part of many to secure even tlie 
higiier grades of education. 

COMMON SCHOOLS. 

Few even of the older States of the CTnion have an educational 
history more rich , varied and instructive than that of Iowa. When 
that history shall be written and due iionor shall be given to those 
who have raised the State to the high position it now holds, it will 
be seen that to Scott county no little honor will attach. 

Tlie first scliool in the county was held at Pleasant Valley in 
1S35. It was taught in a log cabin by Simon Cragin. Since that 
day much has been done in the way of popular education, and in no 
wa}' is progress better illustrated in this county than in connection 
with its public schools. In the early day good schools were few, and 
it was considered fortunate, indeed, if an opportunity was offered of 
obtaining even the rudiments of a common school education. "Head- 
in', writin' and 'rithmetic," were the principal 'branches taught. 
Some of the few scattered settlements conld not afford to employ a 
teacher, and were therefore compelled to do without, or send their 
children through the timber or across the prairie to some more for- 
tunate settlement where a school was in operation. Some were sent a 
distance of six to nine miles, walking the entire distance morning 
and night of each day, in order that they might avail themselves of 
the opportunity of acquiring a little knowledge of their mother 
tongue, and thus fit themselves for the duties of life. 

Probably the first school in Scott County which was paid out of 
the public treasury was in 1850 at Davenport. The system of in- 
struction then pursued was entirely different from the present, great 
improvement having since been made. In the early day attention 
was paid more to rules and instruction in theory. To-day every- 

(371} 



372 HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

thing is more practical. C. W. Von Coelin, State Superintendent 
of Public Instruction, in speaking upon this point, in his annual 
report, says: "The demand for industrial training in our ele- 
mentary schools is made by persons who misapprehend the object 
of these schools, and who have given little thought to the require- 
ments for preparation to conduct such instruction. Our schools 
must become more practical, and none appreciate this more than 
those in charge of our best schools. Instead of teaching geography 
for five or six years in our elementary schools, the rudiments of 
botany and zoology should be taught. The child who can tell all 
about the rivers and mountains of Asia and Africa is often utterly 
ignorant of the names, habits and uses of the plants that grow by 
the roadside and of the animals that he sees in the field and forest. 
Instead of studying the intricate rules for complicated examples of 
arithmetic, he should be made thoroughly familiar with the ordi- 
nary operations of everyday life, not by learning rules, bat by con- 
tinued practice and reasoning. Instead of learning definitions and 
rules of technical grammar, he should be taught to speak correctly 
and to write in a legible handwriting a good business or friendly 
letter. The teachers in our country schools are better prepared for 
this work than they were'six years ago, when the normal institute 
was inaugurated; but they still lack knowledge of methods and com- 
prehensive views of education and of their own place in the train- 
ing of the young. 

Scott County is ahead of any other in the State with respect to 
value of school property, average attendance, length of the school 
year and compensation paid teachers. The great difficulty now 
experienced is the want of uniformity in the organization of school 
districts. Upon this point Hon. P. S. Morton, County Superintend- 
ent, thus speaks: " Every patriotic citizen of Iowa is justly proud 
of the liberal provisions that have been made for the education of 
the children of the State. Leading educators all over the land, 
and even in Europe, admire the generosity of the system of public 
instruction. In the munificent bestowment of privileges in this 
particular, Iowa is second to no other State. And yet, notwith- 
standing the liberality of our law-makers, supported and sustained 
by the people, it does seem that grave mistakes have been made, 
not only in the law as originally framed, but especially in the 
numerous amendments that have been made thereto from time to 
time, in the matter of the organization and government of school 
districts. 



fe "1^ 



^.%< 




yf^- 




HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 375 

Strangers coming into the State often ask the question, On wliat 
system are the schools of Iowa organized ? The question is easily 
asked but very difficult to answer. The truth is, we have no sys- 
tem. From the time our school law was framed up to the present 
the watch-word has t)een change, amend, and to-day we have no 
system in the orojanization of districts, but instead, incongruous 
parts of several systems. 

As an illustration, the civil township of Hickory Grove, in Scott 
County, contains the district townshi]) of Hickory Grove, consist- 
ing of two and one-half sections of land. The officers to manage 
this formidable school corporation are three directors, one of whom 
is president, a secretary and a treasurer, neither of whom is a 
member of the board. The same township also embraces within 
its limits three independent districts, two of which have three 
directors each, and the other one six directors. The township of 
Buffalo in the same county — a fractional township — is blessed with 
seven independent districts and 35 school officers. 

Scott County has 40 school districts, with 232 officers. All tliis 
is in strict conformity with law. Is there not some defect in the 
law? 

After a careful consideration of this question, aided by an experi- 
ence of many years in the work, we cannot find a single argument 
in favor of the present so-called system, and have never heard a 
valid argument produced in its favor. Can we improve it ? Every 
civil township ought to be a school district. The State should 
have just as many school districts as^there are civil townships within 
its limits, cities and incorjjorated towns excepted. All districts 
should have the same number of officers. 

This township system has been thoroughly tested in several of the 
States, notably so in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, where the 
testimony is overwhelmingly large in its favor. It has been stren- 
uously advocated by Horace Mann, the greatest exponent of popu- 
lar education of his time in this country; by Dr. J. P. Wickersham; 
by Prof. Barnard; by Hon. J. S. Eaton, the present United States 
commissioner of education; by Drs. Gregory andBateman, of Illi- 
nois; by several of the most eminent governors of many of the 
States, and by most of the State and county superintendents of the 
country. 

Some of the advantages that would naturally result from the 
adoption of a township system are: It would be uniform as to its 
organization and government in all communities in every part of 
23 



376 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

the State, and of necessity would simplify the school laws, so that 
the mass of citizens would the better understand them, and take 
more interest in their execution, and in the education of their chil- 
dren. It would diminish the number of school officers, and greatly 
simplify the work of county auditors and county- treasurers, as well 
as lessen their labors. The aggregate expenditure for schools 
would be materially diminished. In most cases it would prevent 
litigation and neighborhood quarrels as to boundary lines, and the 
payment of tuition in adjoining districts, which at present is a serious 
evil. It would furnish more equal advantages and privileges to 
every citizen and make the rate of taxation more uniform. It would 
make school inspection and supervision much more efficient and 
permanent — a matter of the greatest importance. It would secure 
a better grade of teachers, with more permanency in the profes- 
sion, more uniformity in method, and better results every way. It 
would enable townships, in many cases, to grade their schools by 
establishing a central school of higher grade without much, if an}', 
additional cost. It would systematize and unify our entire school 
work in the rural districts by securing more thoroughness and ac- 
curacy on the part of pupils, a more general and heart}' co-operation 
on the part of parents, a closer and more systematic supervision by 
Boards of Directors, and economy of time and money in proportion 
to the results accomplished. 

The year ending Sept. 30, 1881, was a most satisfactory one ac- 
cording to the report of the county superintendent. There are now 
in the county 14 township districts, 79 sub-districts, and 27 inde- 
pendent districts. During the year ending Sept. 30, 1881, there 
were 74 male teachers employed and 172 female, the average com- 
pensation being for males, $49.89; for females, $41.35. There 
were then 7,852 males and 7,928 females between the ages of 
five and 21, with an enrollment of 9,179. There were 103 frame, 
11 stone, and seven brick school-houses, the total value of which 
was $421, 625. There are also in the county nine select schools, 
employing 46 teachers. 

For further particulars in relation to the schools, the attention 
of the reader is called to the histories of the various townships. 

COUNTY BUPEEINTENDENTS. 

A. S. Kissell was the first county superintendent of public 
schools, and served from May, 1S5S, to October, 1859. Mr. Kissell 
was a practical educator, and was for some time principal of the 



i 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 377 

public schools of Davenport, and was the first city superintendent, 
lie did much in placing the schools of that city on the road to their 
present prosperous condition. He was subsequently State super- 
intendent and discharged faithfully the duties of that office. 

Thomas J. Saunders was the second county superintendent. A 
sketch of Dr. Saunders will be found elsewhere in this work. He 
served from October, 1S59, to November, 18G1. He was after- 
ward appointed in June, 1867 to fill the unexpired term of George 
P. Whitcomb, and served to Dec. 31, 1867. 

D. J. Gorton succeeded Mr. Saunders on the expiration of his 
first terra, Nov. 1, 1861, and served four years, being re-elected on 
the expiration of his first term. Mr. Gorton was a faithful officer 
and served acceptably. He is now in business in Springfield, Mis- 
souri. 

"W. O. Hiskey was elected to the position in October, 1865, to suc- 
ceed Mr. Gorton. He served only until January, 1866. He was 
quite popular during his short administration. He subsequently 
moved to Minnesota for the benefit of his health and tiiere died. 

D. J. Gorton was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Hiskey, and 
served until the general election, October, 1856. 

George P. Whitcomb was elected in October, 1866, and served 
until June, 1867, when Mr. Saunders was appointed. Mr. Whit- 
comb is now practicing law in Chicago. 

John Gallagher was elected in October, 1867, but the law being 
changed he did not take possession of the office until January, 1868. 
He served two years and subsequently moved to Brooklyn, New 
York, where he is practicing law. 

Roderick Rose succeeded Mr. Gallagher in January, 1870, and 
served two months, when he resigned. A sketch of Mr. Rose will 
be found elsewhere in this work. 

P. S. Morton was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Rose, and was 
elected in October following to serve out the unexpired term. He 
was re-elected in 1871 and in 1873, and served until Jan. 1, 1876. 

C. H. Clemmer was elected in October, 1875, and assumed the 
duties of the office Jan. 1,1876. He was re-elected in 1877, and 
served until Jan. 1, 1880. Mr. Clemmer came to Scott County 
from Cincinnati. He was a graduate of Yale College, and was a 
fine scholar. Previous to coming here he studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar, and on his arrival he practiced his profession for 



378 HISTOEV OF SCOTT COTTNTT. 

some time in Davenport. On retiring from the office of superin- 
tendent he moved to Dakota, and is now residing in Jamestown, 
in that Territory. 

Philo S. Morton, in 1879 was again elected, and re-elected iu 
1881, which term of office will expire January, 1884. Mr. Morton is a 
native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Lawrence County, Dec. 3, 
1836. His father, Wm. Morton, was born in Ireland; came to Amer- 
ica when five years of age. He served as captain in the war of 1812; 
and served four years in succession in the Pennsylvania Legislat- 
ure. He died in 1851, aged 66 years. He was well posted iu all 
points of the law and a good scholar, altliough he only attended 
school three months in his life. He was the nominee for associ- 
ate judge at the time of his death, on the Whig ticket. His wife 
was Hannah Slemmons, born in Fayette Co., Penn. : was of Ger- 
man descent. Philo S. was educated in the district schools, at- 
tending Westminister College, and completed a course in the 
Western Pennsylvania Normal School. His principal occupation 
was that of teaching school. He farmed some at intervals until he 
entered the army in August, 1861, as a member of the 100th Penn. 
sylvania Infantry. He went out as first lieutenant of Company 
C. He was commissioned captain but failing heath compelled 
him to resign before receiving his commission in the spring of 
1863. He commanded the company at the second battle of Bull 
Pun; was at South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. On 
leaving the army he again taught school and fai-nied alternately un- 
til he came West in July, 1867. He taught two years in St. Louis, 
coming to Scott County in 1869. After teaching six months in Dav- 
enport township, he assumed the duties of county superintendent. 
Mr. Morton was united in marriage with Mary E. Robeson, in 
Scott County, January, 1871. She was born in Scott County, and was 
a daughter of Thomas Robeson, an early settler of this county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Morton's family consists of four daughters. In politics 
Mr. M. has always been a Republican. He is an Odd Fellow, and 
has passed through the several chairs of Davenport Lodge, No. 7. 

MEDICAL INSTITUTE. 

In 1849 an institution known as the Davenport Medical Institute 
was established in Davenport, with a full corps of professors, in- 
cluding Dr. John F. Sanford, afterward well known in connection 
with the Keokuk Medical College. For some reason, hard to be 
explained, a prejudice arose in the minds of many of the people of 



I 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 379 

the city aj^ainst the institution, heightened on one occasion by an 
unfounded report that a servant girl in the employ of the family of 
Dr. Sanford had died suddenly, and instead of having a Christian 
burial her body was given to the medical students for dissection, 
and an empty coffin buried. A number of citizens, principally 
Germans, went to the graveyard and exhumed the body and found, 
it had never been touched by the dissecting knife. 

On Tuesday evening, June 11, 1850, the college held its first and 
only commencement exercises. A large crowd of citizens and 
friends attended the exercises, and the enjoyment was only marred 
by the fact being generally known that the college was to be removed 
The following named gentlemen were graduated and received the 
decree of Doctor of Medicine : H. S. Porter, A. A. Noyes, H. 
Wilfred Cross, A. J. Huyck, R. 0. Warriner and Monroe Dodson. 

IOWA COLLEGE. 

The first movement for the foundine; of Iowa College was made 
by a called meeting of ministers aud others held at Denmark, Iowa, 
March 12, 1844. It was proposed to enter a township of land, and 
by sale thereof to settlers favorable to the enterprise commence an 
endowment. A committee of three was chosen to examine the 
location contemplated, who reported favorably to another and larger 
meeting April 16. The Iowa College Association was then 
formed, a Board of Trustees agreed upon, an Executive Committee 
appointed, and an agent to secure funds for the entry of land em- 
ployed. The agent, Rev. Asa Turner, Jr., went East immediately, his 
expenses being defrayed by the ministers composing the association. 
In the latter part of May he met in Boston parties who had just 
organized the " Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theo- 
logical Education at the West " and others, who condemned the jilan 
and advised that a location be first secured and a fund commenced 
from the gifts of the churches, and gave assurance that through the 
new society " aid may be obtained when the plan and system of 
instruction shall be so matured that they can secure the confidence 
of the Eastern mind." The agent abandoned the original plan and 
returned without further efi'ort. 

The effort for a college, however, was not abandoned, and in June, 
1846, it was decided to locate at Davenport, "provided thecitizens 
would raise $1,500 for buildings, and furnish certain specified 
grounds for a site," and the members of the association pledged 



380 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtJNTT. 

themselves to raise $100 each. Twelve trustees were elected to 
secure a college charter, who incorporated themselves, with others, 
under the general incorporation law of the Territory, Burlington, 
June 4, 18i7, at the last meeting of the association. Although the 
amount named had not been yet subscribed ($1,362 and 13 lots 
secured) the college was located at Davenport, and a building re- 
solved upon, '' not to exceed in cost $2,000." The members pledged 
themselves to meet within one year any deficiency in the necessary 
funds up to the amount of $600. In 1848 a professor of languages 
was secured ( who was also principal of the preparatory department ) 
on a salary of $500 per annum, and the preparatory department 
opened Nov. 1, 1848. In 1850 there were 26 students in Latin and 
eight in Greek. The first freshman class of six was admitted to 
the college department that fall. In 1854 the first senior class of 
two was graduated, and there were 109 names on the catalogue. In 
1856 there were 139. The professorship of mathematics was filled 
in 1851, that of natural science in 1853, and that of mental and 
moral science in 1855. 

The work of raising funds was found, on the plan substituted 
for the original one, almost impossible to carry forward, though 
temporary agents were often appointed for the State and for the 
East. In 1849, at the meeting of the Congregational Association 
at Davenport, there was subscribed $442.65, all but four of the 
subscribers being ministers. The wives of the ministers, anxious 
to share in the enterprise of founding this college resolved to raise 
$100 out of their own resources, and $70 was subscribed by 14 
persons who were present. At the meeting in Muscatine in 1852 
the ministers again subscribed $153, and at the meeting in Mount 
Pleasant in 1853 a subscription was made of $711. P. W. Carter, 
of Waterbury, Conn., gave that year $5,000 to endow the pro- 
fessorship of languages. In 1856 Rev. E. Adams, agent of the 
college, secured about $11,000 on subscription, a large part of 
which was realized. The Society for "Western Colleges made ap- 
propriations from time to time to the amount of about $6,000 for 
current expenses. 

The college was never attached to any ecclesiastical body. Like 
the New England colleges, its charter required neither instructors 
nor trustees to belong to any particular denomination. Although 
nearly all its support came from the Congregationalists, it had 
both trustees and instructors of other denominations. Presbyte- 
rians were in the first board and the original " Iowa College 



HISTORY OF SOOTT COITNTT. 381 

Association," and took part in the proceedings down to 1852, when 
the Des Moines Presbytery proposed to undertake the founding 
of a professorship, on condition that it should be "always subject 
to the control of the presbytery." The trustees responded that 
tbe\' would be happy to have the professorship endowed on the 
principles " upon which the members of the Des Moines Presby- 
tery and the Congregational Association of Iowa united in found- 
ing the college, and the rules and regulations that are usually 
adopted in the endowment of professorships in literary institu- 
tions." Nothing was done by the Presbyterians, and they grad- 
ually ceased to be members of the Board of Trustees. 

The original site of the college was on the blufl:" in Davenport 
overlooking the river. In ISoi, the city having laid out a street 
through the grounds, destroying their use for college purposes, and 
declining to vacate it on request of the trustees, they were obliged 
io remove to a new location farther back. A tine stone building 
was there erected, and a boarding-house of wood. The new 
grounds were of great beauty, containing nearly 10 acres, part of 
which, however, was granted to the public for adjacent streets. In 
1857 the city took steps to extend a street through these grounds, 
and in 1858 it was decided to dispose of them and again remove. 
The funds of the college were insufScient to make needed improve- 
ments or sustain the faculty, now consisting of four professors; the 
unsettled condition of things prevented progress, and in 1859 the 
property was sold to Bishop H. W. Lee and others for an Episco- 
pal college, the first of the proceeds being devoted to liquidating 
the debts. 

Rev. Erastus Ripley, B. A., became connected with the college in 
1848 and acted as principal of the preparatory department and 
professor of Greek and Latin, retaining the former position until 
1851 and the latter until 1858. 

Rev. II. L. BuUen, Professor of Mathematics, was called to that 
position in 1851, and served until 1858. 

David S. Sheldon, Professor of Natural Sciences, was chosen in 
1853, and served jwith ability till the college was disposed of, 
and is still connected with Griswold College, in Davenport. 

Rev. Daniel Lane, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Meta- 
physics, commenced his labors in 1855, and served till 1858. 



382 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



GRISWOLD COLLEGE. 



As early as 1856 the Episcopal members of the diocese of Iowa 
began to discuss the subject of establishing among thera an educa^ 
tional institution under the auspices of their church. The support- 
ers X)f this movement were led by the bishop of the diocese, Dr. 
Henry W. Lee, who earnestly pushed the project from its incep- 
tion. A committee was appointed by the diocesan convention 
who reported the following year in favor of establishing a seminary 
of literary and theological. learning. The " standing committee '' 
was authorized to entertain propositions witli reference to the loca- 
tion of such a seminary, and report to the next convention. 'No 
report was made to the next convention, however, owing to a mis- 
understanding as to whose duty it was so to report. Some thought 
the ' ' standing committee " meant the standing committee of the 
diocese, while others supf)0sed that the standing committee on edu- 
cation was the one referred to. In the light of subsequent devel- 
opments, this delay proved fortunate; for, had the report been 
made in 1858, the convention would have been committed to a proj- 
ect requiring many years for its execution. 

The convention of 1859 met in Trinity church, Davenport. An 
elaborate report was made, setting forth the different plans that 
had been proposed, and recommending to the serious considera- 
tion of the convention an offer which had been made to them of a 
college already established. This referred to Iowa College, lo- 
cated in the very city in which the convention was sitting and 
whose trustees were willing to sell the property to the diocese. 
Iowa College was newly started, and the trustees were impelled to 
sell for the following reasons: The lack of co-operation on the part of 
the community; the tempting offer of land and money made on con- 
dition of the removal of the college to Grinnell; and an indebted- 
ness of $25,000. The removal of Iowa College to Grinnell and 
the purchase of its Davenport property by the diocese have resulted 
most fortunately to all concerned. The price was fixed at $36,000. 
The name of " Griswold College" was adopted, in honor of Bishop 
Griswold. 

Griswold College was organized with three departments, — pre- 
paratory, collegiate and theological, — and the preparatory depart- 
ment was opened Dec. 12, 1859, under the charge of the Rev. F. 
Emerson Judd, assisted by Prof. D. S. Sheldon. The latter had 
been a professor in Iowa College, and was prevailed upon to remain 
with the new institution, where he continues to-day, in the capacity 



1 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 383 

of dean of the faculty, and professor of mathematics and natural 
science. Few can be as interested in the past, jjresent and future 
of the college, which has been the scene of his self-sacrificing and 
arduous labors for so many years, as the efficient and time-honored 
Prof. Sheldon. It is the work of such men as he within the college 
and Bishop Les without (in raising funds and arousing the interest 
of the denomination), that has built up Griswold College and 
made it what it is to-day. During this first year of its history the 
library of Griswold was begun, with the promising number of 1,200 
volumes. The bright prospects of the college, particularly in its 
financial condition, were somewhat darkened by the great war of 
the Rebellion, which closed the doors of many older colleges and 
discouraged peaceful projects throughout the nation. In 1862 the 
trustees reported a debt of $15,000; but this was entirely paid the 
following year, by the strenuous efforts of tlie Rev. Silas Totten and 
Rev. Chas. B. Stout. 

The success of the enterprise was now insured, and Griswold 
College prospered. In 186G the report of the trustees was hardly 
more than a series of congratulations. The first item was the pro- 
posal of David J. Ely, of Chicago, to endow a professorship in the 
theological department with $20,000, reserving the right to name 
the first incumbent. This offer was gratefully accepted and Rev. 
Willis H. Barris was confirmed as " Ely Professor of Ecclesiastical 
History." He has held the position ever since to the great advan- 
tage of the college and the church. A lady in New York also gave 
$10,000 toward the endowment of another professorship, to be 
named after the late Dr. Anthon. The bishop of the diocese was 
nominated and confirmed as "Anthon Professor of Systematic Di- 
vinity." Two other donations were made in 1866, and reported 
to this same convention. Valuable additions were made to the 
library at the same time. The convention of 1866 also accepted 
an offer from the trustees of a piece of land on which to erect a 
bishop's church. This was the initiatory step which led to the con- 
secration. June IS, 1873, of one of the finest churciies in the West. 

In 1867 still further improvements were made, and more money 
was raised. Literary and missionary societies were established, and 
a steady increase of students, especiall}- those having in view the 
ministry, was reported by the trustees. The Griswold Collegian 
"was also started. In 1869 the trustees reported the resignation of 
the President, Rev. Dr. H. N. Powers, whose administration con- 
stituted the most successful portion of the college history. He 



384 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

was succeeded by Eev. Edward Lounsbury. The acquisition of a 
valuable mineralogical cabinet, and important additions to the 
library, were also rej^orted. In 1871 the Crocker Professorship 
was endowed, with $21,000. In 1872 financial difficulties arose 
which compelled the temporary suspension of the collegiate de- 
partment. The death of Bishop Lee occurred about this time, and 
it was not until the advent of a new bishop, in 187^, that Griswold 
again opened its collegiate course. 

Since that time much has been done for the benefit of Griswold, 
and it occupies a higher position than ever before. The property 
has been put in repair, the grounds have been tastefully graded and 
enclosed, the library has been increased to 7,000 volumes, and the 
cabinet has been made more complete. A gift of $5,000 by D. J. 
Ely, of New York, has resulted in the addition of a beautiful build- 
ing near the cathedral. Between the cathedral and the college 
stands the noble soldiers' monument. The foundation of an en- 
dowment for the support of the president has been made, and in 
June next (1882) the Bishop Lee Memorial Hall, built by gifts 
made by the well-known Jay Cooke, of Philadelphia, will be opened 
to theological students. The catalogue of this year records the ad- 
dition to the permanent chairs of " The John David Wolfe Professor- 
ship of Ancient Languages," and " The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe 
Professorship of Homiletics." 

The trustees have entrusted to their care the following productive 
and unproductive property: 






Crocker endowment, 


$22,500 


Prof.'s hou3e, valued at 


$ 3,000 


Anthon 


11,500 


Ely house " 


7,000 


Ely 


20,000 


Lib., 7,000 vols. " 


5,000 


President's " 


3,000 


Cabinet and appa- 




College site, valued at 


$100,000 


ratus 


5,000 


College building " 


15,000 


College lands " 


6,500 


Pres.'B house " 
College chapel " 


12,000 
3,000 






Total 


§313,000 



Thus permanent property to the amount of over $200,000 has 
been secured, of which friends in the East have contributed a little 
more than half. With these means in their hands there have been 
graduated from the college 24 in arts, four in science and 23 in 
theology, while fully 1,000 pupils have had the advantage of the 
preparatory department. The theological graduates are laboring 
in 13 dioceses. Two have gone as missionaries to foreign lands. 
The college graduates are filling important positions in various 
parts of the country, with credit to themselves and the institution 
where they receive their intellectual training. 



I 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTV. 385 

It should be remembered by the friends of the Episcopal Church 
that Griswold College is the only college under their control in 
the valley of the Mississippi and Missouri, offering the facilities 
for higher education and maintaining a standard equal to the older 
institutions at the East. It is in view of this, and the fact that it has 
too much property that cannot be diverted to other uses, that the 
eight bishops holding the 10 sees or jurisdictions lying between 
the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, have united in ac- 
cepting the position of official " visitors'' of Griswold, and in ac- 
cording to it a recognized place as the Church college of the vast 
territory over which they preside. Griswold has undoubtedly a 
bright future before it, and will occupy a high place, not only in 
its own Church, but among all classes and denominations in the 
West. In view of this recognition of the college as the Church 
college of the dioceses and jurisdictions of Iowa, Minnesota, Mis- 
souri, Nebraska, Kansas, Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and 
Montana, efforts are being made for raising $100,000 to fully 
equip the institution for efficient work. 

The course of study in the scientific and theological departments 
is three years long; that in the classical department, four years- 
The curriculum is fully up to the standard of collegiate education, 
and the drill of a full course is of inestimable value. The year is 
divided into two terras, called Advent term and Easter term. The 
Advent term extends from the second Thursday in September to the 
last of January, and the Easter term from the first of February 
to the fourth Wednesday in June. Each term consists of two 
quarters, with a vacation of one week at Ciiristmas and Easter. The 
present numberof students is about 60. The faculty numbers 11, of 
which the Rt. Rev. Wm. Stevens Perry, D. D., LL.D., is president. 




CHAPTER VII. 

POLITICAL. 

The political history of a people is ever an interesting study, 
especially is this the case in a free land, where, in the eye ot the 
law, all are upon an equality, and where even the humblest has 
the opportunity of reaching the highest office recognized by the 
laws of the country. In this chapter it is the design to give, in a 
short space, the various general, and, as far as possible, the local, 
issues entering into each campaign, together with the official vote 
of a portion of the officers voted for at each general election. 

Scott County was organized in 1S3S, and Iowa was a Territory 
lor eight years thereafter, still the people did not lose sight of the 
political issues that were then being discussed throughout the 
nation. At this time party lines were being tightly drawn for the 
first time in the history of the Union, and although enjoying none 
of the rights of a State, the people of the Territory were looking 
forward to the time when they would be admitted into the Union 
and be as independent as any of the older States. Therefore, 
from the beginning, political organizations were effected, and the 
various local campaigns turned upon the political questions and 
political predelictions of a party nominated for office, more than 
upon his personal qualification, or personal popularity. 

1838. — The first election participated in by the voters of Scott 
County, after its organization, was for members of the Legislat- 
ure and a delegate to Congress. William W. Chapman, David 
Rorer, Peter H. Engel and B. F. "Wallace were the candidates for 
the latter office. This county was Democratic and gave a majority 
lor Mr. Engel, and also for the Democratic candidate for tlie Legis- 
lature. 

1839. — The campaign of 1839 attracted little attention, being 
only for members of the second Territorial Legislature and county 
officers. 

1840. — No previous political campaign in the history of this 
country can be compared with the "hard-cider campaign" of 1840. 
"William H. Harrison was for the second time honored by his party — 
the "Wliig — with a nomination for the presidency ; Martin Van 

(886) 



HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 387 

Buren was nominated by the Democracy for re-election. The hard 
times that existed during the entire administration of Yan Buren 
caused many to desire a change, with the hope that the change in 
the political administration of the Government would bring about 
prosperity. Taking advantage of this state of affairs, the Whigs 
seemed to be inspired, and went into the campaign with such 
spirit as almost paralyzed their opponents, althouglx they made a 
gallant fight. Mass meetings, held at central points, were at- 
tended by thousands of people ; many coming a long distance in 
lumber-wagons, camping out, and enduring many hardships, — but 
enthusiastic in the cause. Campaign songs were introduced, and 
doubtless contributed much to inspire the people, and in the elec- 
tion of Harrison. As a specimen of the songs of the time the 
following are given : 

A GOURD OF HARD CIDER. 

Let Frenchman drink claret and sweet muscadine, 
And Germans drink hock on the banks of the Rhine; 
But give me to quaf!', with friends warm and true, 
A gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe. 

John Bull may get drunk on his beer and his gin. 
Till he can't leave his seat or spit over his chin; 
But if that's in the world on which I'd get blue, 
'Tis a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe. 

Let the Don swill his port, .and smoke his cigar, 
And Pisanos suck Tiffin and drink " Bolivar ;" 
But we in log cabins such trash will eschew 
For a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe. 

With praties and whisky let Pat fill his maw, 
And Donald get blind on his smoked esfiuebaugh ; 
Me Fingal ne'er drank, nor did Brian Boru, 
A gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe. 

In the White House, Van Buren may drink his champagne. 
And have himself toasted from Georgia to Maine; 
But we in log cabins, with hearts warm and true, 
Drink a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe. 

Old Jove has drank nectar for time and a day. 
To drown the dull cares of his heavenly sway; 
But if he'd be wise, he'd try Homething new — 
Drink a gourd of hard cideri' old Tippecanoe. 

Hurrah for old Tip I — from his side we'll not shrink, 
To our rights, and our laws, and our country, we'll drink, 
Success to the banner of " red, white, and blue," 
In a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe. 



388 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

SONG OF TIPPECANOE. 
Air — Old Rosin the Bmc. 

Come, let us all join in a chorus, 

And shout it along as we go, 
Our song the bright prospect before us, 

And the hero of Tippecanoe. 

When the savage invaded our border 
And thousands most shockingly slew, 

He drove them with death and disorder 
On the banks of the Tippecanoe. 

When the British and Indians united, 

Believing they'd conquer their foe, 
Most bravely Fort Meigs saw recited 

The scenes of old Tippecanoe. 

For an age he had served them In earnest. 

And ever was faithful and true ; 
And our country's now reaping the harvest '7' 

Which was planted by Tippecanoe. 

From seclusion the people now call him 

To come out before them anew ; 
For one single term to install him 

Our President — Tippecanoe. 

The Vannies have chuckled, denying 

That Harrison ever will do; 
But, astounded they hear the whole nation 

Hurrah for old Tippecanoe. 

The Republican banner is waving, 
■ Unfurling its folds to the view ; 

Patriots! let your motto be "Union," 
And rally round Tippecanoe. 

The Democracy of the Territory met in convention Aug. 19, 
and nominated Gen. A. C. Dodge for delegate to Congress, while 
the Whigs put in nomination Alfred Rich. Dodge was elected. 
There was also an election for a State Constitutional Convention, 
which was defeated, the vote in this county being recorded 
against it. 

1841. — The Whigs opened the campaign by a State Convention 
at Davenport to nominate a candidate for delegate to Congress. 
As this was the first convention in the Territory at which a plat- 
form was adopted. An extract of the platform is given : 

Whereas, It has pleased the Governor of the Universe, by one of those in 
Ecrutable acts, the righteousness of which no man may question, to take from the 
American people tlieir beloved Chief Magistrate, William Henry Harrison, and 
transfer him from this to another, and, we trust, to a better, world; therefore. 



HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 389 

Resolved, That we sincerely mourn over anil deplore the loss of one whose ser- 
vices in every department of society have been so pre-eminently useful. Asa 
citizen, he was beloved for his rectitude and benevolence; as a soldier, distin- 
guished for his bravery and success; as a statesman, his ability, purity and 
patriotism were remarkable; as a Christian, he was humble and pious. In short, 
bis whole character was made up of traits seldom to be found in men occupying 
the place in society he filled, and is worthy of imitation by all those who love 
their country. 

The Democrats met in convention at Iowa City, June 7, and re- 
nominated Gen. A. C. Dodge for Congress, and adopted the fol- 
lowing resolutions: 

Whekeas, The Federalists, or self-styled Whigs, of Iowa, flushed with their 
recent victory in the presidential contest, and secure in the enjoyment of power 
are laboring zealously and perseveringly to affect a revolution in the political 
character of the Territory, to accomplish which all their united energies will be 
brought into action at the nest general election ; and 

WuEREAs, The Democracy here, as well as elsewhere, believing the princi- 
ples of their party to be baaed upon the immutable and eternal doctrines of right 
and justice, feel it to be their duty to maintain and assert them upon all proper 
occasions, in the hour of defeat as well as when triumphant; and 

Whbreas, By union and harmony, exertion and activity, we can administer a 
rebuke to the arrogant spirit of Federalism, at our next general election, which, 
while it will exhibit Iowa to the Democracy of the Union in the most enviable 
light, will also demonstrate to the enemies of our principles the futility and hope- 
lessness of their efforts to obtain the ascendency ; therefore, 

Resolved, That it is the duty of every Democrat of Iowa, no matter what may 
he his station in life, to be watchful, vigilant and active in maintaining the as- 
cendancy of his party in the Territory ; and it is earnestly urged upon all that 
they lay aside local questions and .sectional feelings, and unite heart and 
hand in exterminating their common enemy, Federalism, from the Territory. 

Renoh'ed, That Iowa, in defiance of the efforts of the national administration to 
throw around her the shackles of Federalism, is, and will continue to be. Demo- 
cratic to the core ; and she spurns, with a proper indignation, the attempt of 
those in power to enslave her, by sending her rulers from abroad, whose chief 
recommendation is that they have not only been noisy, but brawling, clamorous 
politicians. 

Retoltid, That in the appointment of Daniel Webster to be secretary of the 
State we see the destinies of our beloved country committed to the hands of a 
man who, during the late war with Great Britain, pursued a course to which the 
epithet of " moral treason " was justly applied at the time. In the gloomiest 
period of the war Mr. Webster was found acting upon all occasions in opposi- 
tion to every war measure brought forward by the friends of the country; and 
the journals of Congress and speeches of Mr. Webster clearly established the 
fact that, th»ugh not a member, he connived at and leagued in with the traitorous 
Hartford Convention. 

1S42. — The election in 1842 was for members of the Territorial 
Legislature and for county officers. No platforms were adopted 
by either party, but full party tickets were placed in nomination. 
In this conntv R. Christie was the Whig and J. A.. Birchard the 



390 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Democratic nominees for the Council, and J. M. Eobertson,Whig, 
and A. W. Campbell the Democratic candidates for representa- 
tive. The election was very close, the Whigs electing their candi- 
dates for the Council and House and the Democrats for all the 
county offices. 

At the session of the Legislature for lS-ll-'4:2 the subject of ad- 
mission as a State again came up, and was relegated to a popular 
vote, which again defeated the proposition at the August election, 
the voters of Scott County not yet being ready for a change from 
a Territorial to a State existence. 

1843. — A Whig Territorial Convention was called to meet at 
Iowa City, July 19, but the Central Committee finally abandoned 
it, and the Whigs supported without convention or resolutions 
William H. Wallace for Congress. The Democrats met in Iowa 
City, June 26, and re-nominated Gen. A. C. Dodge for Congress 
and adjourned without adopting resolutions, having appointed a 
committee to prepare an address to the people. The canvass was 
quite spirited in this county, both parties placing tickets in the 
field. Gr. C. R. Mitchell was the Whig nominee for representa- 
tive and Jatnes Crrant the Democratic. Both candidates afterward 
became distinguished men in county and State. 

In this county the Wiiigs for the first time were entirely success- 
ful, electing every candidate for local office, and giving Mr. Wal- 
lace 23 majority over Gen. Dodge. 

1844. — A presidential campaign is always more or less exciting, 
but the campaign of 1844, except in a few localities, was not to 
be compared with that of 1840. Iowa still being under Territorial 
control could have no part in the election of a President. The first 
election this year was for or against a Constitutional Convention. 
Scott County voted against it by a majority of 61. The Whigs held 
a State Convention at Iowa City, Jan. 9, and adopted a series 
of resolutions, embracing the following points: 1, Objection to the 
prostitution of the patronage of the President and of Government 
officers to the service of party, and in favor of one presidential 
term; 2, Opposition to use of funds arising from the sale of 
public lands, and opposition to direct taxation; 3, In favor of 
distribution of the funds arising from sale of public lands to the 
several States; 4, In favor of a National currency and internal 
improvements; 5, In favor of a protective tariff. The Demo- 
crats this year adopted no platform. . The officers to be voted for 




^^(^^^.^12^^^:^^^ 



HISTORY OF SCOIT COUNTY. 393 

were county commissioner, commissioner's clerk, recorder and 
treasurer. The Democracy were successful in electing their en- 
tire ticket. 

1845. — The Constitutional Convention elected in 18i4 framed a 
constitution, which was submitted to Congress for its approval, and 
on March 3, 1845, an act was passed for the admission of Iowa as 
a State, in which the northern and western boundaries of the 
State were curtailed. At an election in April, the people of the 
Territory rejected this constitution, and also refused to accept it 
after a subsequent act of Congress, at the election in August. At 
the April election Scott County voted against it by a majority of 
122 out of a total vote of 460. At this same election members of 
the Legislature were elected. Laurel Summers was the Democratic 
candidate for the Council and was opposed by Z. Metcalf, Wiiig. 
Mr. Summers was elected. For the House, J. M. Robertson, Whig, 
was opposed by E. S. Wing, Democrat. Mr. Robertson was elected. 
At the August election for court officers the Democrats were suc- 
cessful. 

1846. — County officers were to be elected, and full tickets were 
nominated by both the Democratic and Whig parties. The total 
vote cast was 547, the entire Democratic ticket being elected save 
that of probate judge, James Thorington, Whig, being elected 
over C. Weston, Democrat, by a majority of 88.- The majorities 
of the Democratic candidates ranged from three to 148, the la'^ter 
being received by J. D. Evans, for recorder, over W. S. Collins ; 
and the former by E. S. Wing, over Ebenezer Cook. A. H. Dav- 
enport, for sheriff, received a majority of 139 over E. A. Rigg, 
Whig. A vote on the State Constitution was taken at the same 
election, resulting in a majority of 51 for, out of a total vote of 541. 
After the adoption of the constitution the contending parties began 
to prepare for the first State election. In response to the call signed 
by the Whig Central Committee the Whig Convention met at Iowa 
City, Sept. 25, and nominated a State ticket. The Democratic Con- 
vention met in Iowa City, Sept. 24, and after nominating a 
ticket adopted a series of resolutions. 

1847. — The Legislature, by an act approved Feb. 24, 1847, created 
a Board of Public Works for the improvement of the Des Moines 
River, and provided for the election on the first Monday in the fol- 
lowing August, of a president, secretary and treasurer of such 
board. The Democratic State Convention met June 11, at Iowa 
City, and after nominating candidates adopted a platform favoring 
24 



394 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

the prosecution of the war with Mexico, pledging support to 
President Polk, thanking Genls. Scott and Taylor, approving the 
conduct of the Democratic members of the State Legislature, and 
in favor of tree schools. The Whigs placed a ticket in the field but 
passed no resolutions. In this count3' the vote was close between 
the parties, the Whigs electing prosecuting attorney, probate 
judo-e, and surveyor, while the Democrats elected sheriff, recorder, 
and commissioner's clerk. The Whig candidate for Congress had 
a majority of 13. 

1848. — This was the first presidential campaign in which tl\e 
voters of Iowa had a direct interest, and in which the vote of the 
people would be counted for or against one of the presidential can- 
didates. Zachary Taylor, the hero of Buena Vista, was placed in 
nomination for the presidency by the Whigs; Lewis Cass, the em- 
inent statesman of Michigan, by the Democrats; and Martin Van 
Buren, by the Free-Soil party. State officers were to be elected 
with exception of governor and lieutenant-governor, and each of 
the three parties placed a ticket in thetield. The Whigs of the State 
were the first to meet in convention, assembling at Iowa City, May 
11, and nominating a full State ticket, and adopting a platform in 
which they declared the right of the people to assemble in conven- 
tion and to criticise the acts of their public servants, and charging 
the Democratic administration of President Polk with abandoning 
the principles of true republicanism, as taught by Washington, 
Jefierson, and Madison; denying that Whigs were disloyal; in 
favorof the Wilmot proviso; in favor of the improvement of the 
Mississippi Eiver; in fjivor of Taylor for the presidency. The 
Democrats met in covention at Iowa City, June 1, and placed in 
nomination a ticket. Shepherd Lefler was the Democratic, and 
Timothy Davis the Whig candidate for Congress. In this county 
the fight centered jjrincipall}- upon the representative in the Legisla- 
ture, John D. Evans being the Democratic candidate, and A. C. 
Fulton, the Whig. The vote was close, Mr. Evans receiving a 
majority of six out of a total of 6SS. For President, Lewis Cass re- 
ceived a majority over Taylor of 31, and a majority of one over 
both Taylor and Van Buren. 

1849. — Only members of the Board of Public Works were to be 
elected, and "conventions were held by both parties at Iowa City 
and the usual resolutions adopted. For county officers the election 
was of much interest, and partj' lines were not very closely drawn. 
Harvey Leonard was elected sherifi over Enos Tichenor by a ma- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 395 

jority of 261. The Democrats succeeded in electing sheriff, re- 
corder, county commissioner's clerk, and surveyor; while the 
Whigs elected prosecuting attorney, coroner, and probate judge. 
For the latter office, James Thorington had no opposition. 

1850. — Both State and county officers were to be elected this 
year. S. Hempstead was the Democratic nominee for governor, 
and was opposed by J. L. Tliompson, the Whig candidate for the 
same office. Tiie Free-Soil party also had a candidate in the per- 
son of W. P. Clark, but its vote in Scott County, as well as in the 
State, was quite small. Mr. Clark received four votes in this 
county, all being cast in the city of Davenport. As usual, the 
Democrats carried the county, their majorities i-anging from 42 to 
96, the latter being received by M. E. Leffingwell, candidate for 
S^ate senator. For representative Laurel Summers was the Dem- 
ocratic candidate, and A. C. Fulton, the Whig candidate. Both 
were popular in their respective communities. Scott County had 
voted to aid in the construction of the Rock Island & La Salle Rail- 
road, and Mr. Fulton was a strong advocate of the measure, while 
Mr. Summers opposed, as did the majority of voters in the neigh- 
borhood of Le Claire, the home of Mr. Summers. To this fact, in 
a measure, Mr. Summers owes his election, the Whigs of Le Claire 
all voting for him save eight. A. W. McGregor, the Whig candi- 
date for prosecuting attorney, had no opposition, and he was the 
only one of that party elected. Of the State officers, Mr. Hemp- 
stead, for governor, received 67 majority, and Israel Kester, for 
State treasurer, 60 majority, which shows the party strength. The 
total vote cast at this election was 776. 

ISol. — County officers alone were to be elected this year. Good 
men were nominated by both parties, and one at least was elected 
upon his personal popularity, and anotlier ran far ahead of his 
ticket. William Burris, the Whig candidate for county judge, 
was elected by a majority of 166, wiiile Harvey Leonard, Demo- 
cratic candidate for slieriff, had 160 majority. The remainder of 
the Democratic ticket was elected by majorities ranging from 29 
to 87. Hiram Price, Democratic candidate for recorder, had no 
o])position, and received about 25 per cent, more tlian the party 
vote. 

1852. — The Whigs were first in the field in this State, their con- 
vention being held at Iowa City, Feb. 26, where a State ticket 
was nominated and a platform was adopted. 

The Democrats met in convention at the capital May 28, and 
nominated a ticket. 



396 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Tlie "Whigs again placed in the lield as tlieir nominee for the 
presidency a military chieftain, one who in the war of 1812 and 
in the Mexican war distinguished himself in such a manner as to 
win the praise of the whole country — Gen. Winfield Scott. He was 
confronted by Franklin Pierce, who, though ranking as general' 
was not considered the military hero as was General Scott. The 
Free Soil party, though having no hopes of electing their ticket, 
placed John P. Hale in the field as a candidate for the same office. 
John P. Cook, of Davenport, was the Whig nominee for Congress, 
and was opposed by Lincoln Clark, the nominee of the Democ- 
racy. The canvass was spirited and resulted in the election of Mr. 
Cook, who was quite popular. In this county there was a great 
deal of scratching of tickets, as is shown by the vote. The Demo- 
cratic candidates for State officers received majorities ranging from 
188 to 199, while the AVhig candidate for Congress had 33 ma- 
jority, and for clerk of the District Court a majority of 88. The 
Democratic candidate for prosecuting attorney had 295 majority, 
and for State Senator, 62. The total vote at the August election 
was 1,037. At the November election for President, Franklin 
Pierce received a majority of 124- over Scott, and 43 over Scott 
and Hale. The total vote was 1,239, the largest ever given. 

1853. — Only one State officer was to be elected — attorney-gen- 
eral. For county officers good men were nominated by both parties, 
and the question of temperance entered largely into the canvass. 
Hiram Price, for recorder, the Temperance candidate, had a 
majority of 448; and the entire Temperance ticket was elected, save 
sheriff, Harvey Leonard, the Democratic candidate, coming out 
ahead 121 votes. 

1854. — New questions now arose growing out of the repeal of the 
Missouri Compromise and the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill. 
The Whig party, unable to recover from its defeat in 1852, had 
been slowly disintegrating and had almost ceased to e.xist. The 
Democratic party was divided on the new issues. For some years 
a new party had been struggling for an existence, based on ques- 
tions of nationality, and known as the American or Know-Nothing 
party. On the 9th of January the Democracy met in convention 
at the capitol and nominated a full State ticket and adopted a plat- 
form. The Whigs met at Iowa City, Feb. 22, and made nomina- 
tions and adopted a platform. 

J. W. Sennett, of Davenport, was the Whig candidate for attor- 
ney-general, and was opposed by D. C. Cloud. Mr. Sennett re- 
ceived a majority of 190 in this county, though he was defeated in 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 397 

election. James Thorinc^ton, also of Davenport, was the Whi^ 
nominee for Congress, and in opposition was S. Hempstead, the 
nominee of the Democracy. Mr. Thorington was elected. A. C. 
Fnlton had a majority of 381 over J. A. Bircliard. The entire 
AVhig ticket was elected in the county, that ticket receiving the 
votes of many of the Anti-Nebraska men. 

18.55. — In this county the temperance question was the leading 
issue, the Republicans, or Anti-Nebraska Whigs, voting the Tem- 
perance ticket. The Democrats elected county judge, sheriti", 
and coroner, and the Temperance men the recorder and surveyor. 

1856.— Former issues dividing the political parties had disappeared, 
and new issues were being rapidJy formed. The Whig party had 
ceased to exist, and on its ruins had been erected two other parties, 
one having for its central truth opposition to the further extension 
of slavery, and the other that American-born citizens must rule 
America. These parties had, of course, absorbed many of the 
members of the old Democratic party. The American party, not 
being opposed to slavery, or, at least, making no opposition to it, 
either in the States in which it existed or the newly formed Terri- 
tories, where it had been made subject to admission by the repeal 
of the Missouri Compromise, had become a numerous body in the 
South, with many adherents in the North. The Republican party, 
basing its claims for popular suffrage upon its advocacy of freedom 
in the Territories, was not permitted an existence in the Southern 
States, and of necessity was confined to the North. 

The first State Convention by the newly organized Republican 
party was held at Iowa City, Feb. 22, and placed a ticket in 
the field for State officers, and adopted a platform in accordance 
with the principles of equal rights and firm opposition to slavery. 
The Democratic Convention met at the capitol June 26, nominated 
a ticket, and adopted a platform in accordance with that adopted 
at the National Convention at Cincinnati. The nominations of 
James Buchanan and John G. Breckenridge were enthusiastically 
confirmed. 

1857. — State and county officers were to be elected and both 
parties were fully represented by State and county tickets. The 
Republicans in State Convention re-adopted the platform of the 
previous year, together with appropriate resolutions upon national 
topics. The Democracy met in convention, and after nominating a 
State ticket passed resolutions in accordance with their views of 
national policy. The Democratic Convention met at Des Moines, 



398 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

June 23, nominated a ticket, and on national questions passed res- 
ohations supporting the action of the Government and the judicial 
tribunals, deprecating the agitation of the slavery question, and 
denouncing British outrages. 

1858. — State officers, with the exception of governor and lieu- 
tenant-governor, were to be elected. Elijah Sells was nominated 
by the Republicans for secretary of state, and Samuel Douglas 
by the Democrats. William Vandever was the Republican nomi- 
nee for Congress, and opposed to him was William E. Leffingwell. 
For clerk of the District Court Joseph A. Crandall received the 
Democratic nomination, and Ira M. Gilford the Republican. The 
questions growing out of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, 
and the attempted introduction of slavery in Kansas, and the 
trouble arising therefrom, were still the issues that divided parties. 
The Republicans met in Iowa City, June 17, and adopted a plat- 
form in which were resolutions condemning the extension of the 
slave States, and bitterly denouncing the Dred Scott decision. 

1859. — The Republican Convention met at Des Moines, June 22, 
and nominated S. J. Kirkwood, of Iowa City, for governor, and 
Nicholas J. Rusch, of Scott County, for lieutenant-governor, and 
adopted a platform substantially the same as in 1858. The Demo- 
crats met in convention at Des Moines, June 23, and nominated A. 
C. Dodge, of Des Moines, for governor, and L. W. Babbitt, of Pot- 
tawattamie, for lieutenant-governor. 

Resolutions were passed declaring the right of the Territories to 
pass such laws on the subject of slavery as they pleased. 

The Republicans in this county elected ever}' candidate on their 
ticket, the majorities ranging from iiJ: to 957, with the exception 
of the candidate for sheriff, James Tliorington being opposed by 
Harvey Leonard for that office. Mr. Leonard was always extremely 
popular before the people, and gave Mr. Tliorington a close race, 
the latter being elected by 93 majority. 

1860. — The campaign of I860 has never had a parallel in the 
history of the Government, unless it be that of 18-10. The passage 
of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, which it had been hoped would have 
settled the slavery controversy by referring the question to the 
people of the Territories, who were more directly interested in the 
matter, served rather to unsettle it, dividing the Democratic party 
and more firmly uniting the Repiiblican party. The Republican 
Convention was called to meet at Chicago, for the purpose of nomi- 
nating candidates for President and Vice-President. In this con- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 399 

vention it was plain to see who was the favorite of tlio loolccrs-on. 
Ever}' mention of Lincoln's name was received with cheer after 
clieer. Tljree ballots were taken, Mr. Lincoln receiving a majority 
of the whole votes, and was made the nnanimous choice of the 
convention amidst the most intense enthusiasm. Hannibal Ham- 
lin, of Maine, was selected as the candidate for Vice-President. 

The Democratic National Convention was called to meet at 
Charleston, South Carolina. The friends of Stephen A. Douglas 
were very active in urging his claims to the nomination for the 
presidency, many of the delegates from the Northern States, being 
instructed to iise all honorable means to that end. The claims of 
Douglas were stoutly contested by the leaders of the Democracy 
of the South, and it was evident some time before the convention 
assembled that it would be difficult to come to an agreement. Meet- 
ing in the city of Charleston, April 23. the convention remained 
in session 10 days, at the expiration of which time no nomination 
was made, many of the delegates from the Southern States with- 
drawing. The rule of the National Democratic Convention re- 
quired a two-thirds vote of the entire body for any candidate to 
secure his nomination. So many delegates wi'hdrawino-, after 
taking 57 ballots it was found impossible for any candidate to 
secure that number. An adjournment was then had to Balti- 
more, June 19. 

At this latter place the cotivention assembled pursuant to ad- 
journment, but even here no agreement could be reached between 
the factions. After a six days' meeting Stephen A. Douglas was 
nominated for President and Benjamin Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, for 
Vice-President. The nomination of Douglas was received with 
very great enthusiasm. Mr. Fitzpatrick declining, Herschel V. 
Johnson, of Georgia, was substituted. Mr. Johnson acce]ited the 
nomination. 

A portion of the convention seceded, and, holding another con- 
vention June 23. nominated John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, 
for President, and -Joseph Lane, of Oregon, for Vice-President. 
A " Union " Convention met, at which John Bell, of Tennessee, 
was nominated for President, and Edward Everett, of Massachu- 
setts, for Vice-President. 

With four presidential candidates in the Held, the exciting ques- 
tions growing out of tlie institution of slavery, and the threats of 
disunion by a portion of the South, in tlie event of the election ot Lin- 
coln, tended to make the campaign one of great interest. "Wide- 



400 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Awake" clubs aud organizations of "Hickory Boys," on the part 
of Republicans and Douglas Democrats, respectively, tended to 
increase the excitement. Large and enthusiastic meetings were 
held by each party in all the leading towns and cities, and even in 
many of the smaller villages. The names of the "Rail-Splitter'' 
and the "Little Giant" evoked the greatest enthusiasm. 

The Republican State Convention met in Iowa City, May 23, 
nominated a State ticket, and adopted a platform endorsing the 
action of the National Convention at Chicago, endorsing its nomi- 
nations, and favoring rigid economy in State matters. The Dem- 
ocratic Convention met at Des Moines, Jul}' 12, nominated a State 
ticket, and passed resolutions endorsing Douglas and Johnson. 
Tlie " Union ticket" was strongly condemned. 

1861. --The war for the Union was now in progress, aud issues grow- 
ing out of that war were forming. The Republicans were first to meet 
in convention, assembling in Des Moines, July, 31, and nominated a 
candidate for governor and other State officers, and adopted a plat- 
form heartily supporting the Government in its assertion of the 
right to coerce, denouncing the doctrine of secession, maintaining 
the supremacy of the Constitution, and declaring in the most forci- 
ble language that the Rebellion should be put down at any cost. 
The Democratic State Convention passed resolutions also unequiv- 
ocally condemning the action of the seceding States, but declaring it 
to be the legitimate result of the successful teaching of the " ir- 
repressible conflict," and also denying in toto the right of the 
Government to perpetuate the Union by force of arms. State sov- 
ereignty was endorsed, and the opposite doctrine declared to be 
fraught with disastrous consequences. 

1862. — The Union army had met with several reverses during 
the year, and a gloomy feeling pervaded the minds of the people, 
having its effect upon the the canvass for State officers. The Dem- 
ocrats met in convention at Des Moines, and adopted a platform 
in which they expressed themselves as in favor of using all consti- 
tutional means for the suppression of the Rebellion and opposed to 
any scheme of confiscation and emancipation; opposed to a suspen- 
sion of the writ oi habeas corpus; declaring the superiority of the 
white over the black race, and opposed to the purchase of the slaves. 
The Republicans in their platform adopted at Des Moines resolved, 
that it was the duty of every man to help maintain the Government, 
condemned the course of secession sympathizers, and asked all 
favorable to giving the national administration honest support to 
co-operate with them. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 401 

There was a falling oft' in the vote in this county from 1861. 
On the State ticket, the Republican candidate received an average 
majority of SIO. The soldiers in the field were permitted to vote 
this year, a record of which will be found in the returns given else- 
where in this volume. 

1863. — The Democrats met in convention at Des Moines and 
nominated a candidate for governor, and other State officers- 
Questions growing out ot the war still afforded issues between par- 
ties. The writ of habeas corpus had been suspended by the Presi- 
dent; martial law had been declared in some of the border States 
not in rebellion, and the proclamation of emancipation had been 
issued. These measures the Democracy in convention and by res- 
olution opposed, while the Republican Convention, which convened 
June 17, favored each. Thus were the issues defined. A full vote 
was had in the county, the Republicans electing each of their can- 
didates by an average majority of 1,300. 

1S61. — Abraham Lincoln was re-nominated by the Republicans, 
and associated with him on the ticket was Andrew Johnson, the 
Union governor of Tennessee. The Democrats put in nomination 
Gen. George B. Mc Clellan for the presidency and George H. Pen- 
dleton for the vice-presidency. The Republicans of Iowa held a 
convention at Des Moines July 7, and adopted a platform confirm- 
ing the re-noraination of Abraham Lincoln, and paying high trib- 
utes ot praise to the loyal soldiers and soldiers' wives whose 
sacrifices were saving the Union. The Democratic State Conven- 
tion met at Des Moines, July 16, selected a State ticket, but adopted 
no platform. A Peace Convention, however, was held at Iowa 
City, Aug. 24, which adopted resolutions denouncing the war and 
its further support, and rejecting the equality of the negro with 
the white man. 

In Scott County the Republican candidates received a majority 
of about 1,300 on the home vote, and 1,800 including the soldier 
vote returned from the front. 

186.5. — The Republicans were first in the field, meeting in con- 
vention at Des Moines, June 14, and nominated a ticket and 
adopted a platform. Tiie Union Anti-Negro Suffrage Party met 
at the capital Aug. 23, and nominated a ticket, and adopted a 
platform in which they resolved to sustain the admistration of An- 
drew Johnson ; that they were opposed to negro suffrage ; that the 
soldiers of the late war deserved well of their countrymen, and that 



402 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

their sympathies were with them. The Democrats met in convention 
the same da}', but made no nominations, the party supporting the 
Soldiers' ticket as it was known. 

1S66. — The campaign of 1S66 was fought on the issue of re- con- 
struction in the Southern States. The Republicans in Convention 
resolved that the people who subdued the Kebellion and their 
representatives in Congress had the right to re-organize the States 
that had been in rebellion. This was denied by some of the 
Republicans and the entire Democratic party. The conservative 
Republicans, or those who were opposed to Congressional action, 
met in convention and nominated a State ticket. The Democratic 
Convention adopted a platform, nominated two candidates, and re- 
solved to support the ticket of the Conservatives. The Republican 
State officers received a majority of about 1,800 in this county. The 
county ticket nominated by the Republicans had virtually no 
opposition, save for clerk of the District Court, John Gallaghan be- 
ing elected over the regular nominee. 

1S67. — The general issues dividing parties were the same as in 
1866. Conventions were held, platforms adopted and nominations 
made. The Democracy were generally successful in this county. 

1868. — This year brought with it another Presidential campaign. 
The Republican National Convention met in Chicago and placed in 
nomination Ulysses S. Grant, the victorious Union genera), associ- 
ating with him Schulyer Colfax, of Indiana. The Democratic 
National Convention nominated Horatio Seymour and Francis P. 
Blair, Jr., for President and Vice-President. The financial question 
began to.be a leading issue, especially with reference to the pay- 
ment of the bonds in coin or greenbacks, the Republicans favoring 
the payment in coin, the Democrats opposing. The latter also by 
resolution favored the abolition of the national banking system, 
and the substitution of United States notes for those of National 
banks. This was opposed by the Republicans. Full State and 
county tickets were nominated and the largest vote was polled ever 
cast at any election in the county. The Republicans succeeded in 
giving each candidate on their ticket a majority. 

1869. — A light vote was cast in the county, the Republican candi- 
dates being successful by an average majority of about 1,000. 

1870. — Little interest was manifested in this election, and the 
Republicans were again successful, the average majority being 
something over l.fiOO. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 403 

1871. — Only about a two-thirds vote was cast in this county, the 
questions at issue not being deemed of sufficient importance to call 
out the great mass of electors. The majority for the Republican 
ticket was increased to about 1,200. 

1S72.— The movement known as the Liberal Republican had a 
large influence, politically, this year, having virtually dictated the 
Democratic nomination for the presidency, and the platform of 
princi])lcs on which the campaign against the Republican party 
was dictated. The Liberal Ri'iniblicans were those connected 
with the Republican party who were opposed to any extreme 
measures in the reconstruction of the Southern States, and who 
believed the time had come when past issues should be forgotten, 
and new issues formed; that the hand of reconciliation should be 
offered the South, and a united country, working together to build 
up the waste places of the Soutii. Many of the most able men 
of the Republican party, including Horace Greeley, Charles Sum- 
ner, Lvraan Trumbull, John M. Palmer and others, united in this 
movement. In May a National Convention was held by the 
Liberal Republicans, in Cincinnati, which nominated Horace 
Greeley for President, and B. Gratz Brown for Vice-President. 
The following is a synopsis of the resolutions adopted : 

1. Equality of all men before the law ; equal and e.xact justice 
to all, without regard to race, color or previous condition. 

2. ()])position to the re-opening of all questions settled by the 
Xllltii. XlVtli and XVth amendments to the Constitution. 

3. Demand for tlie immediate and absolute removal of all disa- 
bilities imposed on account of the Rebellion. 

■i. Local selfgovernment ; supremacy of the civil over the 
military ; and demand for the largest individual liberty consistent 
with public order. 

5. Denunciation of the existing system of civil service. 

6. Demand for a system of Federal taxation which should not 
unnecessarily interfere witii the industries of the people; reference 
of the tarifi to tlic Congressional Districts. 

7. Demand for civil service reform, and for the election of 
President for a single term only. 

8. Maintenance of public credit and denunciation of repudia- 
tion. 

9. A speedy return to specie payment. 

10. Thanks to the citizen-soldiers and sailors of the Republic. 

11. Opposition to further grants to railroads. 



404 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

12. Cultivation of friendship with all nations ; regarding alike 
dishonorable, either to demand what is not right, or submit to what 
is wrong. 

The Democracy in convention ratified the nominations of 
Greeley and Brown, and adopted the platform of the Liberals 
The Eepublicans renominated President Grant, and associated 
with him on the ticket Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, for Vice" 
President. The disaffection among tiie Democrats in consequence of 
the nomination of Horace Greeley, a life-long political enemy, was 
so great that a third ticket was nominated, at the head of which 
was Charles O'Connor, the distinguislied lawyer of New York. 

The Democrats and Liberal Republicans met in State Conven- 
tion and nominated a ticket composed of two Democrats and three 
Liberal Republicans, and passed a resolution endorsing the nomi- 
nation of Greeley. In Scott County tlie Liberal Republican ticket 
was successful by majorities ranging trom 144 to 396. Many of 
the German Republicans su])ported the Liberal ticket. 

1873. — -The question of Capital vs. Labor now engaged the atten. 
tion of the people. The Republican State Convention met at Des 
Moines, June 25, and after nominating candidates adopted resolu- 
tions declaring against monopolies, and urging that the several 
States should carefully restrict the powers of the railroad com- 
panies and other monopolies. Class legislation was also de- 
manded. The Democratic party of the State made no regular 
nominations this year, but generally supported the Anti-Monopoly 
ticket. A convention was held at Des Moines, Aug. 12, nominated 
candidates and adopted resolutions declaring that the old party 
organizations were no longer useful, denouncing corruption in Gov- 
ernment affairs, and urging the necessity of political honesty. 

In this county the Anti-Monopolists were successful, each of 
their candidates receiving a majority, save for auditor, R. D. 
Leonard being elected over W. B. Barnes. Philo S. Morton, the 
Republican candidate for superintendent of public schools, had no 
opposition, neither had Thomas Murray, on the Anti-Monopoly 
ticket for surveyor. 

1874. — The issues were the same as in the previous year, and 
in this county the Anti-Monopolists were again successful, Joseph 
A. Le Claire, for recorder, being the only candidate on the Repub- 
lican ticket that was elected. 

1875. — A convention was called to meet at Des Moines, June 
24, composed of Democrats, Anti-Monopolists and Liberal Repub- 
licans. Assembling, a ticket was nominated headed by Shepherd 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 405 

Lefler, for governor, and a platform of principles adopted covering 
the principal ground of belief of the three elements represented. 
The Republicans met in convention and nominated S. J. Kirkwood 
for governor. A Temperance Convention was also held and Rev. 
John H. Lozier nominated for governor. In Scott County the 
Temperance ticket was not represented. Harvey Leonard for 
sheriff, M. J. Rohlfs for treasurer, W. W. Grant for coroner, and 
Thomas Murray for surveyor, had no opposition. A light vote 
was cast, the opposition to Republicans having an average major- 
ity of 1,100. 

1876. — The election this year was for national. State and county 
officers. Rutherford B. Hayes and William A. AVheeler were the 
Republican candidates for President and Vice-President, while 
Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. Hendricks received the nomina- 
tion of the Democratic })arty for the same offices. Peter Cooper 
was the nominee of the Independents or Greenbackers for Presi- 
dent. The hard times which began in 1S7S had a perceptible effect 
upon this campaign. The Democratic part}-, which for some years 
had been acting on the defensive, when not allied to some other 
political body, now assumed the aggressive, and under the banner 
of "Tilden aud Reform," forced the Republicans in the defensive. 
(Jn the part of the Democrats the campaign was boldly conducted, 
tliough it cannot truthfully be said that Tilden was the choice of 
the Democracy of the nation, especially of the Western element 
of the party. In this State the Greenbackers held two conven- 
tions, at the first of which it adopted a platform containing their 
principal tenets. 

The Republicans adopted as a platform substantially the follow- 
ing points : 1, Unity of the nation; 2, Economy in the adminis- 
tration of the Government; 3, A currency convertible with coin; 
4, All railway and other corporations to be subject to the law- 
making power. The Democrats adopted but a single resolution 
approving the platform of the National Democratic Convention 
and the nominations of Tilden and Hendricks. For Congress 
Hiram Price was the nominee of the Republicans, and Jeremiah 
H. Murphy of the Democrats. On the national and State tickets tlie 
R'^publicaus were successful by large majorities, but on the county 
ticket and for Congress the majorities were small, save for re- 
corder, Joseph A. LeClaire receiving a majority of 656. 

1S77. — State tickets were nominated by Democrats, Republicans, 
Greenbackers and Temperance men. In this county the Republi- 
cans were successful on the State ticket, John H. Gear receiving a 



406 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

majority of 1,068 over John P. Irish for governor. The county 
tickets of the parties were greatly split, Thomas AYinkless, He- 
publican candidate for auditor, being elected by a majority of 
1,-1:65, while Harvey Leonard, Democratic candidate for sheriff, had 
50 majority over John M. Lyter. H. L. Birnes, Republican, for 
coroner, had 937 majority, while C. H. Clemraer, Democrat, for 
county superintendent, had 192 majority. 

IS7S. — State tickets were nominated by Greenbackers, Democrats 
and Republicans. Subsequently a fusion was effected by the Demo, 
crats and Greenbackers, and a portion of the nominees of each of 
their State tickets were chosen as the choice of both parties. In Scott 
County three tickets were placed in the field, the Greenbackers poll- 
ing for their candidates a respectable vote, the lowest number 
being 469, and the highest 654. The average majority of the Re- 
publicans was 1,150. 

1879.— The campaign of 1879 was opened May 12 by the 
Democracy meeting in convention and nominating a State ticket. 
headed by H. H. Trimble for governor. A lengthy platform was 
adopted. The Greenbackers were next in the field, their ticket 
being headed by Daniel Campbell for governor. The Republi- 
cans met and nominated John II. Gear for governor, togetlier with 
a full State ticket. Lastly, the Temperance people met and placed 
in nomination George T. Carpenter, of Mahaska, for governor. 
Mr. Carpenter declining, D. R. Dungan, of Scott County, was sub- 
stituted. In this county each party had its ticket. The Temper- 
ance ticket, headed by Mr. Dungan, received 298 votes. Tlie Re- 
publicans were successful on all their candidates save sheriff, 
Harvey Leonard receiving a majority of 196 over John 15. Rouse, 
while Thomas Winkless, Republican for auditor, had a majority 
of 1,208 over C. C. Campbell, Democrat. 

1880. — The campaign began quite early this year, especially 
among aspirants for office and their friends. The preliminary can- 
vass for the nomination grew quite warm, as both the Republicans 
and Democrats were alike confident they would succeed in the na- 
tional struggle. James A. Garfield received the Republican nomi- 
nation for President, and associated with him on the ticket was 
Chester A. Arthur for Vice-President; Wintield S. Hancock was 
nominated for President by tlie Democrats, and with him was 
William H. English for Vice-President; James B. Weaver and Gen. 
Chambers for President and Vice-President respectively on the 
National ticket. The canvass was pushed with vigor, the Demo- 



HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTV. 407 

cratic and Republican jurties each iisinii^ their utmost endeavors to 
be successful. The National party, under the lead of Weaver, 
alst) endeavored to increase its votes, Mr. Weaver making speeches 
in more than half the States in the Union. The tirst State Con- 
vention held in Iowa this year was hy the Republicans, at Des 
Moines, April 7. The platform adopted consisted of three resolu- 
tions, the tirst demanding that candidates be nominated at Chicago 
by the National Rejmblican Convention of national reputation for 
ability; second, that James G. Blaine be the choice of the Repub- 
licans of the State; and, third, instructing delegates to the National 
Convention to vote for Blaine. The Greenbackers met at Des 
Moines, May 11, and adopted a platform reasserting their de- 
mands for the abolition of the national banks, the reduction of 
the army, the limitation of Chinese immigration, the reduction of 
salaries, and the ])ayment of the national debt in greenbacks. The 
Democrats met at Des Moines, Sept. 2, nominated a ticket, and 
adopted a platform endorsing Hancock and English, and the Na- 
tional ]ilatfiirm adopted at Cincinnati. The Greenbackers in this 
county made no nominations, and the vote polled by the party was 
much less than in the previous year. Garfield received a majority 
of 1,728 over Hancock, and 1,-563 over all. 

1881. — About a two-thirds vote was cast at this election. L. G. 
Kinne, Democratic candidate for governor, received a majorit}- 
of rtyl: over liuren R. Sherman, Republican. Nathaniel Leonard, 
Democrat, for sheriff, had a majority of 131:, while Thomas Wink- 
less, Republican, for auditor, had 1,839 over his Democratic 
opponent. Thomas Murray, for surveyor, was elected without 
opposition. 

OFFICIAL VOTE. 

The following is the official vote of the greater number of officers 
voted for at each general election since 1842 to the present time : 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1843 . 
Council. 

R.Christie, whig 284 

J. A. Birchard, diem 235 

Rcpresentatitie. 

.1. M. Robertson, whig 267 

A. W. Campbell, dem 2.59 

Skerif. 

A. II. Davenport, dem 319 

R. Bennett, whig 307 William P. Eldridge, whig. .256 



Recorder. 




.lohn D. Evans, dem... 
.lames Tlioringlon, whig 


. . .280 
...340 


Commuiiiiner'a 

Pope, dem 

Alfred Sanders, whig. . . 


Clerk 
. . .282 
. . . .236 


Aiseasor. 




Smith, dem 


. . .259 



408 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



Coroners. 

W;L. Cook, dem 362 

James McCosh, whig 259 

ELECTION, OCT. 3, 1843. 
Congress. 
William H. Wallace, whig. .249 
Augustus C. Dodge, dem. ...226 
Representative. 

G. C. R. Mitchell, whig 241 

James Grant, dem 218 

Probate Judge. 

James Thorington, whig 253 

J. D.Evans, dem 209 

Assessor. 
William P. Eldndge, whig.246 
Pike, dem 206 

Treasu rer. 

John Evans, whig 320 

Green, dem 116 

Surveyor. 

E. K. Gibbon, whig 261 

Turner, dem 168 

Burnell, whig 27 

ELECTION, APRIL, 1844. 

Against Convention 204 

For Convention 143 

ELECTION, AUG. 6, 1844. 
Commissioner. 

Otho G. McLain, dem 303 

John Coleman, whig 248 

Commissioner's Clerk. 

John Pope, dem 272 

E. K. Gibbon, whig 271 

Recorder. 

John D. Evans, dem 330 

James Thorington, whig 212 

Treasurer. 

A.H. Miller, dem 266 

John Evans, whig 234 

ELECTION, APRIL 15, 1845. 
Council. 

L. Summers, dem 281 

Z. Metcali;whig. 201 

Uouse. 

J. M. Robertson, whig 255 

E. S. Wing, dem 198 

Constitution. 

Against 291 

For 169 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1845. 
Treasiirer. 

A. H.Miller 243 

JohnEvans 3 



61 



122 



Surveyor. 

Willard Barrows, dem 215 

Jonathaa Parker, whig 201 

Assessor, 

Stephen Henly, dem 231 

Samuel Hedges, whig 201 

ELECTION, AUGUST, 1846. 
Representative. 

E. S. Wing, dem 275 3 

Ebenezer Cook, whig 272 

Sheriff. 
A. H. Davenport, dem. . . .338 139 

E. A. Rigg, whig 199 

Commissioner. 

C. G. Blood, dem 281 15 

A. C. Fulton, whig 266 

Recorder. 

J. D. Evans, dem 341 148 

W.S.Collins, whig 193 

Treasurer. 

A. H. Miller, dem 319 90 

J. Morton, whig 239 

Co7nmissionef's Clerk. 

J. Pope, dem 305 65 

J. Evans, whig 240 

Probate Judge. 

J. Thorington, whig 311 88 

C. Weston, dem 223 

Coroner. 

W. L.Cook, dem 296 57 

H. S. Finley, whig 236 

Constitution. 

For 396 51 

Against 245 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1846. 

Governor. 

Thomas McKniaht, whig. . .337 53 

Ansel Briggs, dem 285 

Secretary of State. 

J. H. Cowles, whig 230 35 

Elisha Cutler, dem 295 

Congress. 

G.C. R. Mitchell, whisr .327 31 

Joseph H. Hedrick, whig. . .3-26 32 

S. Lefler, dem 296 

S.C.Hastings, dem 294 

State Senate. 

L.Wheeler, whig 331 40 

L. Summers, dem 291 

Uouse of Representatives. 

James McManus, whig 332 42 

EliS. Wing, dem 390 

Clerk »f District Court. 
James Thorington, whig. . . .351 
J. C Belts, dem 201 



m '^^ 



'rst^ 



,.•"■ ■~\ 




/^ /^ /t^^^ 



HISTORY OF SOOTT COUNTY. 



411 



ELECTION, AUG, 1847. 
Congress. 

T. McKnight, whig 340 13 

8. Lefler, dem ." 327 

Sheritr. 

Harvey Leonard, dem 342 23 

R. Christie, rep 320 

Recorder. 

A. H. Miller, dem 330 2 

William Inslee, whig 328 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

A. W. McGregor, whig 326 2 

V. M. Piror, dem 324 

Commissioner's Clerk. 

John Pope, dem 352 43 

R. Ricker, Jr., whig 309 

Probate Judge. 

James Thorlngton, whig 380 93 

John Rowzer, dem 287 

Surveyor. 

6. W. Gale, whig 339 45 

W. Barrows, dem 294 

ELECTION, AUG., 1848. 
Congress. 

Shepherd Lefler, dem. 364" 

Timoth}- Davis, whig 336 

Secretary of State. 

Josiah Bonny, dem 362 

John M. Coleman, whig 327 

W.Miller 10 

State Treasurer. 

Morgan Reno, dem 263 

Robert Holmes, whig 326 

R. Dorland 8 

Representative. 

JohnD. Evans, dem 347 

A. C. Pulton, whig 341 

Clerk of District Court. 
James Thorington, whig... .380 

John Pope, dem 309 

A. Logan 4 

Commissioner. 

E. S. Wing, dem 347 

S. Thompson, whig 339 

LECTION, NOV., 1848. 
President. 

Lewis Cass, dem 366 

Zachary Taylor, whig 335 

M. Van.Buren, free-soil 30 

ELECTION, AUG., 1849. 
S?uirif. 

Harvey Leonard, dem 495 261 

Enos Tichenor, whip 234 

25 



Recorder. 

Hiram Price, dem 463 198 

James McManus, whig 269 

County Commissioner's Clerk. 

John Rowser, dem 369 13 

William P. Campbell, whig. .356 
Surveyor. 

Willard Barrows, dem 297 57 

Jonathan Parker, Ind. whig. .240 
Mr. Pinley 178 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Alex. W. McGregor, whig 366 53 

8. R. Miller, dem 313 

Coroner. 

T. V. Blakemore, whig 371 34 

William McDade, dem 337 

Probate Judge. 
James Thorington, whig 327 

ELECTION, AUG., 18.50. 
Governor. 

S. Hempstead, dem 418 67 

J. L. Thompson, whig 351 

W. P. Clark, free soil 4 

Secretary of State. 

G. AV. McCleary, dem 417 62 

Isaac Cook, whig 355 

P. Reeser, free-soil 4 

State Treasurer. 

Israel Kester, dem 416 60 

Evan Jay, whig 356 

Clark Allison, free-soil 4 

Consress. 

Lincoln Clark, dem 406 42 

W. H. Henderson, whig 304 

George Shedd, free-soil 3 

State Senator. 

W. E. LeflJngwell, dem 404 96 

L. Carpenter, whig 308 

Representative. 

Laurel Summers, dem 402 48 

A. C. Pulton, whig 364 

Clerk District Court. 

James Thorington, whig 414 65 

T. U. Eagal, dem 349 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

A. W. McGregor, whig 306 

County Commissioner. 

J. W.Wiley, dem 410 52 

D. B. Shaw, whig 3.58 

ELECTION, AUG., 1851. 
County Judge. 

William Burris, Whig 508 IM 

CO. Blood, dem 342 



412 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUKTS-. 



Supervitor. 

J. A. Birchard, dem 

S. Thompson 

Sheriff. 
Harvey Leonard, dem.. . • 

J. Pechtel 

Surreyor. 

Willard Barrows, dem. . . 

James Porter, whig 

Coroner. 

J. Carney, dem ■•• 

T V. Blakemore, -whig.. 
Recorder. 

Hiram Price, dem 

ELECTION, AUG., 1852 
Secretary of State 

G W. McCleary, dem 

J. W.Jenkins, whig 

.State Auditor. 

William Pattee. dem 

A. B. Porter. Whig 

SKite Treasurer. 

M. L. Morris, dem 

H. B. Horn, whig 

Congress. 

John P. Cook, whig 

Lincoln Clark, dem 

State Senator. 

E. S. Wing, dem 

George Smith, whig 

Clerk DMrict Court 
James Thorington, whig 

T. D. Eagal, dem 

Prosecuting Attorney 



.458 
.423 

.531 

.371 

.475 



447 
,418 

,560 



614 

417 

608 
.409 



.609 
.421 

.535 
.502 

.544 

.482 

559 
471 



35 



160 



87 



39' 



197 



199 



188 



.663 
.368 



33 



62 



88 



295 



J F. Dillon, dem . •• 

A. W. McGregor, whig.. 

ELECTION, NOV., 1852. 
President. 

Franklin Pierce, dem Wl 124 

Winfleld Scott, whig. ^l 

John P. Hale, free.soil Hi- 



Coroner. 

L. B. CoUamer, tem 883 

James Karney, dem oil 

ELECTION, AUG., 1854. 

Governor. 

J. W. Grimes, whig 773 

Curtis Bates, dem o^^ 

Attorney General. 

J. W. Sennett, whig '][35 

D. E. Claud, dem "1" 

Congress. 

James Thorington, whig 730 

S. Hempstead, dem '^4 

State Senator. 

A. C. Fulton, whig 834 

J. A. Birchard, dem 453 

Clerk of District Court. 

J. D. Fatten, whig 706 

C. G. Blood, dem 

T. V. Blakemore 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

H. G. Earner, whig 851 375 

A. Davison, dem *'** 

ELECTION, AUG., 1855. 

County Judge 

William L. Cook, dem 

William Burris, tem 

Sheriff. 

Harvey Leonard, dem 

L. J. Center, tem 

Recorder. 

James McCosh, tem 986 

William Gray, dem 4D.i 



190 



115 



196 



381 



213 



493 
132 



952 



1054 
869 



16 



185 



Surveyor. 
William P- Campbell, tem 

Henry Lambach, dem 

Coroner. 

C^TUS Fisk, dem ^76 

■V^ill am Crosson, tem. . 



.996 
.938 



.959 



58 



17 



.997 
..576 



121 



ELECTION, AUG., 1853. 

S?ierif. 

Harvev Leonard, dem. ... 
D. C. Eldridge, whig 

Surveyor. 

Jonathan Parker "^° 

Samuel Perrin ^*^ 

Willard Bairows -si-^ 

Recorder. 

Hiram Price, tem 859 448 

Robert Christie '^^ 



.628 



ELECTION, OCT., 1858. 
Secretary of State. 



.2067 
.1343 



.2048 



Elijah Sells, rep.. 

Samuel Douglas, dem... 

Congress. 

William Vandever, rep . 
William E. Leffingwell, dem.. 1363 

Clerk of District Court. 

IraM.Gifford.rep... 2057 

Joseph A. Crandall, dem 13o8 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



413 



ELECTION, OCT. 11, IS-W. 

Ooternor. 

Samuel G. Kirkwooil, rep 2208 583 

Augustus C. Dodge 1625 

Lieut.-Governor. 

N. J. Rusch, rep 2085 468 

L. W. Babbitt, dem 1617 

State Senator. 

J. W. TDompson, rep 2129 444 

Edwin Smitli, dem 1685 

County Judge. 

K. Linderman, rep 2187 556 

Charles Weston, dem 1631 

.'Sheriff. 

James Thorington, rep 1051 93 

Harvey Leonard, dem 1858 

Recorder. 

James McCosh 2368 957 

William Van Tuyl 1411 

County Superintendent. 

Thomas J. Saunders, rep 2137 462 

Joshua Dial, dem 1675 

Surveyor. 

W. P. Campbell, rep 2212 617 

J. T. Ilogam, dem 1593 

Coroner. 

J.W. H. Baker, rep 2204 592 

A. S. Maxwell, dem 1612 

ELECTION, OCT., 1861. 

Governor. 

Samuel J. Kirkwood, rep.... 1785 881 

William H. Merritt, dem 1504 

Ben. >I. Samuels, 187 

Lieut.-Governor. 

John K. Needham, rep 1852 396 

Lauren Dewey, dem 1456 

State Senator. 

Benjamin F. Gue, rep 2333 364 

John B. Leake, dem 1969 

Hiram Wheeler 1046 

George S. C. Dow 839 

J. W.' Clark 247 

OcHiity Judge. 

Rufiis Linderman rep 1863 795 

John W. Van Hosen, dem 1068 

SiiMiuel B. Wyman, ,503 

Sheriff. 

James Thorington, rep 1817 207 

Harvey Leonard, dem 1640 

Trea»u.rer and Recorder. 

A. F. Ma.st, dem 1846 233 

James .McCosh, rep 1613 

County Superintendent. 

Dudley L Gorton, rep 1867 235 

Joshua Dial, dem 1682 



Surveyor. 

William P. Campbell, rep.. .3279 3277 
Scattering 2 

Coroner. 

J. J. Tomson, rep ] 855 208 

Jared C. Parker, dem 1647 

ELECTION, OCT., 1862. 
Secretary of State. 

James Wright, rep 1980 802 

R. H. Sylvester, dem 1178 

State Auditor. 

Jonathan W. Cattell, rep 1978 798 

John Browne, dem 1180 

Gongrexs. 

Hiram Price, rep 1991 834 

Edward H. Thayer, dem 11.57 

District Aitornty. 

Lyman A. Ellis, rep 1981 804 

Ciiarles M. Dunbar, dem 1177 

State Senator. 

Thomas J. Saunders, rep 1957 

Thos. J. Saunders, (sold's vote) 217 

David Higgins, dem 1197 

David Higgins, (sold's vote). . 17 

Clerk of District Court. 

Ira M.Giflrord,rep 19a5 

Ira M. Gilford, (soldiers' vote). 327 

Reimer Soehrtn, dem 1167 

R. Sochren, (soldiers' vote). . 87 

ELECTION, OCT., 1863. 
Governor. 

William M. Stone, rep 2613 

James M. Tuttle, dem 1315 

County Judge. 

Rufus Linderman, rep 2632 

T. D. Eagal, dem 1300 

Sheriff. 

John M. Lyter, rep 2583 

Harvey Leonard, dem 1349 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

John Collins, rep 2572 

A. F. Mast, dem 1352 

Coroner. 

J. J . Tomson, rep 2625 

W. W. Parker, dem 1302 

County Superintendent. 

Dudley L. Gorton, rep 2609 

William Gurdst, dem 1317 

ELECTION, NOV., 1864. 
PTe.<iid(nt. 

Abraham Lincoln, rep 2871 

George B. McClellan, dem. . . .1403 



414 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



Recorder. 

James Thorington, rep 2688 

J. Thoringtou (soldiers' vote). 563 

August F. Mast, clem 1348 

Aug. F. Mast (soldiers' vote). . 4 

Clerk District Court. 

Malilon D. Snyder, rep 2718 

M. D. Snyder, (soldiers' vote). . 577 

Hiram Wheeler, dem 1320 

H. Wheeler, (soldiers' vote). . . 6 

ELECTION, OCT., 1865. 
Oovemor. 

William M. Stone, rep 2080 432 

-Benton, dem 1648 

Sheriff. 

John M. Lyter, rep 2067 

Hergo Hoftman, dem 1835 

Treasurer. 

Thomas K. Fluke, rep 1911 

Chester Barney, dem 183.5 

Surveyor. 

William Y. Campbell, rep 2078 

Scattering 28 

County Superintendent. 

W. O. Hiskey, rep I960 

J.W. Moore, dem 1795 

Gocerrwr. 

J. J. Tomson, rep 1931 

J . McCourtney, dem 1840 

ELECTION, OCT., 1866. 
Secretary of Stale. 

Edward Wright, rep 3157 

S. 6. Van Anda, cons 1327 

State Treasurer. 

S. E. Rankin, rep 3156 

George A. Stone, cons 1326 

Congress. 

Hiram Price, rep 3036 

John P. Cook, cons 1408 

Recorder. 

James Thorington, rep 3996 

M. D. Snyder, dem 91 

Clerk District Court. 

Jghn Gallagan, dem 2654 

John W. Collins, rep 17:i6 

County Superintendent. 

George P. Whitcomb 3014 

D.L.Gorton... 18 

ELECTION, OCT., 1867. 
Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, rep 1846 

Charles Maaon, dem 1736 



Atforney-General. 

W. T. Barker 2447 

Henry O'Coimor 1817 

State Senator. 

W. W. Cones 2500 

H. R. Claussen 1806 

Treasurer. 

L. S. Viele, dem 2487 

T. K. Fluke, rep 1856 

Sheriff. 
G. Schmitzer, dem 2491 

F. M. Suiter, rep 1834 

County .Judge. 

T. D. Eagal, dem 2432 

R. Linderman, rep 1917 

County Superintendent. 

John Gallagher, dem 2480 

Thomas J. Saunders, rep 1850 

Suri^eyor. 

Thomas JIurray, dem 2524 

William P. Campbell, rep 1749 

Coro)iers. 

G. Krepfuer, dem 2518 

J. J. Tomson, rep 1830 

ELECTION, NOV., 1868. 
President. 

V. S Grant, rep 3612 

Horatio Seymoiu-, dem 1763 

Secretary of State. 

Ed. Wright, rep 3556 

David Hammer, dem 1778 

State Treasurer. 

Samuel E. Rankin, rep 3553 

L. McCarty, dem 1776 

Congress. 

William Smythe, rep 2931 

W. E. Leffingwell, dem 3372 

Clerk District Court. 

M. D. Snyder, rep 3026 

Fred. Volmer, dem 2281 

Hecorder. 

F. M. Suiter, rep 2888 

M.J. Rohlfs, dem 2312 

Coroner- 

J. J. Tomson, rep 2777 

James McCourtney, dem 2593 

ELECTION, OCT., 1869. 
Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, rep 2418 

George Gillaspy, dem 1402 

Lieut.-Oovernor. 

Madison M. Walden, rep 2421 

A. P. Richardson, dem 1402 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



415 



Supreme Judge. 

John P. Dillon, rep 2428 

W. F. Brannon, dem 1391 

Auditor. 

R. D. Leonard, rep 2237 

T. D. Eagal, dem 1580 

Treasurer. 

Henry Egbert, rep 1945 

L. S. Viele, dem 1803 

Sfierijf. 

Gustavus Schmitzer, rep 1918 

Harvey Leonard, dem 1840 

County Superintendent. 

Roderick Rose, rep 2074 

John Gallagher, dem 1713 

Coroner. 

J. J. Tomson, rep 2303 

James McCourtney, dem 1417 

Surveyor. 

Thomas Murray, dem 2016 

William P. Campbell, rep 1745 

ELECTION, OCT., 1870. 
Secretary of State. 

Ed. Wright, rep 2091 

Charles Doerr, dem 1093 

State Auditor. 

John Russell, rep 2091 

W. W. Garner, dem 1095 

State Treasurer. 

Samuel E. Hankin, rep 2087 

William C. James, dem 1094 

Congress. 

A. R. Colton, rep 2014 

William E. Lefliingivell, rep. .1159 
Clerk District Court. 

M. D. Snyder, rep 2105 

W. W. Buell, dem 1078 

liecorder. 

F. M. Suiter, rep 2116 

J. W. Jamison, dem 1070 

County Superintendent. 

P. S. Morton, rep 2087 

Frank J. Jarvis, dem 1080 

ELECTION, OCT., 1871. 
Governor. 

Cyrus C. Carpenter, rep 2535 

Joseph C. Knapp, dem 1355 

Supreme Judge. 

James G Day, rep .'2542 

John F. Duncombe, dem 1354 

Treasurer. 

Henry Egbert, rep 2561 

J. W. Jamison, dem 1345 



County Superintendent. 

Philo 8. Morton, rep 2526 

William Geerdte, dem 1357 

Auditor. 

R. D. Leonard, rep 2531 

T. D. Eagal, dem 1345 

Sheriff. 

Harvey Leonard, dem 1956 

G. Schmitzer, rep 1883 

Coroner. 

J. J. Tomson, rep 2543 

J. McCourtney, dem 1352 

ELECTION, NOV., 1872. 
President. 

U. S. Grant, rep 2369 

Horace Greeley, lib 2.')16 

Charles O'Connor, dem 49 

Secretary of State. 

E. A. Guilbert 2687 

JosiahT. Young 3379 

Charles Boker, dem 43 

State Treasurer. 

M.J. Rohlfs lib 3687 

William Christy, rep 3356 

D. B. Beers, dein 42 

State Auditor. 

J. P. Cassady, lib 3698 

John RusseU, rep 3380 

Congress. 
William E. Leffingwell, lib. . .2847 

Azlette R. Colton. rep 2288 

Clerk District Court. 

William K. White, lib 3734 

William G. Scott, rep 3338 

liecorder. 

Frank M. Suiter, rep 8645 

James McNamara, dem 3438 

ELECTION, OCT., 1873. 
Oooernor. 

J. G. Vale, aniimon 2835 

Cyrus C. Carpenter, rep 1639 

Supreme Judge. 

B. J. Hall, anti-mon 2793 

Joseph M. Beck, rep 1676 

Treasurer. 

M.J. Rohlfs, antimon 2446 

Richard Senetham, rep 1988 

Auditor. 

R. D. Leonard, rep 2365 

W. B. Barnes, anti-mon 2078 

Sheriff- 

II. Leonard, anti mon 3344 

Bernhart Finger, rep 1307 



416 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



Coroner. 

W. W. Grant, anti nioa 2832 

J. J. Tomson, rep 1G21 

ELECTION, OCT., 1874. 
Secretary of State. 

David Morgan, anti-mon 2548 

Josiah T. Young, rep 1575 

State Auditor. 

Joseph M. King, anti-mon 2548 

JBuren R. Sherman, rep 158S 

State Treasurer. 

Henry C. Hayes, anti-mon 2548 

"William Christy, rep 1591 

Congress. 

J. L. Sheean, anti-mon 2484 

John Q Tufts, rep 1617 

District Attorney. 

Lyman A. Ellis, antiinon 2809 

John N. Crawford, rep 1301 

Clerk District Court. 

W. H. Gabbert, anti-mon 2756 

D.B.Nash, rep 1328 

Recorder. 

Josep A. Le Claire, rep 2298 

Charles Freidrich 1794 

ELECTION, OCT., 1875. 
Oovernor. 

Shepherd Lefler, dem 2519 

Samuel J. Kirkwood, rep 1499 

Judge Supreme Court. 

William J. Knight, dem 2534 

Austin Adams, rep 1488 

Auditor. 

James Dooley, dem 2037 

R. D. Leonard, rep 1966 

County Superintendent. 

Charles H.Clemmer,dem 2408 

P. S. Morton, rep 1594 

Harvey Leonard for sheriff, M J. 
Rohlfs tor treasurer. W. W. Grant for 
coroner, Thomas Murray for surveyor, 
had no opposition. 

ELECTION, NOV., 1876. 
Prciident. 

R. B. Hayes, rep 3819 

Samel J.Tildeu, dem 2855 

Peter Cooper, greenback 286 

Secretary of State. 

Josiah T. Young, rep 3818 

John H. Steiteuranch, dem.. . .2862 

A. McCready, gr 28 

State Auditor. 

Buren R. Sherman, rep 3818 

William Grongwag, dem 2850 

Leonard Brown, gr 11 



State Treasurer. 

George H. Bemis, rep 3818 

Wesley Jones, dem 2865 

George C. Fry, gr U 

Congress. 

Hiram Price, rep 3352 

Jeremiah Murphy, dem 3315 

Clerk District Court. 

Joseph iVjidrews, rep 3370 

W. H. Gabbert, dem 3332 

Recorder. 

Joseph A. LeClaire, rep 3667 

John L. Boehl, dem 3011 

ELECTION, OCT., 1877. 
Oovernor. 

John H. Gear, rep 3031 

John P. Irish, dem 1968 

D. P. Stubbs, gr 309 

Elias Jesap, tern 37 

State Senator. 

W. A. Foster, rep 2575 

J. H. Murphy, dem 2479 

John N. Davis, gr 267 

Auditor. 

Thomas Winkless, rep 3256 

C. C. Campbell, dem 1791 

W. W. Hathaway, gr 294 

Sheriff. 

Harvey Leonard, tern 3173 

John M. Lyter, rep 2123 

Coroner. 

H. L. Bawden, rep 2996 

A. W. Campbell, dem 2059 

W. G. Peck, gr 249 

County Superintendent. 

C. H. Clemmer, dem 2579 

J. F. Laecuder, rep 2387 

George W. Thompson, gr 340 

ELECTION, OCT., 1878. 
Secretary of State. 

J. A. T. Hull, rep 3299 

E M. Farnsworth, dem 2142 

T.O.Walker 18 

State Auditor. 

Buien R. Sherman, rep 3253 

Joseph Eibrech, dem 2016 

S. V. Swearingen, gr 177 

State Treasurer. 

George W. Bemis, rep 3299 

M. L. Devin, dem 2143 

E. D. Ferm, gr 18 

Congress. 

Hiram Price, rep 3000 

W. E. Brannon, dem 2119 

Jacob Geiger, gr. . . . , 469 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COCNTY. 



«7 



Clerk District Court. 

Joseph Andrews, rep 3204 

W. U. Schmidt, dem 1965 

William Hafflebach, gr 471 

Eecorder. 

Joseph A. Le Claire, rep 3052 

John Nith, dem 1907 

Ed. J. Jennings, gr 654 

ELECTION, OCT., 1879. 
Governor.' 

JohnH. Gear, rep 3242 

H. H. Trimble, dem 1979 

Daniel Campbell, gr 586 

D. R. Dungan, pro 296 

Sheriff. 

Harvej- Leonard, dem 2685 

John B. Rouse, rep 2499 

W. B 167 

W. W. Hathaway 142 

J. M. D. Burrows 313 

Treasurer. 

M. J. Rohlfs, rep 8219 

A. F. Mast, dem 2094 

J. S. McHaig 220 

J. F. Carter 256 

Auditor. 

Thomas Winkless, rep 3207 

C. C. Campbell, dem 1999 

Daniel Moore 222 

W. T. Reid 317 

County Superintendent. 

P. 8. Morton, rep 2760 

C. H. Clemmer, dem 2555 

Maggie Ross 490 

Coroner. 

H. D. Bawden, rep 3447 

James McCourtney, dem 2169 

W. G. Peck 208 

Sumeyor. 

Thomas Murray, dem 2432 

M.J. Higgins, .508 

ELECTION, NOV., 1880. 
President. 

James A. Garfield, rep 4322 

Winfield S. Hancock, dem. . . .2.594 

J. B. Weaver, gr 150 

15 



Secretary of State. 

John A. T. Hull, rep 4348 

A. B. Keith, dem 2590 

George M. Walker, gr 192 

State Auditor. 

William V. Lucas, rep 4338 

Charles J. Barker, dem 2596 

G. V. Swearingen, gr 190 

State Treasurer. 

Edwin II. Conger, rep 4348 

Martin Blain, dem 2552 

Matthew Farringtou, gr 199 

Congress. 

Sewell S. Farwell, rep 4175 

Roderick Rose, dem 2729 

Lindley Hoops, gr 311 

Clerk District Court- 
Joseph Andrews, rep 4484 

W. J- Birchard, dem 2538 

Recorder. 
Joseph A. Le Claire, rep. . . .4000 

C. H. Clemmer, dem 3041 

ELECTION, OCT., 1881. 
Oovernor. 

L. G. Kinney, dem 2551 

Buren R. Sherman, rep 3057 

D. M. Clark 161 

Sheriff. 

Nathaniel Leonard, dem 2390 

John B. Rouse, rep 2256 

M. J. Leavitt, gr 126 

Treasurer. 

M.J. Rohlfs, rep 3058 

Lemuel Parkhurst, dem 1616 

Benjamin Painter, gr 147 

Auditoi: 

Thomas Winkless, rep 3188 

A. R. Di.\on, dem 1349 

T. J. O'Meara, gr 245 

County Superintendent. 

Philo S. Morton, rep 3104 

August Wultr, dem 1396 

Maggie Ross, gr 170 

Coroner. 

H. L. Bawden, rep 3148 

W. W. Grant, dem 107 

J. B. Kessler 162 

M. B. Cochran 284 



CHAPTER yill. 

NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 
NATIONAL. 

The following comprises at least a partial list of those holding 
commissions from the National Government. 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT ATTOENETS. 

Charles Weston was appointed to this office in 1839 and served 
until 1843. 
William H. F. Gurley, appointed in 1861 and served four years. 
James T. Lane, appointed in 1873 and served eight years. 

UNITED STATES MARSHAL. 

Laurel Summers, of Le Claire, appointed in 1853 and served un- 
til April, 1861. 

SUETETOR-GENEEAL. 

George B. Sargent, appointed in 1850, and served until 1853. 

UNITED STATES COLLECTOR. 

George W. Ells, appointed in 1862. 

COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 

Hiram Price, of Davenport, was appointed under Garfield, and 
yet retains the office. 

Hiram Price was born in Washington Co., Pa., on the 10th oi 
January, 1814. He had very few of the advantages of education 
in his early youth, receiving instruction only in the common 
branches, and having few opportunities for mental improvement. 
He early developed so strong a taste for reading that everything 
readable that could be borrowed was eagerly devoured. After leav- 
ing school he entered a retail dry goods store as clerk, was after- 
ward chief clerk in an iron works, and still later was employed in 
a forwarding and commission house. 

(418) 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 419 

He removed to Iowa iu 1844 and located in Davenport, which 
place has been his residence ever since. On his arrival be went 
into the mercantile business with a very small capital, not exceed- 
ing $100, and by perseverance, energy and business tact has suc- 
ceeded in acquiring a competence, retiring from the business in 
1848. In 1847 he was elected the first school-fund commissioner 
of Scott County, which office he held nine years. In 1848 he was 
elected recorder and treasurer of the county, serving for eight 
years. 

Mr. Price is entitled to an infinite amount of credit for the part 
he has taken in advancing the construction, of the railroads of this 
section of country. He was one of the first men west of the Mis- 
sissippi who agitated a railroad connection with the Atlantic, and 
it is owing to his eiforts, as much or more than to those of any 
one else, that the people were induced to subscribe to this object. 
He accepted the position of secretary of the Mississippi & Mis- 
souri Railroad Company, in which capacity he served seven years, 
and until his election to Congress. He was president of the State 
Bank of Iowa during its entire existence after the first year, closing 
the affairs of that institution to the entire satisfaction ofall con- 
cerned, handling millions of dollars. He was elected to the 3Sth^ 
39th and 40th Congresses, each time by largely increased majori- 
ties, and then declined being a candidate again, but was nominated 
against his will for the 45tli Congress, and was elected by nearly 
2,000 majority. During the war of the Rebellion he was pay- 
master-general of the State of Iowa. 

Mr. Price has always taken a decided and consistent position in 
favor of the cause of temperance. He was one of those who, in 
February, 1848, organized the Grand Division of the Sons of Tem- 
perance for the State of Iowa, and was elected first Grand Worthy 
A. and afterward Grand Worthy Patriarch for the State. He was 
elected for a number of years as representative of the National Di- 
vision of North America. In 1S47 he was instrumental in organ- 
izing a division of Sons of Temperance in Davenport, and was 
elected first Worthy Patriarch. His views and the position he 
took upon the temperance subject have given him a prominence 
possessed by no other private citizen in the State, and yet there was 
not a man of his opponents who did not respect the singular honesty 
of his endeavors, and his entire freedom from all effort to gain 
either personal or political popularity. 



420 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

In religions views he is a Methodist, having joined tliat Church 
in his 17th year. He was treasurer of the Scott County Bible 
Society for the years of 1S51, 1S52, 1856^ 1857, and president for 
the years 1876 and 1877. 

Mr. Price was raised in the Democratic school of politics, and 
remained until an attempt was made to force slavery into free soil, 
when he helped to organize the Kepublican party of Iowa, and has 
been ranked as a radical Republican ever since. 

He has passed some time in travels, having visited nearly every 
State in the Union, and has traveled over England, France, Switzer- 
land, Ireland and Scotland. 

He was married on the 27th of April, ISSi, to Miss Susan Betts. 

His son, M. M. Price, was United States Consul to Marseilles, 
France, and one of his daughters is the wife of Hon. John F. Dil- 
lon, of the United States Circuit Court, one of the ablest jurists in 
the West; another daughter married the Rev. Laird Collier, and 
another married Alfred Sully, of Brooklyn, ^'. Y. His youngest 
son, W. II. Price, is a resident of Denver, Col. 

In the various changes of life Mr. Price has gained the respect ot 
a large circle of friends and the confidence of his business connec- 
tions, and while making constant use of his natural powers, he has 
never wasted or weakened them, so he is still in possession of his 
native vigor and strength. 

At over three-score his step is still firm, his form erect, and bis 
countenance cheerful. 

CONGRESSIONAL. 

Scott County, as part ot the Territory ol Iowa was represented 
in the 35th and 36th Congresses by AVilliam W. Chapman, and in 
the 27th, 2Sth and 29th Congresses by Augustus C. Dodge. 

On the formation of the State it was entitled to two representa- 
tives in Congress, the two being elected by the voters of the entire 
State. The first election was in October, 1846. Shepherd Lefler 
and S. Clinton Hastings were elected and served in the 28th Con- 
gress. At the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1846-'7, 
the State was divided into two districts, Scott County forming a 
part of the second. Shepherd Lefier was elected to serve in the 
30th and re-elected to the 31st Congress. In the 32d Congress 
Lincoln Clark was tlie representative. 

The first representative who was a citizen of Scott County was 
John P. Cook, who served in the 33d Congress; James Tborington, 
also of Scott, served in the 34th Congress, and was succeeded by 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 421 

Tlmoth}' Davis, of Elkader, in the 35th Congress. In the 36th 
Congress AVilliam Vandever, of Dubuque, served, and also in the 
37th. 

By the census of 1S60 Iowa became entitled to six representa- 
tives in Congress, by reason of increase in poi)ulatiou. Scott 
County still remained in the second congressional district. Hiram 
Price, of Davenport, was elected to represent the district in the 
38th Congress, and was re-elected in the 39tli and 4(»th. In the 
4l8t William Smythe was elected and served one term, and was 
succeeded by A. R. Colton, who was re-elected in 1872. In 1874 
John M. Tufts was elected and served one term, being succeeded 
in 1876 by Hiram Price, who was re-elected in 1878 and served the 
second term. S. S. Farsvell succeeded Mr. Price and now serves. 



STATE REPRESENTATION. 
LIEUTENANT-GOVEENOR. 

Nicholas J. Rusch was elected Oct. 11, 1859, and qualified Jan. 
11, 1860. 

STATE BINDER. 

"William M. Coles, appointed by the governor March 16, 1855, 
and term of office commenced May 1. He was elected by the Leg- 
islature Jan. 12, 1857, and served until May 1, 1859. 

SUPREME COURT. 

John F. Dillon was the first representative from Scott County. 
He was elected associate justice Oct. 13, 1863, vice Caleb Bald 
win, iiis term commencing Jan. 1, 1864. He became chief jus- 
tice Jan. 1, 1868. 

SECRETARY OF THE TERRITORY. 

"William B. Conway was appointed in 1838 and served till his 
death. See chapter " Illustrious and Prominent Dead." 

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 

Francis H. Impey, appointed Dec. 1, 1864. Resigned Oct. 31 , 
1865. 

Edward E. Bassett, appointed Nov. 1, 18G5,and served until the 
office was abolished, April 4, 1866. 



422 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

PAYMA.STEE-GENERAL. 

Hiram Price, commissioned Oct. 28, 1861, to date from Aug. 30, 
1861. Mr. Price served until the otKce was abolished, April 26, 1S62. 

COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION. 

Nicholas J. Eusch, appointed by the governor, and confirmed by 
the Senate, April 12, 1860, for two years, from May 1, 1860. At 
the expiration of Mr. Rusch's term the office was abolished. 

LEGISLATURE. 

First Legislative Assembly. — The first Legislative Assembly con- 
vened at Burlington, Nov. 12, 1838, and adjourned Jan. 25, 1839 
Scott and Clinton Counties formed one district, and was represented 
as follows: Council — Jonathan W. Parker; House — Laurel Sum- 
mers, Jabez A. Birchard. 

Second Legislative Assemhly. — Convened at Burlington, Nov. -l, 

1839, and adjourned Jan. 17, 1840. Jonathan W. Parker again 
served the county as a member of the Council and Laurel Sum- 
mers and Joseph M. Robertson in the House. 

Third Legislative Assembly. — Convened at Burlington, Nov. 2, 

1840, and adjourned Jan. 15, 1841. The member of the Council 
from Scott and Clinton Counties was Jonathan W. Parker, while 
Laurel Summers and Joseph M. Robertson were in the House. 

Fourth Legislative Assembly. — Convened at Iowa City, Dec. 
6, 1841, and adjourned Feb. 18, 1842. Jonathan W. Parker was 
still retained a member of the Council, with Joseph M. Robertson 
and James Grant in the House. J. W. Parker, of Scott County, 
was elected president of the Council. 

Fifth Legislative Assembly. — Convened at Iowa City, Dec. 5, 

1842, and adjourned Feb. 17, 1843. Scott and Clinton were rep- 
resented in the Council by Robert Christie, the two counties yet 
remaining one Council district. Each county was made a special 
Representative district this year, and Joseph M. Robertson was 
elected and served Scott County in the House. 

Sixth Legislative Assembly. — -Convened at Iowa City, Dec. 4, 

1843, and adjourned Feb. 16, 1844. An extra session was held at 
Iowa City, June 16, 1844. Robert Christie again served in the 
Council, and Gilbert C. R. Mitchell in the House. 



HISTOR-V OF SCOTT COUNTY. 423 

Seventh Legislative Assemhly. — Convened at Iowa City, May 5, 
184:5, and adjourned June 11, ISio. Laurel Summers represented 
Scott and Clinton in the Council and Joseph M. Robertson this 
County in the House. 

Eighth Legislative Assemhly. — Convened at Iowa City, Dec. 1, 
18-15, and adjourned Jan. 19, 1846. In the Council, Laurel Sum- 
mers represented Scott and Clinton Counties, while in the House 
Joseph M. Robertson represented Scott County. 

FIRST CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 

The first Constitutional Convention, to frame a constitution for 
the State of Iowa, assembled at Iowa City, Oct. 7, 18-t-l and ad- 
journed Nov. 1, 1844. The constitution adopted by this conven- 
tion was rejected by the people at an election held on the 4th of 
August, 1845, there being 7,235 votes cast " For the Constitution," 
and 7,656 "Against the Constitution." James Grant, Andrew 
W. Campbell and Ebenezer Cook represented Scott County in this 
convention. 

SECOND CONSTITLTIOXAL CONVENTION. 

The first constitution being rejected by the people, another con- 
vention was called, which convened at Iowa City, May 4, 1846, 
and adjourned May 19, of the same year. James Grant was the 
representative from Scott County. The constitution adopted by 
this convention was sanctioned by the people at an election held 
on the 3d of August, 1846, there being 9,492 votes cast " For the 
Constitution," and 9,036 votes "Against the Constitution." This 
constitution was presented to Congress in December, 1846, and on 
the 28th of the same month an act was passed for the admission of 
Iowa into the Union. The first election for State officers was held 
on the 26th day of October, 1846, pursuant to proclamation ot 
Gov. James Clarke, when Ansel Briggs was elected Governor; 
Elisha Cutler, Jr., Secretary of State; Joseph T. Fales, Auditor; 
and Morgan Reno, Treasurer. 

UNDER STATE GOVERNMENT. 

Firtt General Assembly. — Scott and Clinton Counties composed 
one Senatorial District, with Loring Wheeler as senator. In the 
House, Scott County was a Republican District, with James Mc- 
Manus as representative. The Assembly convened at Iowa 



424 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

City, Nov. 30, 1846, and adjourned Feb. 25, 1847. Convened in 
extra session Jan. 3, 1848, and adjourned Jan. 25, 1848. The 
Assembly convenes biennially. 

Second General Assembly. — Senate, Loring Wheeler; House, 
John D. Evans. 

Third General Assembly. — Senate, William E. Leffingwell; 
House, Laurel Summers. 

Fourth General Assembly. — Scott County alone was now a Sena- 
torial District, with Eli S. Wing, Senator. It was also a Representa- 
tive District, entitled to two representatives, and was represented 
by James Grant and Le Koy Dodge. The Assembly convened 
at Iowa City, Dec. 6, 1852, and adjourned Jan. 24, 1853. 

Fifth General Assembly. — Convened at Iowa City, Dec. 4, 1854, 
and adjourned Jan. 26, 1855. It also convened in extra session, 
July 2, 1856, and adjourned July 16, 1856. Ambrose C. Fulton 
served Scott County in the Senate, and Amos Witter and Andrew 
J. Hyde in the House. Scott County was now the lltli Repre- 
sentative District. 

Sixth General Assembly. — Convened at Iowa City, Dec. 3, 1S56, 
and adjourned Jan. 29, 1857. Scott County was in the 21st Sena- 
torial and 28th Representative Districts, and was represented in 
the Senate by Nicholas J. Rusch, and in the House by Eli S. Wing, 
Horatio G. Barnes, and Robert H. Rogers. 

Seventh General Assembly. — Convened at Des Moines, Jan. 11, 
1858, and adjourned March 23, 1858. Scott County was repre- 
sented in the Senate by Nicholas Rusch, and in the House by 
Benjamin F. Gue, John W. Thompson and Robert Scott. 

Eighth General Assembly. — Convened at Des Moines, Jan. 8, 
1860, and adjourned April 3, 1860. Convened in extra session 
May 15, 1861, and adjourned May 29, 1861. Scott County was 
now in the 19th Senatorial and 27th Representative Districts, and 
was represented in the Senate by John W. Tliompson, an 1 in the 
House by Benjamin F. Gue, James Quinn, and William F. Gurley. 

Ninth General Assembly. — Convened at Des Moines, Jan. 13, 
1862, and adjourned April 8, 1862. Convened in extra session 
Sept. 3, 1862, and adjourned Sept. 11, 1862. Scott County was now 
entitled to two senators, and was represented in the Senate by Ben- 
jamin F. Gue and Joseph B. Leake. The county was changed to 
the 31st Representative District and was represented by James T. 
Lane, Joseph R. Potter and Joseph H. White. 



flISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 425 

Tenth General Assembly. — Convened at Des Moines, Jan. 11, 
1864, and adjourned March 29, 1864. The county was now in the 
22d Senatorial District, with Benjamin F. Gue and Thomas J. 
Saunders in the Senate. It was the 32d Representative District, 
and was represented by Hugh M. Thompson, Ilnsjh M. G. Skiles 
and William Saunderson. 

Eleventh General Asse)nbly. — Convened at Des Moines, Jan. 8, 
1866, and adjourned April 3, 1866. Joseph D. Ix'ake and .Vndrew 

M. L served in the Senate from Scott County, and Hugh M. 

Thompson, M. J. Rohlfs and John N. Rogers, in the House. 

TIIIKI) CONSTrrUTIONAL CONVENTION. 

A convention for amending the constitution assembled at Des 
Moines, Jan. 19, 1S57, and adjourned March 6, 1857. Scott County 
was represented in this convention by George W. Ells. Tiie con - 
stitution adopted by this convention was sanctioned by the people 
at an election held on the 3d day of August, 1857, there being 40,- 
311 votes cast "For the Constitution," and 38,681 votes cast 
" Against the Constitution," and took elFect by proclamation of the 
Governor Sept. 3, 1857. 

COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 
CLERK OF DISTKICr COURT. 



James Thorington, 1848. 
J. D. Patton, 1854. 
Ira al. Gifford, 1858. 
Mahlon D. Snyder, 1864. 
John Gallaghan, 1866, 



Frazer Wilson, 1S38. 
A. H. Davenport, 1838. 
Harvey Leonard, 1847. 
James Thorington, 1859. 



Mahlon D. Snyder, 1868. 
William K. White, 1872. 
William H. Gabbert, 1874. 
Joseph Andrews, 1876. 



SHERIFF. 



John M. Lyter, 1863- 
G. Schmitzer, 1867. 
Harvey Leonard, 1871. 
Nathaniel Leonard, 1881. 



AUDITOR. 



R. D. Leonard, 1869. [ Thomas Winkless, 1877. 

James Dooley, 1876. 



426 



HISTOKT OF SCOTl- COUNTY. 



EECOEDEE. 



K. W. Higgins, 1838. 
John D. Evans, 1842. 
A. H. Miller, 1847. 
Hiram Price, 1849. 
James McCosh, 1855. 



A. F. Mast, 1861. 
John Collias, 1863. 
James Thorington, 1S66. 
F. M. Suiter, ^1868. 
Joseph A. Le Claire, 1874. 



COMMISSIONER S CLERK. 



Ebenezer Cook, 1838. 
John Pope, 1842. 



John D. Evans, 1843. 
A. H. Miller, 1844. 
L. S. Yiele, 1867. 



John Rowser, 1849. 



TREASURER. 



Henry Egbert, 1869. 
M. J. Rohlfs, 1873. 



COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT. 



Thomas J. Saunders, 1859. 
Dudley L. Gorton, 1861. 
George P. Whitcomb. 1866. 
John Gallagher, 1867. 



Eoderick Rose, 1869. 
P. S. Morton 1870. 
C. H. Clemmer, 1875. 
P. S. Morton, 1878. 



ASSESSOR. 



Ira Cook, 1838. 
Lyman Smith, 1842. 
William P. Eldridge, 1843. 



William L. Cook, 1812. 
T. V. Blakemore, 1849. 
J. Carney, 1851. 
L. B. Collamer, 1853. 
Cyrus Fish, 1855. 
J. W. H. Baker, 1859. 



Stephen Henley, 1845. 
Henrv H. Pease. 



CORONER. 



J. J. Tomson, 1861. 
G. Kaepfner, 1867. 
J. J. Tomson, 1868. 
W. W. Grant, 1873. 
H. L. Bawden, 1877. 



PROBATE JUDGE. 



Jonathan W. Parker, 1838. 
Ebenezer Cook, 1839. 



James Thorington, 1842. 




£Pl)^^>^^-^ T^^^nc^^ c.^,>^ 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 
COrNTT JUDGE. 



429 



William Burris, 1S51. 
William L. Cook, 1855. 
Charles Weston, 1>^57. 



R. Linderinan, 1859. 
T. D. Eagal, 1867. 



SURVEYOR. 



E. K. Gibbon, 1843. 
Willard Barrows, 1845. 
G. W. Sale, 1847. 
Willard Barrows. 1849. 



Jonathan Parker, 1853. 
William P. Campbell, 1855. 
Thomas Murray, 1867. 



PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. 



A. W»McGre,^or, 1847. 
James F. Dillon, 1852. 



H. G. Barner, 1854. 
Lyman A. Ellis, 18t;2. 




'r^m 



26 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 

The institution of .slavery was always a source of trouble be- 
tween tlie free and slave-holding States. The latter were always 
troubled with the thought that the former would encroach ujion 
their rights, and nothing could be done to shake this belief. 
Compromise measures were adopted from time to time to settle the 
vexed question of slavery, but the fears of the slaveholders were 
onlj' allayed for a short time. Threats of secession were often 
made by the slave-holding States, but as some measures of a con- 
ciliatory character were passed, no attempt was made to carry their 
threats into execution. Finally came the repeal of the Missouri 
Compromise and the adoption of a measure known as the Kansas- 
Nebraska bill. This bill opened certain territory to slavery 
which under the former act was forever to be free. About the 
time of the passage of this act, the AVhig j^arty was in a state of 
dissolution, and the great body of that party, together with cer- 
tain Democrats who were opposed to the Kansas-Nebraska bill, 
united, thus forming a new party to which was given the name 
of Republican, having for its object the prevention of the further 
extension of slavery. The people of the South imagined they 
saw in this new party not only an organized eftort to prevent the 
extension of slavery, but one that would eventually be used to 
destroy slavery in those States in which it already existed. 

In 1860 four Presidential tickets were in the field. Abraham 
Lincoln was the candidate of the Republicans, Stephen A. Douglas 
of the National Democrat, John C. Breckenridge of the Pro- 
Slavery interests, and John Bell of the Union. The Union party 
was composed principally of those who had previoush- affiliated 
with the American or Know-Nothing party. Early in the eam- 
paio"n there were threats of secession and disunion in case of the 
election of Abraham Lincoln, but the people were so accustomed 
to Southern bravado that little heed was given to the bluster. 

On the 20th of December, 1860, South Carolina, by a conven- 
tion of delegates, declared ''That the Union now existing between 
South Carolina and the other States of North America is dis- 

(430) 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 431 

solved, and that tlie State of South Carolina has resumed her 
position among the Xations of tlie earth as a free, sovereign and 
independent State, with full power to levy war and conclude 
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other 
acts and tilings which independent States may of right do." 

On the 2-ith, Governor Pickens issued a proclamation declaring 
that" South Carolina is, and has a right to be, a free and indepen- 
dent State, and as such has a right to levy war, conclude peace, 
negotiate treaties, leagues and covenants, and do all acts what- 
ever that rightfully appertain to a free and independent State." 

On the 26th, Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie and oc- 
cupied Fort Sumter. Two days previously he wrote President 
Buchanan's Secretary' of War, John B. Floyd, as follows : 
""When I inform you that my garrison consists of only 60 
effective men ; and that we are in very indiflerent works, the walls 
of which are only 14 feet high ; and that we have within 160 yards 
of our walls ; sand hills which command our works, and which 
attord admirable sites for batteries and the finest coverts for 
sharpshooters ; and that besides this there are numerous houses, 
some of them within pistol shot, you will at once see that, if at- 
tacked in force, headed by any one but a simpleton, there is 
scared}^ a possibility of our being able to hold out long enough 
for our friends to come to our succor." Plis appeals for re-inforce- 
ment were seconded by Gen. Scott, but unheeded by President 
Buchanan, and entirely ignored by John B. Floyd, Secretary of 
War. 

On the 2Sth, South Carolina troops occupied Fort Moultrie and 
Castle Pinckney, and hoisted the Palmetto flag on the ramparts. On 
the 29th, John B. Floyd resigned his place in Buchanan's Cabinet, 
charging that the President, in refusing to remove Major Anderson 
from Ciiarleston Harbor, designed to plunge the country into civil 
war, and added: " I cannot consent to be the agent of such a ca. 
lamity." On the same day the South Carolina Commissioners ])re- 
sented their official credentials at Washington, which, on the 
next day, were declined. 

On the second day of January, 1S61, Georgia declared for seces- 
sion, and Georgia troops took possession of the United States ar- 
senal in Augusta and Forts Pulaski and Jackson. Governor Ellis, 
of North Carolina, seized the forts at Beaufort and Wilmington and 
the arsenal at Fayetteville. On the evening of the -ith, the Ala- 
bama and Mississippi delegations in Congress telegraphed the con- 



432 HISTORY OF SCOTT COrNTY. 

ventions of their respective States to secede, telling them there was 
no prospect of a satisfactory adjustment. On the 7th, the conven- 
tions of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee met in secession con- 
clave. On the 9th, Secretary Thompson resigned his seat in the 
Cabinet on the ground that, contrary to promises, troops had been 
sent to Major Anderson. On the 9th, the '' Star of the "West," car- 
r^'ing supplies and reinforcements to Major Anderson, was tired 
into from Morris Island, and turned homeward, leaving Fort Sum- 
ter and its gallant little band to the mercy of the rebels. On the 
same day, the ordinance of secession passed the Mississippi Con- 
vention. Florida adopted an ordinance of secession on the 10th 
and Alabama on the 11th. The same day (the lltli") Thomas, Sec- 
retary of the Treasury, resigned, and the rebels seized the arsenal 
at Baton Rouge, and Forts Jackson and St. Philip, at the mouth of 
the Mississippi River, and Fort Pike, at the Lake Pontchartrain 
entrance. Pensacola navy yard and Fort Barrancas were surren- 
dered to rebel troops by Colonel Armstrong on the 13th. Lieuten- 
ant Slemraer, who had withdrawn his command from Fort McRae 
to Fort Pickens, detied Armstrong's orders, and announced his in- 
tention to "hold the fort" at all hazards. The Georgia Conven- 
tion adopted an ordinance of secession on the 19th. On the 20th, 
Lieutenant Slemmer was beseiged bj' a thousand " allied troops" 
at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of secession on 
the 25th. On the 1st of February the rebels seized the United 
States mint and custom house at New Orleans. Tlie Peace Conven- 
tion assembled at Washington on the 4th, but adjourned without 
doing anything to quiet the disturbed elements. On the 9th, a 
provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it 
being the Constitution of the United States '• reconstructed " to 
suit their purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen 
President, and Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, Vice-President 
of the "Confederate States of North America." Jeff. Davis was 
inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 25th it was learned that Gen- 
eral Twiggs, commanding the Dc]>artment of Texas, had basely 
betrayed his trust, and that he had surrendered all the military 
posts, munitions and arms to the authorities of Texas. 

Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated March 4, 1S»31, in front of the cap- 
itol, the inauguration ceremonies being witnessed hj a vast con- 
course of people. Before taking the oath, Mr. Lincoln pronounced 
in a clear, ringing voice, his inaugural address, to hear which there 
was an almost painful solicitude, to read which the whole Ameri- 



HISTORY OF SOOTT COUNTY. 433 

can people and the civilized world awaited with irrepressible anx- 
iety. With that address and the administration ot the oath of 
office, the people were assured. All doubt, if any had previously 
existed, was ronioved. In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the 
people's President, and iiimselt of the people, the Government 
was safe. 

Traitors were still busy plotting and ])lanning. Troops were 
mustering in all the seceded States. On Friday, April 12, the sur- 
render of Fort Sumter, with its garrison of 60 eftective men, was 
demanded and bravely refused by the gallant Major Anderson. 
Fire was at once opened upon the helpless garrison b}' the rebel 
forces, numbered by thousands. Resistance was useless, and at 
last the national colors were hauled down, and by traitor hands 
were trailed in the dust. On Sunday morning, the lith. the news 
of the surrender was received in all the principal cities of the 
Union. That was all. but that was enough. A day later, when 
the news was confirmed and spread througli the country, the patri- 
otic peojjleof the Xoith were startled frnm their dreams of the fut- 
ure — from undertakings half completed — and made to realize that 
behind tliat mob there was a dark, deep, and well-organized pur- 
pose to destroy the Government, rend the Union in twain, and out 
of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare 
question their right to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of 
men whose skins were black. Their dreams of the future — their 
plans for the establishment of an independent confederacy — were 
doomed from their inception to sad and bitter disappointment. 
Everywhere north of Mason and Dixon's line the voice of Provi- 
dence was heard : 

Draw forth your million blades as one ; 
Complete the battle now begun ! 
God lights with ye, and overhead 
Floats the dear banner of your dead. 
They and the glories of the past, 
The future, dawning dim and vast, 
And all the holiest hopes of man. 
Are beaming triumphant in your van. 

Slow to resoWe, be swift to do I 
Teach ye the False how fight the True! 
How buckled Perfidy shall feel 
In her black heart the Patriot's steel ; 
How sure the bolt that .Justice wings; 
How weak the arm a traitor brings; 
How mighty they who steadfast stand 
For Freedom's flag and Freedom's land. 



434 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

On Monday, April 15, President Lincoln issued the followingr 
proclamation : 

" Whereas, The laws of the United States have been for some 
time past, and are now, opposed, and the execution thereof ob- 
structed, ill the States of South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Mis- 
sissippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be 
suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the 
powers vested in the marshals; now, therefore, I, Abraham Lin- 
coln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me 
vested by the Constitution and the laws, have thought to call forth, 
and hereby do call forth, the militia of the several States of the 
Union, to the number of 75,000, in order to suppress said combi- 
nations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. 

" The details for this subject will be immediately communicated 
to the State authorities through the War Department. I appeal 
to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and to aid this effort to 
maintain the honor, the integrity, and existence of our National 
Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress 
wrongs already long endured. I deem it proper to say that the 
first services assigned to the forces hereby called forth will proba- 
bly be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been 
seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be 
observed, consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid any dev- 
astation, any destruction of ^r interference with propert}', or any 
disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I 
hereby command the persons coniposing the combinations afore- 
said, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, 
within 20 days from this date. 

"Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents 
an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in 
me vested by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. 
The Senators and Hepresentatives are, therefore, summoned to as" 
semble at their respective chambers at 12 o'clock, noon, on Thurs- 
day, the fourth day of July next, then and there to consider and 
determine such measures as in their wisdom the public safet}' and 
interest may seem to demand. 

" In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused 
the seal of the United States to be affixed. 

" Done at the city of Washington, the fifteenth day of April, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, 
and of the independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. 

" By the President : Abraham Lincoln. 

" Wm, H. Sewakd, Secretary of State." 



HISTOKY OF SCOTT COCNTY. 435 

The last word of this proclamation had scarcely been taken from 
the electric wire before the call was tilled. Men and money were 
counted out by hundreds and thousands. Tiie people who loved 
their whole country could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled 
and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the 
workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the 
school-house — every calling offered its best men, their lives and 
fortunes, in defense of the Government's honor and unity. Party 
lines were for a time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of 
political heat, were forgotten and forgiven, and, joining hands in a 
common cause, they repeated the oath of America's soldier states- 
men : '■'By the Great Eternal, the Union raust and nhali he pre 

served!" 

Sevent\'-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the Re- 
bellion. Nor were 10 times that number. The war went on, and 
call followed call, until it seemed as if there were not men in all 
the free States to crush out the Rebellion. But to every call for 
either men or money there was a- willing and a ready response. 
The gauntlet thrown down by the traitors of the South was ac- 
cepted; not, however, in the spirit which insolence meets insolence, 
but with a tirm, determined spirit of patriotism and love of coun- 
try. The duty of the President was plain under the Constitution 
and laws, and, above and beyond all, the people, from whom all 
political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the Rebell- 
ion, and stood ready to sustain the authority of their representative 
#nd executive officers to the utmost extremity. 

The news of the surrender of Fort Sumter was received in Dav- 
enport on Monday, April 10, causing the most intense excitement. 
The Gazette and Democrat united in issuing an "extra" giving an 
account of the aff^tir. A great crowd gathered in front of the Gazette 
office and impatiently awaited the publication, while tHfe steamer, 
" W. L. Ewing," laid nearly two hours at the wharf awaiting the issue 
before proceeding on her trip. A public meeting was called for 
Le Claire Hall Tuesday evening, and a most enthusiastic crowd as- 
sembled in pursuance of the call, tilling the hall to overflowing. 
Daring the whole meeting, which continued until a late hour, the 
feeling was one of irrepressible enthusiasm. The speakers were 
Attorney General Nourse, of Des Moines; Gov, Kirk wood, Hon. 
William Vandever, Hon. James J. Lindley, Hon. Jacob Butler, 
Judge Booth, Judge Dillon, Dr. Keith and Rev. Mr. Collier. 
Mayor French was chairman of the meeting and Add. II. Sanders 
and D. N. Richardson, secretaries. 



436 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Gov. Kirkwood said that he had been called out of a sick bed at 
home by a messenger, who said that dispatches were awaiting him 
from the President. He could not find them in Iowa City, and 
thinking that they might ha%'e been received in Davenport and for- 
warded to Des Moines, he came here to find out so as to lose no time, 
knowing that the people were eager to have him do his duty. He 
said that he would not call together the Legislature as it would in- 
volve great expense and considerable delay, and he thought he 
could get along without them. At all events be would take the 
responsibility of trying. The enlistment and starting away of the 
regiment would probably involve about $10,000 expense, but he 
would raise this sum, and at once, if he had to pledge every dollar 
ot his own property. He would see that the expenses were paid till 
the regiment was handed over to the Government. 

John Collins, fl. Ranning, D. E. True, William T. Clark and 
John M. Rogers were appointed a committee on resolutions and 
reported the following: 

" Resolved., That in the existing state of things in our country, 
in which the citizens of a section have arrayed themselves in open 
and armed rebellion against the Fedei-al Government, every true 
lover of his country is imperatively called upon to rally around the 
standard of the Union, and to do all that in him lies to maintain 
its just authority against the assaults of treason from whatever 
quarter. 

^' Resolved.^ That we, the citizens of Davenport, gratefully ac- 
knowledging our indebtedness to the union of these States for what'# 
ever we, in common with our fellow countrvmen, possess, if honor 
abroad is prosperity at home, do hereby pledge to that union in 
this its hour of peril and disaster, our steadfast and unalterable 
loyalty and support. 

" Resolved, That as the maintenance of law is the prime object and 
first duty of every government, we will to the utmost of our abil- 
ity sustain the eflbrts of the Federal administration to enforce the 
laws of the land, and to put down resistence to the same; and that 
we will indignantl}' frown upon any attempt to throw obstacles in 
its path, or to detract from its just authority from whatever source 
arising." 

Scott County was represented in almost every regiment from the 
State that went into the service. In this connection is compiled 
from the Adjutant-General's report a list of men from this county, 
and when ]3ossible short sketches of the various regiments. The 
record is an honorable one. 



1 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



437 



FIRST INFANTRY. 



Tlie first regiment in which Scott Comity was represented was 
the First Iowa Infantry. Company G was composed entirely of 
men from this county. The following comprises the list of men 
from the county: 



(Quartermaster. 
Theodore Guelick. 

Co. G.— Captain. 
August Wentz. 

Lieiitennnt). 
Theodore Gu»lich. 
Johannes Ahlefeldt. 

Sergeants. 
Ernest Clausson. 
Louis Schoen. 
Frank Ditman. 
Charles H. Stuehmer. 

Corporals. 
William S. McKenzie. 
Gustav A. Koch. 
Glaus Rohwer. 
•John F. Doerscher. 

Muncians. 
Theodore Rutenbeck. 
August Anzorge. 

Priv'te.i. 
Arp, Ernest 
Averbeck. Henrich 
Asbalir, Hans. 
Altman, Charles 
Benedix, Christian 
Baasch, Henrich W. 
Becker, Pete 
Bramuier, Hans. I. 
Brammer, Dclter I, 
Barche, Christian 
Caldwell, James B. 
Dose, Fritz 



Drcskey, William V. 
Eajgers, Johannes 
Einteldt, Peter 
Eoderle, Anton I. 
Enderle, Joseph I. 
Fellentrcter, Andrew 
Fridholdt, Frilrich 
Feistkorn, Charles 
Fey, Chris^tian 
Fescher, Julius F. 
Gradest, George 
Giescke, August 
Iless, Fritz 
Heilmeulberg, Heinr 
Hansen, Johannes 
Jurgensen, Seivert 
Karstens, Henrich 
Keil, William 
Kohlbry, August 
ICortum, Christian 
Kellmen, Alexander 
Koch, Ferdinand W. 
Kreiliaum, Fritz 
IjUthen, Johann 
I^itze, Marx 
Massow, Henrich 
Magnus, Emil 
Matthes, Carl 
Meisner, Ormilius 
MurKach. Johann I. 
Mattheisen, Jeno 
Moeller.Claus H. 
Neire, Aucust 
Nissen, Edward 
Nehm, Hans Juazen 



Niemann, Heinrich 
Paulsen, ClausF. 
Platr, Jacob 
Prieu, Fred I. 
Pahl, Henry 
Peters, Johann H. 
Popp, Johann H. 
Petersen, Chris. I. 
Petersen, Fritz I. 
Petersen, Johann I. 
Rheinhardt, Bernard 
Roddewigg. Fried 
Rosbure Heirich 
Rhan, Hans. 
Reimers. Hans. 
Rohde, Henrich 
Rohlf, Ausust 
Schlunz. Hans. 
Selken, Henry 
Seivers, Heniich 
Spohr, William H. 
Sloltenberg, Heinr 
Hehroepfer, Yast 
Sickle, Carl 
Schuepel, Louis 
Sloanaker, Theodore 
SteSen, August 
Stitsser. Franz 
Tank, Juergen 
Timm, August 
Tadewald,''Conrad 
Voss, Hans. 1. 
Voss, Christian I. 
Wright, Heinrich 
Wegner, Friedriech 



Company H of the First Regiment also contained one man from 
Scott County, John Hoffman. 

This regiment was enlisted for three months and was mustered 
in under tlie first call of the President. It participated in the battle 
of Wilson's Creek, Aug. 10, 1861, and lost a number of killed and 
wounded. It was mustered out of service Aug. 25, 1861, at St. Louis, 
having served from May 1-i, 1S61. 



SECOND INFANTRY. 



Scott County was well represented in the Second Iowa Infantry, 
which was inustered into service for three years, or during the war. 
The following comprises, the names of those from Scott County: 



438 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



Sergeant Major. 
AVilliam Campbell. 

Corn. Stryearit. 
John M. Jones. 

Drum Major. 
Jules Meredith. 

Co. B.— Captain. 
Kobert M. Littler. 
Lieutenants. 
John G. Huntington, 
John Flanagan. 

Sergeants. 
Samuel H. Foster, 
Frank M. Suiter, 
Oliver C. Lewis, 
Peter H. Riley, 
William Moriow, 
Bryan Farrell, 
Willisim Johnson, 
Victor M. Bartell, 
Austin F. Stonebraker, 
Robert E. Farr. 

Corporals. 
Benjamin F.Franks, 
William Morrow, 
Albert Barnes, 
Peter Riley, 
William 'SI. Johnson, 
Charles W. Hines, 
William M. Dalzell, 
Robert M. Lytle, 
William C. Russell, 
Peter Heckeit, 
William Farnesworth, 
Garfield S. Page, 
George Mennig, 
Abraham H.Clark, 
John S. Patton, 
Andrew W. Nichols, 
Robert E. Farr, 
Fred Bartlet. 

Pricates. 
Atwood, George W. 
Burley, James 
Barlet, Fredrick 
Buckw alter, James 
Barnes, Albert A. 
Bertschie, Jacob 
Chase, Milton B. 
Condron, David S. 
Cooper, John K. 
Cowggill, James 
Calvert, John 
Clossin, Samuel 
Dodd, William R. 
Dike, Orris E. 
Dodds Robert S. 
Dennis, Rtdford 
Foley Timothy 
Flavell, Roliert H. 
Guthrie, William 
Gray, Frank M. 



Hutf, A. D. 
Hassler, James B. 
Hammaker, David S. 
Hammaker, Morris 
Humphreysville, William 
Hecker. Peter 
Hammond, David L. 
Jones, James M. 
Johnson, William M. 
Keliey, Benjamine Patton 
Kessler, Frank 
Kennedy, Edward 
Lytle. Robert M. 
Linden John 
Marple, John H. 
Miclot, Dominie 
Minnig, George 
McCool, John 
Murphy, Jeremiali 
Miller. William H. 
Miller, James W. 
McDuti", Frank 
Morrow, Thomas 
McCrellas, John 
McCrellas, William 
McCutcheu, John 
Niles, Samuel L. 
Norris. George 
Pace, John 
Page, S. Garfield 
Page, James W. 
QiiTuD, A. Jackson 
Read, Edward Smith 
Rosen berry, George 
Spencer, George K. 
Stonebraker, A. F. 
Stone, Elijah 
Scott, John P. 
Spencer, Stephen H. 
Smith, William L. 
Scott. David 
Smith, A. McCoy 
Smith, Martin 
Scott, George W. 
Tracv, James H. 
Talniage Orlando R. 
Todd, Samuel 
Thomson, Mos°s 
Thomson, Mark L. 
Wallace, Thomas J. 
Weary, Jacob. 
Whitman, George R. 
Whitney, Lymaa 
White, Levi 
Worih, Lionel A. 
Williams. James 
Sours, William 

Additional Enlistments. 

Babe, William 
Crummer, Julius 
Curry, Abner 
Davis, Joseph H. 
Davis, George H. 



Draucker, Arthur 
Eckenroad, Silas 
Hough, Albert 
Greyon, William H. 
Howe, Z. H. 
Harden, H. 
Halcman, Joseph 
Keliey, Thomas G. 
Mille*-, James E. 
Morgan, E. P. 
Pender, Jame^ 
Pest, Henry H. 
Park, H. B. 
Parkenson, George 
Russell, William C 
Razey, Joseph W. 
Rools, John 
Scott, Albert W. 
Stephen", William H. 
Stark, W. G. 
White, Benjamin F. 
Wilson, John W. 
Clark, A. N. 
Forgner, W. H. 
Draucker, H. 
Klint, Clause 
Nichols, Isaac C. 
Luse. Clark J. 
Punp, Frederick 

Co. C. — Captains. 
J. DeWilt Brewster, 
Jonathan S. Slaymaker, 
William F. Holmes. 

Lieutenants- 
Jonathans. Slaymaker 
William F. Holmes, 
George F. Hall, 
William Holmes, 
George F. Hall, 
Henry C McNeil. 
Sergeants.. 
The:)dore Maitheny, 
George F. Hall, 
Loren W. Pierce, 
Henry C. McNeil, 
Jacob Spe(d, Jr. 
Henry Doolittle, 
Wm. G. J. Piepgrass, 
William M. Campbell, 
George S. Burchill. 
N. A. Hakleman, 
Corporals. 
William M. Campbell, 
Wm. G. J. Piepgrass, 
George S. Burchill, 
James C. Uric, 
William P Wade, 
Henry B. Doolittle, 
Martin L. Minor, 
Edward Humphrey, 
David J. Brown, 
James Perry, 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



439 



John T. Bell, 
Chiirk's E. Curi-i^D, 
Garius Piogioy, 
Richard Gtar. 

Musician. 
Timolhy Cannon, 

Wagoner. 
Samuel F. Uowdrey. 

Privates. 
Ackerman, Edwin C. 
Ackerman, James 11. 
Austin, Henry M. 
Beck, diaries F. 
Blunt, .John "W. 
Brattaiu, Thomas 
Briggs, Cyrus I. 
Bartleson, Henry C. 
Blacchard, John W. 
Chapman, A. H. 
Dramer, Henry 
Durrau, Charles E. 
Conaldson, Orlando 
Cayton, George B. 



Downs John W. 
Earhart. Hiram P. 
Fisken, William K. 
Fleury, Charles 
Greenawalt, Jolm G. 
Geir, Richard 
Gray, William S. 
Hi'dreth, George H. 
Hildreth, Chares W. 
Harvey, T. M. D. 
Howell, George W. 
Hutchinson, William 
Haldeuian, Newton A. 
Hottel, Enos 
Herbert, Frederick 
Hooghkerk, Adam E. 
Hinger, liurtus 
Johnson, Thomas L. 
Krummel, Chris G. 
Lamond , Truman 
Matliews, John W. 
Miller, John T. 
Morrison, James W. 
Moulton, Charles N. 



Minor, ^r«rtin L. 
Knapp, Edward 
Smith, Henry 
Mazill, AVilliam H. 
Mills, Alanson 
Mansell, James C. 
Orrill, Joseph G. 
Perry, James 
Piersol, Samuel 
Peterson, Edward 
Rogers, Charles D 
Ross, Andrew J. 
Rowan, Charles G. 
Schoonmaker, Edward 
Smith, George A. 
Shaw, Samuel 
Spelletich, Stephen 
Tyler, George Henry 
Urie, James C. 
Vanduseu Jacob 
Wade, William P. 
Watson, John H. 
Wheeler, Henry C. 



Company A contained Arnold J. Sender and John A. Green. 



SECOND VETERAN INFANTRY. 



Adjutant. 
Albert A. Barnes. 

Co. B. — Captain. 
Albert A. Barnes. 

Lieutenant. 
f eter H. Heckert. 

.Sergeants. 
Joseph H. Davig, 
Adolph Steinmitz, 
Henry II. Port, 
John McCool. 

Corporalt. 
Andrew M. Smith, 
George H. Davis. 

Mus'cian. 
William Babe. 

Prirdtfs 
Ackerman, Harlow 
Ackerman. Edwin C. 
Ames, William Ruins 
Clossip, Samuel C. 
Crummer, Julius 
Donehue, Michael 



Echenroad, Silas 
Green, John A, 
Hammond, S. David 
H.irdiii. Hendman 
Klendt. Claus 
Luder, Arnold J. 
Lawther, Alexander 
McCiuchin, John 
Miller, James E. 
Miller, Charles B. 
N orris, George 
Parkinson, George 
Pump, Frederick 
Rollo, John 
liozey, Joseph W. 
Ri'zey, Henry 
Scott, AlbertW. 
Scott, John P. 
Stark, William G. 
Todd, Samuel 
Todd, Georire 
Wilson. Henry P. 
Wall, Jacob J. 
Westly, John 



Willey, Elbert F. 

Co. C. — Captain. 
William G. J. Piepgrass. 

Sergeant. 
Charles Fleury. 

Corporals. 
James Cunningham, 
Richard Gear. 

Musician. 
Cl\arle8 D. Rogers. 

Privates. 
Burns, Patrick 
Cook. John F. 
Campbell. William 
Currau, Chailes E. 
Drummond. Robert 
Donaldson, James R. 
Durham, George H. 
Drummond, William 
Hutchinson, William 
McCoy, .lames 
Smith, Henry 
Mills, Alanson 



]n Company II were privates Upton 13. Edwards, Benjamin 
Edwards and Albert Polley. In Company K were privates Fin- 
ley il. Armstrong, CTec)rge W. Cornelius and Haviland Stewart. 

Tlie following jiromotions were made of men from this county: 
"William Campbell, from Sergeant Major to Adjutant; Robert M. 
Littler, from Captain to Major, and Brevet Lieut. -Col. ; Frank M. 



uo 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 



Suiter, from Sergeant to 2d and 1st Lieut., and Captain; Oliver C. 
Lewis, from Sergeant to 2d and 1st Lieut., Ca))tain and Major; 
Peter H. Rilej', from Sergeant to 2d Lieut.; John S. Slaymaker' 
from 1st Lieut, to Captain; William F.Holmes, from 2d to 1st 
Lieut, and Captain; Alfred Bing, from private to 2d and 1st Lieut. ; 
George F. Hall, from Sergeant to 2d and 1st Lieut. ; Henry C. Mc 
Neil, from Sergeant to 2d Lieut.; Albert A. Barnes, from Sergeant 
to 1st Lieut. ; Peter Hickert, from Sergeant to 2d Lieut, and Cap- 
tain; William G. J. Piepgrass from Sergeant to Captain. 

The officers and men of this regiment that did not re-enlist as 
veterans were mustered out in April, May and June, lS6i. The 
regiment was in many of the hard-fought battles of the war and 
reflected honor upon otficers and men and the State which they 
represented. 

EIGHTH INFANTRY. 



Scott County was represented in this regiment by men in several 
of its companies as will be seen by reference to the following 
names : 



Ghnplninii. 
Cyrus G. Van Der Veer, 
William Paston. 

Commissary Sergeant. 
Francis E. Yearick. 

Co. A. — Privates. 
Alger, Delos 
Ballard, William P. 
Davison, Charles P. 
Goodwill, Elsbree jNI. 
Boyd, Fletcher C. 

Co. B. — Captain. 
Frank A. Cleveland. 

Lieutenants. 
Miles P. Benton, 
Enos Tichenor, .Jr. 

Sergeants. 
Edward Youog, 
John D. Tichenor, 
William McMoth, 
James Moore, 
B. Franklin Craig. 

Corporals. 
Francis Le Claire, 
Nelson J. Gardner, 
John S. Christian, 
Thomas H. Holmes, 
Fred P. Itellnering 
William J. Chriswell 



William W. Black, 
Henry P. Cambridge, 
James W. Thorn, 
Josephus Waggoner. 

Musicians. 
Walter E. Rust, 
Wm. Hazleton. 

Privates. 
Adams, John P. 
"""^Bailey, William 
Black, William W. 
Damon, Riley, 
Donahue, James 
Fluke. Orlando R. 
Fuller, David S. 
Gallatine, Richard L. 
Goulder, William H. 
Hale, John P. 
Heckman, Samuel 
Hoge, John M. 
Howell, William 
Hender, Mathew 
Hodge, Milton 
Jones, Griffith 
Kendall, Waller 
King, John 
Lacy, George E. 
Lariie, Alfred 
Logan, Joseph T. 
Logan, William C. 



Mc Culloch, Luther J. 
Page, John Q 
Peasley, Francis 
Platts, William 
Purcell, John Newton 
Quinn, Christopher 
Roger, John C. 
Robinson, Charles M. 
Rowan, John A. 
Sauerman, Henry 
Tompson, James E. 
Wagoner, Josephus 
Whitsell, John 

Recrnits to Co. B. 
Ackerman, Charles 
Boyenes, Boge 
Claussen, Henrich 
Feldpausch, Gabrel 
Graver, George 
Grimm, Fritz 
Jackson, Andrew 
Kauth, Blasins 
Kester, Wilhelm 
Lewellen, Bennett 
Laycock, Joseph 
Moeller, Edward 
Muhl, Christian 
Matzen, Nicholas 
Stetel, John 
Stuhr, Johans 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUXTY. 



441 



Vet e rang — Captain. 
James Moore. 

Lieutenant. 
Frederick P. Kettenring. 

Sergemt. 
James N. Gardner. 

Corporals. 
Orlaodo Fluke, 
Amos Merritt, 
Thomas Harris. 

Privates. 
Adams, John P. 
Belenberg, Charles 
Donahue, James 
Gallatin, Richard L. 
Goulder, William 
Gutbrode, Simon 
Heckman, Samuel 
Hender, Mathew 
Heak, Ferdinand 



VETERAN INFANTRY. 

Larue, Alfred 
Lemberg, Christian 
ilanhoven, Pierre 
Platls. William 
Kust, Walter E. 
Sauerraan, Henry 
Steober, Joseph 
Thede, John 
Taylor, Samuel 
Witte, Charles 
Weir, John 

C'l. C. — Privates. 
Hulsiffer, Norman 
Roberts, John D. 
Veterans. 
Chanej', Henry 
Fluke, OrvilleS. 
Moore, Griffin 
Nicherson, Richard N. 
Spier, James 



Kelley, Joseph S. 

Co. F. 
Linton, A. 
-Miller, John 
Kelley, John 

Co. O. 
Boyer, Frank M. 
McKinse}', Alonzo 
Wilson, Thomas 
Fisher, John K. 
KJrkpatrick, John A. 

Co. I. 
Record, Waller H. 
Kelly, Michael J. 
Mulligan James 
O'Riley, James 
Shee, Michael 
Wallace, Harvey 
Wilson, George 



The following named were promoted : Niles P. Benton, from 
First Lient. to Captain; James Moore, from Sergeant to First 
Lieut, and Captain; Fred P. Kettenring, from Sergeant to Second 
and First Lieut., Captain, and Brevet Major U. S. Vol.; James N. 
Gardner, from Sergeant to First Lieut, and Brevet Captain. 

The Eighth Iowa Infantry was mustered into the service Sept 
2.3, I'^fU. It was soon sent to the front, and took part in severa 
engagements during its first year of service. From the report of 
Col. Geddes of the part of the regiment in the battle of Shiloh the 
following is taken : 

" About eight o'clock'on the morning of the 6th, I ordered the 
regiment under arras, and formed line of battle in front. At this 
time the tiring on our advance line had become general, and it ap- 
peared to me evident that we were being attacked in torce by the 
rebel general. After remaining under arms for about half an 
hour, during which time I had ordered the baggage belonging to 
the regiment to be loaded on the wagons, and an extra supply of 
ammunition be issued to the men, I was ordered by Col. Sweeney 
52d Illinois Brigade Commander, to proceed to the front. 

"On arriving at our advance line, I was ordered by Col. Sweeney 
to take my position on the left of the brigade to which I was attached, 
for the purpose of protecting a battery immediately in front. Here 
the regiment remained about one hour, exposed to a severe tire 
from artillery of shell and grape, killing and wounding several of 
my men. About 11 o'clock A. M., I was ordered by Col. Sweeney, 



442 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COCXTT. 

tln'ougli his aid, Lieut. McCuUougli, of the Sth Iowa, to leave 
my position and take ground on my left and front. This change 
of position brought my regiment on the extreme right of Gen. Pren- 
tiss's division, and left of Gen. Smith s, the latter being the division 
to ■which my regiment belonged. I was thus entirely detached 
from my brigade; nor did I receive any order from my brigade or 
division commander during the remainder of that day. On arriv- 
ing at the point I was ordered to defend, I found my regiment in 
line of battle with my center resting on a road leading from Corinth 
to Pittsburg Landing, and at right angles with my line. Here I 
immediatelj' engaged a battalion of the enemy, and after a severe 
conflict of nearly an hour's duration, in which I lost many of my 
men. the enemy was driven back with heavy loss. At this time 
Capt. Hogin, Compan}- F, was shot dead, and Capt. Palmer, Com- 
pany H, severely wounded. In this desperate struggle my regi- 
ment lost 100 men in killed and wounded. 

"The conspicuous gallantry and coolness ot my company com- 
manders, Capts. Cleveland, Stubbs and Benson on the left, Capts. 
McCormic and Bell in the center, Capts. Kelsey, Geddes and 
Liei;t. Muhs on the right, by reserving the iii-e of their re- 
spective companies until the proper tijne for its delivery with 
eftect, and the determined courage ot my men, saved the bat- 
tery from capture, and I had the satisfaction of sending the guns 
in safet}' to the rear. In this attack I was wounded in the lea:, and 
Maj. Andrews severely in the head; and I do here take pleasure 
in acknowledging the courage and coolness displayed by my field 
otiicers, Lieut.-Col. J. C. Ferguson and Maj. J. Andrews, and the 
able assistance rendered by them on that occasion. 

" About 3 o'clock P. M. all communication with the river ceased, 
and it became evident to me that the enemy were turning the right 
and left flanks of our army, and were rapidly closing behind us. I 
could at this time liave retreated, and most likely would have 
saved my command from being captured had I, at this time, been 
ordered back, but I received no such order and I considered it my 
duty to hold the position I was assigned to defend at all hazards. 

"Gen. Prentiss's division having been thrown back from the origi- 
nal line, I changed front by my left flank, conforming to his movt- 
ment, and at right angles with my former base, which was imme- 
diately occupied and retained for some time by the 14th Iowa, Col. 
Shaw. In this position I ordered my regiment to charge a battal- 
ion of the enemy, I think the 4th Mississippi, which was done 



HISTORY OF SOOTT COUNTY. 443 

good order, completely routinj^ them. We were now attacked on 
three sides by the rebel force, wiiich was closing fast around us. 
The shells from our gun-boats in their transit severing the limbs 
of trees hurled tliem on our ranks. To prevent annihilation it 
became absolutely necessary to leave a position which my regi- 
ment had held for nearly 10 consecutive hours of severe lighting, 
successfully resisting and driving back the enemy in every attempt 
to take the position I was ordered to iiold and defend, with a loss 
of men near 200 hundred in killed and wounded, so ordered my 
regiment to retire. On retiring about 30(1 yards, I found a divis- 
ion of the rebels, under Gen. Polk, thrown completely across 
my line of retreat. I perceived that further resistance was useless, 
as we were now completely surrounded . Myself and the major 
portion of my command were cajitured at 6 o'clock P. M., and 1 
claim the honor tor my regiment of being the last to leave the ad- 
vance line of our army on the battle-lield of Shiloh, on Sunday, 
April 6, 1S62." 

The Eighth took part in the campaign in Mississippi in 1S63, 
the following account of which was given by Colonel Geddes: 

" On the 2d of May, 1S63, my regiment was ordered to leave Dack- 
port. La., with the division to which it was attached, namely, the 
3d Division, 15th Army Corps, under the command of Brig. Gen. J. 
M. Tuttle, and march to Hard Times Landing opposite Grand Gulf, 
Miss., distant 60 miles. 

" On the 7th of May it crossed the river with the advance of the 
army and took up the line of march toward Jackson, Miss. It took 
part in the storming of that place on the 14th of May, and assisted 
in the destruction of railroads in the vicinity. Ordered from Jack- 
son on the 16th of May, by forced marches, it followed on the rebel 
retreat from ('hainpion Hills to their entrenchments at Yicksburg; 
assisted in the cliarge made on the rebel works on the 22d and 
operated with the army of investment for 34 days, during which 
time it assisted in clearing obstructions, making roads, construct- 
ing field works, mounting guns, and projecting approaches to 
within 20 yards of the rebel works, under an almost incessant fire. 

'■ On the 22d of June it was ordered to operate on our line of cir- 
cumvallation, under the command of Maj.-Gen. W. T. Sherman, 
where it remained until the surrender of Vicksburg. It was or- 
dered on the 4th of July to join the expeditionary army under 
Maj.-Gen. Sherman; sent in pursuit of the rebel force commanded 



444 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY 

by Gen. Johnston and was present during; the seven days' siege of 
Jackson, and final occupation of that city, which took place the 
17th of Jiily 1863. 

" After the evacuation of Jackson by the rebels the regiment com- 
posed part of a force under Maj. Gen. Frederick Steel, which was 
ordered to Brandon, Miss., and was attached to a brigade under ray 
command that engaged the enemy for two hours, repulsing them 
with loss and capturing Brandon. 

" ItalsoassisteJ indestroving the Meridian railroad 15 miles east 
of Jackson, and finally, on the 23d of July, 1S63, retired with the 
expeditionary army to its present position on the right bank of Big 
Black River, 15 miles from Vicksbnrg. 

"From the 2d of May tothe25tii of July the regiment, without 
tents or transportation, marched over 300 miles, engaged the enemy 
at Vicksburg, twice at Jackson, and at Brandon; and althongh dur- 
ing the operations of this ever memorable campaign both the ofii- 
cers and men of tlie regiment suffered much exposure and hardsiiips 
of a very trying character, they endured all without a murmur and 
witli a fortitude which elicited on several occasions the unreserved 
commendation of the commanding general." 

The regiments participated in many campaigns and battles, in- 
cluding a fight with Forrest at Memphis, Aug. 21, 1861. The last 
principal engagement was the capture of Spanish Fort.' Ala., April 
8, 1865. It was mustered out at the close of the war with due 
honors. 

ELEVENTH INFANTRY. 

Co. E.— Privates. McCollough, Ebsnezer Fawcette, Edward 

Spencer, William Veterans. ^lock, Charles H. 

Buckm an, JolinR. Cusb. George 1-"'^^°^''' Charles J. 

Creaks, George. Mania, James Kerr, Frank L. 

r • * ^,<o ^ rr I, ■ . Shoemaker, Jasper W. 

Lieutenants. Co. H.— Privates. 

Martin, James Cochran, Ithamar L. 

In Company F were privates Joseph C. Purvis and Robert A. 
Tedford. In Company G was private James W. Smith. In Com- 
pany K was Sergeant Andrew P. Fitch. Unassigned were Robert 
Ueming. Silas Webb, Charles Carey, Sylvester Willis, Socrates T. 
Lafley and Jackson Hyatt. 

THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. 
Lieutenant-Colonel. Ailjutant. Co. E.— Captain. 

Milton M. Price. W. T. Clark. George M. Van Hosen. 

.Vajor. Quarter-master. Lieutenants. 

George M. Van Hoesen Horatio G. Barnes. Stephen Purdy, 



.»>«'' 





--^ 




HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



447 



Amlrcw J. Fincli, 
Paul Kenshorf, 
NapDlcon W. Pavey. 

Sergennts. 
Thomas J. Grahim, 
James \Viiian«, 
Napoleon VV. Pavey, 
Thonns -Mounts, 
Nelson L. Post, 
John Forsytlie, 
Andrew J. Finch. 

Corporals- 
John Melton, 
.Tames Kuilci, 
James H. WorU, 
Andrew Fincli, 
Peter U. Dobbins, 
AVilliiim Stokes, 
Eli Melton. 

Musician. 
James Bryan. 

Wni.'oner. 
James Gartland. 

Privates. 
Ammond, William 
Brog, Frederiek 
Benelioof, William 
Burnett. Anderson 
Bowuiim, Henry 
Blunek, Otto F. 
Barrett, Thomas 
Brown, James 
Biajelow, George 



Brown, Nelson 
Clark, KJwin 
Dean, Thomas 
Ernst, Henry 
Emeigh, Charles 
Ellsworth, John 
Fish, Emery 
Forsyth, Jasper 
Flanagan, Edward 
Fjan.agan, John 
Finch, Andrew J. 
Gallagher, Jonathan 
Knap]), Solomon 
Klinit'eller, Wm. 
Kelly, Thomas 
Lewis, William 
Mi-Kinstry, George 
Moore, Thomas 
Mooney, George 
Merna, George 
JIcGuire, James 
Oliver, David C. 
Pratt, Jesse R. 
Pentith, F'rancis 
Price, Henry 
Peaslv, Noih 
Piersol, Thomas B. 
Pavey, Najinleon W. 
Rowe. George C. 
Ro'ik, Nicholas 
Shirk, William 
Swin, James 
Thompson, Daniel D. 
Tnomjison, James A. 
Wisecarver, Jacob 



Work, Alexander 
Work, James H, 

Winans, James 
Warner, James S. 
Ward, James 
Additional Enlist inenis. 
Carner>. Nicholas 
Shook, Daniel 
Wells, Benjamin 
Co. K. Vtierans.— Captain. 
Andrew J. Finch. 

Lieutenants. 
Najioleon W Pavey, 
William A. Shirk. 
Sergeants. 
John Forsyth, 
Thomas B. Piersol. 

Co'porals. 
William Lewis, 
William .\mmond, 
Charles Emeigh. 

Privates. 
Bigelow, George 
Barrett, Thomas 
Flanagan, John 
Knapp, Silomon 
Mooney, George 
Pratt, Jesse R. 
Post, Nelson L. 
Rook, Nicholas 
Stokes, William 
Shook. Daniel 
Swin James 
Ward, James 



In Company F wore "Win. Carleton and Daniel C. D.iwley; in 
Company 11 was John F. Dial, and in Company I, Albert Scott 
and James Coates. 

In the line of promotions were George M. Van Hoesen, from 
Captain to Major; William T. Clark, from Lient. to Captain, Major, 
Colonel and I'revet Brig.-General; Andrew J. Finch, froin Sergeant 
to 1st Lieutenant and Captain; William A. Shirk, from Sergeant to 
Ist Lieutenant and Captain; Stephen Pardy, from Ist Lieutenant to 
Quartermaster; Thomas J. Graham, from Sergeant to 1st Lieuten- 
ant; Napoleon W. Pavey, from Sergeant to 2d and Ist Lieuten- 
ants; John Forsyth, from Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant. 

The Thirteenth Regiment of Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry 
was mustered out of service at Louisville, Ky., July 21, 1S65, after 
an lionorable career, in which they distinguished themselves in 
many battles and campaigns. 

The 13th Regiment Iowa Infantry was mustered into the United 
States service in October, 18C1, for three years or during the war, 
27 



448 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

and was at once ordered to the front. It took part in the battle ot 
Shiloh as will be seen from the following report of Col. Crocker: 
'• Early on the morning of the 6th the alarm was given and heavy 
firing in the distance indicated that our camp was attacked. The 
regiment was formed in front of its color line, its full force consist- 
ing of 717 men, rank and file. It was at once ordered to form on 
the left of the 2d Brigade and proceeded to that position at a double 
quick, and was then formed in line of battle in a skirt of woods 
bordering on an open field to the left of a battery. Here it re- 
mained for some time inactive while the enemy's guns were play- 
ing on our battery. In the meantime a large force of the enemy's 
infantry were filing around the open field in front of our line, pro- 
tected by the woods, and in the direction of our battery, opening a 
lieavy fire of musketry on the infantry stationed on our right, and 
charging upon the battery, the infantry and battery to the right 
having given awa}'. At this time wo, as indeed all of our troops 
in the immediate vicinity of the battery, were thrown into great 
confusion and retired in disorder. Having retreated to the distance 
of 100 or 200 yards we succeeded in rallying and forming a good 
line, the 8th and ISth Illinois Volunteers on our left, and having 
fronted to the enemy held our positions there under a continual 
fire of cannon and musketry until after ]2 o'clock, when we were 
ordered to retire and take up a new position. This we did in good 
order and without confusion. Here having formed a new line, 
we maintained it under incessant fire unt'l 4:30 o'clock P. M., 
the men conducting themselves with great gallantry and cool- 
ness, and doing great execution on the enemy, repelling charge 
after charge and driving them back with great loss. At 4:30 
o'clock we were again ordered to fall back. In obeying this order 
we became mixed up with a great number of regiments falling 
back in confusion, so that our line was broken and the regiment 
separated, rendering it very difficult to collect it ; but finally hav- 
ing succeeded in forming and being separated from the brigade 
we attached ourselves to the division commanded by Col. Tuttle, of 
the 2d Iowa Volunteers, and formed with his division in front of 
the encampment of the I'ith, 2d and 7th Iowa Volunteers, where 
we sustained a heavy fire from the enemy's battery until dark, and 
then remained during the night on our arms. During the day we 
were under fire of the enemy for 10 hours and sustained a loss of 23 
killed and 130 wounded. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 449 

" On the morning of the 7th we were ordered to continue with 
Colonel Tuttle's division, and to follow up and supuort our forces 
that were attacking and driving back tlie enemy. We followed 
them up closely, moving to support the batteries until the enemy 
was routed, after which we were ordered to return to the encamp- 
ment that we had left on Sunday morning, where we arrived at S 
o'clock P. M. Our total loss in the action of the 6th and 7th 
was, killed, 24; wounded, 139; missing, 9; total 172. The men for 
the most part behaved with great gallantry. All the ofScers exhib- 
ited the greatest bravery and coolness, and I call especial attention 
to the gallant conduct of my field officers, Lieut.-Col. Price and 
Maj. Shane, who were both wounded in the action of the 6th, and 
acknowledge my great* obligations to my adjutant, Lieut. Wil- 
son, who during the entire action exhibited the highest qualities 
of a soldier." 

On the 21st of July, 1S64, an engagement was had before Atlanta. 
The following is the account of the affair given by Major Walker : 
" At 8 o'clock A. M. the regiment was in position in front of the 
brigade, with the 15th Iowa Infantry on its left, and supported by 
the 16th Iowa Infantry; its front was protected by temporary works 
thrown up on the night of the 20th. 

"About 8 o'clock A. M., I received orders from Col. John 
Shane, commanding brigade, to advance at once on the double-quick 
to the front, to assist Brig.-Gen. Force, commanding a brigade in 
the 3d Division, 17tli Army Corps, who was fighting for the pos- 
session of a high hill in his front and to the left of this regiment. 
The men seized their arms, and sprang promptly over the works, 
advancing in good order to the crest of a hill less than 100 yards 
from the enemy's works, in tiie face of a heavy fire. Here I was 
ordered to halt, and held the position, exposed to a very destruc- 
tive fire of musketry, grape and canister, until, the enemy having 
withdrawn to their works, and Gen. Force having gained posse's- 
sion of the hill, I was ordered to retire to the position I origi- 
nally occupied, which was done steadily and without confusion. 

"Although the men had no previous notice of the advance, there 
was no disorder; being made, too, over an open field with no pro- 
tection. I regret to say that though the engagement lasted but 
30 minutes, the loss in officers and men was severe; 17 enlisted men 
killed and 4 officers and 77 enlisted men wounded. 

"The regiment also participated in actions before Atlanta, July 
27 and 28." 



450 



HIS'TOKT OF SCOrr COtTNTY. 



FOURTEENTH INFANTRY. 



Go. A. — Cfipt/iin. 
Isaac W. Talmage. 
Lieutenants. 
Hugo Hoffliaiier, 
William T. Dittoe. 

Sergeiuitn. 
William T. DiUoe, 
Waldo Gardner, 
Daniel Reminston, 
William Guion, 
Michael McMa' us, 
James M. Vanduzer, 
Christian Litscher, 
Samuel Lecock, 
David Palmer, 
K. W Kinkaid, 
Daniel Russell. 
Benjamin P. Lancaster, 
Jacob Veit, 
Leonard Lavender. 

Musicians. 
Oliver White, 
John Agans. 

Wagoner. 
Horace D. Squyers. 

Privates. 
Areundo, Xapole.on 
Baldwin James 
Baughman, Henreich 
Clark, Joseph 



Collins, Isaac H. 
Dapron. Antonio 
Doughert}', Owen 
Drennoa, Peter 
Dorst, Conrad 
Davenport. Wm. A. 
Farrell, Patrick 
Farrell, Timothy 
Frazier, William I. 
Fritzgerald, Richard 
Garitf, Peter 
Goman, John B. 
Hamson, Benjamin 
Henry. Peter 
Hire, John 
Harvey, William 
Ilyland, John 
Knapp, Jefferson W. 
Lavender, Leonard 
Litscher, Bernhard 
Lynch, Jnhn 
Leslie, William M. 
Moore, Henry S. 
Miller, John C. 
Morrison, David 
Mclntyre, John 
McKean, Francis 
McCloud, Samuel 
Xesbitt, Evert G. 
Pinneo, Matthias G. 
Pace, William H. 
Paustian, Hans 



Ruick, William P. 
Reimas, Hans 
Roseman, Alfred 
Sie-wart, William 
Sloper, David 
S-haback, John 
Sank. John E. 
Schmidt. Peter D. 
Sievers, Hans 
Slaughter, Fayette 
Shoemaker, R. B. 
Sweeney, Charles 
Voglebach, John 

Recruits. 
Bergheim, Charles 
Bergheim, John 
Bergheim. Henry 
Booth, Lyman 
HotTman, John 
Ha'vey, John 
Mowen, Daniel 
]McLoskey, Charles A. 
Pinneo, John 
Schlegel Christian 
Turner, George 
Voglebach, John 
Wolsey, Henry Clay 

Veterans . 
Hershberger, William 
Basley, George W. 



Company B contained Sersjeant J. L. Scott and pi-ivates Thomas 
S. Ciirttright. A. J. Barrett, George L. Everstine, Joseph R. Leyle, 
John Maywood and George Campbell. Company E contained 
Sewell Butler and John W. Lay. Company G contained privates 
Alexander Cheney, Leander F. Hastings, Henry Hass, Andrew H. 
Harcett, Francis Kline, Robert Taylor and William S. Bailey. 

The promotions among Scott County men were Hugo Hoffbaner, 
from 1st Lieutenant to Captain; Wilhain T. Dittoe, from Sergeant 
to 2d Lieutenant; George Pemberton, from 1st Lieutenant to Cap- 
tain. 

The 14th Regiment was mustered into the United States service 
in November, 1861, and mustered out of service at Davenport 
Nov. 16, 1864. The veterans and recruits for this regitnent were 
consolidated into two companies and called the " Residuary Bat- 
talion of the 14th Infantry," which companies were mustered out at 
Davenport, May 13, 1865. 



HISTORT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



451 



SIXTEENTH INFAN'TKV. 



Lieut. ■Odloiiel. 
Addison H. Sanders. 

Adjutant. 
George E. McCosh 

Sergennt-Major. 
Henry Lefeldt. 

Co. A — Priontes. 
Gassier, Edward 
Clayburg, George W. 
Duggins, Thomas 
Franum, William S. 
Hughs, Peter 
Highly, Jacob C. 
Millsap, Thomas 
Milton, Franklin 
Nolan, Jeremiah 
Osborn, Frederick 
Rogers, Oliver P. 
Shadle, Levi 
Shields, William 
Stanley, Surauel C- 
SulUviin, Denis 
Todd, Edward 
Whitnev, Royal B. 
Whitnell, Charles L. 

Vcte nnn. — Corpor.iL 
George W. Claybaugh. 

Prientes. 
Cassley, Edward 
Jordan, Caleb S. 
Osboru, Frederick C. 
Stanley, Lemuel 
Franum, Jolin 
Whitney, Royal B. 
Crawford, VVilliam 
Getty, Jesse 
Osborn, Josiah 

Co. B. — Captain. 
David Stuhr. 

Liinitenatita. 
Lewis Bunde, 
Frederick Wiedemann. 

Sergeants. 
Henry Ltfckit, 
John Claussen, 
Joseph Fisher, 
Fred Schwerdtfeger, 
John Nelson, 

Corporals. 
Johann Witt, 
Jachim Arp, 
Fritz Sanger, 
Hans. F. Ilartman, 
Adolph Golbrecht, 
Henry Holier, 
Sieverd Jurgensen, 
Ludwig Lubbe. 

Musicians. 
Rudolph Grinoner, 
Otto Mielok. 



Henry Rix. 

Privates. 
Aye, Peter 
Book, Jochim 
Brammer, Hans. 
Begun, John 
Bergman, Theodore 
Bielttildt, Jochinn 
Blooker, John 
Bahr, John 
Blooker, Turgen 
Begun, Christian 
Capicas, Fritz 
Dammann, Claus 
Dormann, Christian 
Dose, Nicholaus 
Dieokmann, John 
Egsers, John 
Ehlers, Wilhelm 
Frackman, John 
Fremke, Johann 
Fullert, Henry 
Girkin, Hinrich 
Gottbrecht, August 
Geoble, Carl 
Harberger, Phillipp 
Hiirtkop, Christian 
n«rtkop, Frederick 
Henniaer. Erich 
Hoick, Hans. 
Henson, Marx 
Hildebraadt, Nich 
Hamann. Hans. F. 
Jacobs, Heinrich 
Jacobson Jacob 
Jausseii, Claus 
ICuhl, Jockim 
Kuhl, Claus 
Kiel, Wilhelm 
Mariz, M-ir.\ 
Muller, P>nst 
Norden, Jurgea 
Neben, John 
Ohrt, Carl 
Paulsen, Niss . 
Puck, Egeert 
Peterson, Frederick 
Prussing, Jacob 
RIckenberg, Johann 
Reimer. Johann 
Sohmelyle, Andreas 
Silvester, Fritz 
Schlosser, Fritz 
Scheel, Detless 
Schwartz, Johann 
Schluter, Peter 
Schulz. August 
Voss, Henry 
Wichmann, August 
Wendel. George 
Weber, L"rs 
Wendt, Carl 



Wilkin, Frederick 
Wolf, Asmus 
Weissmann, Charles 
Westphal, Theodore 
Wriedt, Ludwig 
Wolter, Henry 

Additional Enlistments. 
Hamdorf, Wilhelm 
Siems, Johann 
Weise, Hinrich 

Co. B. — Veterans-Captain. 
Henry Leefeldt, 

Lieutenant. 
Frederick Weidemann. 

Sergeants. 
Jasper A. Fischer, 
Johann Witt. 

Corporals. 
Frederick Schwerettfeger, 
Han. F. Hartmann, 
Fritz Sanger, 
Sievered, Juergensen 
Ludwig, Lubbe 
Peter Aye. 

Privates. 
Blocker, .Tuergen 
Dammann, Claus 
Mueller, Ernst 
Peterson, Frederick 
Rickenburg, Johann 
Schmelzle, Andreas 
Vogel, Conrad 
Wolf, Asmus 
Schumaker, Paul 

Co. C. — Corporals. 
Blanchard, Peter 
Boemer, George B. 
Cox, Alfred B. 
Herbert, Josiah T. 
Hickson, George W. 
Sixbury. Henry L. 
Vallman, R. M. J. 

Additional Enlistments. 
Avarill. George A. 
Cheney, Frederic E. 
Kughn, Simon 
McGinnis, William 
Jloore, James G. 
Moore, Wm. H. H. 
McLaughlin, William 
Price, Thomas E. 
Shadle, John 
Shook, William 

Co. D. — .Sergeants. 
James W. Willard, 
William G. Fearing, 
Joseph S. McHarg. 



452 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COTINTT 



Corporals. 
Joseph V. West, 
Gideon Maple, 
Harry H. Bowling, 

Privates. 
Anderson, Benjamin 
Bird, William A. 
Bowling, Harry H. 
Chase, George W. 
Paring, Franklin 
Hager, John L. 
Lindsev, Ninin 
Myers, Abraham 
Newburn. Samuel 
Snively, George W. 
Webster, Henry P. 
West, Joseph V. 

Co. D. — Veterans. 
Sergeants. 
James AV. Willard, 
William G. Fearing. 

Privates. 
Anderson, Benjamin 
Langdon, Edward D. 
Madden, Daniel 
Myers Abraham 

Co. F.— Captain. 
Edward S. Fraser. 

Corporal. 
Samuel Dulfln. 

Privates. 
Ackermau, James H. 
Patterson, William 

Veterans. 
Drew, John 
Ernes, Absalom D. 
Mosshokler, David 
dinger, George H. 
Patterson, William 
Rourk, Patrick 



Co. O. — Sergeant 
August Timm. 

Corporals. 
Henry Hotfman, 
George B. Quick. 

Privates. 
Hartmao, Augustus 
Arndt, Edwara 
Bruesch, Anion 
Egger, Jacob 
Gradea, Benedict 
Hotfmerener, Henry 
Hoppe, Francis 
Koelile, Frederick 
Lehmann, Jacob 
Otto, Wilhelm 
Schumacher, Joseph 
Steinmann, Edward 
Timm, Henry 



Carter, James 
Gilligan, John 
Keith, George W. 
Shaw, Herbert A. 
Shuey, Thomas 

Co. K. — Lieutenants. 
Eleck Wcingartner. 
Samuel Duffin. 

Sergeant. 
John T. Davis. 



Corporal. 
Joseph Enderly. 

Privates. 
Barden, Christ 
Graak, Karl 
Hilbert, Henry 
Knocke. Adolph 
Xye, Charl es 
Knocke, John 
„ ^ _ Matthers, Karl 

Co. G.— Veterans.— Lieut. Nunlist, Anton 
August Timm. 



Sergeant. 
Peter Becker. 

Privates. 
Eggcr, .Jacob 
Tmim, Henry 
Hartman, August 
Lorentz, Henry 

Co. I. — Corporal. 
George W. Keith. 

Privates. 
Dugan, Patrick 
Carter, James 
Gilligan, John 
Nass, John T. 
Rowen, Frank 



Phelan, Richard 
Sieh, Nicholas T. 
Struve, Claus 
Wilkard, Henry 
Barche, Christian 
Co. K. — Veterans. — Lieut. 
Eleck Weingartner. 
Samuel Duffin. 

Sergeant. 
John T. Davies 

Privates. 
Enderle, Joseph 
Knocke, John 
Martin, John 
Bulda, Henrv 
Matthes, Karl 
Phelan, Richard 
Schneider, August 



Veterans. 
Dugan, Patrick 

Company E contained J. A. Davis, Patrick Moran and Orlando 
Mattison, privates, and the followino; nnassigned veterans : "William 
Crawford, Zacbariah C. McClury, George H. Otinzer, John Sheser, 
William W. Simmons. Frank Thompson and Christopher Tiedman. 

The promotions were Addison H. Sanders, from Lient.-Col. to 
Colonel and Brevet Brig.-General; Henry Leefeldt, from Sergeant 
Major to Second Lieut, and Captain; John Claussen, from Sergeant 
to 2d Lieut, and Captain; Frederick Wiedemann, from 2d to 1st 
Lieut.; Frederick Schwerdtfeger, from Sergeant to 2d Lieut.; Will- 
iam G. Fearing, from Sergeant to Captain; August Timm, from 
Sergeant to 2d Lieut, and Captain; Eleck Weingartner, from Ser- 
geant to 1st Lieut. ; John F. Davis, from Sergeant to 1st Lieut.; 
Samuel Duffin, Sergeant to 2d Lieut. The Si.xteenth Regiment was 
mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 19, 1865. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 453 

The Sixteenth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers left Daven- 
port, Marcii 20. 1862; was engaged in the battle ofShiloh, April 
6th and 7tli, meeting with heavy loss; took part in the seige of 
Corinth; camped at Corinth from its evacuation till July 28; 
marched to Bolivar, Tenn.; made a reconnoissaiiceto Summerville, 
Aug. 23, returning to Bolivar on the 26th; left Sept. 11 for Corinth, 
and thence was sent out to reconnoitre the position and forces of 
the enein v at luka, Sept. 17, returning to Brownsville; were ordered 
to Jacinto, Miss., where they joined Rosecrans's command. The 
regiment again marched on luka, was engaged in the battle of luka, 
Sept. 19, 1S62. The regiment again arrived at Corinth Oct. 2; 
was engaged in the two days' battle of Corinth, Oct. 3 and 4, 
and pursuit of the enemy to Ripley; returned to Corinth on the 
lltii; was in camp till Nov. 2; marched to Grand Junction, camped 
till Nov. 28; Marched to Holly Springs, passing through the town; 
arrived in front of the enemy's fortified position on the Talla- 
hatchie River on the 29th. The enemy was forced from its posi- 
tion Nov. 30. The regiment crossed the river Dec. 2, and went 
into camp; was engaged in guarding and building the railroad 
bridge across the river; marched to the south of Oxford, Miss, 
on the 19th; returned to Holly Springs on the 21st; in cam]) till 
Dec. 29. Marched to Lafayette, Tenn.; arrived Jan. 1, 1S63;, 
camped till the i2th. Marched to Memphis, embarked on trans- 
ports for Young's Point; arrived on the 2'4th, and remained till the 
29th; moved to Lake Providence, La, where the regiment re- 
mained till April 21. Returning to Milliken's Bend, marched by 
way of Richmond, La., to Grand Gulf, thence to Vicksburg; was 
engaged in the operations against the latter place May 22. The 
regiment was in the expedition to Mechanicsburg under General 
Blair; returned to Vicksburg, June 1; engaged in the siege until 
the 23d; marched to Black River; guarded the crossing till the fall 
of Vicksburg; had a sharp engagement with the eiiemy July 4, 
1863, part of the regiment having crossed the river and driven the 
enemy Iroui his position on the opposite bank. July 12 was or- 
dered to re-enforce General Sherman at Jackson, and bring up an 
ammunition train. 

Jo. Jolmson having evacuated Jackson, the army returned to 
Vicksburg July 28 ; camped near Vicksburg till the 6th of Au- 
gust. The regiment was engaged in the march to Monroe, La. 
Returning to Vicksburg, remained in camji till the third day of 
February, 1864, when they started on the Meridian campaign. 



454 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

After a march across the entire State ot Mississippi, returned to 
Vicksburg March 4, 1S64 ; left Yicksburg March 17, on veteran 
furlough. The regiment again started from Davenport, Iowa, 
May 3; arrived at Clifton, Tenn., about the middle of May; 
marched to Iluntsville, Ala., arriving at the latter place May 22 ; 
marched to Dacatur, Ala.; thence across the mountains to Rome, 
Ga., where they arrived on the 5th day of June. Starting again 
the next morning, joined the main army under Sherman, near 
Acworth, on the 10th ; arrived in front of Kenesaw Mountain on 
the 11th ; had a sharj) engagement with the enemy June 15 ; the 
regiment was engaged in the attack on Kenesaw Mountain June 
27, meeting with heavy loss. The regiment was under the 
enemy's tire from June l-t to July 2 ; moved from left to right of 
the line, meeting the army again July 1 ; had another sharp en 
gagement, driving the enemy. On the 5th the Sixteenth again 
had the advance, driving the enemy from his fortitied position 
and across JSTick-a-jack Creek ; were under tire ot the enemy until 
the IBtli day of July, when the rebels were compelled to cross the 
Chattahoochie, the regiment was then marched to Rossville, where 
it crossed the Chattahoochie River and pushed on for Atlanta; was 
engaged in the b-ittles of July 20 and 21, meeting with heavy 
losses in killed and wounded, and receiving Gen. McPherson's 
especial compliments. July 22, when Hood made his famous 
charge that opened the b ittle of Atlanta, the 16th Iowa, flanked 
in the right by the 11th, on the left by the loth, with the 13th 
Iowa in the rear, all forming '• the old Iowa brigade," was at the 
main point when the charge was made. The 16th captured more 
of the enemy than it liad men in its ranks, but was eventually 
surrounded and captured in turn and taken to Andersonville. But 
in a short time, being exchanged, they rejoined the army under 
Sherman. Tlie regiment was increased by recruits, and started 
from Atlanta, Nov. 15 ; nrarched to Savannah, before which place 
it arrived Dec. 10 ; after much hard marching, skirmishing, etc., 
drove the enemy behind their fortitications. 

At Savannah, tliis regiment was the tirst t<) seize the Savannah 
& Cliarleston Railroad, and under directions of Brig.-Gen. 
Belknap commenced destroying the same ; was engaged in the 
siege till the evacuation of the city ; marclied to the suburbs of 
tlie city and went into camj) on tliJ 2Lst, where it remained 
getting ready for the next campaign. After a review of the en- 
tire army by Gen. Sherman, the 16th was put in motion Jan. 6, 



HISTORY OF SCOri" COUNTY. 



455 



1S65, for Beaufort, S. C. ; marched against Pocataligo Jan. 15, 
tlie 17tli Corps (to which tiie 16th belonged) driving the enemy 
out of iiis strongly fortified position ; remained here at Pocataligo 
nntil the :2>*th, wlien tlio new caiui)aign commeticed. 

ilarching to Rivers bridge, on the Salkaliatchie, met the enemy 
strongly fortified. At this point tiie Salkaliatchie forms an almost 
impenetrable swamp about two miles wide, which was waded by 
the -Ith Division, 17th Army Corps, on the 3d day of February 
lSt35 ; drove the enemy from their po-ition ; continued the march, 
driving the enemy before them, capturing every place which they 
attempted to hold, and after encountering many hardships, priva- 
tions and dangers arrived at Goidsboro on the 22d day of March, 
1865. Remaining at Goidsboro, X. C, until the 10th day of 
April, the regiment was again on the march in search of the 
enemy. Pushing forwaril, the command entered Raleigh on the 
16th ; camped till the 2d day of May. 

Tiie war being brought to a close, the command marched for 
AVashington, whore it took part in the grand review; May 24 
left Washington June 7, and arrived at Louisville June 12. 

During the period embraced herein, the regiment suffered 
severely in killed, died of wounds received, or of disease con- 
tracted in the line of duty. It may truly be said ot the 16th, it 
was always at the front, oftener, ]wrha]is, under order than it 
wanted to be, but never in battle or march <Iid it fail in the ])er- 
formance of its whole duty. 

TWENTIETH INFANTRY. 



Lieut. -Colonel. 
Joseph B. L'liki.-, 

Q. M. Siirgeant, 
Patrick GalVney. 

IIoKpitiil Sh'iratd. 
Lockwooil .1. Cenler. 

Fifi }f,ijor. 
John De Long, 

Co. C— Captain. 
Mark L. Tomson. 

Lieuten'inta. 
Harrison (Jlivcr, 
Robert M. Lytle. 

Serr/ennts. 
Jolin P. I'onner, 
William Heno^, 
Andrew L. Orici-, 
Thomas Mur' y, 
JoaephusF. Jacobs, 
Warren A. Oliver. 



Corpornh. 
diaries O. Blanchard, 
John V. Walker, 
William VVatson, 
Thomas B. Winey, 
James II. Hale, 
Elisha M. Hummell, 
William Slurry, 
Robert LeMiirinel. 
Miisirian.i. 
Henry Wooilfonl, 
Thomiis Pre-ston. 

WiKjoner. 
John C. Moore. 

Privates. 
Armel, James L. 
Blackman. Andrew J. 
Bak(r, Willard 
Berger, Frederick 
Barrett, James F. 
Bentley, James A. 



Bramiock, Edward 
Bell. Jnbu W. 
Chriswel'. Robert 
Cliipp, James 
Cooper, Thomas 
Curtis, William H. 
Conner, Michael 
Davies. Xathan 
Davies, Joseph 
Panfoitb. William R. 
Desney, .John 
Dow, J;isper 
Elder, Joseph 
French. Samuel 
Grace, Frank C. 
Gre^nlea^, Leor.iid \ 
Goerlich, Joseph 
Haitzell, Adam 
Hackling, Gustave 
Iluid Seneca 
Hanlon, Andrew M. 
Hanson, .Martin 



456 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COTTNTT. 



Recruits. 
Hewes, William P. 
Curtis. James 
Shaw, Don Carlos 

Oo. D. — Captain. 
Dolphus Torrey. 

Lieutemnis. 
Alphonso H. Brooks, 
Charles E. Squires. 

Sergeiirds. 
George W. Tompson, 
Riifiis L. Blair, 
Thomas F. Allen, 
John L. Bell, 
Gabriel Shirringer. 

Oorpirals. 
Seth Cummings, 
Harrisou Bird. 
Maxwell K. Walker, 
William H. Cook, 
Thomas Brockett, 
Jacob K.Surbey, 
M. Crawford Neely, 
John Kinkead, 
William T. McLavighlin. 

Mtisieians. 
Isaac Patterson. 
William Parmelee. 
Wagoner. 
Stephen Lorton. 

Privates. 
Asher, Charles 
Boughman, B. F. 
Baker, James K P. 
Bishop, James 
Bradley, Th .mas J. 
Barbor, Svlvester 
Carter, William A. 
Coons, John B. 
Coles, Wm. M. 
Davis, William E. 
Fenno, Amos 
Faber, James 
Fulton, LeClaire 
Golden, Charles M. 
Grant, Thomas 
Goodeu, Eli G. 
Gardner, Charles H. 
Green, Eli S. 
Heath, Joseph F. 
Hawlev. Charles 
Hunt, Lc. Ed. 
Hunt, W. J. L. 
Harding, Anderson S. 
Hoops, Amos F. 
Hess, James C. 
Hawley, Luellen A. 
Hutt, Sullivan 
How. William John 
Jones, Samuel W. 
Jennings, John M. 
Kerkner, Jonathan 



Kimball, John W. 
Knouse, David 
Lemmer, Peter 
Lorton, Samuel 
Lambert, Aaron 
Miller, Moses H. 
Morrison, John 
Mclntyre, James 
McCullough, Abraham 
Medley, William 
Morris, John H. 
North, John 
Owen, James H. 
Parker, Joseph N. 
Plummer, Theodore 
Paul, John 
Perry, Avery A. 
Parmelee. James 
Rambo, Nath;m A. 
Remine, Peter 
Ross, David 
Risley, Samuel D. 
Robeson, John 
Reading, Augustus 
Seitz, Frederick 
Schneider, Philip 
Stathem, Isaac 
Tisdale, John A. 
Wisner, IraS. 
Parmelee, William 
Walker, Maxwell K. 
Wooden, Noice A. 
Warrick, William W. 
Williams, Wm. B. 
Watson, Alex. A. 
Akeley A. William, 
Remiue, John W. 
McCullough, Leon R. 
Nichols, Gideon 
Remine, John W. 

Co. C. — Captain. 
Chester Barney. 

Lieutenants. 
J. G. G. Cavendish, 
Edward E. Davis. 
Sergeants. 
Walters. Kendall, 
Mendon Weller, 
Peter L. Benshoof, 
George W. Tallman, 
Frederick B. Beach. 

Corporals. 
Christian Birely, 
Jonathan Konklin, 
.John Menig, 
John Kessler, 
Enoch D. Nutting, 
Martin Rhomberg, 
Wilson Whitaker, 
David O. Brian, 
Nathan B. Graham, 
Lewis P. Dash, 
Conrad Oliver, 



Julius W. Fuller, 
Thomas J. Moore, 
J. Herbert Porter. 

Musicians. 
Frank E. Stephen, 
■John DeLong. 

Wagoner. 
jj William Maple. 

Privates. 
Brock, Henry 
Boyer, Benjamin 
Benedict, Charles E. 
Brophy, Matthew 
Belkens, Charles 
Biram. David O. 
Bra}-, John 
Crawford, Samuel 
Clemmons, T. H. 
Calligan. Francis 
Cook. Christopher 
Clarke, Benjamin W. 
Cuttler, Thomas 
t'unningham, R. N. 
Davis, .Tenkens 
Davis, Ebenezer J. 
Foley, Daniel 
Graham, William 
Graham, Nathan B. 
Gertz, Henry 
Hart. John 
Hoover. Frank 
Hend' rson, Alez. M. 
Johnson. William J. 
Koops, John 
Kirkpatrick, Isaac 
Karwath, Henry 
Kirnes. Robert 
Kirkpatrick, Benj. J. 
LaGrange, Ruius J. 
Lathrop, Charles H. 
Lytle. Henry 
McCov. Frank 
McMahan, Wm. H. 
Moore, ThomasJ. 
Miller, Frank 
McDonald, William 
Magill, John 
McCormic, Charles 
Mackart, Lawrence 
Madison. Barton W 
Miller, James B. 
Nelson, James 
Noble, Norman J. 
Nobl.'. James M. 
Nelson. Alex. C. 
Ohara, Peter 
Porter, John Herbert 
Patterson, Benjamin F. 
Renshoof, George W. 
RieharOs, Richard 
Rhomberg, Martin 
Rickard, Abraham 
Riel T, Albert 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



457 



Sullivan, Paniel M. 
Sanders, Charles 
Satlle, Matthias 
Spencer, Webster 
Smith, John 
Smith, John 
Schevelcr, John 
Schlepper, Malhias 
Troop, Robert 
Tompson, William 
Villau, Paul 
Wagner, Charles F. 
Wisecarver, Samuel 
York, Benjamin 
Kepler, John 
Harker, Lemuel 
Fuller, Julius W. 
Thomjison. Stephen 
Mills, (ieorge W. 
Dilwortli, Richard 
Miller, Joseph M. 

Co. G. — C'liptains. 
Joseph B. Leake, 
Charles Altman. 

Liintcadnts. 
Charles Altman, 
John B. Parccll, 
George A. Bennett. 

Sergeants. 
Mark Mathews, 
John Wilkins Moore, 
George A. Bennett, 
Robert Speer, 
Jesse M. Mathews, 
Thomas B. Jlilles. 

Corpnrala. 
John Murpliy, 
Peter H. Martin, 
EdAvard A. Shaw, 
Sam O. JlcCiusland, 
J. W'ilkins Moore, 
Richard Cams, 
Bernanl Eseke, 
Joseph I'atterson, 
Jacob Foriythe. 

.}/iinic(iins. 
Alonzo M. Swim, 
Wm. L. Culbertson. 

Prioa tes. 
Bates, Orean 
Brown, Tompson G 
Brown, Harvey J. 
Brown, James 
Baker, Philip 
Bigelow, Franklin 
Bickel, Ferdinand 
Culbertson, William F. 
Cutting. George W. 
Canes, Richard 
Duncan, James C. 
Doose, Frederick 
DicksoD, Arthur 



Ewoldt. Henrich 
Folmer, Samuel W- 
Foote, Thomas J. 
Fintle, John C. 
Grant, John 
Gear, Ricnard 
Gillespie, Milton 
Henderson, Nelson W. 
Hoft'man, Carl 
Hotlman, Christian 
Haenchin, Theobald 
lUian, Heinrich 
Jamiesson, James F. 
Jamiesson William A. 
Jack, James G. 
Jenkins, Milton 
Kugle, Augustus 
Keer, Samuel 
■Lancaster, Thomas 
Leslie, Felix N. 
Leonard, John W- 
Martin, William 
McCool, John C. 
McFate, Samuel 
McConnell, George W. 
McKenney, Richard 
McCausland, Thomas W. 
3Lirtin, William G. 
Nason, Willard H. 
Pohlmann, Hans 
Pattisou, Joseph 
Pollock, Joseph 
Ralston, Robert S. 
Roddewig, Fritz 
Stansbrough, George P. 
Speer, Joseph 
Sturdcvant, Ben. H. 
Sunderline, Ebenezer 
Stanley, Herman R. 
Slalon, John W. 
Sissell John J. 
Stockdale, James 
Statton, Levi 
Shuman Christian 
Stevenson, John E. 
Thompson, Milton G. 
Thompson, John B. 
Vinall, (teorge 
Williams. Silas 
Wilson, W'. H.H. 
Walls, Eli. 

Rei-ruitif. 
Fritzpatrick. Michael 
McConnell, John S. 
Gast, John A. 

Co. K. — Captains. 
Sylvanus B. Byram, 
Henry B. Doolittle. 

Lieutenants. 
Elijah Stone, 
Eli a Taylor, 
William J. Steel. 



Sergeants. 
William J. Steel, 
Francis M . Steel, 
Orville P. Carpenter, 
James Cole, 
Ebenezer Fowler. 

Corporals. 
George L. Bolton, 
William H. Slaughter, 
John W. Condit, 
John W. Wolf, 
Lewis Reep, 
William Nesbitt, 
James Mcintosh, 
Thomas Tajrgart, 
Rudolf Moraut. 

^[usicians. 
William T. Condron, 
Henry E. Stacy. 

Wagoner. 
Alvin B. Carter. 

Privates. 
Alterman, Victor 
Arnold, Simon 
Avery, Theodore W. 
Beal, David P. 
Burris, Thomas 
Barnes, Joseph D. 
Brown, John 
Barlow, John 
Crisswell, William 
Campbell, William E. 
ClarK, Philip B. 
Chamberlin, J. B. 
Coughlin, Stephen 
Daughenbaugh, J. M. 
Davts, Thomas C. 
Draper, W. H. 
Draper, Oscar 
Donelson, Egbert B. 
Fisk, Rufus 
Franks, Lafayette 
Flinn, Patrick 
Gaffnev, Patrick 
Hulitt,"Richard 
Hafkey, William C. 
Huskamp, Henry 
Hart, Isaac M, 
Hamilton, Charles 
Johnson, Chris. 
Knapp. Morris C. 
Long, Emanuel 
Leamon, (Jeorge 
McMillcn, .Vllen 
McConnell. Alex. 
McKane, James 
Myres, William 
McCall, Wm. AV. 
Nichols, .John C. 
Nesbitt, Wm. 
Nichols, Albert 
Phillips, Sylvester W. 



458 



HISTORY OF SCOri' COUNTY. 



Piakerton, Rufus 
Pike, Zebulou M. 
Port, John 
Peterson, Olift' 
Stacy, Judsnn C. 
Stacy, William H. 
Sharlow, James L. 
Shannon, John 
Stanley, Edward M. 
Sanders, Stephen 
Stringham, A. R. 



Underholt, Lewis 
Van Diizeu, John M. 
Wallace, Henry C. 
White, John E. 
Whitesell, George 
Wyman, John 
Wilson, James H. 
Whitney, Lyman L. 

Companii^s Vnkiiown. 
Appleton, John 
Calder, Daniel R. 



Caldwell, Samuel 
Cook, Christopher 
Hass, Sylvester 
Leonard, Thomas 
Lindley, Franklin 
Longworth, G C. W 
Mann, Loren L. 
Mann, Preslon 
McCormic, Jame.s 
Osborn, Wni. H. 
Risely, John P. 



TWENTIETH INFANTRY VETERANS. 



Co. C- — Privates. 
Cochran, Beecher B. 
Howell, Daniel N. 
Hogan,.Jolm 
Hamann, John B. 
Kock, Frederick 
Seamen, Ezra 

Co. B.—PriDfilif 
Leonard, Thomas 
Resley, John P. 
Carter, Jonathan 
Carter, William 
Case, John B. 
Carter, Michael T. 
Craig, Calvin 
Congleton, John S. 



Delay, John 
Fohrmann, Hans. 
Gooden, Robert L. 
Gray, William 
Mulford, Abraham 
Morrison, Isaac 
Rodgers, Samuel L. 
Sparks, Charles 
Ulam, John C. 

Oo. E. — Privates. 
Calder, Daniel R. 
Cook, Christopher 
Hill, Egbert 
Lindlej', Franklin 
Moloy, Daniel 
Osborn, William H. 



Timothy, Michael 
Williams, Simpson H . 
Compaiues Unknown. 
Blackman, Edwin 
Cunningham, Edward 
Carter, Michael 
Graw, John P. 
Guion, William H. 
Graham, Henry C. 
Hamilton, John 
Jones, William H. 
Little, David 
McCutcheon, William 
Schemerhorn, AVm. S 
'Ihompson, Andrew 
Wells, William H. 



In Com]3anj H was James McCormick, and in Company K, 
John Voutine. 

Seott Cotinty was well represented in the Twentieth Infantry as 
will be seen by reference to the foregoing names. The promotions 
were as follows: Joseph B. Leake, Captain to Lient. -Colonel; 
Kohert.M. Lytle, 2d to 1st Lieutenant; William M.Johnston, Ser- 
geant to 2d Lieutenant; Charles E. Squires, 2d to 1st Lieutenant 
and Captain; Cxeorge W. Thompson, 2d to 1st Lieut, and Captain; 
Thomas F. Allen, Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant; Edward E. Davis, 2d 
to 1st Lieut, and Captain; Mendon F. AVeller, Sergeantto 1st Lieu- 
tenant; Martin Ehomberg, Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant; Charles 
Altman, 1st Lieut, to Captain; Frederick E. Starck, Sergt.-Major 
to 1st Lieutenant; George A.. Bennett, Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant, 
John W. Moore, Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant; Henry B. Doolittle, 
Sergeant to Captain; William J. Steele, Sergeant to 2d and 1st 
Lieutenant; Lyman L. Whitney, Sergeant to 2d and 1st Lieutenant; 
Joseph D. Barnes, Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant; Patrick Gaffney, 
Sergeant to 2d Lieutenant. The Twentieth Regiment of Iowa Vol- 
unteer Infantry was mustered out of the service of the United 
States at Mobile, Ala., July 8, 1865. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



459 



TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 



Co. A. — Privates. 
Cousins, Alfred 
Cousins, Franklin 
'Wi'.jzoner. George 

Co. II.— Privates. 
Colliuner, George W. 



Honslot, Samuel- Coslan, Fndciick 

MeLft\i{;lilin, Aluuson Driskell, Samuel P. 

Morgan, SytleDliani Qo. O.- Vtiiriins.-Prixates 

Co.F.-Vett'nns-Prirat(S. Caulliliorne, George 
Blacknian, William Dolan, Patrick 



TIIIUTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. 



Co. K. — Ciiptain. 
James W. Crane. 

Serge/int. 
Linus H. Miller. 

Corporals. 
Philo B. Littlejohn, 
John S. Dawson, 
Sidney M. Eddy. 

Masicians. 
Cli.irles Pickens, 



Stephen H. Hands. 

Wagoner. 
Joseph T. Sibley. 

Privites. 
Bowers, Benjamin 
Booth, Adam 
Bannigan, Peter D. 
Bergdnion, Theodore 
Crouse. William 
Gan, Henry 



Hart, John 
Hiffhlej-, nenr_v 
Michael. Philip 
Martin, Patrick 
Powell, Walter 
Pipc-r, August 
Starkjohn, John 
Seigling, Joliann 
Vanlleei. Stephen 
Ware, George 
Saengling, .Jolin 



FORTY-Fi ilRTII I.VFANTEY. 



Colonel 
Stephen H. Henderson. 

Liiut.-Colonel. 
Henry Egbert. 

Surgeon. 
James Irwin. 

Com. Sergeant. 
Louis H. Fluke. 

Co. I. — Captain. 
Alpbonso H. Brooks. 

Lieutenants. 
James A. Rvan, 
Henry W. liennett. 
Sergeants. 
William Hazleton, 
William Foster, 
Solan II. Fidlar, 
Charles F. Wineman, 
Howard M. Smith. 
Corporals. 
Myron C. Pope, 
Will Blackman, 
Henrv B. Jamison, 
Samuel R. J. Hoyt, 
Charles Bielenberg, 
Alexander Reid, 
Hiram Medley, 
Joseph P. Eacal, 
Charles A. .\lTciDson. 

Musieians. 
PetT Karat, 
Ivan D Busch. 

Wagoner. 
Archer Perry. 



Priratcs. 
Bridshaw. Frank M. 
Chaney, Henry 
Cabel, Ludwig 
Dial, John F. 
Dickinson. Arthur O. 
Dubois, William W. L. 
Dow, Perkins L. 
Eddy, E. H. 
Evans, John 
French. George A. 
Fearing, Theodore W. 
Feikert. Peter, 
Fenno, Levi. 
Fowler, William Ed. 
Grier, Ji^hn C. 
Greer, Simon B. 
Hanemann, C.F. 
Harris, Joseph F. 
Hoffman, J i|m V. 
Hoearty, M. V. B. 
Humphrey, Wm. T. R. 
Hunter, Nathaniel G. 
Haupl, Henry 
HIion, Charles A. 
J.imison, George W. 
Jackson, Andrew- 
Johnson. William N. 
Kelley. .Vbsalom B. 
Kingsley, Kirk W. 
Krein, Adolph 
Koch. Joseph 
Lindsay William K. 
Lovell. John 
Manners. Henderson 
Middleton. William D. 
McDonald, Henry 



McGregor, Lawes 
Mitchell Lafayette 
Moore, Gritlin 
Morsan, Marion 
Neiiiick, Ed.D. 
Nickerson Richard N. 
Peterson, Carl 
Read Albert 
Reid, .\lexander 
Regennitter, Deidrich 
Robison J as, H, Parks 
Rover, Joseph H, 
Ryan, Charles T. 
Rown, James 
Shuey, Jeremiah 
Smith. Samuel S, 
SoJerstruin, William A. 
Stratnian, Franklin W. 
Si|Uires, George G. 
.Spear, .James 
Tallman, John W. 
Tompkin, William 
Yonder Fecht. Nicholas 
Van Vliel, Luther 
Woeber, Ames 
White, William P. 
Woodside. Andrew J. 
Phelps, Benjamin 

Co. K. — Captain. 
Thomas Wilson. 

Liiutenants. 
John Ackley, 
James H. G, Wilson. 

Sergeants. 
John Collins, 
Jacob C, Morgan, 



460 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



William Green, 
Samuel R. Leramon, 
Lyman 8. Peck. 

Vorjtorals. 
John H. Wilson, 
William H. Barbour, 
John H. Dart, Jr., 
James F. Shaff, 
William P Titian}', 
John A. Rowan, 
Lorenzo D. Carey, 
George W. Foster, 
Charles P. Beard 
Arthur Twaddell, 
Henry Bode, 
Robert M. Cooper. 

Musicians. 
William W. Parker, 
Fred P. Sackett. 

Wagoner. 
Frederick Cooper. 

Privates. 
Adamson, John 
Anderson, William H. 
Augustine, .James 
Bode. Henry, 
Beohmler, William 
Barrett. John E. 
Burns, Thomas 



Broson, John 
Beard, Charles P. 
Cartee, Samuel 
Cartee, Jonathan R. 
Cain, Timothy F. 
Caldwell, William 
Creamer. Leonidas 
Cooper, Robert M. 
Day, Aisel 
Denne, Francis W. 
Doolittle, Charles F. 
Evans, Oliver M. 
Ford, Joseph M. 
Golding, George H. 
Groff, Charles H. 
Gray, Alfred 
Hein, Frederick A. 
Hanks, Henry, 
Isaacson, Lars 
Jones, John E. 
Kibbey, Meigs 
Knapp, Alonzo D. 
Kinney, Sylvester 
Kreoger, Henry 
Love, Robert F. 
Litz, William 
Medford, Edward G. 
McLoskey, Robert H. 
Morris, Mace 
McGuire, John 



McCan, James 
Mcintosh, Perrie H 
McClelland, John 
McAffee, .John 
Mueller, Hermann 
Mott, San ford 
Myerhotr, Robert 
Mes.ser, Stephen 
Nelson, John I. 
Odenhimer, George 
Peters, Johan 
Quigley, Anther 
Kambo, Andrew R. 
Rohm, David 
Rhodes, Samuel L. C 
Sanders, Wakeman 
Sanders, Stephen H. 
Scherer, Joseph 
Small, Fred A. 
Schwenke, Reinhold 
Twaddle, Arthur 
Tilton, Alexander 
Todd, Theodore 
Tucker, John H. 
Williams, James 
Wilbur, Josiah A. 
Webster, Daniel 
Ware, George 
Tates, Thomas H. B. 
Zabel, Mathias 



In Company D was Corporal Frank C. Grace; in Company F, 
privates Seth B. Frisbie and Daniel E. Jones, and in Company G, 
private Alexander Haley. 



Go. B. 
Adams, Nichols 
Bray, Philip H. 
Bullock, David S. 
Barr, Samuel 
Chase, John M. 
Cunningham, Michael 
Rouse, George 
Tate, William G. 
Williams, Oscar G. 

Co. F. 
Clark, Warren H. 
Goodwin, Enoch 
Hook, Stephen 
HoUingsworth, A. 
Hollingsworth, Benj. 
Mathews, James L. 
O 'Connor, Bryan 

Co. L.— Farrier. 
George L. Richardson, 
Thomas Schadt. 

Privates . 
Burnett, Franklin 
Cisco, Martin S. 
Cisco, James A. 



FIE6T CAVALRY. 

Lilie, Milton 
Manwaring. L. B. 
Mason, Daniel W. 
Potter, Henry C. 

Co. M. — Sergeants. 
George McDowall. 

Privates. 
Crawford, Milo D. 
Douglas, John 
Gammill, Thomas 
Hibber, Charles 
Johnson, Samuel A. 
Kilmer, Jeremiah 
Murry, Abraham 
McChntock, George 
Stoops, Henry J. 
Stoops, George W. 
Stamper, Joseph 

Recruits Uruissigned. 
Amend, Moses H. 
Braden. John L. 
Brottorff, William K. 
Bray, Philip H. 
Crawford, Silas D. 
Cooper, John 



Chase, Warren H. 
Davis, Ephraim .J. 
Donnell, Oliver H. 
Dory, Francis A. 
Earie, William D. 
Greeley, Albert 
Harris, Joseph C. 
Hide, Edward 
Hendricks, Levi 
Johnson, Cornelius S. 
Jackson, Joseph 
Leach, Benjamin F. 
Leacy, .John 
Lewis, William 
Monroe, Benjamin T. 
Cook, John 
Calder, James M. 
Mullen, Eugene T. 
Phelps, James H 
Palmer, Jerod C. 
Reiley, William H. 
Rundell, Robert 
Remington, George 
Street, William E. 
Smith, Americus C. 
Seeves, Edmon 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 



461 



Smith, Walter A. 
Tompson, Ed. C. 
WilliMius, William 
Williams, Thomas 



Williams, R. A. 
Baker, Robert B. 
Wallace, John A. 
Moss, Charles E. 



Burns, William O. 
Huchins, H. H. 
Casey Michael 
Williams, James 



In Company A, Scott County was represented by private Alex- 
ander Osburn; in Company E, by })rivates Cliandler W. Ellswortli 
and Wm. F. Earliart; in Company II, by Sergeant David K. 
Webster. 



Ailjutdiits. 
Gustavus Schnit£;er, 
Joseph H. Freeman. 

Sergeants. 
Henry B.L udlow, 
Melville B. C. True 

Iloapitnl Stewaril. 
Arthur H. Needham. 

Bugler. 
John E. Williamson. 

Surgeons. 
Robert J. Hunter. 
Thomas H Jacobs, 
Walter H. Durand. 
Band Leader. 
Clement Brennan. 

Musician. 
Nelson Macomber. 

Co. C. — Captain. 
Henry Egbert. 

Lieutenants. 
Joseph H Freeman, 
Michael Connor, 
Benjamin F. Stiles, 

Sergeants. 
Benjamin F. Stiles, 
Henry Babcock, 
John N. Davis, 
Henry B. Ludlow, 
Nathan J. McKelvey, 
Ezra Cronkleton, 
Samuel Spencer, 
Isaac Gillmore, 
8eth Hartzel. 
George R. Wick, 
Edwin E. Goddard, 

Corporals. 
Moreau Carrol, 
Nelson Lovel, 
Dana O. Whitman, 
Edwin II. Hobart, 
Rudolpli Snyder, 
Michael Trucks, 
Wash B. Leamer. 

Wagoner. 
David Thomas. 

SaddUr. 
Joseph S. Petts. 



SECOND CAVALRY. 

Buglers. 
Nelson IMacomber, 
William Sliaw, 
Alfred Wells, 
Dalos Pliilps, 

Farriers. 
Walter M. Durand, 
John Parks. 
Truman B. Kelley, 

Privates. 
Armstrong, James B. 
Baker, George W. 
Babcock, Henry 
Bates, Hugh 
Bard, Isaac D. 
Becherer, (^'harles 
Carey, William H. 
Dillon, Marshal H. 
Follett, Franklin 
Freeland, Alexis M. 
Fuher, Henry 
Farley, Adolphus E. 
Fanning, John 
Gordan, James 
Hall, John A. M. 
Hughes, William R. 
Hewriter, Robert J. 
Hilbert, Joseph J. 
Jacobs, Thomas H. 
Kizer, James 
Kline, Ernst G. 
Kelsvy, Hugh 
King, Ebenezer 
Jjeamer, Wash. B. 
Lovel, Nelson 
Lincoln. SanfordE. 
Linton, Alfred 
Loftis, John 
Mason, James 8 
Mason, Kdvvin D. 
Melton, Sidney 
Murray, Eugene P. 
Myall, Frederick 
Melken, Henry 
Mitchell, Daniel K. 
McGee, Henr\' 
McKelvey, Nathan J. 
McElvane, Alvin 
Phelps, Delos 
Post. William 



Rea, Henry 

Stevens, Joel S. 
Schlagel, Charles 
Steel, Joseph L . 
Schlunl, Fidel 
Snyder, Daniel 
Snyder, Rudolph 
Scales, James 
Shaw, Wm. 
Ludlow, Henry B. 
Trucks, Michael 
Tann, George 
Wolfe, John A. 
Wolfe, Lucius H. 
Wicks, George R. 
Wilds, Thomas M. 
Welch, John C. 

Additional Enlistments. 
Connor, William T. 
Dunn, George F. 
Glover, Joseph 
Hewett, Samuel 
Kelsey, Usher M. 
Kirkpatrick, Ichabod 
Livingston, James 
Watson, Isaac 
Church, John C. 
Davidson, James W 
Gordon, SVilliam 
Gordon, James 
Hogan, Martin 
Jones, William A. 
Mann, James 
Melchard, Henry 
Miodlemus, James 
Pope, William A. 
Parks, John 
Ross, Francis 
Safe!)', James W. 
Simmons, Marvin L. 
Wade, John I. 
Scarfl; William 
Finlcy, John 
Taylor, James 
Bennett. Erastua W. 
Grace, Henry 
Hickson, Wm. H. 
Porter, James 
Murry, Tompson 
Price, Henry 



462 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUKTY. 



PeniT, EdwarJ 

SimmoQs, William H. 

Strong, Parmelee D. 

Ulam, Daniel W. 

Wood. Levi 

Wine}', Luciaa G. 

Co. C— Veterans — Cuptain 

Benjamin F. Stiles. 
Lieutenants. 

Micliael Connor, 

Henry L. Babcock. 
Sergeants. 

Isaac Gilmore, 

Dana O. Wuiiman. 
Oorporali. 

Ruiolph Suyder, 

Nelsoa Lovel. 
Michael Trucks. 
Saddler. 
James S. Mason. 
Privities. 
Bard, Isaac D. 
Bates, Hupli 
Becberer, Charles 
Carroll, Moreau 
Churcb, John C- 
Fuhes, Hinry 
Hewit Samuel 
Hall, John A. M. 
Hobert, Edwin H. 
Kelsey, Usher M. 
Kirkpatrick, I. Q. 
Liviagston, James 
Lincoln, Sanford E. 
Mason, Edwin D. 
Mann, James 
Middiemiis, James 
Post, William 
Safely, James W. 
Simmoas. Marvin L. 
Wells, Alfred 
Watson, Jsaas N. 

Co. R. — Captain. 
Frank A. Kendrick. 
Gustave Schnitger. 
Lieutenants. 
Anton Scheivr, 
James P. Metcalf. 
■'^ergeard.i. 
Hezekiah G. Dwire, 
Augustus Crone, 
Hiram J. Gardner, 
John Ackley, 
Perry L. Reed, 
Andrew J. Pierce, 
Augustus Crone, 
John Borchez, 
John W. Jennings, 
Niohola? Musfeldt, 
William Alrich. 



Corporals. 

John StouflVr. 

William H. Alrich, 

Theo. Philloud, 

Arthur H. Needham, 

Frederick Potman, 
. George Harbison, 

Warner Beherns, 

Augustus Sharp, 

Nicholas Musleklt, 

.John Branch, 

John Ackley, 

Louis W. Coleman, 

Ferdmand D ifiar, 

Frank Pilloud, 

John F. Fietclier, 

Jonathan Melvin, 

Charles Rees". 

Anderson S. Robinson, 
Buglers. 

Herman F. Bonorden, 

Lorenz Mdler, 

John E. Williim-on, 

William Dunderdale. 
Furriers. 

Frelerick Potman, 

John Stoufler, 

Michiel Schmi.1t, 

James TnracroT.'. 
Saddlers. 

George Stellar, 

Ezekiel L. Robsrts, 

George Ruge. 

Wagoner. 
Alexander C. Best. 
Prieates. 
Arnold, W. John 

Blacknixu. Hir.im 
Boerk, Henry 
Budde. Wil^ia'ii 
Brockman, Jac jb 
Branch, John ' 
Bdd,John 
Best, Alexander C. 

Bahl, William 
Beilke, Joseph 
Cbampenois, Paul 
Ciodt, Christian 
Dunderdale, William 
Downey. Alb( rt 
Davis, Tnomas H. 
Dead rick, Charles 
Eckbart, Charles 
Foster, G. William 
Frederick, Gustave 
Finley, Elwood 
Ferguson, Daniel B. 
Faxon. Thomas 
Gardn-r, Hiram 
Gilbert, Truman 
Grant, A. Samuel 
Hay ward. George 
Hass, C larles 



Harm an, Isaiah 
Hendrick, John 
Klughen, Henry 
Kirk, Heary 
Lamberge L. Daedlif 
Little, George 
Libbig, John 
Loring, Ge.irge 
Leggett, Thomas 
L'liiniual, Hans. 
Miller, Lnrenz 
JIusfeldt. Nicholas 
Mumra, Peter 
Prttterson, John P. D. 
Peters, Peter 
Pilloud, Theodore 
Pill )ud, Frank 
Paden, .lames A. 
Robinson, Anderson F. 
Ritz, Adolph 
Ruckenberge, John 
Ruge, Giorge 
Roberts, L. 
Schuning, Henry 
Stoltenberg, Hans. 
Seno, Andreas 
Stellar, George 
Swein. Charles 
S:hroeder, Adolph 
Schroeder, August 
Smith, Thomas 
Scherchel, C. 
Walker, John 
AVood, Mirtin 

Additional Enlistments. 
Bahl, Frank 
Bogue, Arthur 
Buck, Henry 
Colemann, Louis W. 
Felchner, John F. 
Harmann, Urias 
Dougherty, .James 
Hener, Henry 
Hellman, Adam 
Kulbert, Christopher 
Luders, George 
Mumm, Peter 
Mordan, William C. 
McDonald. James 
Stru'iel, Asa 
Stetien, Peter 
Upso3, Dav d L. 
Ward, John 
Cruse, Christian 
Huckstaekt, Emil 
Hendrickson, Abner 
Liaeham, Andrew 
Linderman, .Joseph 
Livingston, Wm. L. 
Pruss, Earaest F. 
Ruge, William 
Schmidt, Michael 
Williamson, John E. 





Cd^. 



CLy^^ 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



465 



Fey, William J. A. 
Brekner, Peter 
Ruby, James 
Gebliart, Lewis 
Hassler, John 
Drewing. Lewis 
Dressen" Henry 
Lowe, Henry 
McAlarney, Josepli I. 
Moeller, Hans. PL 
Scherer, Sebastian 
Haslar, Louis 
Riley, James 
Bahl, Henrj- 
Dougherty, Youug 
Fedick, John 
Mohlman, Frederick 
Schluniz, John 
Priess, John 
Schroeder, John 
Schluter, Charles 
Tiedraan, Clause 
Jennings, John W. 
Co. B- Veterans.—Captain 
Gastave Schmitzer. 

Lieutenants. 
James F. Metcalf, 
Augustus Crone. 

.Seryeants. 
John Brochers, 
John W. Jennings. 

CeirporaU. 
Glaus Hass. 
John F. Felchner, 



William Ruge, 
John Hechenberger. 

Jiuffler. 
Henry Kluglein. 

Privates. 
Brehner, Peter 
Boerk, Henry 
Budde, AVilliam 
ClO'lt, Christian 
Daugherty, Young 
Dollar, Ferdinand 
Fey, William J. A. 
Fredericks, Gustave 
Finley, Ehvood 
Hendricks, John 
Lubbe, John 
Peters, Peter 
Schlunts, John 
Schuening, Henry 
Stellar, Georce 
Schlueter, Charles 
Tiedemann, Clause 
Foster, Edmora P. 
Gilbert, Heary E. 
Gilbert, Christopher 
Heberling, Leonard L. 
Johnson, Thomas 
Zeigler, Nehemiah 
Eckerman, Dan C. 
Earl. Cyrus N. 
Freeland, John W. 
Glass, James W. 
Grant, Edward C. 
Gibson. Samuel M. 



Shaw, William H. 
Murry, Tompson F. 
Morrison, James W. 
McAlarny, John D. 
Petts, Jos. S. 
Russell, George P. 
Reitz, Adolph 
Williams, John 
Walker, Thomas 
Hawk, Jacob 
Hawk, Josiah 
Hewett Samuel 
Kirkpatrick, Ichabod 
Kelsey, Usher M. 
Livingston, James 
Penry, Edward 
Schlaus, John 
Yeerin, Wm. H. 
Barr, William M. 

Co. G. — Privates . 
Brady, James M. 
Briggle, John C. 
Chase, Thaddeuj O. 
Ferry, Miles 
Hall, John 
Kresner, Sylvester 
Hancock, John 

Unasnigned Recruits. 
Budd, Chas. H. 
Bennett, Erastus 
Japp, Josias 
Bingtord, John D. 
Chapman, Leander L. 
Ryau, William 
Conley, John W. 



Watson, Isaac H. 

In Coin]iany A were Captain Wm. B. Brunton, Sergeant 
Amasa Kinnan, and privates Thomas Stewart and James C. Mc- 
Neil ; Compan}- B, privates John Connor, "W. L. Tireman, Church 
Meigs, and David Hicks ; in Company F, Sergeant H. G. Dwire, 
and privates James W. English and Peter C. Frame ; in Com- 
pany H, privates David F. Louper, and Nicholas Fabricus ; in 
Company I, privates Wm. H. Record, Wm. J. Dale, and Thomas 
Kenley ; in Company K, Lieutenant Perry L. Reed and privates 
Adam Frimwood and James Telfair ; in Company L, Corporal 
Thomas Dulin and privates Orrin Brown, Frank B. Byland and 
Urban Cliapman ; and in Company M, privates John A. Smith, 
Melvin McMurry, Tliomas H. Jacobs and Wm. Oscar Hunter. 

The Second Cavalry had a large number of representatives from 
Scott Coutity, and the promotions made were as follows : Frank 
A. Kendrick, Capt. to JIajor ; Gustavu.s Schnitger, 2d Lieut., 
Captain and Major ; Henry B. Ludlow, Quartermaster-Sergt. to 
Quartermaster; William B. Brunton, Sergt. to '2d and 1st Lieut, 
and Captain ; Benjamin F. Stiles, Sergt. to 2d Lieut, and Cap- 
28 



466 



HISTOEY OF SCOTT COrNTT. 



tain ; Henry C. Babcouk, Sergt. to 2d Lieut, and Captain ; 
Michael Connor, 2d to 1st Lieut..; Isaac Gillmor, Sergt. to 1st 
Lieut.; Micliael Trucks, Sergt to 2d Lieut.; Augustus Crone, 
Sergt to 2d Lieut.; Hezekiah G. Dwire, Sergt to 2d Lieut.; 
Perry L. Reed, Sergt. to 2d Lieut. 



Co. I. — Second Lieut. 
Frazier W- Arnim. 

Privates. 
Brant, Clark 
BoWt, .John C. 
Bald, John 
Barebe, Christian 
Courtney, John 
Cook, William E. 
Edwards, William A. 



THIRD CAVALET. 

Fahrenking, Joachim 
Fredrick, Paul 
Fralech, Ambrose 
Florine, .Joseph 
Hibler, Frank 
Hellmuth, Casper 
Hanson, Gottfle'd 
Hill, George 
Kelso, William 
Mersh, John C. 



Mein, Lewis 
Nett, John J. 
Pruss, Earnest F. A. 
Pracher, .Tacob 
Rolls, Joachim 
Schuritz, William 
Whitney, Amos A. 
Clampet, William 
Murphy, Patrick 



JohnC. Crumriii and- 



-Patterson enlisted in Company E. 



SIXTH CAVALRY, 



Co. A. — Captain. 
John Gallegan. 

Sergeant. 
Henry Soedt. 

Corporals. 
Scott Stevens, 
Gerhard Kleinhessling. 

Teamster. 
Perry Moss. 

Famer. 
Frederick Wendt. 

Saddler. 
Edward Callendine. 

Privates. 
Ballard, William P. 
Blunk. Henry 
Bain, Patrick 



Bau^hman, Thomas W. 

Butler, Francis 
Davis, Jesse 
Ingerson, Niss 
Johnson, Nathaniel 
Jenks, Hiram 
Kochler, Henry 
Lorenzen, Ludwic 
Moll, John 
Meyer, John 
McKen/iie, Wm. S. 
Phillips, Frederick 
Seno, Andrew 

Veterans. 
Hopson, Henry X. 
Reese, Thomas L. 

Co.E. 
Bren, Joseph T. 
Cullars, Wm. E. 



Finch, Henry W. 
Frank, James M. 
Dake, Orin 
Stephens, John 
Bachelor, George 
Pinkerton, Isaiah 

erson, William 
Wallace, John 

Company Unknown. 
Brown, William 
Bryson, Jlyron 
Bay, Albert R. 
Conway, William 
Edwards, Charles 
Fellman, Frederick 
McGinnis, William 
Truax, Walter E. 
Teague, William J. 
Wamby, Thomas R. 



Boyd, Philip F. 

In Company C was private Frank Howard; in Company D, 
Wni. Coatney; in Company G, Thomas Carlington; in Company 
H, John H. Fisher and Frank Gottslie; in Company I, Laurence 
Cassidy, Michael Dedy, James Call, Peter G. Henningson, James 
Miller and Lemuel Miller; in Company L, Clinton Clark, Michael 
O'Donnell and John Wilson; and in Company M, Corporal James 
McGuire, Geo. C. Wright and Thotnas Carlington. 



Co. C — Trumpeter. 
George C. Hamlin. 

Privates. 
Alexander, Robert 



EIGHTH CAVALEY. 

Lancaster, Eli John 
Hart, Taber C. 

Co. E. — Lieutenant. 
Charles F. .A^nderson. 



Privates. 
Allen, Herman 
Costillo, Thomas A. D. 
England, William 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



467 



Privates. 
Lucas, William M. 
Coop, Philip 
Delano, Walter 

Co. M. — Trumpeter. 
William W. Scoti. 



Henning, Henry 
Myres Wm. C. 
Johnson, William C. 

Vo. L. — Seryeant. 
Francis A. Nitsky. 

Ill Company D was Henry Ilaiiiinann ; F, James M. Gray 
Thomas Mead and Henry Winchell. 



Privates. 
Blood, William 
Koscnleldl, Charles 
Wharton, Heury C. 
Kremer, Augustine 
Kook, George 



K, 



Sure/eon. 
Edwin Kirkup. 

Quartermaster. 
Jesse J. Grant. 

Co. B. — Lieutenant. 
Hugh T. Holmes. 
Corporal. 
Wilson, Greenlee. 



NIXTH CAVALRY. 

Privates. 
Brophy, Thomas 
Dickinson, Oren 
Oavi<, John 
Greelce, William C. 
Hale. Charles 
Kelly, William 
Luther, John 



Parte, Phillip 
Russell, Mitchel H. 
Schmenkey, Samuel 
Shaw, William H. 
Syms, James 
Smith, Andy 
Straiten, Josiah 
Williams, Wm. B. 



In Company A were John Blake and Eben B.' Wellman ; C, John 
Ilagerty; D, Israel Crouse and John P. Stevenson ; E, David, 
Potts ; G, Thomas Shropshire and John Spalley ; II, Nathan 
J. Lamer ; I, Charles W. Ilaujen ; K, David Pel ton and Ernest L. 
Kraemer ; and in Company M, George Alton, Milven £. McMurryj 
Jeremiah Payne, Michael Riggins, James A. Reynolds and George 
W. Stennett. 

The promotions were Hugh Thomas Holmes, Corp. to -Jd Lieut, 
and Captain ; John Hagerty, Q. M. Sergt. to 2d Lieut. 



Co. A — Sergeants- 
Joseph A. Scott, 
Henry Stuard. 

Corporals. 
Augustus Bradley, 
Noah Lawson. 

Drummer. 
Charles L. Gifford. 

Privates 
Banks, Solomon K. 



FIRST AFRICAX INFANTRY. 

Daniels, Samuel 
Davenport, Henry 
Hudson, James 
Henderdon, Thomas 
Henning, Henry 
Jackson, John 
McKnight, Jeft'erson 
Mosley, David 
Riddle, Thomas 

Additional Enlistments. 
Anderson, Peter 



Bush, Moses 
Green, Jacob 
Harris, John 
Henry, Nat. 
Kins'ow, James 
Walker, William 
White, William 
Woods, Philip 
Wakefield, Henry 
Walker, Henry 



Company C contained privates Henry Green and James Parker; 
Company D, Sergeant Wm. Hamilton and Alfred Johnson. 



TWELFTH MISSOURI INFANTRY. 



Co. I. — Captain. 
Johannes Ahelfeldt. 

Liruttnants. 
Robert Henne, 
Anthony Steffen. 



Seryeants. 
Ernst Arp, 
John Kaufmann, 
Adolplius Lot/., 
Peter Luebking, 



C'laus Rohwer. 

Corporals. 
Augustave Giesecke, 
Karl Haageii, 
John Seiverse. 



468 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



Privates. 
Ausborn, Eugene 
Behrens, Claus 
Behrens. John 
Bant, Henry 
Beyer, George L. 
Catle, William 
Dott, Philip 
Glien, Ludwig 
Goseh, .lolm 
Groenwalil, William 
Hartler, Hans 
Holfbaur, Charles 



Jaeger, Hans 
Karste, Andreas 
Krause, Theodore 
Kruse, Ernst 
Kuntze, Charles 
Luethen, John 
Martens, Augustus 
Meyers, Edward 
Niemann, Hans 
Pestel, Charles 
Peterson. Casper 
Ramm, John 
Schlapkohl, Fredericlc 



Schlapkohl, Henry 
Schla]ip, Philip 
Schluenz, Benedict 
Schlueter, .John 
Schmidt, Peter 
Sieljold, Ernst 
Siekel, Charles 
Stisser, Franic 
Stulhr, John 
Voss, Christian 
Weise, Henry 
Wulf, Hans 
Wunder, Henry 



SECOND MISSO0EI ARTILLERY. 



C". F. — Sergeants. 
Henry Hempel, 
Hermann Rohde, 
Lorenz Fischer. 

Corporal.'!. 
Henry Clausen, 
Herman Witte. 

Prientes 
Bauer, John 
Bosch, Edward 
Bock, Frederick 
Bolt, Joachim 



Behrens, Henry 
Berlin, Eggert 
Boyer, John 
Dickmann, Henry 
Detlef, Otto 
Eggers, Johannes 
Ehlers, Claus 
Gerds, Henry 
Grimm, Frederick 
Haulsen, Jeus 
Jupp, Christian 
Kochler, G. 
Kundt, Henry 



Kroeger, Mark 
Kruse, Frederick 
Pahl, Claus 
Pahl, Henry 
Peterson, Christian 
Pries, Henry 
Raabe, F. 
Rupp, Martin 
Schroeder, Frederick 
Schulte, Otto 
Theoming, Charles 
Warrensold, Henry 



THIRD AND OTHER REGIMENTS. 

In many regiments not included in the preceding there were 
representatives from Scott County. These are given in the follow- 
ing list: 

Third Infantry. — In this regiment were privates Robert Clarke 
George Harris, August Mauser, Joseph F. Parkhurst, companies 
unknown. 

Fourth In/fantry. — This included John Galligan, Lieut.-Colonel; 
and privates Jacob Geddes, Wirt Kempton, W. 0. McCord, Eli 
Robinson, George A. Tubble, Beattee E. Johnson, John Laughlin. 
Wm. A. Pliifer and Leopold Sanders, companies unknown. Among 
the additional enlistments were James M. Monroe, John I. Webb 
and James M. Wilson. 

Seventh Infantry. — This included Augustus Wentz, Lieut.- 
Colonel, and Privates Joseph M. Randolph, of Co. E; Eli H. Har- 
lan, of Company K, and Peter A. Esmole and John A. Smith, 
companies unknown. 

Ninth Infantry. — In this was private Charles Yivion, company 
unknown. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 469 

Tenth Infantry. — Nicholas Perczel, Colonel; privates Oliver 
Huiitle}', William II. Stiiison and Albert Tomlineou, of Company 
E,and Sergeant T.'A. Sloanaker and Corporal Torris T. Scott. 

Twelfth Infantry. — This included Wra. McMauus, of Company 
A; Jacob Graham and Ira Swain, of Company E, and James B. Mc- 
Gill, of Company II. 

Fifti:enth Infantry. — Company A contained privates Wra. 
Hershberger, James H. King, John Miller and George Knight. 
Company F contained Byron Riimse^'. 

Eighteenth Infantry. — This contained privates Otis T.Stewart, 
of Company E; Edward Bulfin, of Company K, and veterans Am- 
nion II. Damon, John C. Ililbert and Frederick Hesse, of Com- 
pany A. 

Nineteenth Infantry. — This Contained Eugene F. Clewell, of 
Compan\' E, and George ^V . Orr. company unknown. 

Twenty-second Infantry. — This contained privates Alfred F. 
King, of Company B; Jonas Denney andTliomas R. Loyd, of Com- 
pany G, and Peter S. Barry, James Conley and Philip Pitt, com- 
panies unknown. 

Twenty fourth Infantry. — In this was John Witherwax, Asst. 
Surgeon, and George S. Kizer, private of Company C. 

Tioenty-fifth Infantry. — In Company D, veterans, of this regi- 
ment were George P. Conrad, Wm. W. Dudley, Ely Denny, Jacob 
Hecker, John Luxemberger, Henry Piss and John Wilkin. 

Thirty-First Infantry. — Company A contained Franklin Iler- 
ron; B, W. W. Harter; C, James H. Ackerman; G, veterans Har- 
vey Emerson and Charles L. Kinniston. 

Thirty-Third Infantry. — This contained veterans George W. 
Shee, Company C, and Wm. J. Bowers, Company E. 

Thirty-Fourth Infantry. — Company G contained Philip Rose- 
man. 

Thirty-Fifth Infantry. — Private J. O. Valarnghan, Company 
E; Captain John Flanagan, Company II; veteran Alpheus W. 
Clongh, Company A, ami veterans August Falk, Robert Hawk 
and William Ilertzog, comj)any unknown, were in this regiment 

Thirty-Xinth Infantry. — In Company I were Dennis Shea and 
James J. Thorp. In Company K was Curtis J. Bales. 

lortieth Infantry. — In this were private Henry Whitcomb, 
Compan3- I; veteran Samuel Smith, Company K; and veterans 
Daniel Gorman and Francis Hardy, companj' unknown. 



470 HISTOEr OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Forty-Sixth Infantry. — In this regiment Scott County was rep- 
resented by Win. E,. Dodd. 

Forty- Eigldh Infantry. — In this were Win. T. Hayes, Adjutant, 
Sergeant B. Webster, Company B; private John H. Clark, Com- 
pany C, and Corporal John Wilkins, Company D. 

FourtJi Cavalry. — In Company A was Monroe M. Childs; in 
Company B, John Ireland; in Company E, John Spencer; in Com- 
pany F, Edward Jones and Andrew Y. Thompson; in Company, 
G, Alfred D. Bullard, John H. Clark, James B. Kenyon, William 
Moore and James M. Moss; in Company L, Jonathan Cranshaw, 
and in Company M, John McRoberts. 

Fifth Cavalry. — Company F of this regiment contained Chris- 
tian Fischer, Henry Franke, Charles Franke, John Thomas, Chris- 
tian Litscher, John T. Neht, Florian Seidel and Sidney Gipson. 

Seventh Cavalry. — This regiment contained John A. Grey, Sad- 
dler Sergeant; Second Lieut. Benjamin K. Roberts, and privates 
George Gardner, Augustus Herkert, John A. Grey and James 
Stevens, of Company A; privates James Maher, Wm. IT. Ward 
and Patrick Winn, of Company B; privates Jerome B. Ingle and 
Alexander Thomas of Company D; privates Daniel H. Clark and 
George HAmilton of Company E; Sergeant John H. Wellman, 
Corporal Wallace R. Turner, and privates Thomas Adamson, Hi- 
ram D. Barney, Robert S. Hazen, Daniel Keeth, Ira L. Hammer 
and Henry Vankirk of Company G; Corporal Wm. L. Dodge 
Farrier Ezekiel Weihrich, and privates Jesse W. Duvall, Wm. 
Stine and Charles G. Woodward of Company H; private Thomas 
Amery of Company F; privates Q. H. Brown and James Dugan 
of Company M: and ]irivates John Bolton, Alexander Conaway, 
Wm. B. McCready, Silas W. Stewart, James W. Smith and Edward 
Thompson, of companies unknown. 

Light ArtiUery. — In the First Battery was P. W. Starkweather; 
Second, Thomas J. Clark; Fourth, Henry Snyder, Wm. H. For- 
ney, Cornelius Peterson, Wm. H. Smith and Joseph Page. 

Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. — Company B contained Chas. L. 
Fessler, John Henry, Henry Hansen, James Moore, Arthur Patter- 
son and Thomas Randall; Company D, Oliver J. Cook, Orville B. 
Hazen and Mathew McCullough; and Company H, Albert H. Sid- 
ney, all privates. 

Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. — Company H, private Henry Ran- 
zow. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 471 

Seventeenth Illinois Infiintry. — Company E, private John P. 
Stibold; and Conipan}' H, private George Collins. 

Thirty -Seventh Illinois Infantiy. — Company A, privates Joseph 
C Atkinson, Lemon G. Chilis, Charles Doyle, Cyrus Earhart, 
Samuel D. lieges, Lewis F. Meyers and John Eaglan : and Company 
H, privates Peter Harrison and Wm. McGinnis. 

Forty-Second Illinois Infantry. — Company G, private George 
E. Wilson. 

Forty-Third I Llinois Infantry. — Company E, Sergeant Heinrich 
Rhode and privates Nicholas Bornholdt, lleinrich Kohberg, Henry 
Otto, Hans Rohwer, Tim Rohweder and Andreas Lima. 

Forty-Fourth Illinois Infantry. — Company K,Pliodore Howe, 
Henry Howe, Gustavus Howe, Charles Leppy, Samuel Moore, 
Jacob Strasser, John Schultz and John Schippeld; Company D, 
Franz Stimtner, and Company K, Benjamin Green — all privates. 

Sixty-Fifth Illinois Infantry. — Company B, Thomas Hough- 
ton and Ira M. Dayton, privates. 

Sixty-Sixth Illinois Infantry. — Company C, John P. Draper; 
and Companj^ I, Alex. Campbell, Reuben G. Foster, Wm. Sibolt, 
Otis E. Masun, Isaac P. Schuoley, and Ellis Y.Yan Epas, pri\ate6. 

E iyhty-Third Illinois Infantry. — Company C, private John 
W. Green. 

One Hundred and Twenty -Seventh Illinois Infantry. — Com- 
pany A, private William C. McManney; and Company B, James 
H. Fish, Wm. H. Stevens and Joseph L. Hey wood, privates. 

Fourth Illinois Cavalry. — Company M, George S. Franks and 
Andrew Johnson, privates. 

Seventh Illinois Cavalry. — Band, Henry G. Smith. 

Ninth Illinois Cavalry. — Company D, Joseph Hickson, private. 

Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. — Com])any E, private L. C. Logue. 

FiftySinth Illinois Veteran Infantry. — Company K, private 
Joseph Hines. * 

First Nebraska Cavalry. — Company G, Joseph Blanch, private. 

ROLL OF HOXOE. 

We subjoin a list of those from Scott County who perished in 
defense ot the L^nion. 

Lieut.-Col. Augustus Wentz— Killed in battle at Belmont, Mo., Nov 7, 1861. 
Maj. William A. Walker— Killed in battle near Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864. 
Qr.-Mast. Jesse J. Grant — Died at Benton Barracks, Mo., April 19, 1864. 
Capt. Miles P. Benton— Died at home xVpril 8, 1863. 



472 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Capt. Jonathan Sla^maker — Killed in battle at Fort Dont-lson, Feb. 15, 1862. 

Lieut. Enos Tichenor— Killed in battle at Corinth, Miss., Oct 3, 1862. 

Lieut. Elia Taylor— Died at Cassville, Mo., Oct 35, 1862. 

Lieut. William J. Steel— Died at Carrollton, La., Aug. 19, 1863. 

Lieut. Harrison Oliver — Killed in battle at Prairie Grove. 

Lieut. Samuel Diffin — Wounded at Kenesaw Mt., Ga , and died at Rome, Ga. , 
Aug, 23, 1864. 

Lieut. John G. Huntington — Killed in battle at Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3, 1862. 

Lieut. Hezekiah G. Davire— Killed in action near West Point, Miss., Feb. 
20, 1864. 

Armstrong, James B. — Died May 10, of wounds received at battle of Farming- 
ton, May 9, 1862. 

Alger, Delos — Killed April 8, 1865, at Spanish Fort, Ala., while in action. 

Boyer, Francis M. — Killed April 8, 1865, at Spanish Fort, Ala., in action. 

Blackman, Hiram — Died at St. Louis, Jan. 12, 1862. 

Berherns, Warner — Died at Davenport, Oct. 18, 1861. 

Brown, Orren R.— Died Jan 5, 1864, at Colliersville, Tenn. 

Boyer, John— Died at Jackson, July 18. 

Byland, Franklin— Killed Nov. 3, 1868, at Colliersville, Tenn. ' 

Boyd Philip F.— Died May 24, 1863, at Ft. Cook, D. T. 

Berry, Peter— Died Feb. 13, 1864, at Helena, Ark. 

Banks, Solomon K. — Died June 13, 1864, at Helena. Ark. 

Bradley, Augustus — Died Dec. 17, 1863, at Benton Barracks, Mo. 

Bren, Joseph T.— Died April 19, 1865, at Sioux City. 

Baner, John— Killed at Fourteen Mile Creek, May 12, 1862. 

Brock. Henry— Died Sept. 9, 18d3, at Carrollton, La. 

Benedict, Charles E.— Died Nov. 2, 1862, at Ford's Farm, Ark. 

Brophy Matthew — Killed July 8, 1863, in battle, at Vicksburg, Miss. 

Barrett, James F.— Died July 10, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. 

Bell, John L— Died Feb. 21, 1864, at New Orleans, La. 

Bowling, Harry H.— Killed at Millen, Ga., Dec. 3, 1864. 

Bauchman, Heinrich— Died Juue9,1863, at Cairo, 111. 

Bowman, Henry — Died Sept- 11, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. 

Burley, James — Died at Keokuk, April 23, 1862. 

Barteil, Victor N,— Died at St. Louis, Mo . Dec. 4, 1861. 

Blanchard, J. W.— Died ii: Regimental Hospital, at St. Louis, Sept, 26, 1861 

Beck, Charles F. — Died in Jefferson Barracks, Mo., March 2, 1862. 

Buckman.John R.— Killed, April 6, 1862, in battle at Shiloh. 

Brattain, Thomas.— Died in Genera! Hospital, at St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 21, 1862. 

Croak, George— Killed April 6, 1862, at Shiloh, Tenn., in battle. 

Christian, John S. — Died at St. Louis, April 29, 1862, of wounds received at 
Shiloh. 

Calvert, John.— Died at Le Claire, April 10, 1863. 

Cisco, James A— Died Nov. 1, 1863, at Little Rock, Ark. 

Carpenter, Orville P.— Died at Springfield, Mo., Nov. 22, 1862. 

Clark, Clinton— Died Jan. 2, 1863, at Davenport. 

Clewell, Eugene F.— Died Sept. 5, 1865, at New Orleans. 
Costan, Fredrick— Died Aug. 15, 1864, at Rome, Ga. 

Culbertson, William F.— Died Feb. 28, 1863. at Fayetteville. Ark., of wounds. 
Carnes, Richard— Killed Dec. 7, 1862, at Prairie Grove, Ark., in battle. 
Clapp, James E.— Died July 33, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. 



HISTOKT OF SCO'lT COUNTY. ' 473 

Cheney, Alexamler— Died July 10, 1862, of wounds received at Shiloh. 

Clark, Edwin— Died June, 1802, at Monterey, Miss. 

Dunderdalc, William— Died at St. Louis, June 19, 1862, from wounds received 

at Farmington, M.ay 9. 
Delano, Walter— Died March 27, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn. 
Davenport, Henry— Died April Vi. 1864, at Helena, Ark. 
Driskell, Samuel P.— Died Aug. 25, 1804, at Andersonville, Ga. 
Dilwortb, William Kich.nvd— Died Feb. 28, 1863, at Camp Bliss, Mo. 
Davis, James A.— Died Feb. 1, 1803 at Jackson, Tenn. 
Danford, Wm. R— Died at Elkhorii Tavern, Ark., Nov. 24,1862. 
Dose Nicholas-Died Sept. 10, 1803, at V'icksburg, Miss. 
Davenport, William A.— Died Aug. 5, 1864, at Memphis, Tenn. 
Dean, P. Thom,as— Died Jan. 11, 1862, at Jefferson City, Mo. 
Dow, James G.— Died at Memphis, Tenn , Oct. 2,5, 1863. 
Downs, John W— Killed in battle at Corinth, Miss., Oct. 4, 1862. 
Dodds, Robert S— Died at Pleasant Valley, July 8. 1862. 
Earhart, William F.— Died Jan. 7, 1865, at Little Rock, Ark. 
Edwards, Benjamin— Died .Sept. 18, 1804, at Marietta, Ga. 
Ernst, Henry— Died Oct. 4, 1802, at Jackson, Miss. 
Frame, Peter C— Died March 11, 1803, at Davenport. 
Fabricus, Nicholas— Died Aug. 6, 1865, at Huntsville, Ala. 
Flanagan, John — Died March 19, 1864, at Memphis, Tenn. 
Fitchner, Charles I.— Died Feb. 11, 1862, at C^alifornia, Mo. 
Goddaril, Edwin E.— Died March 28, 1864. at Memphis, Tenn. 
Grimm. Frederick— Died Nov. 23, 1862. 

Gray, James A— Killed June 20, 1864, at Powder Springs, Ga. 
Green, Henry — Died April 2, 1865. 

Graham, William— Died Aug. 2S, 1862, at New Orleans, La. 
Goerlick, Joseph— Died June 15, 1864, at Aranzas Pass, Texas 
Guthrie, William— Killed Feb. 15, 1872, at Fort Donelson, Tenn. 
Gottbeoht, August— Died Sept. 5, 1864, at Rome, Ga., of wounds. 
Gear, Richard— Killed July 28, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga. 
Graak, Karl— Killed at Shiloh. 

Grimm, Fritz— Killed April 8, 1865, at Spanish Fort, Ala., in battle. 
Hilburt, Joseph J.— Died at St. Louis, Jan. 12, 1862. 
Howard, J.— Died at Memphis, Tenn., March 20, 1803. 
Hansey, Godfrey— Died May 22, 1S04, at Little Rock. Ark. 
Hellmuth, Casper— Died Jan. 0, 1864, at Devall's Bluffs, Ark. 
Hunter, Wm. Oscar— Died Oct. 2, 1862, at Davenport. 
Hamilton, AVilliam— Died July 24,1865, at Little Rock, Ark. 
Hancock, John— Died July 11, 1864, at Mempliis Tenn. 
Henderson, Alexander M.— Died Aug. 17, 1802, at Springfield, Mo. 
Hunt, Waller J. L.— Died Dec. 14, 1862, at Fayetteville, Ark., of wounds. 
Heath, Joseph F.— Died Sept. 12, 1S03, on Steamer " Metropolitan. " 
Hcnson, Marx— Died Aug. 14, ISOi, at Andersonville Prison. 
Hamann. Hans F.— Killei July 20, 1804, at Nick-a-jack Creek, Ga., in battle. 
Holtel. Enos— Died Oct. 20, 1803, at Memphis. Tenn. 
Halderman, Newton A.— Died May 15, 1802, at St. Louis, Mo. 
Hinger, Bartus— Died in general hospital at Cairo, Oct. 25, 1861. 
Hoge, John W.— Killed at Shiloh. 
Hale, Joljn P.— Died at Sedalia, Miss., Nov. 20, 1861. 



474 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Howell, George W.— Killed at battle of Fort Donelson, Feb. 1.5, 1863. 
Ireland, John — Killed Oct. 16, 1863, at Brownsville, Miss. 
Jackson, John — Died, Not. 19, 1864, at Helena, Ark. 
Jack, James G. — Died on steamer "Citj- of Memphis" July 10, 1863. 
Jacobs, Josephus — Died Sept. 4, 1863, at Carrollton, La. 
Jacobs, Heinrich— Died Sept. 10, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. 
Kizer, James — Died at St. Louis Jan. 3, 1862. 

Kramer, Ewnest F. — Drowned in White River, Ark., Aug. 13, 1864. 
Kleinhesslinz, Gerhard — Drowned near Ft. Randall, D. T., in the Missouri River 
June 1.5, 1863. 
King, Ebenezer — Died Aug. 32, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. 
Kar.ste, Andreas — Died in Samaritan Hospital, St. Louis, Oct. 13, 1863. 
Kiraes— Died Nov. 20, 1862, at Prairie Grove, Ark. 
Knoche, John— Killed, June 27, 1864, at Kenesaw Mt., Ga. 
Kuhl, Glaus — Died at Si. Louis,June 6, 1863, of wounds received at Shiloh. 
Kelley, Joseph S.— Died Feb 19, 18'J.5, at Rock Island, 111. 
Kelly, Edwin— Died July 12, 1863, at Corinth, Miss. 
Krummel, Chris. 6.— Died May 11, 1863. 
Lillienthall, Hans— Died May 30, 1864, at Memphis, Teun. 
Luders, George— Died Oct. 24, 1864, at Memphis, Tenn. 
Lambert, Aaron P.— Died Oct. 27, 1863, at Springfield, Mo. 
Lehman, Jacob— Died March 30, 1863, atGoldsboro, N. C. 
Leyle, Joseph R.— Killed April 9, 1864, at Pleasant Hill, La., in battle. 

Lavender, Leonard — Died Sept. 11, 1863, at Columbus, Ky. 

Mosely, David— Died Aug. 22, 1864, at Helena, Ark. 

Morgan, Sydenham W. — Killed in battle of Ark. Post, Jan. 11, 1863. 

Myall, Fredrick G.— Killed in battle at Okolona, Miss., Feb. 23, 1864. 

Martin, James — Killed at Kenesaw Mountain, G., June 15, 1864, in battle. 

McKight, Jefterson— Died March 11, 1864, at Helena, Ark. 

Miles, Thomas B.— Killed Dec. 7, 1862, in battle at Prairie Grove, Ark . 

McCormick, Charles — Died Aug. 23, 1883, on hospital steamer. 

McMahan, William H.— I-)ied March 3, 1863, at Ozark, Mo. 

Murry, Thomas— Died Aug. 3, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn. 

McKenney, Rioliard — Died March 13, 1863, at Springlield, Mo. 

Magill, John — Drowned on the passage to St Louis. 

Meenig, John— Kdled Deo. 7, 1883, at Prairie Grove, Ark., in battle. 

Murray, William— Died Dec. 29, 1862, at Fayetteville, Ark., of wounds. 

Miller, James W.— Died Dec. 25, 1861, at St. Louis, Mo. 

Mielok, Otto— Died near Corinth, July 10, 1863. 

Moore, Henry R.— Died Feb. 11, 18G3, at Davenport. 

McDonald, Donald— Died Nov. 8, 1861, at -St. Louis, Mo. 

Melton, John — Killed in the battle at Shiloh. 

Mansell, James C— Died at Corinth, Miss., Oct. 5, 1862. 

Minor, Martin L. — Died Jan. 1, 1863, at Cincmnati, O. 

McCullough, Ebenezer— Died Aug. 3, 1862, at Corinth, Miss. 

Nass, John F.— Died May 21, 1862, at Corinth, Miss. 

NilsoD, James— Died Oct. 26,1861. 

Neben, John— Died at Corinth, Nov. 26, 1862. 

Nehm, Hans Juer)-- Killed in battle Aug. 10, at Wilson Creek. Mo. 

Oliver, David C— Wounded at Shiloh and died at Monterey, June 1, ISSS. 

Pollock, Joseph^Died at Cassville, Mo., Nov. 4, 1862. 



HISTORY OF SCorr COUNTY. 475 

Puck, Eggert — Died near Coriuth, June 11. 1802. 

Phelps, Dallas — Died Murch 16, 1803, at Geruiantonn, Tenn. 

Peters, Johau— Died at Memphis, Tenii., .July 7. 1864 

Powell, Walter— Died Sept. 2:i, 1803, at ALou, 111. 

Preston, Thomas — Drowned in the jMi-sissippi River, Sept. 7, 1804. Accideutally 

Pines, Mathias D — Died May 19, 1864, at Memphis, Tenn. 

Pdustain, Hans— Died Oct. 2, 1863, at Columbus, Ohio. 

Pentith, Francis — Died June 14, 186J, at Corinth, Miss. 

Peasley, Francis— Died Dec. 12, 1861, at St. Louis, Mo. 

Palmer, D ivid D— Died at Memphis, Tenu, July, 23, 1864. 

Page, Garfield S.— Killed at Fort Donelson, Feb. 1.5, 1862. 

Pries, Henry— Died Oct. 10, 1762. 

Perry. James -Killed October, 1863, while oa an expedition with 1st Ala. Cav. 

Peterson, Elward— Killed in battle at Ft. D.Kielson, Feb. 1.5, 1862. 

Quinn, Christopher — Died April, 1802, of wounds. 

Keeps, Lewis— Died at Oswego Springs, Ark., Oct. 31, 1863. 

Ralstoi. Robert S.— Died Nov. 28, 1862. 

Reynolds, Hiram-.-Reported dead Nov. 25, 1862, Springfield, Mo. 

Reimers. Johann -Diel ne ir Corinth, June 16, 1832. 

Rudd. James— Died at Memphis, Tenn. 

Russell, Wiliam C— Killed in battle at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1863. 

Robinson, Charles .M.— Died March 8, 1853, at Sedalia, Mo. 

Roberts, John D.— Died Sept. II, 1865. at Tuskegee, Ala. 

Sharp, Augustus— Died at St Louis, Feb. 3, 1802. 

Steel, Francis M.— Killed in battle at Prairie Grove, Dec 7, 1862. 

Stoltenberg, Hans— Died at Jefferson Barracks, July 27, 1802. 

Schroeder, Adolph— Died at Corinth, Oct. 20, 180 i. 

Schlegel, Charles — Died Aug. 25, 1.804, at Colliersville, Tenn. 

Synis, James— Die! at St. Louis, Mo , April 15, 1864. 

Scott, Joseph A.— Died April 12, 1804, at H'-lena, Ark. 

Stetl'en, Stephen— Died Oct. 24, 1804, at Memphis, Tenn. 

Snively, George W. — Died Nov. 7, 1864, at Milieu, Ga., of starvation, while a 

prisoner of war. 
Statton, Levi— Died at Springfield, Mo., Dec. 23, 1862 
Shuman, Christian— Died Aug. 18, 186J, at St. Louis, Mo. 
Scott, Joseph A.— Died April 12, 1864, at Helena, Ark. 
Seaman, Ezra— Died Aug. 28, 186), at CarroUton, La. 
Sullivan Duul. M. — KilKd at battle of Prairie Grove. 
Sissell, John J.— Died at Springfield, Mo., Dec. 3, 1863. 
Stewart, Otis T.— Died Nov. 32, 1803, at Springfield, Mo. 
Sturdevant, Ben. H.— Died at Rolla. Mo., Sept. 10, 1803. 
Schwartz, Johinn— Died at Camp No. 2, near Shiloh, April 32, 1802. 
Schulz, August— Died at Davenport, Iowa, May 25, 1862. 
Sullivan, Denis — Died at Davenport in Camp McClellan. 
Shield, William— Died in hospital at .Fackson, Tenn., Oct. 3, 1863. 
Schlosser, Fritz— Died July 18, ls63, near C)rinth, Miss. 
Shadle, John — Died^Aug. 10 1864, at Aadersoaville prison. 
Schmidt, Peter D. — Died May 13, 1804, of wounds, at Memphis, Tenn. 
Seymour, Bavil— Killed Oct. 4, 1863, at Corinth, Miss. 
Shook, Jonathan R.— Died June 21, 1803, at Keokuk. 
Speed, Jacob- Died Oct. 25, 1863, at Cairo. HI. 



476 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Sick, Frederick.— Drowned March 36, 1864, at Pulaski, Tenn. 

Tompson, Stephen— Died July 38, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. 

Tisdale, John A.— Died June 30, 1864, at New Orleans, La. 

Taylor, Robert — Died at Cincinnati, July 11, 186J, of wounds received at 
Shiloh. 

Tompson, James A. — Died in February, 1863, at Jackson, Tenn. 

Tedford, Robert A.— Died Aug. 1, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga. 

Thomson, Moses — Died at home, August, 1861. 

Williams, Oscar G.— Killed Sept. 27, 1838, at Cantralia, Mo. Murdered by- 
guerrillas. 

Wolf, John A.— Died Aug. C, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. 

Wunder, Henry— Died at Rolla, Mo., March 13, 1863. 

Weise, Henry- Died at Milliken's Bend, La., July 2, 1863. 

Wolf, Lucian H.— Die! April 14, 1864, at Memphis, Tenn. 

Wulf, Hans — Killed in action before Vicksburg. 

Wicks, George R-Died at Corinth, Oct. 28, 1862. 

Wood. Martin— Diei at New Madrid, April 10, 1362. 

Williams, Silas— Died Oct. 5, 1863, at New Orleans, La. 

West, Joseph v.— Killed Sept 19, 1863, at luka, Miss., in battle. 

Wilkin, Frederick— Died near Corinth, June 13, 1863. 

Whitnell, Charles L.— Killed at Shiloh. 

Wulf, Christian D.— Died July 18, 1864, at Rome, Ga. 

Work, Alexander- Died July 22, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga., of wounds. 

Wichman, August — Died Aug. 38, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. 

Work, James— Died at Camp Denisou, Ohio, April 36, 1863. 

Ward, James H.— Died April 28, 1863, at Sivannah, Tenn , of wounds. 

Wright, Heinrich— Died of wounds. 

Wheeler, Henry C. — Drowned in Mississippi River, Aug. 16, 1861. 



ClIAi'TEIl X. 
RAILROADS. 

The question of a railroad connecting Davenport with the East- 
ern States very early began to be agitated by the leading men of 
the county. The lirst enterprise was the Rock Island & La Salle 
ilailroad. In this the citizens of Scott County evinced as much 
interest as those upon the o])])Osite side of the river, and in aid of 
its construction voted $25,000. Among those active in this work 
were A. C. Fulton, James Grant, xVlfred Sanders and others. 

A. C. Fulton, as early as lSi2, made soundings and a measure- 
ment of the river at Davenport, and urged the building of a rail- 
road from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, bridging the Father 
of Waters between Kock Island and Davenport. The Gazette, un- 
der date Dec. IS, 18-i5, also urged the building of this road and 
argued its importance and the feasibility of bridging at this point. 
Fulton and Sanders were ahead of their times, but each lived to 
see the fruition of their hopes. 

CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND >t PACIFIC RAILROAD. 

The Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company was incorporated 
by special charter granted by the Legislature of Illinois in 1851. 
In those days executing the privileges of charters required some- 
thing like a herculean perseverance and adamantine courage. It 
was a brave, strong etK)rt to lead the way for civilization, waiting 
patiently for a reward, and earning it long before it was received. 

Its main line was completed trom tlie city of Chicago to Rock 
Island, a distance of 181 A miles, in August, 1854, and tlie event 
was made the occasion of a grand celebration. The people of the 
Mississippi hailed tlie new road as the link that united them with 
the world. Settlements began to sjjring up on eitiier end of the 
line, and the tide of civilization moved rapidly on. In 1852 the 
Mississippi ife MisscQiri Railroad Company was incorporated in 
Iowa, with power to build and operate a railroad trom the eastern 
line of the State of Iowa by way of Des Moines, to Council Blufis, 
on the Missouri River. 

(477) 



478 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

On the the 17th day of January, 1853, an act was passed by the 
General Assembly of the State of Illinois, entitled " An Act to 
Incorporate a Bridge Company by the Title therein named," of 
which Joseph E. Sheffield, Henry Farnham, J. A. Matteson, and 
N. B. Judd were the sole incorporators. This company was in- 
corporated for the purpose of constructing a railroad bridge across 
the Mississippi River, connecting the Chicago & Rock Island 
Railroad with the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad, at Davenport, 
Iowa. The capital stock was $400,000, raised on 400 bonds of 
$1,000 each, the payment of which was guaranteed by the Chicago 
& Rock Island Railroad Company and the Mississippi & Missouri 
River Railroad Company. The work of location and construction 
commenced in the spring of 1854, under Henry Farnham as chief 
engineer, and John B. Jarvis, as consulting engineer. B. B. 
Brayton had charge of the work as resident engineer. The corner- 
stone of the first pier of the bridge was laid in the presence of a 
large number of the citzens of Rock Island and Davenport, Hon. 
Joseph Knox, Ebenezer Cook, George E. Hubbell and others 
making appropriate remarks on the occasion. By the spring of 
1856 the entire work was completed, and attracted the attention 
of travelers, historians and scholars from every part of the coun- 
try. It was deemed a great triumph of art, a noble achievement 
of enterprise, to connect the eastern and western banks of the 
Father of Waters with a continuous railway, over which the prod- 
ucts of Iowa might roll onward to Eastern markets without delay. 
The bridge is 1,580 feet long and 30 feet high across the Missis- 
sippi to the Island, and 450 feet across the slough, from the Island 
to the Illinois shore. The entire cost of both bridges, and the 
railroad connecting them across the Island, was about $400,000. 
The number of boats that passed through the draw during: the 
year 1S57 was 1,024. and the number of rafts during the same time 
was 594. On the 6th of April, 1S56, a large and s])lendid steam- 
boat called the " Effie Afton," while attempting to pass the Rock 
Island draw of the bridge in a gale of wind, was thrown against the 
draw pier, and, rebounding, swung around the stone pier east of the 
draw, and the smoke-pipes, coming in contact with the superstruct- 
ure, were thrown down, setting fire to the toat in several places. 
She stuck fast under the bridge, and the flames from the boat 
ignited the frame work of the bridge, and burned off the end of the 
span, which fell, and, with the burning hull of the boat, floated 
three-quarters of a mile down the river. During the summer and 
fall of 1856 this burnt span was constructed anew. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTi'. 479 

Jan. 1, 1853, the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company 
was organized. Tlie capital stock was $6.ii(iO,000, of shares of 8100 
each. The corporation was to continue 50 years from date. Five 
per cent, of subscription was to be paid down, and the remainder 
in installments of not more than 20 per cent, of the full amount, 
and at intervals of not less than three months. The highest amount 
of indebtedness which could 'be incurred was $-1,000,000. John A. 
Dix, of New York, was elected president. Sept. 1, 1S53, the first 
ground was broken on the road. The first passenger train that left 
Davenport was on the 22d of August, 1855. 

The expenses attending the litigation over the bridge was such 
as to involve tlie Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company, and 
it failed to meet its guarantees. The Chicago & Rock Island as- 
sumed the responsibility, thereafter paying interest and principal. 
In 1S66 the Mississippi & Missouri Railway Company failed to 
meet the mortgages given to secure the payment of moneys bor- 
rowed and expended in the construction. Its land grant also lapsed 
through inability to execute its designs. The mortgages were 
foreclosed, and the property purchased by the " Chicago, Rock 
Island & Pacific" Company of Iowa, a corporation organized in the 
organization of the Chicago ife Rock Island Railroad Company. On 
the 20th of August, ISGO, the Illinois and Iowa companies consoli- 
dated under the name of the Chicago, Rock Island <k: Pacific Rail- 
road Company. 

The main line now extended from Chicago to Rock Island in Ill- 
inois, and from Davenport to Kellogg, within 44 miles of Des 
Moines, in Iowa, the former 181^ miles, the latter 131 miles. The 
Oskaloosa brancii extended from Wilton Junction, by way of Mus- 
catine, to Washington, and was 5il miles in length. During lS67-'9 
the main line was extended through Des Moines to Council 
Bluft's, 1S6 additional miles, the entire line being open for traSic in 
June, 1869. 

In 1868 the secretary ot war was authorized to construct a new 
iron bridge over the Mississi])])i at Rock Island, and to grant to the 
company a right of way over the island and bridge. 

It was mutually agreed that the Government should erect the 
new iron bridge with a draw, the company undertaking to remove 
the old bridge from the channel and to defray one-half the ex- 
pense of the construction and repair ot the superstructure. The 
contract was met by both parties, the arrangement proving en- 
tirely satisfactory. 



480 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Since its organization the Rock Island Company has been very 
prosperous, and it now occupies a high position among the great 
railroads of the United States. Its stock stands high on the market. 
It has absorbed numerous small roads and faeders throughout Illi- 
nois and Iowa, and its system is a complete network over the coun- 
try whose trade it carries. 

CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE i ST. PAUL. 

This road was first known as the Davenport & St. Paul Railroad, 
and the first steps were taken in its organization in 1S6S. In 1870 
it was completed from Davenport through the county. In 1874 the 
road was placed in the hands of a receiver, at which time it was com- 
pleted to Fayette, la., and a branch from Eldridge to Maquoketa, 
about 160 miles of road. Aug. 1, 1880, it passed under the control 
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, and is 
now operated as part of the Racine & Southwestern Divison of that 
road. 




CHAPTER XI. 

PIONEER SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 

A society for the preservation of historical events of a nation, 
State, county or town is a commendable aflPair. The lessons of tiie 
past teach us the duties [)ertaining to the future. The fires of pa- 
triotism, the love of country or of home, is strengthened by a nar- 
ration of such important events as tend to stir the blood or quicken 
to life those divine affections in man. Many a youth has chosen 
the life of a soldier from reading accounts of the great battles and 
glorious deeds of an Alexander, a Hannibal, a Napoleon, a Well- 
ington, or our own brave and noble Washington. The lists of 
statesmen have been augmented bv the example of a Pitt, a Web- 
ster, a Clay, or Calhoun. Patriotism and love of country have 
been awakened by reading the sublime utterances of Patrick Henry, 
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Stephen A. 
Douglas. The love of homt', love of parents and kindred, have been 
strengthened by oft-told tales of the aged father or mother, espe- 
cially of that pioneer father and mother who toiled early and late, 
hard and long, in order to give their descendants the priceless boon 
of a home of plenty and of peace, of refinement and love. 

At a meeting of the Old Settlers of Scott County, who became 
residents prior to Dec. 31, 1S40, held in Le Claire Hall, Davenport 
pursuant to a notice in the daily papers, on the evening of Saturday, 
Jan. 23, 1858, some 60 persons were assembled. The meeting was 
called to order by Duncan C. Eldridge, whereupon Ebenezer Cook 
was elected chairman and John L. Coffin secretary of the meeting. 

The chairman, on taking his seat, expressed with a few happy 
remarks the pleasure whicli it gave him to meet so many of his old 
friends on this occasion, and alluded to the warm interest he liad al- 
ways felt in those who had stood side by side with him in the hard- 
ships and struggles incident to the early settlement of thi-s county. 
He said *' t'lat if there was anything of good about hiin, if he had 
ever been of any service to this community, and in fact for all ho 
was at this day, he felt himself indel)ted to the early settlers of 
this county, who had always stood by him; that he had always 
29 (483) 



484 HISTOBY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

been willing to divide the last crust of bread with anyone of them 
that needed, and he prajed to God that so long as he lived he 
might be disposed to divide with them the last shirt on his back, 
if any one of them required it." 

On motion of James Mcintosh, a committee oH five was ap- 
pointed by the Chair to draft a preamble and resolutions for organ- 
izing the association. The Chair appointed James Mcintosh, Will- 
ard Barrows, John F. Dillon, D. E. Eldridge and Edward Richer. 

AVhile tlie committee was absent the meeting was entertained 
by some remarks b^' Wm. McCanimon, and by the Hon. John P. 
Cook. The comaxittee then presented the following preamble and 
resolutions which were unanimously adopted : 

Whereas, It was our destiny as American citizens, excited by a 
spirit of laudable enterprise, to be the pioneers in the settlement 
of this fair and fertile section of our State; and, whereas, it seems 
desirable that we should perpetuate the memory of that settlement, 
and from time to time recall the history of the past, so rich in inci- 
dent of great and varied interest; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That all th(ise who became residents of the territory 
now known as Scott County, in Iowa, prior to Dec. 31, 1840) 
form themselves into a sot;iety, the object of which shall be to ex- 
tend the right hand of fellowship to all those who have lived 
through the honorable conflict of the past, to share and enjoy the 
prosperity of the present, and to interchange congratulations that 
their early struggles and hardships have resulted in a growth and 
development almost without a parallel. 

Resolved., That this association be known by the name of " The 
Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott County." 

Resohed, That its officers shall consist of a president, ten vice- 
presidents, a secretary and treasurer, and an executive committee 
of five members, said committee to be appointed by the president- 

Resolved, That a committee of three members be a]>pointed by 
the Chair to di-aft a constitution and by-laws to be submitted for 
adoption at the next meeting. 

Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed to 
make arrangements for a festival, to be held in this city on the 22d 
day of February, 1858. 

Resolved, That tickets of invitation be sent to all "Pioneer Set- 
tlers " who have since become non-residents of this county. 

Several names were suggested by which the society was to be 
known, and a considerable discussion ensued. The name by which 
it is now known was finally adopted. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 485 

The Chair appointed Judge "Weston, John F. Dillon, and C. C. 
Alvord. Committee on Constitution and By-Laws; and appointed 
Willard Barrows, A. H. Owens, James Mcintosh, Geo. L. Daven- 
port and D. C. Eldridge, a Committee on Festival. . 

On motion of John F. Dillon, it was voted tliat all those settlers 
whose wives came here prior to Dec. 31, 1840, be admitted to the 
festival. 

The association then proceeded to elect its first officers, which 
resulted in the choice of tiie following named gentlemen: Antoine 
Le Claire, President; Ebenezer Cook, Duncan C. Eldridge, Willard 
Barrows, John Owens, Robert Christie, William Cook, Jabez A. 
Birchard, Adrian II. Davenport, Alexander Brownlee, Leroy 
Dodge, Vice-Presidents; Dr. E. S. Barrows, Corresponding Sec- 
retary ; John L. Coffin, Recording Secretary; Hon. .George B. Sar- 
gent, Treasurer. 

On motion of H. L. Fenley, that a committee be appointed to 
ascertain the names of pioneer settlers prior to Dec. 31, 1840 
who have since died or removed, the Chair appointed II. L. Fin- 
ley, Wm. McCammon and J. K. James said committee. 

On motion of Judge "Weston it was voted that the proceedings 
of this meeting be ])ublished in the dail}' and weekly papers of 
this city. 

"Voted to adjourn until next Saturday evening at same place at 7 
o'clock. 

At the second meeting of "The Pioneer Settlers' Association of 
Scott County " held pursuant to adjournment in Le Claire Hall, on 
Saturday evening, Jan. 30, 1858, Antoine Le Claire, President, 
in the chair. 

The president appointed Judge Charles Weston, Willard Bar- 
rows. Hon. John P. Cook, Jabez A. Birchard and Dr. E. S. Bar- 
rows the Executive Committee for the ensuing year. 

The report of the Committee on Constitution was then presented 
and adopted. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Whereas, It was our destiny to be the pioneers in the settle- 
ment of this fair and fertile section of our State; and, whereas, our 
lives have been bounteously lengthened out through the honorable 
conflict of the past to enjoy the prosperity of the present; and, 
whereas, the number of pioneers is rapidly decreasing, and must 
soon be removed by death from the earthly scene of their strug- 



486 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COTJNTT. 

gles and triumphs; and whereas we feel a just pride in sjathering 
and preservins: the memorials of a settlement that has resulted in 
a growth and development so greiit; and feeling that the recollec- 
tions of the past, the felicity of tlie present, and iiopes of the future 
link us together as a brotherhood, wo do now order and establisli 
tbis : 

Article I. Tliis association shall be called The Pioneer Set- 
tlers' Association of Scott County. 

Article II. The officers shall be a president, ten vice-presi- 
dents, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and treasurer. 

Article III.— Sec. 1. The president shall preside at the 
meetings of the association, preserve order therein, and in case of 
an equal division upon any question, give the casting vote. He 
shall call special meetings of the association when such ina}' be 
necessary, and also when requested to do so by any five members 
of the association. 

Sec. 2. In case of the absence of the president or his ina- 
bility to act, the senior vice-president shall perform liis duties. 

Sec. 3. The recording secretary of the association shall keep a 
true record of all its proceedings, and shall keep a register, called 
the " Pioneer's Register," and perform sucli otlier duties as may 
from time to time be assigned him. 

Sec. 4. The corresponding secretary shall receive, read to the 
association and answer all communications addressed to it, and 
shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be 
assigned Idni. 

Sec. 5. Tiie treasurer shall have charge of the finances of the 
association and collect and disburse all moneys, and render an 
account at the expiration of his term of office, and hand over 
all money, books and pajiers to his successor. 

Sec. 0. The present officers shall hold their respective offices 
until the meeting of the association next preceding the annual 
festival, which meeting shall be held each yearon tlie first Monday 
of February. All officers siiall be elected annually at that meet- 
ing by ballot, or in such other manner as the association may 
direct. 

Article IV. — Sec. 1. After each annual election the presi- 
dent shall appoint an executive committee, consisting of five 
members, whose duty it shall be to provide for the annua! festival, 
and this committee shall take charge of and regulate all matters 
pertaining thereto. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 487 

Sec. 2. The president at tlie same time shall appoint a 
committee of three members whose duty it shall be to select a 
suitable person to deliver the address before the association on the 
day of the next succeeding annual festival. 

Articlk V. — Sec. 1. All male persons who are residents of 
Scott County, and who were residents of said county on or before 
theSIst day of December, A. D. 1840, who married wives, who 
were residents as above, and who are of good moral character, are 
eligiBle to membership. 

Sec. 2. Names of persons proposed tor admission shall be 
handed in in writing, and be announced to the association, where- 
upon the president shall appoint a committee of three members to 
examine into the qualifications of the applicant, which committee 
shall I'eport at the same meeting if practicable. If such report be 
favorable the association shall vote upon the question of his ad- 
mission and the applicant shall be rejected if one-third of the mem- 
bers present shall vote against him. 

Sec. 3. Every member shall sign this constitution and pay 
to the treasurer one dollar at the time of doing so, and one dollar 
annually thereaftei'. and such assessment as may from time to 
time be levied upon them by the association. 

Sec. 4. All persons who were residents of Scott County on 
or before the Slst of December, A. D. 1840, and who have since be- 
come non-residents as well as pioneer settlers in other parts of the 
State, and in any other States and Territories, may be elected hon- 
orary members in the same manner above provided for the election 
of members. 

Article YI.— Sec. 1. Any member may be expelled for such 
cause as two-thirds of the members present may deem sufficient. 

Article VII. — Sec. 1. There shall be an annual festival of 
this society to be held in the city ot Davenport on the 22d ot Feb. 
ruary each year during the continuance of this society; if the day 
above fixed shall fall on Sunday in any year, the festival shall occur 
on the Saturday preceding or Monday succeeding, as the Execu- 
tive Committee shall determine. 

Sec. 2. Every member and honorary member and the wives 
of such, and the widows of pioneer settlers, are entitled to be pres- 
ent at the festival, and no other persons are so entitled unless by 
vote of the society. Any member may bring a daughter or other 
female relative in lieu of his wife. 



488 HI5T0ET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Sec. 3. There shall be au annual public address before the 
association on the day of the festival, to be delivered by such per- 
son as may be selected by a committee of three to be appointed for 
the purpose. 

Article VIII. — Sec. 1. The corresponding secretary shall ad- 
dress kindred societies in this and the adjoining States by letter, 
giving the particulars of the proceedings of the annual festival 
and soliciting replies of the same nature to be read at the next 
festival of the association. * 

Sec. 2. Whenever practicable the members of this society 
shall attend in a body the funeral of any deceased member, and as 
a token of respect shall wear the usual badge of mourning. 

Sect. 3. The recording secretary shall provide a book, to be 
known as the " Pioneer Register," in which shall be registered the 
name, age, place of nativity, occupation, date of settlement here, 
and date and place of death of each member when such death shall 
occur; and also register the same facts as far as may be, in regard 
to such pioneer settlers as have deceased or become non-residents. 
The recording secretary shall ascertain from members the above 
facts as respects themselves at the time of the signing of the con- 
stitution. 

Sec. 4. This constitution shall not be ^mended except by an 
affirmative vote of three-fourths of all the members present of the 
association, and, unless such proposition for amendment shall have 
been before the society in writing at least at one meeting previous 
to any action upon it by the association. 

Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of every member of the associ- 
ation to furnish within si.K months from the time of his admission 
a brief memoir of his life, which shall embrace date and place of 
birth, incidents of youth, reasons and motives for emigrating to 
this State, jottings down of his personal experience in pioneer and 
Western life, and such other matters and recollections pertinent to 
the objects of this association as he may deem proper to communi- 
cate, which memoir shall be delivered to the recording secretary, 
and by him be carefully filed and preserved as the property of the 
association. 

SPECIAL lIEETINft. 

At a special meeting of the association on Wednesday evening, 
Feb. 17, 1858, the meeting was called to order by Robert Ciiristie, 
one of the vice-presidents. 



HISTORI OF SCOrr COfNTY. 489 

Tlie committee appointed to procure the presideatial caae made 
the following report : 

Tliis committee who were instructed to procure a '• cane" as an 
ensignia of office of the president of the association, beg leave to 
report, that thej' have made the necessary arrangements therefor, 
that it will be in readiness for presentation at the festival on the 
22d inst. ; and would further sav that immediately after their ap- 
pointment they received the following communication : 

Gentlemen : — We observed in the proceedings of the " Pioneer 
Settlers' Association of Scott County," a resolution providing for 
the purchase of a cane, with suitable inscriptions, as an ensignia of 
office of the president so long as the association shall exist. 

The undersianed, sons of Ira C()ok, deceased (who was one of 
the tirst settlers in the county, having emigrated here in the year 
1835), desire to connect bis memory with this association, and for 
that purpose they respectfully' request that they may be permitted 
to furnish the monej- for the purchase of the catie, and that the 
fact may be entered upon the records of the association. 

It is our desire that the cane be gotten up in the same manner, and 
the inscriptions thereon be the same as though the present applica- 
tion were not made. 

We are respectfully your obedient servants, 

William L. (jOok, 
Ebenezek Cook, 
John P. Cook, 
Ira Cook. 
To WiLLARD Barrows and others of committee. 
The committee recommended in relation thereto the adoption of 
a resolution accepting the oifer, which was unanimously accepted. 

first annual festival. 

The association met at the Eurtis House, Monday evening, Feb. 
22, 185S, forming with the invited guests a company of nearly 
800 persons, Antoine Le Claire, President, in the chair. John E. 
Dillon, in behalf of the association, arose and presented the cane 
to the president in the following appropriate speech : 

Mr. President : — I am charged with the grateful duty of pre- 
senting you with this insignia of your office. You, who were the 
first to pioneer the way to this lovely spot, lovelier and richer than 
the land " flowing with milk and honey;" you, who have used the 



490 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

wealth it has been your good fortune to acquire, in constant en- 
deavors to promote the growth and advance the interests of our 
city and county; you, who are confessed first in the esteem of all 
old pioneers, have been unanimously elected our first president. 
Happy are we that your life has been bounteously lengthened out 
to behold this night. Happy that we are able to bestow upon you 
this testimonial of our regard. 

What endeared recollections and thronging visions this occasion 
must call up and inspire! Who would not fondly " give the hope 
of years" to enjoy the satisfaction and delight that must to-night 
be yours ? A thousand incidents strike the electric chain of 
memory, and in the light of its corruscations the past comes back 
again, and glows vividly before you. How pleasant, at times, to 
retouch memories that are being moss-grown, to retintthe fast fad- 
ing pictures of life. 

The changes you have seen, how astonishing! The like whereof 
will be sought for in vain, in the realities of history, and in the 
dream of poetry. Since the world began, it has never in any age 
or country exhibited a growth so solid, and a development so 
amazing, as that which you yourself have witnessed. So rapid and 
thorough is the progress of improvement, that the memorials ot 
our early settlement are fast passing away. Scarcely a trace or 
vestige of the primitive log cabin remains; and the inquiry might 
be pertinently raised, not "Have we a Bourbon?" but "Have we a 
log, cabin among nsi These have been succeeded by comfortable 
and elegant dwellings — but why specify changes when specifica- 
tions were endless? All, all is changed, save the unchanging sky 
above us, and the changeless river that rolls by us; magnificent 
river! 

"Time writes no wrinkles on thine azure brow," and without 
avouching its geological accuracy let me add — 

Such as creation''s dawn beheld thou beholdest now. How often in 
the quiet watches of the night when I have beheld the glory of the 
one, reflected in and increased b}' that of the other, has my heart 
melted with gratitude, that aspiring man could not reach the 
heavens to cover them with signs and placards, or mar the beauty 
ot earth's glorious water-courses. Especially have you observed, 
sir, with intense interest, the growth of our fiiir and proud young 
city. 

This interest has not been the indifferent interest of a mere spec- 
tator, but with you it has partaken of a warmer nature; it has 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 491 

claiiued kindred with a paternal solicitude, and without demur 
has had its claim allowed. 

Our feeble infancy, our slow growth, our precarious situation, 
our gloomy prospects, awakened for awhile the most tender concern 
and anxious forebodings. These dark days, happily, have passed 
away, we trust, to return no more; and Davenport to-day in size 
and beauty stands peerless among rivals — the "Queen City" of 
Iowa. Well may we rejoice to-night with you in the triumphs of 
a faith in our destiny, that suffered all things, endured all things, 
hoped all things even unto the end. But these exultant feelings, 
and grateful retlectiuns come to us mingled and tinged and soft- 
ened and subdued with those of a sadder nature. While we have 
been busy, time and death have not been idle. 

But I may not further indulge in retlecticjns that crowd for utter- 
ance, save to say, that this cane, made from a stick of native 
growth, and skillfully fashioned by the hand of a member of our 
association, is the distinctive, and we think fitting and appropri- 
ate, badge of your office. As such, it is intended to be preserved 
with jealous care, and to be transmitted successively from presi- 
dent to president, until our society shall be no more! 

On it will be found engraved your own name, the name of our 
association, aiul the date of its organization. It affords rae un- 
feigned pleasure, sir, in behalf of the " Pioneer Settlers' Associa- 
tion of Scott County,"' to present this ensign of office and honor to 
you, the^7'S^ president, wondering who, of those present, shall 
enjoy the enviable, yet melaneholly, distinction of being the last. 

This effort was highly applauded, after which the president, 
through E. Cook, Esq., responded as follows: 

Mr. Dillon: — I receive this cane, the ensignia of my office, as 
president of the " Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott County," 
with great pleasure, not alone because I shall take pride in its ex- 
hibition, not alone because of its beautiful and skillfull workman- 
ship, not alone for the very flattering remarks attendant upon its 
presentation, eitlier of which causes would justify the feeling, but 
chiefly because it is and is intended by the association as a tangi- 
ble memento of the past, and of the early history of the settlement 
of our county, to be handed down, I trust, to future generations, 
to be preserved for all time; to be exhibited to thousands upon 
thousands of our descendants yet unborn, as having been designed, 
made, and handled by their forefathers, the first settlers of Scott 
County. 



492 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

With this cane shall go down, I trust, the records of our as- 
sociation, and if the members are faithful, and furnish, as required 
by the constitution, the leading incidents of their lives connected 
with their settlement and habitation in this county, to be placed 
upon the records, how interesting to those who come after us will 
be this cane, as a tangible memorial of their forefathers, long since 
crumbled into the dust from which they came, and whose history, 
to a greater or less extent, is written in the records before them. 

Methinks, as I look into the far, far future, I see within the 
limits of our county a noble building, dedicated to some noble 
public objects, and there, in some suitable and proper place, are 
deposited the records and testimonials of this association. Within 
its walls is a living crowd, pressing forward eager to see and 
pursue the record, to see and touch the memorials handed down 
with it, and I hear them say, "These were sent down to us from 
our forefathers; here is written a history of the first settlement of 
this beautiful land, of the trials and hardships endured, and of 
the triumphs won by them. Let them be preserved forever." 

Ladies and gentlemen, members of this association, let me 
charge upon you that you impress upon your children, and chil- 
drens' children, that they hold it as a sacred duty, wlien we shall 
all have passed away from earth, to preserve, intact, the records 
and memorials of our association, and to transmit tliem unim- 
paired to future generations. 

You have been pleased, sir, to allude in very flattering terms to 
me, personally. If I have, in the course of a long life spent here, 
entitled myself to and won the respect of my fellow men, particu" 
larly the old settlers of the county, I am amply repaid for any 
and all exertions I may have been able to make to aid in advanc- 
ing the interests and prosperity of our beloved city and county. 

If I have acquired wealth, it is to the settlement of the country 
that I am indebted for it; for of what value would have been the 
land on which this city and the city of Le Claire is built, except 
from the fact that 3'ou, gentlemen of this association, settled upon 
and improved the lands of the county, and thereby enabled us to 
build up a city? So that, gentlemen, we see that we are depend- 
ent, to a greater or less extent, upon one another, and when we so 
act as to confer a benefit upon the community, we really are bene- 
fitting ourselves. 

The Hon. John P. Cook, Orator of the Day, delivered the first 
Annual address, at the close of which the association joined in 
singing " Auld Lang Syne." The following is the address : 



IIISTOKY OF SCOTT COLTNTY. 493 

Mr. Preside.vt, and Ladies? an'd Genplemkn : Tlirougli the 
politeness of the committee appointed to arrange for this 
occasion, it has fallen to my lot to address your association) 
on this the first festival of the pioneers of Scott County. 
The interest manifested in this organization, tliis large assembly, 
and the familiar nod of recognition passing from one to another, 
attest the ])erfect ha]i]iiness we all feel in this union, made genial by 
the hardships of the past, tiie joy of the ]iresent. and hopes for the 
future. In the West such a society is neither new nor uncommon. 
The first settlers of Illinois, Wisconsin, and of many of the older 
counties in our own beautiful Iowa, have been drawn together b}' 
that fraternal regard which is always warm in the honest heart of 
an ^'old jiioneer." It, in the excitement of business, and the duties 
of life, we have hitherto neglected to come together, as the pioneers 
of Scott County, the greater reason now exists, that we should 
nourish this infant association, and make it promotive of every 
good and noble sympathy of the heart. Our organization is now 
complete, our names are enrolled, and with the exception of absen- 
tees, and such as have not yet joined, although entitled to member- 
ship, our ranks are full, and under our constitution there can be no 
accession to our number, other than exceptions named. With a just 
appreciation of the memory of the dead, you iiave procured the 
names of those who settled in this county prior to 1S4(), but who 
now no longer live, so that \-our records will ])erpetuate their 
names, who have "acted well their part," and now sleep beneath 
the cold clods of the valle3\ as ours, who have survived to consum- 
mate this organization. In thus recording the names of the dead, 
who were our companions in frontier life, we but open a record 
that will soon contain the names of all who now stand recorded as 
living memhers of this association. One by one we shall pass away> 
and at each returning festival some familiar face will be missed at 
the board, some chair will be vacant, and the record of the living 
will be shortened to lengthen the record of the dead, while the void 
in our ranks can never, never be filled. As years roll on, those of 
U8 who may be living at the end of the first decade will realize the 
fearful work of death among us. A little longer, yet a little longen 
and a score of years shall have passed away, leaving l)ut a few to 
cherish the raomory of the departed, and to cling closely, ah I how 
closely, to each other. Who shall presume to lift the veil, and 
name the pioneer who will then answer to the secretary's roll call ? 



49-i HISTORY OF SCOT!' COUNTY. 

A little longer, and still a little longer, and the youngest among 
U8 will have readied his three-score years and ten, and no one may 
know, until time unfolds the eternal decree, wlio of onr number will 
betlie last survivor of the pioneers of Scott County ! You have pro- 
cured a cane, and have had inscribed thereon, '' Pioneer Settlers' 
Association, organized January, 1858, Scott County, Iowa," and 
presented it to your president, with instructions that it be handed 
down to his last successor in office. That successor lives, and if not 
here with us to-day in proprm persona, he is with us in spirit, and 
in well wishes, and is destined to officiate at the last act of your 
association. 

The history of the early settlement of Scott County is replete 
with interesting incidents, and to those of \is who tirst •' squatted " 
and located our claims upon "Uncle Sam's" land, it is a satisfac- 
tion to look back to that period, and compare Scott County then 
with Scott County now. No one here to-day can claim a settle" 
ment anterior to that of our worthy president, and certainly no 
one has done more than he in aiding and encouraging the tirst set- 
tlers; and I may be permitted thus publicly to record the humble 
acknowledgments of my father's family to him who was the iirst 
to extend his hand, to otfer hospitality, and to welcome us to our 
prairie home. I was but a bo}' then, yet how well do I remember 
the scene when I landed one bright May morning in 1836 within 
four squares of tiie spot where we are now assembled. 

The ground upon which '"mine host'" of theBurtis House has 
erected this spacious hotel was a corn field, and two cabins below 
Main street constituted the improvements of tlie embryo "City of 
Davenport;" some half a dozen houses across the river in the then 
village of Stepuenson marked the spot where now stands our twin 
sister city. The booming ot the morning gun from Fort Arm- 
strong warned the red man that Uncle Sam's troops were in pos- 
session of their island home, and assured the pioneer of protection 
and safety. The daily movements of noble steamers upon the 
bosom of our majestic river told us that the way was opened to 
immigration; while the unclaimed acres invited the husbandman 
to one of the finest soils ever warmed by the sun of heaven. 

Need we wonder that the old chieftain, Black Hawk, and his 
noble band refused to yield up the country to their white breth- 
ren? Can we blame them for clinging to this lovely spot, and for 
lingering around tiie graves of their dead? 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 495 

O'er the fate of the Indian, 
The Great Spirit has cast 
The spell of the white nuin, 
His glory is past. 

While we may not stay the arm of destiny that is tast sweeping 
away the aborigines of this continent as a distinctive race, we may 
question the poiicj'that would exterminate them, and should throw 
the broad mantle of charity over their acts. Wiiile bounteous nat- 
ure had done fully her share in making this country an inviting 
field for the immigrant, it required the genius and enterprise of 
man to develo]) its resources and plant its towns and villages. 
Towns in those days were laid out with reference to natural advan- 
tages ])resented by the ^rississi])pi River and its tributaries, and 
hence every spot of ground along tlie river above high water 
mark (and some below) was surveyed, platted, pictured, and 
named. 

I will not undertake the task of recalling tlie names even of all 
the early cities in Scott County, but I must not pass in silence the 
contest for supremacy between Davenport and llockingham. The 
history of this struggle for the county seat of Scott is so tVesh 
in my memory that I can almost hear one of the " old guard " 
singing — 

Here we are, a happy, happy band, 

On the banks of Rockingham. 

Davenport claimed the seat of justice, because of her central local- 
ity, her high and dry site, her beautiful surroundings, and her many 
other natural advantages, which we all now concede and realize ; 
while Rockingham expected to become the great centerpot of com- 
merce in consequence of the rich trade that was destined (as she 
supposed) to flow from the fertile valley of Rock River. No one 
in those days expected to live long enough to see the iron horse 
flying over the Western ])rairie with its freights of human life, rich 
merchaiulise from the East, and the still more valuable jiroducts of 
the West. Our ideas about traveling and commerce had not ad- 
vanced beyond a light drauglit steamer and John Frink's mud 
wagon. The wisdom and foresight of the statesmen of Illinois 
were directed to producing slack water navigation in Rock River, 
and a very decided amount of capital, energy and enterprise was 
devoted to building up Rockingham, in order that she miglit reap 
the benefit of the prosperous trade about to be opened with the 
Suckers in the rich valley of that river. 



496 HISTORY OF SCOTr COUNTY. 

Who among you, recollecting the incidentot those stirring times 
will ever forget the first coiiatj-seat question? Certainly not the 
prominent actors on either side, many of whom are with us to-day? 
The " border ruffians " of Missouri did not originate the idea of 
invading an adjoining territory in order to help their friends at an 
important election; nor can Mr. Calhoun claim to be the first man 
to record names whose owners were not at the ballot-box. We had 
a "border" and a " Delaware crossing " long before Kansas was 
thought ot, and, to use an expression of one of my pioneer friends, 
there was some " tall doings " on our borders and on our crossings. 

The suckers furnished a goodly number for both parties, but the 
delegations from ''Snake Diggins " and Moscow (the former headed 
by a two-fisted miner, and the latter by the " old bogus coon") in- 
creased the population of Scott County in one da}^ to a number that 
astonished the unsophisticated, and threatened the depopulation of 
some of our sister counties. 

The result of this election indicated a very respectable population 
in the county in point of numbers, and proved that Davenport had 
colonized the most votes. The returns were made to the governor, 
who refused to issue a certificate, in consequence of alleged illegal 
voting, and the Legislature again provided for anotlier election, 
and that the result should be recorded on the records of the com- 
missioners of Dubuque County. The election came olf, and Rock- 
ingham claimed the victory, while Davenport declared the whole 
thing was illegal and void. From the popular arena the contest 
was tranferred before the commissioners of Dubuque County, 
thence to the courts, thence to the Legislature, and finally back to 
the ordeal of " popular sovereignty." 

Immediate preparations were made for another struggle, and now 
three or four different points were brought before the people tor the 
prize. Rockingham saw that she stood no chance in a triangular 
fight with her old competitor, and at once determined to form an 
alliance with another rival candidate located near the mouth of 
Duck Creek, so that the last contest was really between Davenport 
and the Duck Creek cornfield. The records of this county show 
that Davenport was triumphant, and the question was thus forever 
settled. 

During the time of the contest for the county seat, an event 
transpired which must not be omitted in speaking of the history 
of our settlement. A dispute arose between the State of Missouri 
and the then Territory of Iowa as to the boundary line between 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 497 

them, and so determined were the authorities on both sides to ex- 
orcise jurisdiction over the disputed territory that it resulted in 
what is known to the old settlers as the " Missouri War." 

Tiie sheriff of a border counti' in Iowa undertook to enforce the 
collection of taxes in the disputed territory. He was arrested by 
the authorities of Missouri. The executive of Iowa demanded his 
release. It was refused; and to rescue this sheriff, Governor Lu- 
cas ordered out the militia, and called for volunteers. " My voice 
is now for war," was the patriotic response of every true " Hawk- 
e^'e."' The county-seat question was forgotton in the more impor- 
tant duty of driving the invaders from our soil. Davenport and 
Iiockino;liam men met, embraced, buckled on their armor, and side 
by side shouted their war cry. " Death to the ' Pukes P " The 
officers in command held a council of war, and it was decided that 
Davenport should be the headquarters of the Scott County army, 
in order that the troops might be inspired by the sight of old Fort 
Armstrong, and at the same time occupy a position so near the fort 
that a safe retreat would be at hand in case of an attack from the 
eneaiy. 

The question of boundary was subsequently submitted .to the 
Supreme Court of the United States, and the disputed territory 
given to Iowa. 

At the commencement of the year ISJ-O, this county contained 
about 2,500 inhabitants, of which number about 500 resided in 
Davenport. To-day your county boasts of a population of 30,000. 
and this city claims 8,000 of that number. 

In 1840, at the head of the Rock Island Ra])ids, on the spot 
where now stands the city of Le Claire, with a population of 25, 
000, grew a dense forest. In 1840 the fertile, beautiful ])rairie8 
of old Scott were lying undisturbed by the husbandman; to-day 
they are teeming with industrious, happy owners of the soil. In 
1840 there was but one steam-engine in operation within the bor- 
ders of your county, and that one was at Rockingham. To-day 
you may count them by liundreds along the bank ot your river 
from Buffalo to Princeton, on our prairies, and in our groves. In 
1840 every face you met was a familiar one, and the greeting a 
greeting of recognition. To-day the oldest inhabitant hardly 
knows his next door neighbor. In 1840 it took from three to five 
days to go to Chicago, and 13 to New York. To-day the lightning 
train puts you in Chicago in eight hours, and in New York in 40. 

H'.-re followed an eloquent tribute to George Washington, whose 
birthday the association was honoring by this celebration. 



498 HISTORY OF SCOIT COUNTY. 

The Hon. James Grant, Ciiairman of the committee, proceeded 
to read the following toasts : 

1. Washington — No nation can claim, no country can appro- 
priate him to itself. His fame is the common property of patriots 
througlioutthe civilized world. 

2. The Early Pioneers of Scott County — The hardships and 
privations of a frontier life justly entitles them to the esteem of 
all those who enjoy the fruits of their early struggles; their pos- 
terity shall rise up and call them blessed. 

3. The Pioneer Dead — May tlieir names be preserved, their 
hardships remembered, and memories cherished by their survi- 
vors, by their descendants, and b}- all who enjoy the goodly heri- 
tage to which the}' lead the way, — To which the Hon. James Grant 
responded. 

4. The Star of Empire — When in its western progress its rays- of 
light fell on the virgin soil of Iowa, a new destiny was conceived, 
which in its birth, like the " Star in the East," has brought forth 
its wise men to worship. Responded to by Rev. G. F. Magoun. 

The following beautiful poem from the pen of Miss Mary E. 
Mead, an-old settler by birthright, was then read; as it is a pro- 
duction of much merit and a faithful reflex of pioneer days in Scott 
County, we give it entire : 

EEMINISCENOES. 

As oft, at eve, by firesides bright and warm, 

Some sailor group are gathered, while they tell 

Of journeys far, of conflict with the storm, 

Of dangers they have braved so long and well, 

So round this ample board we meet to night, 

And many a tale of olden time recite. • 

Once roamed the Indian all these vales among, 
The deer sprang startled from his stealthy tread, 
The fearful war-whoop through the forest rung. 
The deadly arrow from its quiver sped ; 
But now we sit at twilight's soft recline, 
In peace, beneath the shadow of the vine. 

If e'er to conquering warrior has been owed 
The glory of an honored, world-wide name ; 
If e'er on noble souls has been bestowed 
That lofty homage which is truest fame; 
If e'er in historj-'s page or classic verse 
Our country's Fathers have been justly praised; 
In humbler strains we surely may rehearse 




\ 



O'7'i-^rr/^ ^y^CX'^zi'-^^ 



30 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 601 

The deeds of those liy whom our hearts were raised; 

Who kfi their kindred to return no more, 

And reared their altars on this wildwood shore. 

All are not liere: Where sinks tlie emerald wave 
In long dull surges toward the glowing West 
Lies manj' a heart as noble and as brave 
As e'er was laid beneath the sod to rest. 
They dropped the acorn on the barren glade, 
At noon we rest beueath the oak-trees shade. 

We meet again; the scattered band unite 

In social converse as in days of j-ore ; 

No! Not as when, within the ruddy light 

Of oak boughs blazing at the rabin door. 

We sat and talked the winter night away 

Till morning streaked the Eastern hills with gray. 

No more the Red men round our dwellings prowl; 

No foes lie ambushed in each leafy b)wer; 

No more the wolf's swift spring or sudden howl 

Startles the sleeper at the midnight hour; 

Nor leaping flames before the rapid gale 

Speed like the waves when wintry storms prevail. 

From lonely Armstroxo's now-dismantled fort 
Down the still stream no martial strains are borne; 
In stately towns where busy crowds resort 
The cheerful sounds of labor greet the morn ; 
From happy homes the voice of mirlh floats by. 
And plashing waves and laughing winds reply. 

Oft have I heard the times recounted o'er 
When every cabin winilow was a door; 
Wh'-n corn was grounil upon a lantern's side. 
And doors by laich-strings to the timbers lied; 
Small was the store a lawless horde to tempt, 
From thieves and robbers happily exempt. 

Howe'er that be, of this there is no doubt : 

In those good limes the latch-strings all hung out, 

And neighboring friend and stranger guest might share 

The roof-tree's shelter and the simple fare ; 

E'en now the cabin ten by twelve is seen. 

Where on a time 'tis said there lodged fifteen! 

But mingled with these recollections gsy 
There wakes a sadder, gentler strain for those 
Who, like some castle crumbling to decay, 
Were doomed 1 1 ruin when the new arose. 
'Tis eve. The stars with silv'ry sheen 
Rise silently and slow ; 



502 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

The pallid moon looks out between, 
The waves repose below, 
And not the dipping of an oar 
Breaks on the stillness of the shore. 

Was it the whisper of the breeze 
Sighing among the tangled grass? 
Was it the moaning of the trees 
When far above the storm clouds pass ? 
Oh no; in silence still and deep 
The tiniest flower is lulled to sleep. 

But there are sounds, I hear them now, 

They swell along the plain ; 

'Tis not the murmur of the rill, 

"Tis not the dash of rain; 

And can there be a foot so light 

To stir the rusiling leaves to night? 

There is, along the slant hill-side, 

Where darksome foresis bow. 

Singly the dusky figure glides ; 

Look ! you can see them now, 

Pause! 'tis a band of Indian braves 

Who co;ne to seek their chieftains' grave?. 

Disturb them mt, as silently 
These well known paths they trace ; 
Not long among us may there be 
Remnants of that old race. 
They fade as fades the morning ray 
Before the glowing eye of day. 

A little time they linger here 

L'ncared for and unknown. 

To shed a solitary tear 

O'er comrades lost and gone; 

Silent and sad they gather round 

Some lonely, uudistinguished mound. 

Hark! all of the solemn woods along, 

A soft and sadder lay. 

As if some heart in plaintive song 

Would pour itself away. 

Lisl! while the mournful cadence swells 

Clear as the tone of evening bells. 

Still roll the river waves as blue 
As when we launched the bark cano?. 
Or when we plied the d pping oar 
Beneath the shelter of the shore. 
Still sings the lark a welcome guest; 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 603. 

Still folds the dove hor wings to rest; 
Still the green iircUing forests spread 
Their boughs as widely overheiul. 
But 'neath their shadow now, alas! 
No more our bounding warriors pass 
Silent where once their Ibotsteps fell. 
Land of our birth, farewell, farewell. 
Soft echo answers to the trembling lay ; 
'Neath heavy shadows glides the group away. 

Oh kindly sun ! oh soft, benignant day ! 

At thy glad dawn the darkness takes its flight, 

The sombre hues of twilight melt away, 

.\nd sunlight bathes the Eastern hills with light. 

So smiled the morn witli beauty all aglow 

On this fair hnd some tweuty years ago! 

Paint the light blushes up the dewy skies, 

From cot and couch the cheerful dwellers rise; 

The cabin windows open, wide fly the doors, 

The frugal wife brings out her garnered stores; 

The gleeful children, with their sun-browned hair, 

Forsake the house and sport in open air; 

While soon, — ^the duties of the morning done, — 

Some stripling youth, with ready dog and gun. 

Roams through the woods if haply he may bring 

From its far heights the wild bird on the wing; 

Or, ' mid the rustling forest chance to hear 

The short, shar|) panting of the startled deer. 

And proud, though weary from the chase may bear 

Back to his cot the noon and evening fare. 

One seeks in pastures for the truant cow. 

Another yokes the cattle to his plow, 

Or marches slow the well trained pair beside; 

Plain wagon seats were then no bar to pride — 

Well was the place of coach and four supplied. 

So glides the day until at eve they meet, 

Children and sire, each in his 'customed seat. 

While plenty smokes up n the cheerful board, 

And clear, cold wine the sparkling streams alVord. 

Well the day's ventures do the hours beguile, 

The dullest face oft wears a gladsome smile. 

Now blue-eyed " baby " sings her.^elf to rest, 

Safe cradled in an ancient lidless chest. 

Hark from the farthest corner " Charlie's" call 

For " Pa " to make a rabbit on ihe wall. 

Then comes the time for little hunter " Ben ; " 

To-day he surely found a lion's den. 

But closed are " Allie's " eyes, her drooping head 

Finds the soft pillow of her Utile bed. 

The hours pass cheerily till all softly creep 



504 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Away to childhood's light, unconscious sleep, — 
And starlight, peeping through the half-closed door 
Kisses the sleepers on the cabin floor. 

How fled the years in humble scenes like these, 
With much to sadden, more, far more, to please ! 
And who shall tell, that in this later day — 
When life has grown more earnest and less gay — 
A richer pleasure through its current thrills 
Than in those cots among the breezy hills? 
Simple their joys, their daj's in quiet spent, 
Hope for a watchword, for a shield, content, 
Till slow at length beneath their forming blows 
A garden from the wilderness arose. 

Lo! As we gaze along the slender piers 
Which bear aloft the lengthening arch of years; 
As we retrace the first faint morning ray 
And glance, rejoicing, to the noon-tide day, 
Glad hopes, bright visions o'er our bosom throng 
And the full heart finds utterance in song. 

Oh noble West! oh mighty West! 

Oh ever bright and free. 

Thy prairie.s b}' the breeze caressed 

Roll wave-like as the sea, 

And through the long and tangled grass 

The sunbeam's golden fringes pass. 

Thy streams are like the streams of time, 

Their source we cannot see; 

We only hear the water's chime 

Break low and musically; 

And hear the plashing waves, like rain, 

Dash on the shore, then sink again. 

No pilgrim comes with weary feet 
O'er many a desert mile. 
His prayer or promise to repeat 
Beneath some sacred pile; 
Nor counts the solitary hours 
Beneath a city's ruined towers. 

But in this world so fresh and young. 
Which, like the goddess from the foam. 
To life full grown aL,d radiant sprung, 
Lies that dear spot, our home. 
And 'round its portals, Love and Truth 
Shall wind the wreathes of endless youth. 

Hushed is the song ! a sadderstrain were not for hours so bright ; 
Only the calm clear voice of Hope should whisper here to-night; 
Glad faces are around us, sweet tones upon the air, 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 605 

And the glance of fond affection meets our greeting everywhere. 
There are blessings Irom the aged, kind wishes from the young, 
And joy, her rosy radiance has o'er our gathering flung. 

We will hail the fleeting moments where the Past and Present -stand ; 

One with a darksome cypress wreath, one with a snow-white wand. 

We will hail the glorious Future with her cup of bliss untried; 

We will hail the white-winged maiden ITope that blushes at her side. 

And the rich delicious Present shall trip rejoicing by, 

As lightly as the winged wind across a Southern sky. 

But tears are quivering on the moistened cheek, 
.\ glance on lips receding track we cast; 
Our voice is mute, our lips refuse to speak, 
Our hearts o'erflow witli memories of the past. 

Oh friends of old 1 we meet again to-night. 
Our hopes and wishes as of yore to blend ; 
Thus will we keep the links of friendship bright. 
Thus will we journey onward to the end ; 
And hand to hand in cordial greeting pressed. 
We'll breathe a blessing on the glorious West! 

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING. 

The second annual meeting of the association was held in Le 
Claire Hall, Davenport, Monday, Feb. 7, 1859. The treasurer's 
report was read, showing tiie expenditures to the amount of 
$158.20, and credits to the amount of $132.90, leaving a balance 
due treasurer of $25.30. The reports of various committees were 
received, one of which reported the names of inany of the pioneers 
of the county. 

On motion the following named officers were continued for tlie 
year 1859 : Antoine Le Claire, President; £. S. Barrows, Cor- 
responding Secretary; John L. Coffin, Recording Secretary. Tlie 
president then appointed acoinmittee to report vice-presidents and 
treasurer. The committee reported as follows : Ebenezer (^ook, 
G. C. R. Miller, Henry C. Morehead, Charles Metteer, Jabez A. 
Birchard, John Coleman, Lemuel Sumtners, Jesse R. James, Alex- 
ander Brownlee, Warner L. Clark, Vice-Presidents; James Mc- 
Cosh, Treasurer. 

SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The second annual festival of the association was held at the 
Bnrtis House, Tuesday evening, Feb. '22, 1859. 



506 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

At an early hour in the evening the old settlers commenced to 
gather at the house, and employed themselves in social conversa- 
tion and inquiries until 8 o'clock, when the association was 
called to order by the president, and Willard Barrows then de- 
livered the annual address. The members of the Young Settlers' 
Society were admitted in a body to listen to the address, after 
which they retired. A large number of toasts were read and re- 
sponded to, and all enjoyed themselves as only pioneers can. 

THIEP ANNUAL MEETING. 

The third annual meeting was held at Le Claire Hall, Monday, 
Feb. 6, 1860. 

Section 4 of Article V. of the constitution was changed so as 
to read as follows : " All persons who were residents of Scott 
County on or before the 31st day of December, 1840, and who 
have since become non-residents, may be elected honorary mem- 
bers in the same manner as provided for in the election of mem- 
bers. " 

A committee was appointed which reported the following named 
officers for 1860 : Ebenezer Cook, President; Willard Barrows, 
Corresponding Secretary; Alfred Sanders, Recording Secretarj'; 
George L. Davenport, Treasurer; D. C. Eldridge, James Grant, 
J. E. Burnsides, Edward Richer, John Evans, T. C. Eads, Samuel 
Little, L. C. Chamberlain, David Sullivan, Rodolphus Bennett, 
Vice-Presidents. 

Alfred Sanders was selected to make the annual address. 

THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The third annual festival of the association was held at the 
Burtis House, Wednesday evening, Feb. 22, 1860. The day 
was ushered in with rain and closed with rain. The roads were 
almost impassable, and the walking wretched. Notwithstanding, 
a large assembly gathered, including a number of ladies. The at- 
tendance from the country was necessarily limited, but still a few 
were present who came a long distance over muddy roads. 

At 8:30 o'clock the doors of the great dining-hall were thrown 
open, and the pioneers entered and seated themselves. In the 
absence of the president, Judge Grant took the chair. After 
passing a complimentary resolution to the retiring officers, Al- 
fred Sanders, the orator of the evening, was introduced, and de- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 507 

livcred an excellent address. An adjournment was then had for 
halt an liour to permit tlie tables to ha spread for supper. After 
supper many toasts were read and responses made, wliich ended 
the tliird annual festival. 

FOURTH .\NNtJAL MEETING. 

The meeting was held Monday, Jan. 7, 1861. H. B. Finley, 
chairman of the committee appointed to obtain the names of 
pioneer settlers, together witli those that have died, reported that 
as far as the committee were able to ascertain, the total number of 
old settlers, or citizens of Scott County prior to Dec. 31, 1810, was 
948, of which number 187 were dead. 

A ballot was taken for president of the association when D. C. 
Eldridge received a majority of the votes cast, and was declared 
elected. A committee appointed for that purpose reported the 
remaining officers as follows: James Thorington, Enoch Mead, 
John K. James, James McCosh, E. S. Morey. J. W. Wiley, John 
Friday, A. H. Davenport, Waldo Parkhurst, II. Brown, Vice- 
Presidents; N. M. Rambo, Recording Secretary; W. Barrows 
Corresponding Secretary ; Israel Hall, Treasurer. 

FOIRTH ANNUAI. FESTH'AL. 

The festival was this year lield in Le Claire Hall, but the attend- 
ance was so large as to require the use also of Armory Hall. The 
evening of Friday, Feb. 22. IStil, was the date selected for the 
festival. At an early hour the old settlers began pouring in, and 
long before the hour appointed for opening tlie proceedings every 
seat in the hall was tilled, a large proportion of the assembly 
being ladies. On the raised platform was a substantially built 
log cabin, four or live feet high, constructed in the real old-fash- 
ioned log-cabin style. It was the work of an old settler — Mr. W. 
Peter Hall. On another part of the platf )rm was a monument 
about eight or ten feet high, painted to resemble marble, on a 
granite base. It was to tiie memory of the pioneer dead of Scott 
County, and on its several sides were inscribed tlie names of the 
departed pioneers, classified according to the years of their death. 
It was tastefully decorated, and all united in admiration of the idea 
and the manner in which it was executed. Mr. Willard Barrows 
was the designer. 

At 7:30 P. M. Mr. Cook, President, called the meeting to order 
and tlien delivered his retiring address, handing over the ensignia 



608 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of his office (a large gold-beaded cane) to his successor, D. C. 
Eldridge, Mr. James Thoriiigton representing Mr. Eldridge in his 
absence and responding to the address. 

Mr. Tborington introduced the oratur of the day, Hon. James 
Grant. 

After the address the assembly rose to their feet and sang 
" Auld Lang Syne." They then proceeded to the hall for supper, 
which had been prepared by Daniel Moore, an old settler. There 
were about 300 sat down at the table. A divine bless- 
ing was asked by Elder James Rumbold. After all were satisfied 
a number of toasts were read and responded to. The company 
then returned to the hall and spent the time till 2 o'clock in con- 
versation, singing and speaking, when they adjourned. 

SPECIAL MEETING. 

At a meeting ot the old settler's held Sept. 26, 1861, at Judge 
Grant's office, the question whichhad long been agitated of erecting 
a monument on some lofty eminence overlooking the city of Dav- 
enport, on which should be inscribed the names of all the old set- 
tlers, again arising, it was resolved that it should be done, and for 
that purpose a committee composed of the following persons was 
selected: 

From Pleasant Valley — J. A. Burchard and G. G. Hyde. 

Le Claire — A. H. Davenport and James Jack. 

Princeton — Giles M. Pinneo and R. I'ennett. 

Winfield — H. H. Pease and Alex. Brownlee. 

Allen's Grove — Johnson Mars and Lewis Fuller. 

Liberty — Peter Goddard and John Trucks. 

Cleona — John Olds. 

Hickory Grove — Phillips Baker and John Porter. 

Blue Grass — Charles Metteer and Robt. Wilson. 

Buffalo — W. L. Clark and James E. Burnsides. 

Rockingham — E. Mead and John M. Friday. 

Davenport — W. Barrows, D. C. Eldridge, Harvey Leonard, 
Robert Christie, James Grant, Jos. A. Le Claire and James Mack- 
intosh. 

The committee was instructed to report as early as next annual 
meeting. 

Mr. Willard Barrows was chosen chairman of the committee, 
and requested the gentlemen composing it to meet on the next 
Saturday, Oct. 5, 1861. Association adjourned. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 509 

FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

The fiftli annual meeting of tlie old settlers of Scott County 
was held Dec. 14, 1861, at Le Claire Hall, President D. C. El- 
dridge in the chair. 

Willard Burrows, from Committee on Monument, made a re- 
port and exhibited three designs, and asked for further time, 
which was granted. 

The resolution in regard to chiinging the time of holding the 
annual festival was called up by W. Barrows, and after some dis- 
cussion was changed from the 22d of February to the 2d Tues- 
day of January; The time of holding the annual meeting was 
changed to the 2d Tuesday of December. 

The election of officers being in order, Willard Barrows was 
elected President for the year 1SG2 ; David Miller, Laurel Sum- 
mers, John Willis, Phillips Baker, Roswell Spencer, D. B. Shaw, 
Alex. Brownlee. James Grant, Charles Mitteer were apjxjinted 
Vice-Presidtnts ; Corresponding Secretary, D. L. McKown ; 
Treasurer, Israel Hall. 

Toast Committee — Add. H. Sanders, John P. Cook, and D. P. 
McKown. 

Committee on Orator — James Grant, A. Sanders and Enoch 
Mead. 

Meeting adjourned. 

FIFTH ANNUAt. FESTIVAL. 

The tifch annual festival of the Pioneer Settlers Association 
took place at the Le Claire Hou-e Jan. li, 1862. On account of a 
heavy snow storm and severe cold weatiier the attendance was 
much sra-iller than at any previous meeting It was, however, 
a joyful meeting of old time ac(iuaintances, and all seemed to re- 
joice in the festivities of the occasion. 

At 7:30 o'clock President D. C. Eldridge called the meeting to 
order. Judge Grantthen roaii a letter from Willard Barrows, Presi- 
dent-elect, dated Washington, D. C, in which he asked the Judge to 
act for him on the occanon, as business would detain him from 
honiH at that time. Accordingly, after a few remarks, the presi- 
dent delivered the society's cane to his successor. The miniature 
monument used the preceding year stood on the left of the 
speaker, with an increase of 11 names since the last meeting. 



510 HISTOEr OF SCOTT COUNTY 

The president then intro luced the orator, Hon. John F. Dillon, 
who occupied the attention of the company about one hour, to the 
edification of all, after which the company enjoyed themselves in 
social knots till supp3r was annuunced, there being tliree tables, 
with 65 at each ; divine blessing was asked by Rev. Mr. Pala- 
morgues. After supper and the toasts the company adjourned to 
the parlors, and closed the evening by singing Auld Lang Syne, 
Dixie, Star Spangled Banner, etc., then adjourned to their homes 
in the best of humor with themselves and everybody else. 

SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

The sixth annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers Association 
was held Dee. 9, 1862, in the office of John L. Coffin. In the ab- 
sence of the President, Ebenezer Cook was chosen president pro 
tern, there being no vice-presidents present. 

The meeting proceeded to elect the officei-s for the following 
year. 

John Owen was elected President for the year 1862. The fol- 
lowing members were elected Vice-Presidents : W. L. Cook, 
John Evans, Enoch Mead, Henry Morehead, James Brownlee, 
Samuel Little, Rodoliihus Bennett, Johnston Maw, Phillips Sinter, 
and Jiihii L. Davis ; Corresponding Secretary, Alfred Sanders; 
Recording Secretary, D. P. McKown ; Treasurer, Israel Hall. D. 
P. McKown gave notice that he would introduce an amendment 
to the amended constitution to change the time of festival trom 
2d Tuesday of December to 22d of February. 

Committee on Monument allowed further time. On motion 
meeting adjourned. 

SIXTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL 

of the Pioneer Settlers Association of Scott County. The heavy rains 
of the daj' or two previous seemed to doom the annual festival a 
failure, until the brightening sky, towanl noon on Tuesday, gave 
more cheering encouragement. The roads were in such a bad con- 
dition that it was evident that nothing less than the energy of old 
settlers could overcome the miles of mud that intervened between 
the homes of the pioneers and the parlors in which they were to 
cono:regate. All doubts and fears vanished with the arrival of the 
hour for assembling, and before the hour for supper was announced 
a large number of smiling faces of " auld lang syne " were animated 
infriendly converse. An hour spent in pleasant chit-chat was suc- 
ceeded by a promenade to the supper table. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 511 

The seated guests were called to order bv the retirino; president 
W. Barrows, who introduced John Owens, the president elect, and 
delivered to hiin the insignia of his office. 

The annual address was then delivered by Hon. James Thoring- 
ton, after which the divine blessing was invoked by liev. Father Pel- 
aniorgues, and the company proceeded to discuss the merits of the 
splendid supper prepared by Dr. Burtis, and served under the su- 
pervision of Capt. Johnson. Supper over, the regular toasts were 
announced by Alfred Sanders. The festival, as a whole, was a com- 
plete success in all its arrangements. 

The monuHient to the departed, so conspicuously placed in the 
dining-hall, bore the names of the following who had died during 
the year : 

J. T. Lindsey, A. W. McLoskey, James Mcintosh and Mrs. A 
H. Sanders. 

SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

The seventh annual meetiiigof the Pioneer Settlers' Association 
of Scott Count}', Iowa, met Dec. 8, 1863, at the office of George L. 
Davenport, and in the absence of the president, D. C. Eldridge 
was called to the chair. During the meeting the president appeared 
and took his seat. Election of officers being in order, James M. 
Bowling was elected President. The following gentlemen were 
elected Vice-Presidents : Levi Blackman, Wm. L. Cook, Wm. 
Van Tnyle, A. H. Davenport, Phillips Baker, H. H. Pease, Robert 
Humphry, Edward Recker, Dr. IT. Brown, and G. L. Davenport 
Alfred Sanders was elected Corresponding Secretary and D. P. 
McKown, Recording Secretary', and Israel Hall, Treasurer, after 
some further business the meeting adjourned. 

SEVENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL 

of the Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott County. A very de- 
cided moderation of the intense cold of the preceding da^'s of tlie 
new year, a clear sky, and good sleigliini; united to stimulate the 
interests of the old settlers in their annual re-union, and the 
assemblinor at Le Claire Hall on the second Tuesdav evening of 
January, 186-t. of a much larger number of the honored pioneers of 
Scott County than at any y)receding antiiversary since the first, at 
the organization of the association, was tlie result. As the companj' 
gathered together the ha]>py greetings and j)lea8ant conversation 
of olden times (the most attractive features of these anniversaries) 
were heartily indulged in. 



612 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

On the calling of the assemblage to order, the valedictory ad- 
dress of the retiring president, Mr. John Owens, was delivered 
by John P. Cook, who did it in a very happy manner and trans" 
ferred the insignia of the office to the newly elected president, Mr. 
James Bowling, wliich was accepted in behalf of Mr. Bowling by 
J\id"-e Grant, who expressed Mr. Bowling's desire for tlie continued 
prosperity of the association. 

The annual address was delivered by E. Mead, of Rockingham, 
which was very interesting and closed with well digested sketches 
of tiie history of the ''pioneer dead" of the past year. The follow- 
ing are the names whicli were placed on the monument in the 
hall: D.E. Fuller, J.Coleman, C.Friday, E. Alvoid, J. Condit, 
I. K. Barkley, 1. Brown, T. Wood, Mrs. E. Carroll, Mrs. A. Par- 
melee, Miss Ellen Craig and Mr. H. S. Blackman. 

After a song by the Glee Choir an adjournment was had to the 
Slipper room, where about 200 guests sat down to an excellent 
repast. Among the ornaments of the tables was a veritable " log 
cabin, a model in all save the chimney." "We have only to add 
that the whole affair was one of the most interesting of all the 
social re-unions of this organization, and the company separated 
at 2 o'clock A.M., well pleased. 

ELGHTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

The eighth annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association 
was held at the office of George L. Davenport, Dec. 8, 1864, 
President James M. Bowling in the chair. 

At this meeting Harvey Leonard was elected President and the 
following gentlemen Vice-Presidents : James McCosh, Jonathan 
Parker, Charles Metteer, Capt. W. L. Claik, James Robinson, 
Laurel Summers, E. S. Wing, Giles M. Pinneo, Johnson Maw and 
George B. Hawley; Alfred Janders was elected Corresponding 
Secretary, and D. P. McKown, Recording Secretary. Israel Hall 
was elected Treasurer. 

EIGHTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

Tlie eighth annual festival of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was 
held the second Tuesday of January, 1865, at the Pennsylvania 
House, corner of Fourth and Iowa Sts. Osying to the absence of the 
secretary no report was made. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 513 

NINTH ANNUAi MEETING. 

The annual meeting of the fioneer Settlers' Association of Scott 
County was held Dec. 12, 1865, Vice-President James McCosh 
in tlie chair. The first business was the election of olHcers 
which resulted in the election of James McCosh fur President. 
The following were tiien chosen for Vice-Presidents : Phillip 
Suiter, Capt. W. Gabbert, Samuel Little, John K. James, Ed- 
ward Ricker, John J. Tracks, IT. H. Pease, R. Bennett, George L_ 
Davenport and Daniel S. llawle}'. 

Hon. James Thorington was elected Corresponding Secretary, 
D. P. McKown, Recording Secretary, and Israel Hall, Treasurer, 
after some further business the meeting adjourned. 

NINTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

This festival was a most glorious aifair, a large crowd of enthusi- 
astic old settlers, good speeches (short ones), good address and 
tirs'-rate supper. 

The festival was again held at the Pennsylvania House. The host 
surpassed all former efforts to please and satisfy. 

The Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of Moline, an old time resident of 
Davenport, delivered the address, whicli was listened to with inter- 
est by all who could possibly crowd into the large parlors. Mr. 
Hitchcock's speech on this occasion will not be forgotten until all 
have passed away. All went home resolved, if spared, to meet 
again. 

TENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Pursuant to notice the tenth annual meeting of the Pioneer Set- 
tlers' Association, was held in the office of George L. Daven- 
port, the 11th day of December, 1866, President James McCosh 
in the chair, who called the meeting to order. Election of officers 
resulted in electing Israel Hall, President. The following were 
elected Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year: Ed. Ricker, John 
K. James, Phillip Suiter, J. V. Campbell, Adam Donalson, E. S. 
Barrows, R. Bennett, James Quinn, George W. Parker, Caleb 
Dunn. D. P. McKown re-elected Secretary; Charles H. Eldrid^'C, 
Corresponding Secretary; and B. S. Glaspell, Treasurer. After 
some other business, the following resolution was read and 
adopted: 



514 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. . 

Resolved^ That the "Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott 
County " is not a political organization, and we request that here- 
after nothing political be brought into our social gatherings. 

Adjourned. 

TENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The Pioneer Settlers' Association held their tenth annual " visit " 
at the Pennsylvania House, the second Tuesday in January, 1867. 
The meeting was one of the most successful that has ever been 
held. The weather was favorable for the attendance of the coun- 
try members. Two hundred and forty tickets were sold, to say notli- 
ing of the liberal number ot invited guests. The exercises were 
commenced in tlie spacious hotel parlors, which had been appropri- 
ately decorated for the occasion, at 7 o'clock. President McCosh 
taking the chair. The meeting being called to order, the choir 
rendered some beautiful music, sifter which Judge Grant brought 
up the subject of the " Pioneer Picture," a beautiful cluster pho- 
tograph ot 318 old settlers, that had been ordered at the previous 
annual gathering. Tlie Judge spoke in terms of highest praise of 
the execution of the work. He thought Mr. Day was entitled to 
a vote of thanks by the association, if, indeed, he had not earned 
a more substantial token of their regard for the way he had per- 
formed this work. The original ])icture which had been arranged 
and labeled by Mr. Day had been presented by him to tlie society, 
for the purpose of being handed over to tlie State Historical Soci- 
ety. It was also recommended that copies of this picture be framed 
and presented to the sister societies of the counties of Rock Island, 
Dubuque, Des Moines and Johnson. 

The Judge informed tlie old folks that hereafter the festivals 
would be furuislied with music by a clioir made up of its own 
members, to be known as the ''Pioneer Singing Choir." On mo- 
tion old settlers' pictures were ordered for tiie above named asso- 
ciations. 

President McCosh arose and in a few happy and appropriate re- 
marks surrendered the official cane to Israel Hall, President elect, 
who addressed the association in a short and appropriate speech, 
taking tills opportunity to return his thanks for their expression-; 
of coiilidence and respect, and for their heartfelt kindness and 
sympathy in the trying hour of affliction and death in his family. 
He then introduced the orator of the day, Ebenezer Cook, who 
delivered just such an address as fitted the occasion, relating en- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COITNTY. 515 

tirely to the early experiences and earnest labors of the early set- 
tlers — their endurances, energy, public spirit, preseveraiico under 
ditiiculties, benevolence, charity and integrity of purpose, and 
otli'-r traits which ciiaracterized tliose wlio prepared the way for 
those who came after. Touching allusions were made of the 
pioneer dead of 1866 — Mrs. C. G. Blood, Mrs. John Coleman and 
George F. flail. 

Tiieu followed music, then a few moments' lively chat, then the 
supper, which the host had set out in most tempting array. That 
very agreeable part of the festival having been ver^' satisfactorily 
concluded, the parlors were again tilled and the regular toasts 
were responded to. This closing the regular programme of the 
evening, the old settlers then resolved themselves into a committee 
of tiie whole for the laudable purpose of indulging in a free and 
easy way of disposing of tlie balance of time on hand. And every 
body voted the festival a perfect success, and went home happy, 
lioping to enjoy many more of the same sort. 

ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Pursuant to public notice the eleventh annual meeting of the 
Pioneer Settlers' Association was held at George L. Davenport's 
office, Dec. 3, 1S07, President Israel Hall in the chair, who called 
the meeting to order. 

On the election of officers, James Grant was elected President; 
D. P. McKown, reelected Recording Secretary, and Charles H. 
Eldridge, Corresponding Secretary. Barton S. Gaspell was elected 
Treasurer. Tiie following gentlemen were elected Vice-Presi- 
dents : Judge William L. Cook, Horace Bradley, D. B. Shaw, 
Moses Parmelee, James Robinson, Jabez A. Birchard, Johnson 
Maw, George W. Parker, John P. Cook and George N. Pinneo. 
On motion meetin? adjourned. 

ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY. 

Upon former occasions the society had been having such a large 
attendance that the want of room was a great annoyance. This 
year the Executive Committee, to avoid this trouble, secured the 
use of the German Theater building for the iioldingof their festival. 
Fortunate was it they did so, as the immense gathering that as- 
sembled within its walls would have' over-crowded any of the hotel 
accommodations. 



516 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

At an early hour in the evening the reception-room and large 
hall began to till with old settlers, who came prepared to have a 
pleasant time, and they were not disappointed. Upon the stage 
was the raonimientof the society, upon whicli appeared the names 
of the deceased members for the pa?t year in the following order : 
Mrs. Charles Leslie, A. Milo "White, Mrs. Thomas B. Armiel, 
William Rumbold, Mrs. Sunuel Freeman, Louis Herbert, Irad 
Noble, Mrs. Erastiis Downey, Mrs. J. W. Beard, Mrs. Ciiarles H. 
Eldridge, William Grant, Willard Barrows, William Camp. 

At 7:30 the chair was taken by Israel Hall, President, who 
called the association to order, and delivereil the valedictory, and 
transferred the presidential cane to his successor, Judge Grant. 

President Grant, upon receiving the cane, made a very appro- 
priate but short speech, and wound up b}' a tribute of respect to 
Willard Barrows as follows : 

A few days ago Mr. Willard Barrows, the founder and honored 
jiresiding officer of this society, passed from among us. His in- 
dividual e.lForts have done mure to perpetuate our name and e.xalt 
our hearts than the combined efforts of the whole of us. We 
deplore his death, we honor his name, we cherish his virtues, we 
will perpetuate his memory. 

President„Grant, in a few complimentary remarks, introduced 
the orator of the evening. Dr. P. Gregg, of Rock Island, Presi- 
dent of the Old Settlers' Association of Rock Island County. For 
more than half an hour the Doctor entertained his attentive audi- 
ence with reminiscences of old times. The stories and jokes with 
which the speech was sandwiched kept the audience in the best 
possible humor. After further remarks from different members, 
supper was announced at which some 250 persons sat down. Then 
came the regular toasts. It was now midniglit and, on motion, 
the old settlers adjourned, all no doubt feeling gratified that 
they had joined the merry crowd, and with the wish that they 
might all meet again one year hence. 

TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Pursuant to notice the Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott 
County, Iowa, met at Geo. L. Davenport's office, Dec. 8, 1868, 
and in the absence of the President, Judge Grant, Judge W. L. 
Cook, first Vice-President pi-esided, who called the society to 
order. 




^qJ^(^/-^,^^ _^/^^/C^y 



/' 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 519 

After some further business the election of officers was in order 
and resulted in the the election of Jonathan Parker as President 
for the year of 1869. 

The following; gentlemen were elected Vice-Presidents : Hon. 
James Tlioringtoii, W. L. Cook, George Hyde, John L. Coffin 
Enoch Mead, Caleb Dunn, Wm. Suiter, Robt. Wilson, E. Bennett, 
Wm. Riggs, John L. Trux, and H. H. Pease; D. P. McKown was 
re-elected Secretary, and Gen. Add. H. Sanders, Corresponding 
Secretary. Barton S. Glaspell was re-elected Treasurer. After 
some further business, the association adjourned to meet again at 
the festival on the second of January next. 

TWELFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The Old Settlers' Association of Scott County, those remarkable 
men and women of the early days of the county, with a liberal 
sprinkling of their sons and daughters, born previous to 1S41, to- 
gether with a few invited guests, assembled at the Newcomb 
House on the 2d of January, 1869, in accordance with their an- 
nual custom, for the purpose of enjoying a hearty visit all around, 
reviewing the scenes of the past, and partaking of the annual re- 
past. Promptly at 1 o'clock a large number were present, and for 
an hour or more the greetings and handshakings were carried on 
vigorously. The faces of the aged seemed to brighten up with 
youth; and the deeds of to-day were laid aside to recount the in- 
cidents of 30 years ago, every ])art of the county was well rep- 
resented. The latch-string was hung out in truh' original style 
— the thoughtful proprietors of the Newcoinb having erected a rustic 
cabin door at the entrance of the liall loading to the parlors, the 
lintelsof which were grotesquely decorated with coon and fox skins 
in accordance with the custom of early days; and as the old folks 
entered in thereat, the memories of the rustic cabin home of many 
a year since formed a pleasing incident. From the parlor wall, 
and enwreathed with evergreens, hung the customary memorial 
tablet on which was inscribed the names of Vincent Carter, John 
Olds, T. C. Eads, David Miller, James Eumbold. Jr., Lucien Sulli- 
van, Nelson Swartwout, Mrs. Robert Ciiristie, Joseph Gaymon, 
Mrs. Maggie Telfair Smith, Dr. W. W. Parker, Leonard Cooper, 
and George Humphrey, 13 of the early settlers of the county, 
who j)assed away in the year 1868. Another frame contained the 
cluster photographs of a large number of the early settlers, and both 
81 



520 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

during the evening were the objects of constant reference, and 
many eyes grew dim while gazing at the former, and many hearts 
asked themselves who will be next. 

Sociability having prevailed undisturbed until lialf-past eight, 
Judge Grant, the retiring president, invoked order and the sd- 
ciety cane was passed to the venerable Jonathan W. Parker, Presi- 
dent-elect, on whose part the Judge proceeded to deliver the an- 
nual address, in which he gave partial biographical sketches of the 
deceased pioneers of the past year. He paid a touching tribute to 
them all in his closing remarks, and passed on to notice the peculi- 
arities of pioneer life, making happy allusions thereto, much to the 
editication of the old folks; after which the valedictory was pro- 
nounced and the newly elected president took his seat. Mr. 
Parker was the oldest man in the association, being 83 years of 
age. He then proceeded to deliver a short inaugural, he said he 
was no speech-maker and would leave that toothers better qualified, 

Thus ended the business proceedings. Another hour of chatting 
and then the 200 pioneers and their invited guests marched in 
order to the dining-room, where was spread forth in great profu- 
sion a mo.'t sumptuous repast, ready in all its rich variety for earnest 
discussion. The spacious hall was beautifully decorated, and in 
one corner was penned up two beautiful deer; a primitive log-cabin 
in miniature was suspended against the wall; an antlered stag's 
head stood forth in another direction; stuffed specimens of bear 
and catamount stood around the hall. 

The supper was magnificently served. Dishes of buftalo, elk, 
deer, bear and 'possum, with every luxury of the home market, 
graced the tables. The entire subject was ably handled by tlie 
pioneers. The active duties of supper over, then came the toasts 
and responses, which were all in excellent taste. The assembly tlien 
joined in singing "Oft in the Stilly Xight." It was nearly 1 
o'clock and the festival was at an end, and with happy hearts tlie 
old folks sought tlieir homes. 

PICNIC. 

During the summer the association held a joint picnic with 
the Rock Island Association of Rock Island, where Rev. Wm. 
A. Spencer, of Rock Island, delivered an excellent address. At 
the conclusion of the address, Mr. Rollin J. Wells, of Henry conn- 
tv, Illinois, delivered a short, creditable poem " To the Island," 
which was followed immediately by dinner, which was a credit to 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 521 

those who got it up. After dinner a call was made for some of the 
old-time favorites, and the conapauiouabie jovial fellows of early 
times to regale the assembly with anecdotes of old days. Jacob 
Norris, of Rock Island, was called for and responded in two hu- 
morous stories. Mr. Phillip Suiter, of Davenport, made a touching 
and eloquent address. Mr. ilitchcock, of Moline, related some 
pleasant reminisc-nces. Dr. Gregjr filled a short speech full of 
the funniest kind of fun. Mr. Blackmore, of Davenport, sang a 
comic song. The afternoon was delightfully passed and at half-past 
three the roll was sounded to return home, which was done inform- 
ally and jovially. At the conclusion of dinner Mr. P. B. Jones, of 
Davenport, got the whole company in a group under the trees, and 
with a stereoscopic instrument took a view. They all sat them down 
on the grass or reclined on one another's shoulders, and otherwise 
arranged themselves in a graceful and natural »roup, the result was 
a tirst-rate negative. 

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

The thirteenth annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Associa- 
tiijii of Scott County was held at the office of George L. Davenport, 
Dec. l-t, 1SG9, at 2 o'clock, the president, Jonathan Parker, in the 
cha'r. In the absence of the secretary, Lsoiuird Ilarvev was ap- 
pointed secretary jy?'o tern. 

After the reading of the minutes, the election of officers was en- 
tered into, which resulted in the election of Charles Metteer for 
President, and the following named gentlemen forVice-Presidents : 
D. B, Shaw, John Willis, Jesse L. Henley. Isaac Glaspeli, Wm. 
S. Collins, Jabez A. Birchard, Johnson Maw, Austin Campbell, 
Levi Chamberlain, Levi Blackman, Laurel Summers and Caleb 
Dunn; Secretary, D. P.McKown; Corresponding Secretarv, Jaimss 
Thorington, and Israel Hall, Treasurer. Tiie association adjourned 
to meet the second Tuesday in January at the Old Settlers' Festival. 

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

On the evening of Jan. 11, 1870, despite the rain, which had 
been falling all day, and the muddy streets, a large party— some 
hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen — assembled in the spacious 
parlors of the Xewcomb House to participate in the thirteenth 
annual festival of the Pioneer Settlers' Association. The surround- 
ing country was well represented. The guests commenced arriv. 



522 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

ingat at 6 o'clock and all seemed disposed to have a good time. 
At 8 o'clock the president, Jonathan Parker, took the chair, and 
the exercises commenced with the singing by the Old Settlers' 
Choir of " When Old Friends Meet Together." After which Ebe- 
nezer Cook announced that owing to sickness the president-elect, 
Charles Metteer, would not be present, and that the vice-presi- 
dent, D. B. Shiw, would assume the chair. 

The retiring ].)resident then presented tlie "Pioneer Cane" to 
Vice-President Shaw, with a short valedictory, after which a letter 
was read from the president-elect, saying that he very much re^ 
gretted not being able to be with them inbodj-, though he was in 
spirit. After manj^ expressions of friendship and good wishes fur 
their future welfare he closed by saying, " That through the kind- 
ness ■ if Providence, he hail been already permitted to more than 
fill the score alloted to man's existence, and therefore could not 
hop'i to participate in many more of their pleasant re unions, 
which had been such a pleasure to him on previous occasions. 
But whether he were ever permitted the pleasure again or not, his 
prayers would be t'ov their prosperity ; and his wish was that they 
might so live that at the last the Great Master might say : ' ' Well 
done good and faithful servant." 

After another song the annual address was delivered by John P. 
Cook, and was listened to with close attention. The spe:Aker al- 
luded to the organization of the society and its first festival on 
Feb. 22, 1856, upon which occasion he delivered the first address. 
He spoke of the changes that had taken place in county and city 
and among the inhabitants since that time. He wound up with a 
tribute of respect to the dead of the past year, of which there had 
been 13 ; the following are the names : Wm. Hobson, J. E. 
Owens, Mrs. Robert Noble, Judge Donaldson, Mrs. J. M. Parker, 
Mrs. Maria J. Leonard, Mrs. Fanny A. Hopkins, Mrs. Shue, 
Mrs. J. E. Bornberg, Dr. J. M. Witherwax, Josiah Scott, Wm. 
Hopkins, and Mrs. Parmela Ann Find. Steadily but surely the 
early settlers are passing away. At the close of the address the 
whole company rose and joined in singing " Auld Lang S>'ne," 
after which they formed in procession and marched to the dining- 
room. The table fairly groaned under the good things, as also 
no doubt, afterward, did those who showed their appreciation of 
the host's efiorts by partaking so ]:)lentifully of the tempting viands 
placed before them. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 523 

After the feast came the toasts, after which the company re- 
paired to the parlor, where some time was spent in social conver- 
sation ; then all dispersed to their homes, well pleased with the 
entertainment. 

During September, 1870, the old settlers of Rock Island and 
Scott met on the island for their annual picnic. The weather 
having threatened rain in the forenoon there was not so many as 
was expected. But there was a jolly set of old friends wlio made 
light of rain clouds, and everything passed oft to the entire satis- 
faction of all present. 

Hon. E. Cook presided in the absence of the president, Charles 
Metteer. 

Bishop Lee delivered a good address and there were some 
volunteer speeches. 

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

At the annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Association, held at 
the office of George L. Davenport, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1870, 
John P. Cook was called to the chair and John L. Coffin, secretary 
pro tern. Tlie death of the president of the association was an- 
nounced. 

The election of officers was next proceeded with, Dr. E. S. 
Barrows was unanimously elected President. The following named 
gentlemen were elected Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year: B. S. 
Gaspell, George L. Davenport, Wm. Van Tuyl, ilev. Enoch 
Mead, George Hyde, Caleb Dunn, John M. Friday, Capt. F. M. 
Suiter, Rodolphus Bennett, George L. Bowling, Capt. Leroy Djdge 
and M. M. Pease. D. P. McKown was electedjRecording Secretary, 
James Thorington Corresponding Secretary and Israel Hall Treas- 
urer. After some other business the meeting adjourned to meet 
at the festival the second Tuesday in January, 1871. 

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The fourteenth annual re-union of the pioneer settlers of Scott 
County took place at the Newcomb House, Jan. 10, 1871. At an 
early hour tiie members of the association began to assemble, and 
very soon the parlors and halls of the hotel were thronged with 
gentlemen and ladies. Cordial greetings were the order of the 
hour, a general good feeling seemed predominant. Many venerable 
persons were present, among whom were: Mrs. Margaret, relict of 



524 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

the late Antoine Le Claire, Mr. and Mrs. Birchard, Mr. and Mrs. 
Jonathan Parker, Phillip Suiter, Adam Noel and others. In the 
hall was displayed a pyramid bearing on one side the inscription 
" Oar Dead, " on the reversejside appeared the names of the pio- 
neer dead of 1870. The following are the names: Alfred White, 
Mrs. Margaret Fleintning, Mrs. Sarah A. Lindsy, Mrs. Hester 
Sampson, Andrew Logan, Mrs. Strong Burnell, George "W. Fish, 
Charles Metteer, James McGuire, Mrs. Dapro, Mrs. Lyman Smith, 
and A. E. B. Hall. 

At 7:30 o'clock the meeting was called to order by Hon. Ebenezer 
Cook, who appeared with cane in hand, and spoke as follows: " For 
the first time in the history of the association, the president has 
died during his term of office; Charles Metteer is dead. He has 
spoken his last words to you. He has closed his accounts upon 
earth, and is with his God. The duty has been devolved upon me 
to stand here in his place, to call the association to order, and to 
transfer this cane, to the President-elect, Dr. E. S. Barrows, whom 
we have all known from the beginning of the settlement of this 
county. 

"To you, sir, I transfer this cane, the symbol of authority of this 
association, well knowing tliat it will be in worthy hands, and by 
this token declare you president of the association." 

Dr. Barrows then received the emblem and made a few appro- 
priate remarks, in acknowledgement of the compliment of being 
chosen president, and then introduced Jabez Burchard, who de- 
livered tiie annual address, which was excellent and listened to with 
deep interest. 

Upon the conclusion of the address the company engaged in 
social converse until 10 o'clock, when supper was announced; 
about 150 persons sat down to supper. When the assembly was 
seated the president called upon Rt. Rev. Henry AY. Lee, Bishop 
of Iowa, who returned thanks to the Giver of all good. 

The tables were fairly loaded with good things, to which all paid 
the highest respect. When the eatables were disposed of toasts and 
responses were then in order. 

Shortly past midnight the members of the association dispersed 
to their respective homes, having had a most happy and agreeable 
re-union. 

FIFTEENTH ANNUA I, MEETING. 

Pursuant to regular notice the annual meeting of the old settlers 
of Scott County, Iowa, took place at the office of George L. Dav- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 525 

enport, on Dec. 12, 1S71, at 2 o'clock P. M. The President, Dr. 
E. S. Barrows, called the meeting to order. 

The time having arrived for the regular election of officers to 
serve during the ensuing year, tlie following were duly elected by 
ballot : 

President, W. L. Cook; Vice-Presidents, G. L. Davenport, D. 
C. Eldridge, H. G. Stone, P. Suiter, Harry Morehead, W. L. 
Clark, J. K. James, Frank Bennett, Johnson Maw, George B. 
Hawley and John "Willis; Recording Secretary, C. H. Eldridge; 
Corresponding Secretary, James Thorington; Treasurer, Israel 
Hall. 

After appointing some committees the society adjourned. 

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The Scott Count}' Pioneer Settlers' Association held their fif- 
teenth annual festival at the Newcomb House, Jan. 9, 1872, and it 
was one of the most interesting re-union in the society's history. 
The members began to assemble at 4 o'clock, but it was not until 
nearly 6 that any lariie number gathered. The three parlors be- 
held a scene of social enjoyment not often surpassed in interest 
anywhere. In the west parlor iumg a frame, bordered with 
crape, which contained tiie names of IS members of the 
association who had died during the year 1871, and whose names 
are as follows: Thomas Jones, Leroy Dodge, Jabez Birchard, 
Ebenezer Cook, James Davenport, Rodolphus Bennett, Alanson 
Noble, Michael Cooper, William Wilson, Isadore Dapron, James 
Jack, Mrs. Isabella Wallace. Mrs. Cliarles H. Eldridge, Mrs. 
Ephraim Lane, Mrs. William II. Gabbert, Mrs. J. M. Dunn, Miss 
Lucy Campbell and Mrs. Milo Pollock. The exercises opened at 
7 o'clock, at the call of President Barrows, and with the singing of 
the sonar *'How Sweet it is to Meet Again." Afterward Judge 
Grant introduced a resolution which made all the members of the 
Rock Island society honorar}- members of this association, with a 
cordial invitation extended for all the years to come to its re-unions 
and festivals, which resolution was unanimously adopted. The 
inauguration of the President-elect, Judge William Cook, then took 
place. President Barrows delivered an address full of interest. 

After another song President Cook thanked the association for 
the honor conferred on him by his election, and then made appro- 
priate remarks of a general character. An eulogy of the pioneer 
dead was then delivered by Judge Grant, which made a deep ira- 



626 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

pression on his audience. A song was sung and another social 
hour followed. The oldest people present were Mr. and Mrs. 
Jonathan Parker, who were born in 1786, and had been married 
63 years. They came to this county in 1838. The person who had 
lived longest in the county present was Mrs. Marguerite Le Claire, 
she having come in 1833. 

A song ended the parlor social and the banquet was announced, 
at which all did ample justice, after which came the toasts and re- 
sponses. The finale came. " Auld Lang Syne " and " Oft in the 
Stilly Night " were sung by the assembly, the good-byes spoken, 
and the fifteenth festival was a thing of the past. 

AXNUAL PICNIC. 

On the forenoon of Sept. 18, 1872, about 125 of the men and 
women who settled Scott County years ago assembled in front of 
Morrison & Glaspell's store on Brady street, and in their own 
carriages and buggies, headed by Luppy's band, proceeded to 
the government bridge, and thence to their annual picnic grounds 
on Eocklsland, there they were joined by the Old Settlers from 
Rock Island. There were over 300 persons present. 

The weather was cool and the wind high, but the picnic in the 
forest was thoroughly enjoyed, and the day wes a happy one for 
all who participated. 

SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

The annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was 
held Dec. 10, 1S72, in George L. Davenport's office. President 
Wm. L. Cook in the chair. At which meeting Dr. James Hall 
was elected President, and James Thorington, W". L. Clark, John 
M. Friday, P. Suiter, H. Morehead, Johnson Maw, George B. 
Hawley, C. T. Myers, Geo. L. Davenport, Robert "Wilson, John 
Trucks and Geo. W. Parker were elected Yice-Presidents; Israel 
Hall was elected Treasurer; Charles H. Eldridge, Recording Secre- 
tary, and James Thorington, Corresponding Secretary. 

W. L. Clark moved tliat the time of holding the annual festival 
be changed to the first Wednesday after the full moon in Septem- 
■ ber of each year. 

The motion was carried with the understanding that it was to be 
made subject to change, if desired, at the ne.xt annukl festival , 
but if no action was then had it would be final. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 527 

SIXTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The organized Pioneer Settlers' of Scott County held their six- 
teenth annual reunion at the Newcomb House. Owing to a furious 
storm all the afternoon only about 50 were present, the country 
members nearly all being absent. Nevertheless the occasion 
was a happy one. 

The meeting came to order at the call of the out-going presi- 
dent, W. L. Cook. 

Upon the question of changing the time of the annual meeting 
to September, there was a decided negative; as also that of chang- 
ing the hour of meeting to 11 A. M. Judge Cook delivered his 
valedictory address. The Hon. James Grant then delivered the 
annual address. 

"Auld Lang Syne" was then sung, and after a season of socia- 
bility supper was announced, to which the pioneers moved in a 
body, headed by the president, who took his seat at the head of 
the board, with the aged widow of Le Claire (the first white 
woman th:it settled in Davenport) ou his right, and ex-President 
Cook on his left. The table was beautifully spread for the occa- 
sion, to which full and complete justice was done all around; 
after which came toasts and responses, more chatting and singing, 
and then they all went home in the rain. 

SEVENTEENTn ANNUAL MEETING. 

The regular annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association 
of Scott County was held at the office of George L. Davenport, 
on the I'tli day of December, 1S73. 

In the absence of the president. Dr. Hall, Judge Grant occupied 
the chair. 

A communication from Judge Grant and wife, extending an in- 
vitation to the old settlers to hold their reunion at their home in 
the future was read and the invitation accepted by the association. 

The followinjr officers were then elected : President, C. G. 
Blood; Vice-Presidents, Samuel Parker, W. L. Clark, James E. 
Burnsides, Johnson Maw, John C. Brownlee, John Bell, Jacob M. 
Eldridge, George W. Hawley, Horatio Stone, Levi Chamberlain, 
Philip Suiter and Horace Bradley. Israel Hall was elected Treas- 
urer, and Charles II. Eldridge, Recording Secretary. 

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The pioneer settlers of Scott County assembled by special invi- 
tation at the residence of Judge Grant on the evening of January 



528 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

13, 1874, to hold their annual festival. There were about 2i)0 
present, including a number of early settlers, of Rock Island. 
They commenced coming in about 5 o'clock, and kept coming 
until 9. Tiie rooms were crowded with familiar faces, the 
aged and the middle-aged, the friends of many years. Well- 
frosted heads were numerous. Three there were who had passed 
the line of four-score; one had traveled beyond four-score years 
and ten. In all the meetings of 17 years, a more social and 
happy gathering of the pioneers has not been recorded. Tliere 
were constant additions to the gathering until 7 o'clock, at which 
hour Capt. Clark, of Buffalo, called the association to order and 
announced that though their President, James Hall, was in the 
South, he had not forgotten thein. but had seat his valedictory to 
Charles H. Eldridge, who would proceed to read it, which duty 
he performed and surrendered the presidential cane to the presi- 
dent-elect, Dr. C. G. Blood, with appropriate and eloquent remarks 
concerning the duties devolving upon the presiding officer of the 
association. 

Tlie gold head of this cane shows eight panels, in each of which 
is inscribed the names of two presidents. Thus the panels have 
been filled, and a wide, gold band has been added to the original 
head, for the names of succeeding presidents. Dr. Blood's name 
was the first on the band. Receiving the cane, the Doctor deliv- 
ered his inaugural. 

The annual address was to have been delivered by L. Rorer, of 
Burlington, but he telegraphed that he could not be present. When 
this was announced there were inimedjate calls for Judge Dillon, 
who came forward and met with a reception which evinced the 
high regard, and even affection, cherished for one who, commenc- 
ing as a pioneer boy, has come to a high judicial position, and 
is known and honored throughout almost the entire Union. He 
made a short but good speech, as the applause that followed the 
address testified. 

Mr. Charles H. Eldridge then introduced a little matter of busi- 
ness, and moved that the word " male " be stricken from the 
clause in the constitution which provides that all "male persons 
who were residents of the county in or prior to the year 1840 
shall be eligible to membership." The motion was carried unani- 
mously, and pioneer wives and daughters could now become 
members of the association. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 529 

At nine o'clock supper was aunonnced. Small tables and stands 
were placed here and tliore in the several parlors, and the old set- 
tlers o^athcred in gronps of four to six about them, while the 
younger settlers present did themselves the honor of waiting upon 
their seniors. It was a bountiful and delicious supper throughout, 
the dishes seemed innumerable; substantials of all kinds, and deli- 
cacies in endless variety were served. Everybody seemed to have 
the regular ])ioneer appetite. Supper ended, toasts and rospouses 
were in order. After the toasts and responses there was another 
season of sociability. Between 11 and 12 o'clock Auld Lang Syne 
was sung, and then the partings came. Thus ended a festival which 
will be a happy memory through the lives of all who attended it. 

PIONEER settlers' PICNI<\ 

The annual joint picnic of the Scott and Eock Island County 
Pioneers took place on Rock Island in September, 1874. There 
were about 200 present frum Scott County and 100 from Rock 
Island. At 12 o'clock Dr. C. G. Blood, President of the Scott 
County Association, called the assemblage to order. The Doctor 
uttered dtting words of greeting and welcome, after which prayer 
was offered by Rev. Mr. Finley, of Milan. Then came dinner, 
after which speaking was in order. The appointed orators of 
the day were unavoidably absent, and so impromptu speeches 
were called for. Judge Grant being called he mounted the plat- 
form with a six months old baby in his arms, and made elo- 
quent and touching remarks. The babe in his arms was the boy 
of his youngest sister's son, James Grant Johnson, of Parsons, Kan- 
sas. 

President Plilleo, of Rock Island, followed, after which D. 
Bell, Jacob Norris, Rev. Mr. Caruthers, James E. Burnside, all 
spoke a siiort time in a very interesting manner. After which John 
B. Mathews recited the i)i)ein '•Out of the Old House Maggie," 
in a most expressive and pleasing manner. 

The then old friends bade one another adieu and, departed for 
their homes. 

eiohteentu annual meeting. 

The regular annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association 
was held in the office of George L. Davenport, Dec. 8, 1S74. 



530 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COTJNTT. 

W. L. Clark was called to tbe chair, and in the absence of the 
secretary, W. S. Collins acted pro tern. He read a list of the 
officers to be elected and suggested that Mrs. M. A. Sanders be 
elected Historical Secretary, which was adopted. Jndge Grant pre- 
sented an invitation for tbe old settlers to again hold their annual 
festival at his bouse, which invitation was accepted. 

Tbe election of officers was entered into with tbe following re- 
sults : President, Phillip Suiter; Vice-Presidents, W. S. CoUinS) 
W. L. Clark, J. E. Burnside, Johnson Maw, J. C. Brownlee, Dr- 
J. Bell, J. M. Eldrige, Geo. B. Hawley, H. Stone, Levi Chamber- 
lain and Plorace Bradley; Charles H. Eldridge, Pecording Secretary; 
Treasurer, Israel Hall; Historical Secretary, Mrs. M. A. Sanders- 
Notice was given that resolutions would be oftered at the annual 
festival to change the date of mambership, and to change tiie time 
of meeting and of annual festival. On motion adjourned. 

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

At the residence of Judge Grant as per notice given at the an- 
nual meeting a special meeting was called to order for business be- 
fore the hour for festival, Phillip Suiter in the chair. The secre- 
tary read a resolution offered, changing the time of annual meeting 
and festival to the first Wednesday after the full moon in October; 
the motion was adopted. A motion was offered that the annual 
festival the next time beheld on the grounds of the Scott County 
Agricultural Society, commencing at 10 o'clock, and that it be 
a basket picnic; motion adopted. A resolution was offered chang- 
ing time of membership, from the year 1840 to the year 1846, the 
latter year, being the year in which Iowa was admitted to the Union 
The resolution was laid over for action at the meeting in October. 
No further business appearing the meeting adjourned. 

REGULAR ANNUAL MKETING. 

The regular annual meeting was held October 20, 1875, at the 
fair grounds. The meeting was called to order by the president, 
Phillip Suiter. The resolution laid over at previous meeings, rel- 
ative to changing tiie date of membership was taken up. After 
some discussion tbe following was adopted : 

Resolved, That Section 1, of Article V., of the constitution be 
changed to read as follows : " All persons who are now residents of 
Scott County, and who were residents of said county on or before 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 581 

noon of tlie day on which Iowa ceased to be a Territory, and was 
admitted as one of the States of tlie Union, or who married persons 
who were residents as above, and who are of good moral character, 
are elijjibleto membership," which was nnanimout;l\- adopted. 

In reference to tlie future annual meetings and festivals it was 
unanimously left to the executive committee with full power to act. 
A letter was then read from -ludge Grant in which he ex])ressed his 
retjrets at not beiu": able to attend their mcetiuir. 

The election of officers was then proceeded with, which resulted 
in the election ofW. S.Collins, President; Laurel Summers; James 
McManus, G. W. Pinneo, II. S. Gabbert, Adam Donaldson, H. G. 
Stone, James E. Burnside, Alex. Brownlee, Caleb Dunn and Dan- 
iel Moore Vice-Presidents; Israel Hall, Treasurer; Charles E. 
Eldridge. Secretary; then there was adjournment to dinner, which 
was served in the dining hall — a basket picnic. That noontide 
was a gala hour. After dinner, music b\' the band summoned ail 
present to the Floral Hall again. 

The valedictory of President Suiter was next in order. At its 
conclusion the retiring president bade all hail to his successor, and 
transferred the society cane to the new president, W. S. Collins, 
whose inaugural was spicy, cheering and full of encouragement. 
Some of its reminders of courting practices in days of yore, caused 
heartiest laughter, and the solemn closing caused emotions of a dif- 
ferent nature. The next duty was in remembrance of the dead of 
1876, and Gen. Add. H. Sanders was called upon to pronounce the 
eulogies. The General's address was worthy the occasion, and was 
delivered in a manner that evinced ability as a speaker as well as 
brilliancy as a writer. Among the dead of the year appears the 
names of Jonathan and Naomi Parker, who had lived together as 
man and wife Go years, and died within one month and one day of 
each other; Mrs. Esther Blood, who was nearly 93 at the time of 
her death; Mrs. Laura Parmalee and Closes Parmalee, husband 
and wife, who had lived together 50 years; Mrs. Julia Anderson. 
Ilufus L. Catlin, Hugh Burnside, Gen. George B. Sargent, Ira 
C. Van Tuyl. The band then played the air, " Thougli lost to sight 
to memory dear." 

President Collins then introduced E. E. Cook, son of one of the 
l)est known and most able and brilliantof the pioneers, who delivered 
the annual address, which was delivered with a spirit and earnest- 
ness which held the closest attention of all the hearers to the end, 
lifter which Rev. J. H. Sheely and Mr. Boyer made some pleasing 



532 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

remarks. Mr. John Mathews, of Pleasant Valley, recited Carle- 
ton's " Out of the Old House Into the New " with feeling and a 
pathos that caused tears to flow. Then the president announced 
that the executive committees of Rock Island and Scott Counties, 
societies had had a conference, and thought best to recommend a 
union festival on the 4th day of next July. This was received with 
enthusiasm. Tiie band played "Sweet Home" and the festival 
was at an end. 

SPECIAL MEETING. 

A special meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was held 
at the office of Geo. L. Davenport, Aug. 12, 1876, President 
Wm. S. Collins in the chair. 

The object of the call was stated, that as no provision had been 
made for the annual festival, on the ith of July, as had been 
agreed on one year previous, it was necessary that some action be 
taken in the matter. On motion it was decided to hold the festival 
in accordance with the constitution as amended, to wit: On the first 
Wednesday after the fall moon in October. The meeting adjourned 
without agreeing as to time of day or place of holding meeting, to 
meet Aug. 26, to decide. 

ADJOURNED MEETING. 

The old settlers met pursuant to adjournment Aug. 26, 1876, 
President Collins in the chair. The object of the meeting was then 
stated. It was moved and carried that the hour should be 6 P. M. 
and that the executive committee be given full power to act in 
selecting a place to hold the festival; meeting adjourned. 

TWENTIETH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The Old Settlers' Association held their annual festival at the 
new Burtis House. There was only about 50 of the men and 
women who laid the foundation of tlie city and county ])resent. 
A couple of social hours were passed in the parlors, after which a 
business meeting was iield in the dining-room. 

The president, Wm. S. Collins, was in the chair. The election of 
officers being in order, William Van Tuyl was elected President. 
Tlie following gentlemen were elected Vice-Presidents: Horace 
Bradley, Laurel Summers. Benjamin Johnson, James E. Burn 
sides, Johnson Maw. G. W. Parker, John Friday, Jacob M. El- 
dridge. and James McManus; C. H. Eldridge, Secretary, and Israel 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 533 

Ilall, Treasurer. Mr. Hall moved that tlio annual meeting for the 
election of officers be held on the first Tuesday in September, 
at such place as the executive committee may select; motion 
prevailed. 

Secretary Eldridge rea 1 the names of tiie members wiio liad 
died during the last year, of which there were 13; the following 
are tlui names: Gen. George B. Sargent, Sarali E. Eldritlge, Os- 
mond G. ^[clvown, Mrs. Sarah M. Burroughs, Father Pelaniorgues, 
Electa A. Smith, Roiwell H. Spencer, Mrs. Nancy Smith, Eliza- 
betli Moore, Mrs. Elizabeth McArthur, Mrs. L. J. Center, Henry 
Stone and ex-President John Owens. 

The valedictory of President Collins was now in order. In tlie 
absence of the president-elect the cane was surrendered ti> Vice-Pres- 
ident Eldrid;je to retain for him. The retiring president then 
delivered his parting address, which was very appropriate. Vice- 
President Eldridge, in behalf of the new Init absent president, 
tiianked tlie society for tlie honor conferred. Tlie annual address 
was delivered by W. A. Foster, and was very appropriate and in- 
teresting throughout; it was replete with eloquence and held the 
undivided attention of all present. Then followed another social 
season, after which came supper in the east dining-hall. The tables 
were laden with good things and the feast was heartily enjoyed. 
Auld Lang Syne was sung and all proceeded to the parlors, where 
good nigiits were said with warm clasping of hands, and the festi- 
val was at an end. 

TWENTY-FIRST -VNNUAL MEETING. 

The regalar annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Association was 
held Sept. 4, 1877, at the office of George L. Davenport. In the 
absence of the jjresident, ex-President Collins was called to the 
chair, and J. P. Risley appointed secretary jpro tein. After the 
reports of the different officers, Horace Bradley was nominated 
and elected President for the ensuing year. Judge Grant then 
moved tiiat all the other officers be re-elected, which was unani- 
mously carried, it was then moved and adopted that the executive 
committee have full power to select time and ])lace for the next 
annual festival. No further business, the meeting adjourned. 

TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The twenty-first annual festival of the Old Settlers' A-«sociation 
took place at the residence of Judge Grant, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 
1877. 



534 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

At the hour of beginning the exercises there were about 75 of 
the old settlers present. The secretary read a letter from Judge 
Grant expressing great regret that he could not be present on ac- 
count of a pressing lawsuit at Washington in the Supreme Court. 
The secretary then read the roll of old settlers who had died 
during the year. 

The president assumed the chair at S o'clock, an 1 after the sing- 
ing of "Oft in The Stilly Night," Mr. William Buyer, of Eock 
Island, delivered the valedictory for President Van Tuyl, who was 
unavoidably absent. In concluding he introduced the new presi- 
dent, Horace Bradley. Mr. Bradley on accepting the cane 
made a few very a])propriate remarks. The president announced 
that there were several matters of bu.-iness to attend to. After 
some discussion it was decided to hold the annual festival earlier 
in the fall hereafter, and t!ie month of September was selected, 
the day to be fixed by the executive committee. After extending 
a vote ot tiianks to Judire Grant for his hospitality, supper was 
announced, and the whole company sat down to one of the most 
generous feasts ever known in the history of the society. The 
meeting broke up at a late hour, closing with the singing of ' 
" Auld Lang Syne." 

TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

Between 10 and 11 o'clock on the 21st day of September, 1S7S, 
about 150 members of the Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott 
County assembled in the pnrk on the fair ground, with 50 or more 
3'oung men and women, their descendants, for their twenty-second 
annual reunion. President Horace Bradley in the chair. After an 
hour of social greetings, tlie election of offi_'ers for the ensuing 
year was held, whifli resulted as follows: James E. Burnside, 
President; Alibone Morton, Levi S. Chamberlain, IraF. Smith, A. 
J. Hyde, C. M. Pinneo, Johnson Maw, Henry Gabbert, Philip 
Baker, W. L. Clark and Enoch Mead, were elected Vice-Presi- 
dents; Charles Eldridge, Secretary ; and Israel Hall, Treasurer. 

The president-elect was conducted to the platform by Judge 
Grant and Squire Baker, and President Bradlej' surrendered the 
historic cane to hira. Then all adjourned to dinner, whicii was 
enjoyed in picnic style, — some in the dining-hall, some in the park, 
and all happy. After dinner President Burnsides delivered an 
off-hand inaugural address, which was full of reminiscences of 40 
years ago. He thanked the association for the honor conferred 



/^ 





M-' 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtlNTT. 537 

upon him, after wliicli Sscretary Eldridge read the roll of the 
dead of the past year, 30 in all, the longest list of any year 
since the society b^gan. The choir sang "Gathering Home," 
then their were addresses from Judge Grant, George Mixter and 
Dr. Gregg, of R >ck Island, and others. Soon after the entire com- 
pany joined in the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," shook hands 
all 'round, and the re-union was at an end. 

TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL FKSTITAL. 

The twenty-third annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Associa- 
tion was held on the fair ground Sept. 24, 1879. Owing to the heavy 
storm ot the day before and the cliilly forenoon of the day of meet- 
ing there were not as manj- present as usual. 

President James E. Burnside called the meeting to order. After 
tiie secretary had read tlie minutes of last meeting, the election 
of oiEcers took place as follows: Enoch Mead, President; A. Mor- 
ton, George B. Hawley, Henry Gabbert, Johnson Maw, W. L. Clark, 
A. H. Davenport, Levi S. Chamberlain, John Lambert, Randolph 
Sry, and Capt. W. H. Gabbert, were elected Vice-Presidents; Israel 
Hall, Treasurer, and Charles H. Eldridge, Secretary. 

Cajit. Gabbert was appointed a committee to conduct the presi- 
dent-elect to the chair, which he did, whereupon President Burn- 
side resigned the presidential cane to Mr. Mead. 

TWENTY- FOURTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

On the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1880, the Old Settlers' 
Association met at the hospitable abode of Judge Grant and wife to 
hold their twenty-fourth reunion; it was the third time that they 
had enjoyed the warm-heartedhospitality of the Judge and his fam- 
ily, who made everybody feel at home and happy. 

The business meeting was called to order about 7 o'clock by 
President E. Mead. The choir then sang "The Old Folks at 
Home," after which the election of officers was held, and resulted 
in the election of Johnson Maw, President, and Israel Glaspell, 
George B. Hawlev, Ilenr}- Galbert, Robert Fleming, "William 
McGennis, Levi Chamberlain, John Lambert, Vice-Presidents, 
Israel Hall, Treasurer; R. S. Sinetiiam, Recording Secretary; Cor- 
responding Secretar}', Charles II. Eldridge. 

Saon after the election came the inauguration and President 
Mead delivered tlie official cane to President Maw with a neat ad- 
dress, in which he called to mind the fact that the cane was made 
32 



538 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of Scott Couatj hickory, and the panels of its gold head, engraved 
with the names of the presidents who had carried it, was made by 
one of the early settlers who is still in business in Davenport. Mr- 
Maw accepted the cane. Then followed a social time for an hour, 
in which there was abundance ot merry greetings of old friends, 
The oldest resident settlers present were Mr. and Mrs. D. C. El- 
drido'e and Mr. and Mrs. Van Tnyl, who came here in 1835, and 
Mrs. Adam Noel, Mrs. C. Paden, Phillip Suiter, L. S. Chamberlain 
and Charles Eldridge, who came in 1836. 

At 10 o'clock supper was announced and the Judge said that the 
first china he had ever used in housekeeping would be spread on 
one of the tables; also his first set of chairs would be set at the ta- 
ble. These were to be filled by Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge, Mrs. C. 
Paden, Mr. and Mrs. YanTuyl, Phillip Suiter and L. S. Chamber- 
lain. The attendance was unusually large, there being nearly 200 
present, causing the necessity of setting the tables the third time. 
The tables were furnished with dishes the pioneers were familiar 
with in the old days, and everything choice which the market 
affords in these later days. After the adjournment from the supper 
table a resolution ot thanks to the Judge and family for their hos- 
pitality and kindness was passed. During the evening there were 
several short addresses, and the universal verdict was that a pleas - 
anter reunion of the old settlers had never been held, and everyone 
went home feeling that it was good to have been there. Mr. Phil- 
lip Suiter, who only wanted 31 days of being 81 years of age, walked 
from Le Claire, a distance of 1-i miles, to attend this meeting. 

The meeting closed by singing " Auld Lang Syne." 

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. 

The twenty-fifth annual festival of the Pioneer Settler's Asso- 
ciation met at the St. James Hotel on the evening of the 26th of 
October, 18S1. The day was gloomy and the roads were in a fear- 
ful condition, so that the attendance of old settlers living at a dis- 
tance in the country was not to be looked for. But a few did arrive 
in spite of the threatening weather and bad roads. There were 
about 100 present and a very social and pleasant time was passed. 

The meeting was called to order at 8 o'clock by Mr. "William S. 
Collins, the president, John Maw, being absent. The choir of 
the Christian Church then sang, "Way down upon the Swanee 
River " in a most charming manner. The first business was the 
election of officers, which was entered into and resulted in the 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 539 

election of Daniel Moore as President by acclamation. George 
Hawley and J. M. Eldridge having been appointed a committee for 
the purpose, now presented the president-elect to the acting presi- 
dent. William. S. Collins, wlio presented to him the pioneer cane, 
the time-honored stati of oftice, with a few appropriate remarks. 
Israel Hall was re-elected Treasurer ; Charles H. Eldridge was 
re-elected Corresponding Secretary, and Riciiard Smethara re- 
elected Recording Secretary ; D. C. Eldridge and George Hawley 
were appointed a committee to select Vice-Presidents for the en- 
suing year. They reported the following gentlemen : Isaac Glas- 
jell. George B. Ilawley, Henry Gabbert, Robert Fleming, William 
McGinnis, Levi S. Chamberlain, John Lambert, after whicli the 
choir sang "Come Silver Moon " and " Oft in the Stilly Might." 
Then came the magic word "Supper," and the old settlers of Scott 
County sat down to a really elegant and satisfying repast, to 
which they devoted themselves with great assiduity, showing that 
of whatever else time may have bereft them he had left them 
good appetites. So well was the society pleased with their enter- 
tainment that a vote of thanks was tendered Gough B. Grant, 
landlord, for their entertainment, atid also to the choir of the 
Christian Churcii for their sweet music discoursed during the even- 
ing. After this nothing remained but to sing " Should Auld Ac- 
quaintance be Forgot," and disperse to face the chances and changes 
of another vear. 




CHAPTER XIT. 

REMINISCENCES. 

In this chapter are given a few reminiscences of the pioneers of 
Scott County. Where tlie historical committee diflered with the 
writer, corrections are made by foot notes. 

BY J. E. BURNSIDE. 

I was i)orn in Greenbrier County, in the State of Virginia, on 
the 10th day of April, 1813. 

My father moved from Virginia to Logan Co., Oliio, in 1816. 
When I was 20 years of age I left Ohio, in 1833. I stopped at 
White Pigeon, Mich., and remained there three years, during 
which time I built me a saw-mill and ilouring-mili, and married 
my present wife there. We were married April 9, 1835, and in 
June, 1836, I started West again to find me another home farther 
westward. 

There were three of us started together. We started on horse- 
back; sometimes we traveled 30 or 40 miles before we could find 
a place to entertain us. We had a map and compass to travel by. 
We crossed the Mississippi River at Flint Ilills, now known as 
Burlington. Then we traveled 10 days southwest of Burlington, 
in Black Hawk Territory and Northern Missouri. There we ran out 
of ]ir(ivisions, and turned our course up the Mississippi River to 
Buffalo in Scott County. 

Tlienoe we went out to Cedar River, and took up claims and ran 
out of provisions again; had nothing to eat but strawberries, which 
grew wild. Then we started back for home. We came back to 
Buffalo, 10 miles west of Davenport. At that time Captain Clark 
kept the only ferry boat on the river between Burlington and Du- 
buque. 

AVe landed back in Michigan sometime in July; had a hard trip 
of it. We thought sometimes the Buffiilo guats would eat us u|) 
We got home all right. 

I then made up my mind to go West, and sold my mill property 
and rigged up an ox team of three yoke, and put them to an old 
Pennsylvania wagon which was called "prairie schooner." I 

(540) 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 541 

loaded in three barrels of flour and one of spring wheat, probably 
the first spring wheat brought to Iowa Territory. It was what we 
called tiie old bald wheat. I hauled it 500 miles by land, and sowed 
it iu the spring of 1837, and raised 75 bushels of good wheat. This 
gave me a good start in spring wheat. 

I left Indiana on the first day of September, 1836, and landed at 
Buffalo that same fall. W. L. and Perry Clark, who were both small 
boys then, ferried me across the river safely. They understood 
their business well. I moved out to Cedar County; settled on 
Sugar Creek, six miles below Tipton. Tiiere were four families of 
us that hail moved tliere at the time. Shortly after there were 10 
or 12 moved near us. 

Altogether there were about 18 families of us that wintered in 
Cedar County in the winter of 183(5. That was a ver^- hard win- 
ter for us; the snow fell about 16 inches on a level and laid on un- 
til the first of March. We had put up a goodly quantity of hay, 
as it was all we had to winter our stock upon ; but in the latter 
part of November the Indians set fire out in the prairies and it 
came through our settlement and some of our settlers lost all 
their hay, others part of theirs, so we did not have enough to win- 
ter our stock, and the cattle got so poor that some of them lost all 
their hair, and some of them got so poor that the wolves ate them 
up alive. Some of the families sullered f>r want of provisions. 

Teams got so poor that they could not travel and the snow so 
deep that some had to carry baggage and produce on their backs. 

I will next say that when I landed in Cedar County I drove my 
wagon in the timber which was all the house we had for three weeks. 
We built our fire against a big log and did our cooking and wash- 
ing, so that I and my men could put up hay before the frost w-ould 
spoil it, after which we would build a house to winter in. 

I will now relate a little circumstance that took place: We had to 
go a half a mile for water for use. One morning while I was very 
busy preparing material for building and getting up our hay before 
the frost would spoil it, my wife said she must have some water 
hauled before we went to work, as she must do some washing for 
the baby. So I sent a man to draw the water with a team from 
the creek, with some old barrels. Ue came back and the barrels 
were leaking out the water very fast. So my wife got vessels to 
put under the barrels to save the water, and fretting about the new 
home, etc., after which I went off about a half mile to mow, and 
she went to washing. In the course of about two hours I heard 



5i2 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

some one holloing, and listening I learned it was my wife. I 
knew there was something the matter so I dropped m}' scythe and 
broke for the wagon, still hearing the holloing. I did not run far 
until I was sure that it was my wife and that there was trouble, so 
I put in my best licks in running through the gra>s and weeds, 
which were as high as my head. When I got in sight of her she 
had run a quarter of a mile from home through the grass and weeds 
and old logs till she came to a leaning tree wliich she had climbed 
and her scream was " Indians! IndiansI I " 

When I got close to her I asked where the baby was. Her reply 
was, "O Lord! I never thought of the baby." I never stopped to 
help her from the tree but dashed ahead making some tall strides 
until I arrived where the baby was left, and found it all right sit- 
ting up in the old board cradle; my wife gut down Irom the tree 
and followed me. When she got back to the wagon I was holding 
the baby and rejoicing for its safety, for I was most certain the In- 
dians had stolen it. When my wife got bvck she was very much 
exhausied but soon recovered enough to tell me the trouble. She 
had been busy washing over the tub, not thinking of Indians. All 
at once she chanced to look up, and there stood two Indians close 
behind her with their guns on their shoulders. As she started to 
run the Indians did also, but in the oppDsite direction. The last 
she saw of them was their guns glittering in the grass. After we 
had got over the scare my wife went to work and read over the 
law to me in this style: " As sure as there is a God in heaven, if you 
do not go to work and build a house, and that right away, I will 
leave and go back home.'' This I thought was strong law but I 
knew I had to obey tiiis time, so I went to whetting my ax, and 
in four da^'s we built a house, as good a one as was in Cedar 
County at that time. 

That year the Indians would stop very often to get something to 
eat, but were friendly when treated properly. My wife was so much 
afraid of them that she would take her babe and go with me out 
to the timber where I was making rails and stay all day. 

In tiie spring of 1837 I moved from Cedar County to the place 
on which I now reside. 

In the winter of 1836, I hauled all the timber for the first steam 
flouring mill built in Scott County. It was built by John Sullivan, 
in Rockingham, in the year 1837. 

I tlien went and hauled wood for Antoine Le Claire twomontiis; 
I lived with him during the time and I could never recompense 



HISTOEY OF SCOTT CODNTr. 543 

him for the favors he bestowed upon me. I shall ever revere his 
memory. 

I had to work with my team to get something to live on ; my 
wife stMj-ed in Cedar County while I was thus engaged. I took a 
load of ])rovisions out to Cedar Coujity every two or three weeks to 
keep mj' family and some others alive ; I thought sometimes we 
would not be able to live through till spring, provisions were so very 
high and scarce. Flour was from $15 to $20 per barrel ; corn 
meal, from $6 to $7 per barrel ; bacon, 25 cents per ponnd, and the 
ribs in the sides at that ; corn, $1.00 per bushel and frost bitten 
at that. Our living was corn bread and poor, lean beef, and no 
grease to grease the skillet, so you may form some idea how we 
lived in this then new country. 

The first preacher stationed in Scott County was Rev. Braise; 
First Presbyterian ])reacher was Enoch Mead, now residing in 
Rockingham township ; the first church in the county was built 
in Rockingham. 

The tirst little grist-mill was built on Crow Creek, by Davis and 
Hastel, and an awful thing it was. I got seven bushels of corn 
ground in it in one night and staid all night with a hoop-pole dig- 
ging the meal out of it. 

The first frame house was built by B. "\V. Clark, in 1S35 ; first 
frame barn, by J. E. Burnside, in lS3t* ; first post offices established 
were in Buffalo and Davenport in 1836. The first postmasters 
were B.' W. Clark, of Buffalo, and Aiitoine Le Claire, of Davenport. 
Some two or three other olfiees were established the same year. 

The first store in the county was opened at Buffalo, in 1835. The 
first cook stove was pureiiased Iw B. W. Clark, of Buffalo, in 1834. 

The largest settlement in Scott County in lS35-'36 was Buffalo 
townshi]) and Rockingham. 

The largest settlement in the State was at Dubuque and Flint 
Hills, now* Burlington. The first reaping machine was brought 
to Scott County by R. S. Baker and J. E. Burnside ; it was the 
old McCormick reaper. 

The first threshing machine was bought by Robert S. Baker and 
J. E. Burnside. 

The first land in market was in lS39-'40. When I came here 
first, we called this country the Black Hawk territory, or the Black 
Hawk purchase; some called it the God-for-saken place, and I don't 

*A mistake, as Horace Bradly built a frame bam for B. W. Clark in 1837.— Ed. 



6M HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY 

know but tlie last appellation was about as appropriate as any of the 
names ; as there was nothing here but Indians and wild beasts, the 
wolves would howl around our shanties all night and frequently 
take our pigs and poultry. 

Wild game was abundant, consisting of deer, wild turkeys and 
geese and ducks. I had two men living with me wlio killed 110 
deer in less than two months ; they sold them at $1.00 apiece and 
did well at that. 

I helped build the first log cabin in Davenport after the town 
was laid ofi". have seen Davenport grow up from a tenantless 
wilderness inhabited by Indians to a mighty city. 

I labored hard here for li years, and when gold was first 
discovered in California I concluded to try my luck in that 
country. I started for that country in the spring of 1850; went 
by land, came back by water. I was 75 days crossing the plains, 
and 75i days returning by water. 

I came from San Francisco to Panama; then crossed the isth- 
mus to Shagres; then took a steamer for New Orleans; there 
changed my gold dust for coin, and took a boat for my home in 
Scott County, where I landed on the loth day of November, 
1850. I made the whole trip in seven months and thirteen days; 
the quickest trip that had ever been made from Iowa. 

I worked 1-i days in the mines; had eight men under my em- 
ploy; gave them each $8 per day. 1 took out $7,350, and con- 
cluded to let well enough alone, so I then started for home. AVe 
were 47 days on a sail vessel crossing the Pacific Ocean to Pan- 
ama; were ship-wrecked b}' a storm, then were on allowance 20 
days, during which time our condition was very unpleasant. 

I will now say I have lived in Iowa H years, and have been in 
all the States in the Union except five; have been in all the large 
cities of the United States, and will now saj' if you will stick a 
stake in the city of Davenport and tak>3 in 20 miles around 
the city of Davenport, or make it 40 miles, it can not be ex- 
celled in the United States; and I doubt if it can be beaten in the 
world. And Davenport's growth the past 40 years I fancy will 
give us but a faint idea of what it will be 40 years hence. While 
it numbers its thousands now, it will then reach its hundreds of 
thousands. 

BY JAMES BROWNLEE. 

We left Scotland March 31, 1826, and landed in Canada about 
the middle of May the same year, and continued there chopping 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 545 

farms out of the woods until 183S, when we got very much dissat- 
isfied with British rule in tliat province, and after miicli tlionght 
we cancluded to turn all that we owned into money and seek a 
home in the United States, somewhere in the far West. Accord- 
ingly, toward the end of June, 1838, with all that we owned turned 
into money and clothing, our destination being the southern part 
of Illinois, we started up the Ridua canal and Lake Ontario, and 
landed at Queenstown, and had quite a tussle with the Canada 
authorities before we could get across the river (that was the year 
of the McKinzie rebellion), but finally succeeded in shaking off the 
dust from our feet against both British and Canadian rule for- 
ever. As soon as we got across, the people — our new friends — all 
seemed so friendly that we felt as if we had got home. 

Just at this time a very fine, grave-looking old man stepped up 
and said, "I will take you up to Buffalo in time for the boat,"' but as 
we were abouf to finish the bargain, a wicked-looking sinner came 
up swearingand said: '-That old Presbyterian, deacon though he be, 
will leave you on the road halfway there. You old rascal, you know 
that you are going to cheat these people. I will take you half- 
way for half the money and that is all that he will do." However, we 
felt religiously inclined and so concluded to go with the deacon; 
but sure enough he did leave us half way and comforted us with a 
lie, saying that he was coniR-cted with the railroad and that the 
train would be along soon and take us to Buiialo. The train did 
come along and took us too, but we had to pay our own way. This 
was our first lesson in Yankeedom. 

Next day found us on Lake Erie celebrating our first " Fourth of 
July," between Buffalo and Cleveland, where we landed that 
night and engaged our passage next day on the canal for Purts- 
mouth, on the Ohio River. We were nine days on the canal cross- 
ing the State of Ohio, — rather a slow way of traveling now-a-days. 
We did not need to stay long before we got a steamboat. We 
went aboard and set sail for Alton, Ills., where we arrived in due 
time. After securing a house and making the women and children 
comfortable Alexander and myself started into the country; after 
traveling a long time both in the south of the State and up the Illi- 
nois River, we came back pretty well discouraged, having seen 
notliiiiir that would suit our idea for a settlement: in the meantime 
we heard some reports of the Black Hawk purchase as it was then 
called (now Iowa). We concluded to take a look on the west side of 
the Mississippi, called at Burlington, stopped a little while there, 



546 HISTOEY OF SCO'IT COUNTY. 

and finally got to Davenport, where we landed on the 25th day of 
August, 1888, then only a city in prospect, — one small store and one 
tavern, with two or three board shanties and one log cabin; the 
tavern contained more people than all the rest of the town besides. 

This year the Territorial Legislature met in Burlington, 1 think 
for the first time. There was no land in market for two or three 
years after we came to Long Grove; the people held their land by 
claim. 

After inquiring we found that all the timber along the river was 
claimed, and the squatters held their claims at such extravagant 
prices that we concluded not to indulge them in their greed; so we 
turned our faces to Long Grove; and after a tedious walk (there 
was no livery stable) through sloughs and \onsc grass (there were 
no roads) we arrived at our destination, but, behold. Long Grove 
was all claimed too. Here we found a man and his wife and one 
child by the name of Elder, from Pennsylvania; and an old man 
named Alvord, from New York, who had taken chums; and yet 
another man b^' the name of Coats, who owned a claim, but lived 
in Davenport, wiio afterward was associated with Davies in the 
planing-mill business. 

We next went east to Warren Grove, as it was then called, now 
Walnut Grove, and here we learned that Coats and a man living in 
Dubuque by the name of Pease claimed all that grove; then we 
went up the Wapsie River bottom and found two old bachelors 
by the name of John and William Quinn, living in a log cabin, 
seemingly content with their lot, although not witiiin five miles of 
any neighbors; from there we went to Allen's Grove where we found 
Allen himself, after whom the grove was named, and a family by 
the name of Dunn; then to Poston's Grove, where we found the 
venerable Poston himself, " monarch of all he surveyed." 

These I believe were all the white people in Scott County outside 
of the river settlements.* 

After due consultation we came to the conclusion to return to 
Davenport and try to buy Coat's claim in Long Grove, as we were 
pretty sure that lie only held it for speculation. So rather than get 
into a quari-el with him we concluded to give him $160, which lie 
readily accepted, and now, according to the law of custom, we owned 



* There were quite a number of white people at this time living in the settle, 
ments named, ia addition to which there were many other settlements found in 
the county n-it mentioned by Mr. Brownlee. See township histories. — Ed. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 547 

160 acres of timber In Long Grove and as ranch prairie as wc wanted 
to claim, for it was only the timber tiiat there was any value in in 
those days. 

I think we had neither deaths, births nor marriages witiiin four 
years after we settled in Long Grove. 

Davenport was tiie nearest postoffioe and continued so for many 
years. 

My brother, William Brownlee, came and settled here with his 
family, live in number, in 1840, and built the tirst frame building 
in Scott County outside of Davenport.* 

Sunday-school and religious services were commenced in 1839) 
and have been kept np ever since on every Lord's day with but few 
exceptions, and a Church was regularly organized according to the 
New Testament plan in 1840. James LJrownlee's house being used 
for both Sunday-school and meeting-house; al)out two \'ears after, 
say in 1842, the whole neighboriiood turned out and hauled logs 
from the Wapsie and built one, wliich was used for a school-house 
and all kinds of meetings — religions, political and school— for many 
years. The first regular ])reacher's name was James Rumbold; he 
was an elder in the Christian Church of Davenport. 

Tlie first school was opened in 1841, and the name of the first 
teacher was Kennedy; he was a straight Catholic; he opened an 
independent school; that is, one on his own responsibility. I think 
this was in 1841. 

Tlie price of fiour the first year we lived here was $11 per barrel; 
pork, $15 per hundred weight; horses, none for sale; cows, $28; po- 
tatoes, $1 per bushel; but in two or three years after this, when we 
got something to sell, wheat sold from 30 to 40 cents per bushel; 
corn, 10 cents; pork, 75 cents per hnndred; eggs, 3 centsper dozen; 
and all this must be payed in what was called in those days store 
pay, out of the store. If calico was 30 cents per yard or sheeting 20 

cents, it made no difierence. 

As to local government we did not have much, and indeed did 
not need much, for the neighbors were i'ew and very friendly, 
much more so than they are now; but if some ill-disposed person 
did happen to come in among ns he was disposed of in this way . A 
meeting was called and two or three appointed to notify the ])erson 
that he must not be seen in tiiose parts after a certain date. That 

*Mr. Brownlee is mislaken, as at this lime there were hundreds of frame 
buildings in the county. This house was probably the firs-t in Long Grove — Ed- 



548 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

generally proved effectual, and under these circumstances the taxes 
were light; the whole taxes for a family owning or claiming a 
quarter section of land with a goodly amount of stock would be 
from four to five dollars per year; however, it took considerable 
planning and scheming to raise even that amount. 

The land I think came in market in 1840 or '41. That was 
qiiite an exciting time for it was reported and generally believed 
among the settlers that speculators were coming from the East to 
bid off all the good farms, and to overcome this trouble they all 
combined together and chose one man to bid off all the settlers' 
lands, and the first man that made a bid that was not authorized 
was to be arrested and put under guard until the land sale was 
over. This answered the purpose; the settlers ail got their lands 
It did not benefit them much after all, for many of them had to 
borrow money at 40 and 50 per cent., which some of them were 
never able to pay. 

As to the climate, I do not think there has been any perceptible 
difference during the 40 years that we have lived here. 

And as to the game, the prairie chickens were verj' plenty. 
We used to catch them in traps by the bag full, and quails were 
equally plenty; the deer likewise were plenty; I have seen as high 
as 20 in one drove; there were also some wild cats and plenty of 
prairie wolves, who were very destructive to both our sheep and 
poultry, especially the former. 

And as for the Indians, we have frequent visits of goodly num- 
bers of tliem, but they were always civil until the night before they 
were going to leave; then we had to watch our corn cribs. 

Having concluded to make Long Grove our future home, we set 
about getting a place that we could live in througli the winter. 
Accordingly we went about finding a team toliaul out some lum- 
ber, and Mr. Dillon (the present Judge Dillon's lather), who had 
just arrived a short time before to make a home like ourselves, 
willingly consented to take out a load of lumber, and with that 
and some logs we built a house, which we lived in through the 
winter ; and after going to Illinois for a cow and a yoke of oxen, 
and fixing up things generally, brother Alexander started down 
the river for the family, who were still in Alton, and left me to 
look after the claim, and that was the sorriest time in all our 
travels. He left for Alton Oct. 15, and expected to be back in 
two or three weeks, but I never heard a word of them until the day 
before Christmas ; just about the time they ought to have readied 



HISTORY OF SCOIT COUNTV. 549 

Davenport there was a stcuinboat sunk on the rapids and I 
naturally concluded that they had gone to the bottom of the river 
with that boat ; but on the day before Christmas three covered 
wagons landed at Lmg Grove, with the women, children and all 
the outfit. The reason of the delay was, the women and children 
had been sick and could not be moved because there was so much 
ice in the river that the boat had to unload at Warsaw, which com- 
pelled our folks to either stay there all winter or hire teams to 
bring them on, which latter they did at $3 per day each until 
they returned. We were now all right, all together, and all 
pretty well, in our log cabins. 

BY JUDGE WM. L. COOK. 

I came to this county from Ontario Co., New York ; it was 
then under the government of the Territory of Michigan. I 
started from Xew York in March, 1836, with my family, consist- 
ing of my wife and two small children. I moved my family and 
goods by team 100 miles, to the headwaters of the Allegheny 
River, and there built a raft of pine boards. On tlie raft we built a 
abin for our habitation. We launched our craft upon the Alle- 
glieny River on the 26th of A))ril, 1836, and ll jated day after day 
until we arrived at the city ot Pittsburg, Pa., having traveled 
on in this manner about 400 miles, we then disposed of our raft 
and chartered our passage to St. LmuIs ; from there we obtained 
passage on one of the boats which were employed in carrying 
supplies to the forts above Dubuque, and when we arrived at Rock 
Island the captain said he did not know anything about landing 
on the west side of the river, as no boat as yet landed on that 
side. 

Col. George Daven])ort kindly took my family into his house 
until I could find a way to ship my goods across the river. I found 
an Indian who had a very small canoe, and Mr. Davenport asked 
him, in the Indian language, to carry me over to Mr. Le Claire's 
cabin. We started, and as he was the first of the Western In- 
dians I had ever seen, I went very reluctantly into his frail canoe, 
as 1 then thought. The river was very high and I felt there was 
great danger of leaving us in the river, but we finally landed near 
where Mr. Le Claire had erected a cabin ; it was built of logs, and 
stood near the place where the first treaty was held in 1832 or 
1S33, and is now occupied by the Chicago «& Rock Island depot. 



650 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUXTY. 

I moved my familj' to the west side of the river about the 20th 
of May, 1836, and settled on a claim below where the city of Dav- 
enport now stands. I was then about 32 years old. There were 
probably 10 or 12 white persons living in this vicinity at the 
time. 

The first female born, I believe, was Caroline Friday. Her father 
and mother landed on tlie west side of the river on Friday. They 
came from Indiana, and had a wagon, that was then called a prai- 
rie schooner, large enough for his family and goods. Tlie night 
after their arrival Caroline was born in their house on wheels. 

Ellen Cook was born the 6th of August following. 

The first wedding that I recollect was Cheney Monger and Miss 
Donaldson. 

The tii'st death within my recollection was a man from In . 
diana, with a breaking team, and he was breaking prairie for Mr. 
Le Claire, near the present site of the new Burtis House and the 
depot on Perry street. He was taken sick with the bilious fever, 
and, as he lived in his wagon, no one found him until he was be- 
yond help. He was moved to a log cabin near where the old Bui*- 
nell saw-mill now stands, and died soon after. Some rough boards 
(from his wagon-box I think) were nailed together for his coffin, 
and we buried him near where the old High School building now 
stands. 

There were two or three other deaths that summer, but they 
were strangers. 

Our postoffiee was called Farnamburg, and it is now called 
Rock Island, 111. 

Dubuque was probably the largest place in this Territory. 

The first Legislature was held after we were organized in Wis- 
consin. Alexander McGregor was sent to that Legislature in the 
year 1837. H. T. Camp was elected to this Legislature and died. 
In July, 1S37, A. W. McGregor was elected to fill the vacancy, 
and took his seat at the first session, meeting at Burlington, the 
preceding session having been held at Belmont, within the limits 
of the present State of Wisconsin . 

Iowa Territory was formed in 1838, and the first Legislature was 
held at Burlington. 

The State of Iowa was formed in 1846. Originally there were 
two counties, called Dubuque and Des Moines Counties. The di- 
viding line extended from the foot of Eock Island in direct line 
westward through the Territory. 



HISTORY OF SCO'IT COUNTY. 651 

The lirst frame building was raised near where the old Burnell 
saw-mill now stands. It was a two-story building, and I believe 
was the first building in the town that burned down. 

The first Methodist sermon tliat I heard preaclied in this county 
was in this building betore the lioor was laid. It was preached by 
the Rev. Elnathan Gavit. 

The first Methodist society was organized in the fall of 1S39. It 
consisted of seven members, viz.: Timothy Dillon and wife, Wni. 
L. Cook and wife, W. J. Ruby and wife and W. W. Moran. 

The first circuit preacher for tiie Methodist Church was Chan- 
ney Ilobert, who was sent here to form the Rockingham circuit, in 
the fall of 1836; his circuit covered about one-third of the settle- 
ment of the Territory'. 

The first Christian organization was probably the Presbyterian; 
the next, the Christian Ciiurch, then the Congregationlist. 

James Thorington taught the first private school. 

Food was scarce in those early times; pork, which they called 
bacon, of the poorest quality was IS cents per pound, Hour, $16 per 
barrel; we had no potatoes until we raised thera ourselves; corn was 
$1; per bushel; horses, from $60 to $100; cows, $25. 

The settlers organized a local government in 1S36, for their own 
safety, feeling that the laws of Michigan Territory could not reach 
them effectually. They chose a judge, sheriff and others, such as 
a committee of investigation, to which all cases of complaint were 
made, and the case had a fair judicial trial, and when the verdict 
was given there was no appeal to any higher court. In 1838 our 
Territorial Courts were organized and Judge Williams was ap- 
pointed judge of the west side of the river. The first court under 
this appointment was held in the spring of 1838, in a little room 
on front street, above Main. The court was organized and all the 
business finislied in one day. 

The Government paid the cost of judge and jury. 

The first Territorial road was laid from Burlington to Dubuque, 
in 1839. The Government land of this vicinity was surveyed in 
1837, and brought into market in 1839. 

Since the county has been cultivated, tiie land is much dryer; 
land that was then considered swamp land will now admit of cul- 
tivation. 

The climate is colder in summer, and in winter we had colder 
weather and more snow than we do now. The year I fenced my 
farm (18391 I drew the rails on a sled, on good enow paths for 
■to days, without one thaw. 



652 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Deer were often seen. I have seen while out huntino; 100 deer 
between Duck Creek and the groves beyond. The settlers who 
came to stay were of the first class. They were kind and friendly 
and ready to assist one another in sickness and health, and would 
divide the last loaf In a word, the " hitch strino; " always hung 
on the outside of tlie door. 

There were a large number of Indians in this vicinity, consisting 
of the Sac and Fox tribes. The two tribes confederated together. 
Black Hawk was the chiet of the Saes, and Keokuk of tlie Foxes. 
This confederation was made to defend themselves against the 
nortliern tribes. In the fall of 1836 two tribes met on the island 
called Ma])le, just below the town of Davenport. They commenced 
fighting near my house, on the river. The white settlers became 
alarmed, as stories were often circulated that the Indians would 
make a raid on the settlers. I feared them. I tried to get a boat 
to take my wife and children to the fort, but did not succeed. As 
soon as it was dark I fastened my cabin, which had a door and a 
nine-light window, and took my ritle, ax and butcher knife and 
stood sentinel about half the night, or until they had stopped their 
whooping and noise; then I laid down by the door and went to 
sleep. AVhen they were sober enough to know what they had 
done they buried their dead, and took their wounded and left as 
soon as possible. I went down soon after and saw where they had 
buried them. 

In July, about the hottest weather we had that summer, the Sac 
and Fox Indians were out west in the country, and they came in 
contact with a party of Sioux and had a fight. There were about 
20 killed of both tribes, and by the negotiations of the Government 
and the treaty made they were not allowed to hunt or trespass 
on others right. The Government had a line made by surveyors, 
dividing the tribes. The Indians sent in a delegation to have 
their agent who lived in the fort, together with Mr. Le Claire, 
who was an interpreter, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Watts, to come 
out, and they were to decide who were the aggressors. I saw the 
delegation when they came from the scene of conflict, and they 
reported that the Sioux were the aggressors, and so their annuity 
was not forfeited, and the Fox and Sacs were fighting on their own 
hunting grounds. They had an Indian powwow that night near 
Le Claire's cabin. The Indians never molested us very much; they 
would come along on the trail, and the first we would know some 
old squaw would press her face against the window pane, and if 




i/^^^ C^^yy^r^ 




HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 55S 

she saw any one in the house, she would deliberately walk in, 
without saying anything, take a walk around the room, and as 
every thing we had was visible they would look into each vessel, 
and if the}' saw any thing that they could eat would take it and 
depart without even saying "by your leave." 

In the winter of 18.36 we had not so much as a pound of coffee, 
sugar, tea or saleratiis in the house all winter. I had raised a lit- 
tle sod corn and I picked out the best and dried it, rather than to 
go 50 miles to tlie mill to have it ground. I took a coffee mill and 
ground corn two hours every evening in order to have bread the 
next day; and in order to raise the bread my wife buraed the cobs 
in a kettle and used what she obtained in the place of saleratiis, 
then mixed it up with water, which made a very good article of 
bread. We burned oats to make coffee, and to make it worse we 
had no milk or sugar to make it palatable. 

Our crops of wheat and corn were ver}' abundant and remarka- 
bly good. I have often raised 8.5 bushels of corn per acre, and our 
wheat was sown in among tiie corn in September, and the next 
season would produce 50 bushels per acre of as fine a qualit}' of 
wheat as I ever saw in the Genesee Valley, New York. We had 
no machinery to help harvest and care for the crop of wheat we 
could raise, and no market for it after it was gathered. We only 
obtained from 25 to 35 cents per bushel, in dry goods. I have 
often sold eight bushels of excellent wheat for a calico dress of 
eight yards; and ladies of tiie highest class among us were fortu- 
nate if they had a calico dress to wear to church. We could raise 
pork, and when fatted 200-pound hogs would be worth §1.25 to 
$1.75 per hundred in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, which 
were held as cash. 

Tiiis is the history of an old settler who has lived 46 years within 
four rods of where he first put downhis stakes. 







33 



CHAPTEK XIII. 
AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 

Scott County stands first among the counties of the State, in ag- 
ricultui-e; unlike many of the river counties, there is scarcely any 
waste land in it, and the soil can be cultivated down to the river's 
edge, "and the land back from the river — the prairie land — is un- 
excelled. There is no cereal or fruit common to this latitude but 
is highly productive. The county was early settled by an intelli- 
gent class of agriculturists, and no effort has been spared to im- 
prove and keep the county in the front rank. 

In regard to fertility of the soil, the loioa Sun of September, 
1839, says: 

" We yesterday saw a watermelon, raised about one and a halt 
miles west of the village, which measured four feet one way and 
three and a half the other, and weighed 40 -J poimds. Another 
gentleman has a pumpkin vine, on which, he says, he counted 
sixty-eight good sized piompMns ! ''"' These facts speak volumes 
for the farming country adjacent to Davenport. 

Says Wilkie, in "Davenport, Past and Present:" 

"The editor of the Sun has not a few articles in his sheet eulo- 
gistical of the mammoth vegetables which from time to time were 
laid upon his table by subscribers anxious for a ' puff"' — of the 
soil. He was once, however, badly sold. Mr. D. A. Burrows re- 
solved to astonish him, and for this purpose stuck a half dozen or 
more large potatoes so nicely together with pegs that they seemed 
one growth. The editor was hugely delighted with the present. 
It was to other potatoes what elephants are to mice, and he trum- 
jieted the fact accordingly, defying any other soil under the sun to 
produce its equal. It hung in the sanctum a long time, and was a 
source of patriotic pride both to the worthy editor and all specta- 
tors. But one day a piece of the monster fell off, and revealed a 
hard woody substance protruding which excited curiosity. A 
nearer examination revealed a peg, and a little more revealed the 
entire internal ectmomy of the potato. The worthy votary of the 
quill was highly incensed at the denouement, and did not puff a 
mammoth vegetable for three whole weeks." 

(556) 



lUSTORT OF SCOrr COUNTY. 657 

The log houses of the pioneers liave long since given way to the 
more substantial, comfortable and convenient dvveliing-iiouses. 
Barns and out-houses of an improved character have also been built. 
Barbed wire is now the princip-.il material used in fencing. Quite 
a number of farmers have commenced the lireeding of short horns, 
and the quality of the cattle is being constantly improved. 

B. F. Seamon in 1869 entered for premium in Cla^^ No. 2'>, in 
the Scott County Agricultural Society, and made to the board in 
the fall of that year the following report: 

Com. — Ground plowed in September, 1878, about eiglit inches 
deep; manured with well-rotted barn-yard manure, drawn out in 
November, 1878, and dumped in piles, at the rate of 10 loads per 
acre; spread the third week in April, the ground well harrowed, 
then run over with a Rowell seeder, then rolled and planted the 
last week in April with a Deere's two-horse planter with Banie 
check rower. Seed, a mixture of Michigan Dent and Penn Gourd 
seed, about four quarts of seed per acre; well harrowed with a 
common harrow just as it was coming up; plowed five times witii 
a two-horse horse cultivator; before last plowing it was thinned to 
tliree stalks per hill; the hills stand three feet nine inches by three 
feet eight inclies apart. 

COST OF CULTIVATING FIVE ACRES. 

Plowinggronnd $ 6.00 

Hauling manure 7.50 

Scattering manure 1 . 50 

Harrowing 3.00 

Work with seeder and roller 2 . 50 

Planting 1 . 50 

Cultivating 10.00 

Husking 9.00 

Total $ 37.75 

Gathered the second week in November. Amount, 53.5 bushels, 
or 107 bushels per acre. 

Worth at home, 30 cents per bushel $1*60 . 50 

Cost of cultivation $37.75, and rent of land $25.00 62.50 

Profits $98.00 

Oats. — Five acres; ground was plowed the first week in April, 
then cross harrowed ; sewed the second week in April, tlien har- 
rowed twice and rolled. Seed, White Dutch oats, sowed at the 
rate of two bushels per acre. Gut the last week in July. Amount 
345 bushels, or 69 bushels per acre. 



558 HlStOET OF SCOTl- COtTNTT. 

COST OF cultivation: 

Flowing $ 4.00 

Sowing 1 . 50 

Harrowing and rolling 4.00 

Cutting and binding 7.00 

Stacking 3.00 

Threshing 15.00 

Eent of land 25 .00 

Total $59.50 

Worth at home about 30 cents per bnsliel $ 103.50 

Total cost 59.50 

Profits $ 44.00 

Potatoes. — One acre ground plowed in the fall, planted about the 
middle of April in drilled rows three feet apart, one large piece 
every 15 inches ; covered with cultivator ; used 10 bushels of Cali- 
fornia Rose ; ground rolled a few days after planting ; well harrowed 
just b3fore earning up ; plowed three times with cultivator ; the 
last time used large shovel to ridge up moderately. Dug in Sep- 
tember 210 bushels. * 

COST OF CULTIVATION. 

Plowing ground and planting $3.50 

Harrowing, rolling and cultivating 3.00 

Digging. '. 7.00 

Seed, 10 bushels at SO cents 8.00 

Rent of one acre 5.00 

Marketing 7.00 



Total cost $33.50 

At 30 cents per bushel, 210 bushels 63.00 

Cost of production 33.50 

Profit $29.50 

Timothy. — One acre cut July 1, in the forenoon, raked up in 
the evening of the same day ; laid one day, then bunched with 
horse-rake ; stacked July 3. Said in September by weight for 
$5 per ton. Amount, two tons and seventeenone-hundreths. 

COST OF PEODUCTION. 

Mower $ .40 

Kaking and bunching 25 

Stacking 1 .50 



Total cost 82 . 15 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 569 

Total received, 2 17-20 tons, at $5.00 per ton $14.25 

Cost of production 2.15 

Profits $12.10 

In the above calculation I have allowed for board, use of teams, 
etc., but nothing for use of machinery, and have omitted the rent 
of land on timothy and potatoes. ' The former I think should be 
put at about $3.00 per acre, as it is less exhaustive to soil, and the 
latter at $6.00, for it requires better than the average land for 
potatoes. E. F. Seamon, Exhibitor. 

Sheridan, Nov. 25. 1879. 

SCOTT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

Preliminary meetings were held in the early part of the summer 
of 1S53 for the purpose of forming an Agricultural Society, and on 
the 13th of August an adjourned meeting was held at which H- 
M. Tliompson acted as chairman, and James Thorington, secretary. 

The committee appointed to draft a constitution, by their chair- 
man, J. A. Birchard, reported, the first and second articles reading 
as follows : 

" Article I. This society shall be called the ' Scott County Ag- 
ricultural Society.' 

'* "Article II. It shall be the object of this society to endeavor to 
excite an interest on the subject of agriculture, to diffuse mutual 
instruction among its members and others, and to use all suitable 
means to elevate the calling of the farmer." 

Other articles referred to the officers and duties 

The following then signed the constitution and were enrolled as 
members: Henry Parmle, James Thorington, C. II. Fiske. il.R. 
Claussen, II. M. Tliompson, M. Parmle, Erie Dodge, Garrett Don- 
aldson, Joseph Mounts, Henry G. Neal, Eli S. Wing, John Pol- 
lock, Stephen Hawley, Jesse Ilenly, James H. Robison, Alfred 
Sanders, George W. Thom, David Gabbert, John Evans, John R. 
Jackson, John Lambert, "William U. llildreth, D. D. Skinner, Jabez 
A. Birchard, C. E. Kinkead, 11. S. Finley. 

The following named officers were then duly elected : President, 
H. M. Thompson ; Vice-President, .Fames Grant ; Treasurer. John 
R. Jackson ; Secretary, James Thorington ; Executive Commit- 
tee : Buffalo Precinct, Erie Dodge ; Blue Grass Precinct, Robert 
Wilson; Rockingham Precinct, William H. Mcliaig; Davenport 
Precinct, C. E. Kinkead; Pleasant Valley Precinct, Garrett Don- 



560 HISTORY OF SCOTT COTTNTT. 

aldson; LeClaire Precinct, Daniel Hart; Princeton Precinct, Stephen 
Thompson; Winfield Precinct, C. C. Alvord; Allen's Grove, 
Precinct, George Lathrop; Kickory Grove Precinct, H. G. Neal; 
Liberty Precinct, Rndolphus Bennett. 

At the second annual meeting of the society the ofHcers ot the 
first year were re-elected. 

The first annual fiiir was held on the river front between Fifth 
and Sixth streets, in the fall of 185i. The grounds were improved 
for the occasion, railroad ties being used as a fence. 

The society held its third annual meeting at the court-house in 
Davenport on the 2d da^' of June, 1855. The following named 
were elected for the ensuing year: President, H. M. Thompson; 
Vice-President, James Grant; Treasurer, John R. Jackson; Secre- 
tary, H. G. Neal; Executive Committee : Davenport, C. E. Kin- 
kead; Winfield, David Hardie; Liberty, Dr. Witter; Allen's Grovei 
Mr. Thompson; Princeton, Samuel Knox; Hickory Grove, H. G. 
Neal; Le Claire, Nathaniel Wilson; Pleasant Valley, S. G. Elack- 
man; Blue Grass, Robert Wilson; Buftalo, J. K.James; Rock- 
ingham, H. G. Dwire. 

At an adjourned meeting held June 16, 1855, H. M. Thompson, 
John Grieve and C E. Kinkead were appointed a committee on 
behalf of the Agricultural Society to lease of the Fair Ground As- 
sociation the land belonging to that body for the use of the Agri- 
cultural Society, and John R. Jackson and John Lambert were 
appointed a committee to fence the grounds so leased. 

The society held its second annual fair on the land belonging to 
the Fair Ground Association, near where tlie Orphans' Home is now 
located, on the 12th and 13tli of September, 1855. The morning 
of the 12th was quite rainy. In the afternoon it cleared away, and 
the attendance of the citizens of Davenport and the farmers in 
the vicinity, was very respectable. The receipts for admission were 
large for that time. The amount paid for premiums was $325. 

The regular annual meeting was held at the court-house in 
Davenport on the 7th of June, 1856. Some changes were made in 
the constitution, one of which limited the number composing the 
executive committee to three. 

The following named officers were then elected for the year 
1856-'57 : 

President, H. M. Thompson ; Vice-President, James Grant; 
Secretary, H. G. Neal ; Treasurer, J. K. Jackson; Executive Com- 
mittee, John Lambert, J. M. Eldridge, O. L. Burdick. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 561 

The tliird annual fair was held on the grounds of the Fair 
Grounds Association, the 2-ith and 25th of September. 

The tifth annual meeting of the society was held at the court- 
house in Davenport, June (>, 1857. The following named were 
then elected otKcers for the ensuing 3-ear : 

President, II. M. Thompson; Secretary, 11. G. Neal; Treasurer, 
J. R. Jackson ; Executive Committee, O. L. Burdick, John Lam- 
bert. 

P^fforts were made by the society to secure the exhibition of the 
State Fair at Davenport, for 1858. 

The sixth annual meeting was held June 5, 1858. The follow- 
ing named officers were elected : 

President, H. M. Thompson; Vice-President, John Evans; Sec- 
retary, H. G. Neal ; Treasurer, J. "VV. Wiley ; Executive Com- 
mittee, John Lambert, S. F. Wiley, C. R. Marks. 

At a meeting held Dec. 4-, 1S5S, the constitution recommended 
by the secretary of the State Board was adopted. On December 
18, an adjourned meeting was held and the following named 
officers elected : 

President, H. M. Thompson ; Vice-President, Edwin Smith ; 
Secretary, William Allen ; Treasurer, J. W. Wiley ; Board of 
Directors, John Lambert, John Madden, Levi S. Blackman, J. A. 
Birchard, Nathaniel Wilson. 

The sixth annual fair was held on the grounds of the Fair Asso- 
ciation, on the 13th, l-lth and 15th of September, 1859. The 
weather was delightful, and the number of entries amounted to 
863. The total receipts were $1,023.80, of which amount $614.50 
were paid out on premiums, lliram Price delivered the annual 
address. The fair on the wliole was exceedingly successful, both in 
the number and quality of animals and articles exhibited, and in 
the receipts into tlie treasury. 

The seventh annual meeting was held Nov. 5, 1859, at the court- 
house. Much business was transacted, and officers for the ensuing 
year were elected, as follows : 

President, H. M. Thompson ; Vice-President, Edwin Smith ; 
Treasurer, Joiin Lambert ; Secretary, William Allen ; Directors : 
John Madden, H. N. Washbon, Robert Christie, George H. French, 
B. F. Gue. 

A meeting of the Board of Directors was held Jan. 28,1860. 
and a committee that was appointed to procure new grounds for 
the fair meetings reported that the society could lease IS acres of 



562 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY, 

Antoine Le Claire, north of Thirteenth, between Perry and Farnam 
streets, for five years, on condition that the society would pay the 
taxes. The offer was accepted and the grounds so leased. 

As one means of procuring money to fit up the grounds it was 
resolved that such persons as would contribute $10 or more for 
that purpose, may unite wholly or in part, and as a club, occupy 
the grounds for driving or horse-fair purposes, at any time the Ag- 
ricultural Society were not using the same. 

The fixtures on the old ground, under direction of a special com- 
mittee, were torn down and used as far as possible in fixing the 
new grounds. 

William Allen, in August, 1860, tendered his resignation on ac- 
count of removal from the county. Ira M. Giflbrd was appointed 
to fill the vacancy. 

The new grounds being prepared, the seventh annual fair was 
held on September 25, 26, 27, and 28. The weather was all 
that could be desired. Entries began to be made on the first day 
at 7 A. M. and continued without interruption until 6 P. M., 
when it was ordered by the board that entries be permitted to 
be made until 12 M. the next day. The total number of pre- 
miums offered this year was $1,250, and the total amount awarded 
was $941.50. 

The secretary in his report says : " The fair of this year was a 
triumphant success. The change of grounds to a point nearer the 
center of population, and the arrangement and commodiousuess of 
the newly selected location, contributed materially to the result. 
Added to this our agricultural population, after several years of 
depression, were buoyant with the idea of returning prosperity 
arising from bountiful and well-harvested crops, and the people at 
large heartily sympathized with this feeling." 

The eight annual meeting was held Nov. 3. 11. M. Thomson 
declined a re-election as president of the society. The following 
was then offered and unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Scott County Agricultural 
Society are due, and they are hereby tendered to Hugh M. Thomp- 
son, Esq., who, if not the father of the organization, was one of its first 
movers, and has ever been one of its firmest friends, and who for 
the last seven years has ably and faithfully discharged the duties of 
president. He now retires from that oflice with the satisfaction of 
seeing the society not only in a prosperous condition, but the model 
society of the State. 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 563 

The officers of tlie society elected for 1861 were as follows : 
President, Edwin Smith; Vice-President, Thomas K. Fluke; Treas- 
urer, John Lambert; Secretary, Ira M. Giftord; Directors, Robert 
Christie, C. R. Marks, Chauncey Krnm, J. A. Le Claire, H. G. 
Neal. 

Many improvements were made in the grounds during the year, 
and the annual fnir was held dtiring the week, commencing Moji- 
day, Sept. 9, and ending with Saturday, Sept. 14, 1861. The en- 
tries were much less than the previous year, on account of bad 
weather. Hon. John F. Dillon delivered the annual address on 
the last day of the fair. The total amount of premiums awarded 
was $1,357, and $1,610 wasoffered. " In a pecuniary point of view," 
says the secretary, " the fair was the most successful ever held by 
the society. Persons were in attendance from long distances. The 
display of stock and fruit was particularly fine." The receipts of 
the fair were $3,615.70. 

In the fall of this year ap])lication was made by the adjutant 
general of theState fur the use of thegrounds for military encamp- 
ment, which request was granted, and for some months the 
grounds were so used. 

The ninth annual meeting was held Nov. 2, 1861, and the offi- 
cers for 1862 elected as follows: President, Edwin Smith; Vice- 
President, C Stewart Ells; Secretary, Thomas J. Sanders; Treas- 
urer, John Lambert; Directors, Chauncey Krum, John Robertson, 
C. R. Mark.s, Joseph A. Le Claire, Ira M. Gifford. 

The ninth annual fair was held from Sept. 22 to 26 inclusive. 
The total number of entries was 718. The total amount of pre- 
miums offered was $2,000, and the amount awarded of regular and 
discretionary was 82,^38, a larger amount than ever before paid. 
The secretary records his views as follows: ••The attendance was 
ver}' large, far exceeding anything of the kind in the annals ot 
Davenport, and the receipts were correspondingly good, placing 
the society entirely beyond any fears of pecuniary embarrassment. 
It would seem as though our home population — those not partici- 
pating in our national struggle for life by their presence in the field 
— were determined to find relief from the strain upon the ])ublic 
mind, by giving themselves uj) for the time being to the enjoyment 
and instruction aftorded by the fair. The display of stock was 
never surpassed by any fair in the State, and commanded the un- 
qnalified admiration of visitors from far and near, and in other re- 
spects the exhibition was excellent." The total receipts of this fair 
were $4,582.51. 



664 HISTORY OK SCOTT COUNTY. 

The tenth annual meeting was held Saturday, Nov. 1, 1862, and 
the otiicers for the year 1 863 were duly elected ; President, Cliauncey 
Krum; Vice-Pre.^ident, Jonathans. Smith; Secretary, William K. 
Haight; Treasurer, L. S. Viele; Directors, Andrew J. Hyde, Hi- 
ram Wheeler, John Madden, C. R. Marks, Joseph A. Le Claire. 

The tenth annual fair was held from Sept. 7 to 11, 1863. The 
total number of entries was 843. 

The eleventh annual meeting was held Nov. 7, 1863, and the fol- 
lowing named officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, 
Chauncey Krum; Vice-President, J. S. Smith; Secretary, William 
K. Haight; Treasurer, L. S. Viele; Directors, C. S. Marks, J. A. 
Le Claire, A. J. Hyde, John Madden, B. Painter. 

The annual fair was held one week, beginning Sept. 19 and 
ending on the Sith. The weather was iine with the exception ot 
the 23d, when it was stormy- and unpleasant, making it necessary 
to postpone the business of that day until the 24th. This inter- 
fered materially with the recei])ts of the fair, which however were 
unusually large. The entries were 897, which were larger than 
the previous year, and the fair was a decided success. 

The twelfth annual meeting was held Nov. 5. 1864. The officers 
elected for 1865 were as follows : 

President, John Lambert ; Vice-President, C. S. Ells ; Secretary, 
William K. Haight; Treasurer, Edwin Smith; Directors, W. A. 
Remington, Johii Evans, Henry Tilden, J. K. James, William 
Remick. 

New grounds were purchased this year. 

The twelfth annual fair was held from Sept. 18 to 22, 1865. Every. 
thing passed off pleasantly, the weather bein^ particularly fine, the 
attendance and receipts unusually large. There were 1,064 entries, 
the largest in the historj' of the fair. 

Several meetings were held by the directors on each succeeding 
Saturday after the fair, at which action was taken in reference to 
the purchase of new grounds for fair purposes, it being finally 
decided to purchase 25 acres of Judge Mitchell. This action was 
subsequently reconsidered and 35 acres were purchased of Mrs. 
Adam Noel, within the corporate limits of the city, situated be- 
tween Brady and Harrison, which is still occupied by the society, 
in 1882. 

The thirteenth annual meeting was held Nov. 4, 1865. The 
officers elected for the ensuing year were as follows : 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 565 

President, Chauneey Kruin ; Vice-President, John Lambert ; 
Secretar}', William K. llaigiit ; Treasurer, Kdwin Smith ; Direc- 
tors, C. S. Ells, W. A. Remington, A. J. Hyde, J. A. Le Claire, 
"William Sehlichtiiig. 

The thirteenth annual fair was held Sept. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 

1866. The weather was unusually pleasant, and the fair in every 
respect a decided success. It was not intended to occupy Satur- 
day, the 8th, but it was found necessary to continue it through that 
day. The entries were 1,308. The amount of premiums awarded 
was $4,771, a large increase on any previous fair. The receipts 
were $8,460. 

The fourteenth annual meeting was held Nov. 3, 1866, at which 
time officers for 1867 were duly elected, resulting as follows : 

President, J. A. LeClaire ; Vice-President, John Lambert; Sec- 
retary, H. AY. Bennett; Treasurer, E. Smith ; Directors, A. J. 
Hyde, John Madden, James Grant, W. A. Remington, N. Kuhnen. 

During the year 1867 the grounds of the new fair grounds were 
greatly improved and the original fair ground sold to James Grant. 
The treasurer was authorized to btjrrow $6,000 for the use of the 
society. 

The annual fair commenced on the 9th of September and closed 
upon the 14th of the same month. The entries were increased 
over any previous year, amounting to 1,524. It was the most suc- 
cessful fair yet held. 

The titteenth anuual meeting of the society was held Nov. 2, 

1867, at which time the officers for 1868 were elected as follows: 
President, Chauneey Kru in; Vice-President, John Lambert; Sec- 
retary, William K. Haiglit; Treasurer, O. S. McNeal; Directors, 
William A. Remington, James Grant, J. D. McCall, A. J. Hyde, 
G. Schnitg-er. 

The fifteenth annual fair was held Sept. 7 to 11, 1S6S, inclusive, 
on the new grounds. The weather was not favorable, being un- 
pleasant the first three days and raining upon the last. Notwith- 
standing these disadvantages the attendance was good and the 
receipts gratifying. There were 1,399 entries. The receipts from 
all sources this year amounted to $9,155, a larger amount than any 
previous year. Of this amount $4,787.10 were paid for premiums. 

The annual meeting, the sixteenth, was held Nov. 7, 186S. The 
reports read were highly satisfactory, and James Grant, William K. 
Haiglit and O. S. McNeil were appointed a committee to solicit 
the enactment of a law l)y the General Assembly to perpetuate the 
use and enjoyment of the society's property in the public forever. 



666 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

The membership fee of the society was fixed at $20, the payment 
of whicli constituted one a life member, and he was permitted a vote 
at the annual meetinof and to attend the annual exhibition with his 
wife and children under 14- j'earsof age. He was also made eligible 
to an}' office in the society. The officers elected for"1809 were as 
follows: President, James Grant; Vice-President, J. A. Le Claire; 
Secretary, "William K. Haight; Treasurer, O. S. Me Neil; Direc- 
tors, William A. Remington, William Remick, John Pollock, G. 
Schnitger, A. J. Hyde. 

The sixteenth annual fair of the society was held Sept. 13 to 17, 
1869. The weather was fair and the attendance large. The en- 
tries were larger than ever, amounting to 2,371. The receipts from 
all sources were $10,160, of which $1,965 were received at the gate, 
and $1,074 for entrance fees. There were paid out for premiums, 
$5,418.60. 

The seventeenth annual meeting was held Nov. 6, 1868. The 
following named officers were then elected to serve during the 
year 1870 : President, Chauncey Krum ; Vice-President, J. A. Le 
Claire; Secretary, AVilliam K. Haight; Treasurer, E. Smith; Direc- 
tors, James Grant, Thomas Scott, A. J. Hyde, William Remick, G. 
Schnitger. 

At a meeting held Feb. 5, 1870. a new constitution was adopted, 
one provision of wiiich changed tiie number of directors to seven. 
An election was then held for two additional directors, and John 
Pollock and William A. Remington were elected. 

At a meeting of the directors lots were drawn for one, two and 
three 3'eai-s, with the following result : Thomas Scott, one year; G. 
Schintger, H. J. Hyde, John Pollock, two years; AVilliam A. 
Remington, William Remick, James Grant, three years. 

The seventeenth annual fair was held Sept. 5 to 9, 1870. 
The display in every class was large and full, but the weather 
was unusually bad, opening on thj fifth with rain, and threat- 
ening each succeeding day until Thursday, when it poured down 
in torrents, literally closing the fair on Thursday afternoon, as 
on Friday the weather was so bad the receipts were nothing, and 
the track was in such condition that nothing could be shown on it. 
There were 1,774 entries in all classes. Notwithstanding the ad- 
verse circumstances the receipts from all sources were 559,948, of 
which $4,975 were for gate fees. The premiums paid amounted to 
$5,838.90. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 567 

The eighteenth annual meeting whs held Xov. 5, 1870. The 
report of the treasurer was received, showing a gratifying state 
of affairs when the bad weather during the fair in September was 
taken into consideration. The following named ofKcers were then 
elected for 1S71 : President, Chauncej Krum; Vice-President, 
J. A. Le Claire; Secretary, William K. Haight; Treasurer, O. S. 
McNeil; Director, three years, Thomas Scott. 

At a meeting of directors held Nov. 21, 1S70, a resolution was 
unanimously passed authorizing a mortgage to be issued on the 
grounds of the society for a sum not exceeding $12,000, of which 
$2,000 was to be used in paying off the present mortgage on the 
grounds, and $10,000 was to be used in aiding the construction ofa 
street railway to the grounds contemplated by the Central Kailroad 
Company of Davenport. At a subsequent meeting the resolution 
was rescinded, and one adopted authorizing the president of the so- 
ciety to take stock in the Central Railroad to the amount of $10,000 
the money to be raised by mortgage on the grounds of the society 
and assigning the notes of the Central Railway- Company to the 
lender. 

The eighteenth annual fair was held Sept. 4 to S, 1871, and was a 
grand success. The entries footed up 1,690. The receipts from 
all sources amounted to §13,807. 

The nineteenth annual meeting was held Nov. 4, 1871, at- 
vvhich time officers were elected as follows : President, J. A. Le 
Claire; Vice-President, A. J. Hyde; Secretary, O.S. McNeil; Treas- 
urer, Edwin Smith; Directors, W. A. Remington, William Ren- 
wick, James Grant, Thomas Scott, John Pollock, Gus Schnitger, 
George Murray. 

Tiie nineteenth annual fair was held Sept. 2, 3, -i, 5 and 6, 
1S72. Tiie weather was very unfavorable, and owing to a combina- 
tion of causes the attendance was not large. The entries fiorured 
up 1.5S7. The receipts amounted to $7,919.82, of which amount 
$4,855.20 was jiaid on premiums. 

Tiie twentieth annual meeting was held the first Saturday in 
November, 1872. The officers elected were as follows for 1823: 
President, John Lambert; Vice-President, George H. Parker; Sec- 
retary, J. M. Eldridge;* Treasurer, B. Birchard; Directors, James 
Grant, William Renwick, Walker Adams. 

The annual fair for 1873 was held, beginning first Monday in 



*Resigned and O. S. McNeil appoiated lo fill vacancy. 



968 HISTORY OF SCOTl- COUNTY. 

September and continuing five days. The total receipts were 
$10,544.17, of which amount $5,900 was paid out for premiums. 

The twenty-first annual meeting was lield Nov. 1, 1873. The 
officers elected for 1874 were as follows: President, William Allen; 
Vice-President, Engene Birchard ; Secretary, O. S. McNeil; Treas 
urer, S. F. Smith;* Directors, Tiioraas Scott, J. M. Eldridge. 

The annual fair for 1874 was held first Monday in September, 
continuing five days. The receipts this year were .§11,772.46, of 
which amount $5,995.60 was paid out for premiums. 

The twenty-second annual meeting was held Nov. 7, 1874. The 
following were the officers elected for 1875: President, William 
Alien; Vice-President, Eugene Birchard; Secretary, O. S. McNeil; 
Treasurer, W. C. Brewster; Directors, George Schnitger, George 
Murray, Andrew J. Hyde. 

The annual fair for 1875 was held Sept. 6 to 11. The weather 
was very unfavorable for the fair, yet notwithstanding the receipts 
amounted to $11,529, of which amount, $6,894 were paid for 
premiums. 

At the annual meeting held Nov. 6, 1875, officers were elected as 
follows for 1876: President, Eugene Birchard; Vice-President, 
Isaac H. Sears; Secretary, O. S. McNeil ; Treasurer, W. C. Brew- 
ster; Directors, William Ren wick, James Grant, J. M. Eldridge_ 

The twenty-third annual fair was held, commencing first Mod. 
day in September and continuing five days. The receipts this year 
were less than for several years, amounting to $7,164 from all 
soiarces, of which amount $6,443 was paid for premiums. 

The twenty fourth annual meeting was held Nov. 4, 1876, at wliich 
time officers were elected for 1877, as follows : President, Eugene 
Birchard; Vice-President, Isaac H. Sears; Secretary, O. S. McNeil, 
Treasurer, W. C. Brewster; Director, Thomas Scott. 

The annual fair for 1877 was held commencing first Monday in 
September, continuing five days. Tlie receipts this year were $12,- 
617, a gratitying increase over the previous year, of which amount 
$7,200 was paid tor premiums. 

The twenty-fifth annual meeting was held Nov. 3, 1877, at which 
time the following named officers were elected for 1878 : Presi- 
dent, Isaac H. Sears; Vice-President, W. C. Brewster; Secretary, 
O. S. McNeil;f Treasurer, S. F. Smith; Directors, George Murray, 
George H. Parker, William K. Haight. 



* Office declared vacant and Thomas Scott appointed to fill vacancy. 
f Resigned and C. W. Verden appointed to fill vacancy. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 569 

Tlie annual fair for 1878 was lield commencing first Monday in 
September, continuing five days. The receipts were about $9,000 
from all sources, of which amount $6,022.50 were paid for pre- 
miums. 

The twenty-sixth annual meeting was held Kov. 2, 1878. Tiie 
following named officers were elected for 1879 : President, J. II. 
Sears; Vice-President, Thomas Scott; Secretary, C. AV". Verden; 
Treasurer, S. F. Smith; Directors, James Grant, John Pollock, 
W. C. Brewster, William Kenwick. 

The annual fair was held commencing first Monday in Septem- 
ber, 1879, continuing five days. The receipts were about $7,000. 
Premiums paid, $3,500. 

The twenty- se%'enth annnarmeeting was held Nov. 1,1879, and 
officers for 1880 elected as follows : President, J. H. Sears; Vice- 
President, Thomas Scott; Secretary, O. S. McNeil; Treasurer, Whit. 
M. Grant; Directoi-, John Lambert. 

The annual fair was held commencing the first Monday in Sep- 
tember, 1880, continuing five days. The receipts were $6,430, of 
which $4,056 were paid for premiums. 

The twenty-eighth annual meeting was held N"ov. 6, 1880. Officers 
were elected as follows for 1881 : President, John Madden; Vice- 
President, S. F. Smith; Secretary, John W. Green; Treasurer, W. 
M.Grant; Directors, George Murray, L. W. Clemmons, Wm. Ren- 
wick. 

The annual fair was held commencing the first Monday in Sep- 
tember, ISSl. The receipts for 1881 were $7,202, of which were 
paid for premiums $4,480. 

The twenty-ninth annual meeting was held in November, 1881. 
at which time officers for 1882 were elected as follows: President, 
J. A. Ls Claire; Vice-President, O. S. McNeil; Secretary, John 
W. Greene; Treasurer, Whit. M. Grant; Directors, James Grant, J. 
H. Sears, A. J. Hyde. 




CHAPTER XIV. 

THE PRESS. 

There is no instrumentality, not even excepting tlie pulpit and 
the bar, which exerts such an influence upon society as the press of 
the land. It is the Archimedian lever that moves the world. The 
talented minister of the gospel on the Sabbath day preaches to a 
few hundred people; on the following morning his thoughts are re- 
produced more than a thousand fold,' and are read and discussed 
throughout the length and breadth of the land. The attorney at 
tlie bar, in thrilling tones, pleads either for or against the criminal 
arraigned for trial, often causing the jury to bring in a verdict 
against the law and the testimou}' in the case. His words are re- 
produced in every daily reached by the telegrapliic wire, and his 
arguments are calmly weighed by unprejudiced men and accepted 
for what the}' are worth. Tlie politician takes the stand and ad- 
dresses a handful of men upon the political questions of the day ; 
his speech is reported and read by a thousand men for every one 
that heard the address. Suddenly the waters of one of our mighty 
rivers rises, overflowing the land for miles and miles, rendering 
thousands of people homeless, and without means to secure their 
daily bread. The news is flashed over the wire, taken up by the 
press, and known and read of all men. No time is lost in sending 
to their relief ; the press has made known their wants and tliey are 
instantly supplied. "Chicago is on fire! Two liundred millions 
worth of property destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered home- 
less !" Such is the dread intelligence proclaimed by the press. Food 
and clothing are hastily gathered, trains are chartered, and the im- 
mediate wants of the sufl^erers are in a measure relieved. 

The power for good or evil of the press, is to-day unlimited. 
The short comings of the politician are made known through its 
columns; the dark deeds of the wicked are exposed, and each fear 
it alike. The controlling influence of a nation. State or county is 
its press, and the press of Scott County is no exception to the rule 

The local press is justly considered among the most important 
institutions in every cit}', town and village. The people of every 
community regard their particular newspaper or newspapers as of 

(570) 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 573 

peculiar value, and this not merely on account of the fact already 
alluded to, but because these papers are the repositories wherein 
are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the sayings, the 
undertakings and achievements, tiiat go to make up final historv. 
One by one these things are gathered and placed in type ; one by 
one the papers are issued ; one by one these papers are gathered 
together and bound, and another volume of local, general and in- 
dividual history is laid away imperishable. The volumes thus col- 
lected are sifted by the historian, and the book for the library if 
ready. The people of any city or town naturally have a pride in 
their home paper. 

The local press, as a rule, reflects the business enterprise of a 
place. Judging from this standard the enterprise of the citizens of 
Scott County is commendable. While there may have been ex- 
ceptions, the press of Scott County has usually been a credit to the 
people, and its daily and weekly papers to-day are equal to any in 
the State. 

In February, 1879, D. N. Richardson, editor of the Democrat, 
began the publication of a series of articles on the Press of Scott 
County, written by request of the Historical Committee of the 
Academy of Science. These articles iiave been revised hv Mr. 
Richardson and are valuable contributions to the newspaper lite 
ature of this county. 

THE IOWA sex. 

The Iowa Sun, and Davenport and Rock Idand News was the 
name chosen for the first newspaper printed in Davenport, in 
1838. 

Having received his material, something over a month was con- 
sumed by Mr. Logan, the editor, in putting in shape and bringing 
out the first edition. The work was done entirely within the fam- 
ily, which had several boys, two olil enough to bo of some assist- 
ance. The editorial labor was performed by Mr. Logan, who, 
also, by the help of the boys, set the type and worked the press. 
Under these auspices, on the morning of the 15th day of August 
and the 64th day of the independence of Iowa Territory, appeared 
the paper above named. It was printed on pa])cr 22 x 32 inches, 
four pages, six columns each; in politics Democratic. The head- 
ing, which was rather pretentious in length, was divided into two 
lines, the first being composed of the words Iowa Sun, in large, 
34 



574 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

black Roman capitals, the rest following in a longer but less con- 
spicuous line, — the whole indicating that in the main it would be 
an especial Iowa luminary, jet for the time being content to re- 
gard with favor the interests of Davenport and Rock Island. 

The "Rock Island " part of the heading had no reference what- 
ever to the present city of Rock Island, which was then plain Ste- 
phenson; but to the island of Rock Island from which the United 
States troops had departed a few years before. This latter line of 
the heading was dropped after a wliile, the paper being known by 
its principal heading. 

It announced itself to be issued "regularly on Saturday morn- 
ings, from its office, on Water street, from Mr. Davenport's new 
building, up stairs," at $3 per year if paid in advance; $3. 50 at the 
end of six months, and $i if the payment was delayed until the 
end of the year. It contained a goodly amount of advertising, 
which was put in "on reasonable terms," of course. Among its 
patrons in this way ai"e to be noticed the names of Gilbert C. R. 
Mitchell, A. AV. McGregor, J. M. Parker, J. H. Thorington, and 
S. Meredith, attorneys. This paper also contained the proclama- 
tion of acting-Governor "W. B. Conway, forming the second judi- 
cial district out of " Scott, Musquitine, Louisa, Slaughter, and 
Johnson Counties, with the Hon. Joseph Williams, of Musqui- 
tine," for judge. 

The fourth number of the paper contains the death notice of 
Charles Edward, son ot Levi S. Colton, aged eight months, the 
iirst white child born in Davenport. The following named gentle- 
men — Rodolphus Bennett, James Hull, Thomas Dillon, John 
Litch and Joseph Noel — had been by the citizens appointed to ad- 
judicate the claims of squatters. 

In the matter of news it was well up with the times, though in 
those days it took from four to six weeks for Eastern dates to ar- 
rive; and foreign news several months. Though it filled its place 
in the communit}^ receiving a fair patronage, yet it was not profit- 
able to its proprietor, who provided himself with a pre-emption 
claim as soon as possible, to which in two or three years he moved 
his family, and in 1842 suspended publication of the Sn/i, and be- 
came entirely a farmer. He sold the material to Mr. Henkle and 
Mr. McClelland, Mormons, who took the same down to Buffalo 
and printed an organ of that faith. For a while the paper was 
called 7he Bride and the LamV& Wife, and afterward The En- 
sign. In a few years the material was by Mr. Henkle shipped 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 575 

to Pittsburg, wlieace it came. He died tliere, and tliere we lose 
all trace of the material on which was printed our lirst newspaper. 
It was not new when it came here, and by much service had be- 
come too much worn for future use. The press itself was princi- 
pally of wood, one of those clumsy and very primitive machines, 
known as the Ramage — slow, clumsy, but serviceable in their day. 

DAVENPORT GAZETTE. 

The second newspaper founded here was the Davenport Gazette, 
by Alfred Sanders, assisted by Lavi D ivis, the first issue appear- 
ing on the 20th of August, IS-il. It was a weekly, printed on a 
sheet 22x32 inches, four piges, six columns to the page; in 
politics, "Whig. Mr. Sanders was sole proprietor until 184i, when 
Mr. Davis purchased a one-third interest in the property for $500, 
and the firm became Sanders & Davis, and so continued for about 
13 years. This was the first time any actual value was fixed upon 
the Oazette concern, which has since figured at more tens of thou- 
sands, than this sale did hundreds of dollars. Daring the first 12 
years it was fairly prosperous only by the most persistent labor 
and strictest economy and good management within and without. 
Not long after the beginning, Mr. Sanders saw that he must do 
something more than a newspaper business if he was going to make 
any money, so with Mr. B. Sanford, liis future father-in-law, pur- 
chased a small stock of drugs and chemicals, and went into trade, 
which business he pursued a dozen years or so, in connection witli 
that of the newspaper. It was not until 1851, 10 years from its 
start, that the Oazette had become sufficiently encouraged to warrant 
an enlargement to a seven-column paper. 

In 1853 the city had become so prosperous as to demand some- 
thing better in the newspaper line than a weekly, and on the 3d ot 
September of that year a tri-weekly edition was beguti, w!>ich 
was kept up several years. Xextyear the Crimean war was fought, 
and this had a quickening influence upon the price of produce and 
the demand for news ; moreover a railroad iiad been built from 
Chicago to Rock Island, one was starting from Davenport .'icross 
the State, a bridge was being constructed to unite tiie two, popula- 
tion was crowding in, and all branches of business were thriving 
under constantly increasing pressure. There was a demand for a 
daily .paper, which was met by Sanders & Davis, who brought 
forth the first number of the Daily Gazette on the 16th of October, 



676 1 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtlNTT. 

1854- — a sevea-coliiinii sheet, crowded with paying business. It was 
the cominencenient of an era of great prosperity in Davenport, one 
that lasted nearly four years. 

During this time the Gazette had made several chancres of loca- 
tion. First it was located on the northwest corner of Perry and 
Front streets ; next, and not thereafter, over Mr. Chas. Lesslie's 
store, northeast corner of Front and Brady streets ; next it appears 
on the west side of Main street, between Front and Second, corner 
of the first alley, in a small frame building, occupying the site of 
Judge Grant's office ; next in Front street, two doors east of Perry, 
in John Shay's building ; next in Second street, southeast corner of 
Brady, in the Witherwax Block ; then in 1850 into a building of its 
own, built by Sanders & Davis, on the northeast corner uf Brady 
and Second streets, where now is Cutter's dry goods store. In 1855 
it made its sixth move into more spacious rooms, in what was then 
known as the Postoffice Block, now Viele's Block, occupying the 
second and third stories over what is now Warriner's shoe store. 
Here it remained until 1861, when Mr. Sanders purchased a part of 
the property on the southeast corners of Perry and Fourth streets, 
now owned by the Gazette Company. 

Up to November, 1855, the several editions of the Gazette had 
been printed on a hand press, the same one, if we mistake not, that 
was first used. But it had become a very tedious matter; indeed, it 
was rapidly becoming impossible, through the increased circulation 
of the paper. So in that year it was supplied with steam printing 
apparatus, a Taylor small cylinder press, with engine and boiler, 
and was the first steam printing establishment in the city. The old 
Taylor was kept in service until 1872, when the Gazette Company 
moved to its new office on Third street, east of Perry, when it took 
on a new outfit in the way of boiler, engine, and a new large 
cylinder press. 

As previously stated, Alfred Sanders was the original founder 
and proprietor of the Gazette establishment. His first part- 
ner was Levi Davis, who is yet an honored resident of this city. 
Jan. 1, 1857, the firm changed from Sanders & Davis to Sanders 
& Brother. On the retiring of Gen. Samlers from the Gazette, 
in 1862, the paper came once more into the sole ownership and 
under the able editorial management of Alfred Sanders. Having 
strong scientific tastes, and abundant means at command, he finallj- 
decided to cast off the continual drudgery of editorial and office 
life, and spend liis days amid sucli congenial scientific studies and 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 577 

recreations as his taste and inclination might dictate. So, then, 
on the 9th of September, 1862, a .little more than 21 years from 
the commencemeuc of the Oazette, he sold his entire inte.-est to a 
number of gentlemen, namely: Edward Russell, James McCosh, 
Levi Davis, and Fred. Koops, wlio went into control next day 
under the style of The Gazette Company, which designation has 
been retained to tliis day. 

Mr Edward Russell was approached with regard to assuming 
the editorial management of the paper, and after some hesitation 
he accepted. Many changes occurred in the stock company from 
time to time, but Mr. Russell continued as editor until Aug. 1, 
1871. when, acting on the advice of physicians, hs sold his interest 
to Mr. Waldo M. Potter and retired from the paper. Mr. Potter 
remained at this post until Nov. 4, 1875, when his interest was re- 
purchased by Edward Russell, who fills the position unto this day. 
Mr. Potter, on withdrawing from the Gazette, purchased the Clin- 
ton Herald, daily and weekly newspaper, at Clinton, Iowa, where 
he is at this time. 

Marcli 1, 1872, Mr. Hiram C. Marsh, of Groton, New York, 
purchased of Levi Davis a one-third interest in the office, and 
assumed the position as chief of the job and news department, 
whicli place he amply fills to this time. After the death of Dr. 
White, in the summer of 1873, a third share of the oiSce was for 
sale. It was purchased March 20, 1874, by Mr. Eiias C. Chapin, 
formerly a banker at Charles City, this State, who assumed the 
business management, which he, retained until March 15, 1877, 
when, in order to enter another field of usefulness, which he felt in 
dnty bound to cultivate, he sold his interest to Mr. J. L. Daymude, 
a long and well-known resident of Davenport, who fills the oosition 
to this time. 

In the 36 years of the Gazette's existence it has had 13 
proprietors, three of whom, including its founder, are dead; 
three of whom are proprietors still. James McCosh is a resident 
of St. Louis; C. S. Ells is at the liead of the Union Malleable Iron 
Works, of Moline; W. M. Potter prints the Clinton Herald, and 
Eiias H. Chapin resides in Charles City. 

Thus have we traced the history of the Davenport Gazette from 
its inception to the present time — from its days of infancv, in its 
seven hundred dollar outfit, p.ppearing before its Davenport audi- 
ence of a few hundred people, while yet Iowa was in her early 
territorial condition, down to the present day, in which it finds 



678 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

itself an establishment of large possessions and a representative 
organ in the metropolitan city of one of the most populous and 
most prosperous States of the Union. It has lived in an eventful 
period. In its almost 37 years it has heralded the admis- 
sion of 12 new States; has witnessed the country's increase of 
population from 18,000,000 to 48,000,u00; has seen our railroads 
increase from 3,000 to 75,000 miles; witnessed the birth and rapid 
development of the telegraphic system; seen ocean linked to ocean; 
the old world wired to the new; the span of the country made 
shorter than that of Pennsylvania 37 years ago; these things 
and many others, the recitation of which would fill many 
columns, has filled its own crowded volumes through all these 
by-gone years. 

Edward Russell. — Among the successful men may fairly be 
placed the nameof Edward Russell. Success brings honor in every 
honest occupation, and where is it better earned than by the earn- 
est, honest journalist and editor? 

Edward Russell was born in London, Eng., on tTie 6th of Octo- 
ber, 1830. His parents, William and Elizabeth Russell, were from 
good Scotch families, and were both eminent in their circle for 
earnest religious faith and activity in Christian labor. His father, 
who is still living, an active citizen and highly esteemed, was an 
early adherent to the temperance cause, and prominent in its advo- 
cacy among English reformers, and was for several years the secre- 
tary of the order of Rechabites, a temperance, secret and benevolent 
organization, strong in numbers and influence. From them Mr. 
Russell very early received religious impressions, and the stead- 
fastness of his convictions, which is one ot his strongest character- 
istics, is largely due to the influence of the examples and teaching 
he received during his youth. 

His early education was obtained in England, at the grammar 
school in London and at Hill House Academy in Thrapstone, 
Northamtonshire; subsequently only such as could be obtained 
from evening and home studies in New York and elsewhere in the 
United States. He developed early a taste for solid reading, was 
studious and much interested in politics and public aftairs. His 
father's family removed to the United States in September, 1845, 
and from financial reverses which his father met with soon after 
their arrival he was under tiie necessity of laboring: in aid of the 
support of the family. AH his earnings up to the day he was 21 
were given to liis father. After leaving school he engaged as er- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtJNTT. 579 

rand boy in a store, and after a short service was apprenticed to a 
carpenter and joiner on his own choice. In the fall of 1S4T, his 
father having bought a tract of native forest land in Callicoon, Sul- 
livan Co., N. Y., he then removed there, witli the intention of 
helping tu make a tarni tiiereou. He assisted until Marcli, ISiS, 
aiding in biiilding a small house and the clearing otf of several 
acres of land, when he went to New York, and began to travel 
through several States, selling goods as a peddler for a mercantile 
house in that city. Although young he was very successful, and 
gained much knowledge of localities and men, and an experience 
very useful in after life. Continuing his travels he turned west- 
ward, and first placed foot on Iowa soil on the 7th of September, 
1848, at Le Claire, Scott Co., with the purpose of visiting an old 
friend of his father's. Rev. W. Ilutledge, having been joined on his 
May there by his father and youngest brother. 

They were so well pleased with the State that they resolved to 
make it their home. To this end the New York land was sold and 
they removed to Le Claire. After working a few months on the 
farm he returned to his trade and continued with a single inter- 
mission until the fall of 1859. About seven months of 1S50 he 
spent traveling through the South and "West in the same mercan- 
tile business in which he had before engaged in New York. This 
added much to his stock of experience and information. 

He was much interested in the active discussions of political af- 
fairs, resulting from the repeal of the Missouri Compromise in 
1844 and 1845; and this led to his first contribution to the press, 
which appeared in the columns of the loxoa True Democrat, an 
anti-slavery paper then published at Monut Pleasant, Iowa, after 
which he was a frequent contributor to and became the Iowa cor- 
respondent of the National Era, the anti-slavery paper of Washing- 
ton, District of Columbia. Meanwhile he labored at his trade by 
day, studying and writing at night. In 1856 he began to write for 
the Davenport Gazette, first as a correspondent, then as a contribu- 
tor of political articles, both overjthe nom deplume of ''Agricoia." 
In 1S59 and 1860 he began and continued to be an occasional con- 
tributor of editorial political articles for the same paper. In the 
fall of 1858, on urgent request of friends, he assumed his first edi- 
torial position as editor of the Le Claire Express, which was soon 
changed to the Le Claire Repuhlic. This he left in 1S59, on find- 
ing that the enterprise did not pay, and returned to his trade. 



580 HISTORY OF SCOTT OOUNTT. 

In November, 1S59, he removed to Davenport and took a posi- 
tion as clerk in the office of the county recorder, staying till the 
first of May, 1S61, when he was appointed assistant postmaster at 
Davenport, which office he resigned in 1862, and became editor and 
one of the proprietors of the Davenport daily and weekly Gazette. 

In August, 1871, by the advice of his physician, and in conse. 
quence of nervous prostration and threatening congestion of the 
brain, resulting from excessive labor, he sold his interest in the 
Gazette. 

He held the position of assistant postmaster from the 1st of May 
1861, till the 31st of August, 1862; was appointed postmaster and 
entered upon the duties of the office on the 1st of May, 186i, from 
which position he was removed by President Johnson for political 
offenses, in October, 1865. He was the first official in the United 
States removed by Johnson on political grounds. The reason of 
his removal was that he had gained prominence as a radical Re- 
publican, by early taking grounds against Johnson's reconstruction 
policy, the Gazette being the first paper in the West to do so, and 
by introducing into and carrying through the Iowa Republican 
Convention of 1865 what was known as the negro-suffrage amend- 
ment to the fourth resolution of the platform. This occasioned 
much discussion in the party at the time. He was appointed post- 
master by General Grant, taking the office on the first of May 
1869, and was re-appointed four years after, again in 1877, and 
still again in 1881, in accordance with the almost unanimous ex- 
pression of the business men and citizens of Davenport, no one 
having else than praise for the manner in which Mr. Russell has 
condncted the postoffice in that city. He was appointed secretary 
of the county Republican organization formed through his efforts 
in the years 1860 and 1861. 

He is an earnest worker in the Sabbath-school cause, and was 
president of the Sunday-school Union from 1865 to 1871; was pres- 
ident of Scott County Sunday-school Association in 1871; was for 
several years treasurer of the Scott County Bible Society. 

He has done perhaps more in the aid of the Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association in Iowa than any other one man in the State. He 
was president of the Davenport Young TNIen's Christian Asso- 
ciation 1873, 1874'and 1875, and of the State Y^oung Men's Chris- 
tian Association in 1874 and 1875. He has also been chairman of 
the State executive committee, and corresponding member for Iowa 
of the National Y'onng Men's Christian Association. He has been 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 581 

superintendent of the Sunday-school most of the time since 1856. 
lie is a member of the Masonic order, having joined in 1S56; 
was prior to 1876, for several years, a member of the Sons of Tem- 
perance, lie is a radical total abstainer from all intoxicating bev- 
erages, and has never even tasted spirits, ale or beer. 

Mr. Russell has ever been prominent in the advancement of all 
enterprises for the benefit of the city and country. He is a mem- 
ber of the Board of Trade and very active therein. 

In ISTC, at the earnest solicitation of leading members of his 
party, he consented to the use of his name as a candidate for the 
Kepublican nomination for Eepresentative in Congress. "Without 
the slightest effort or request on his own part the Scott County Re. 
publican Convention of that year unanimously adopted a resolution 
presenting Mr. Russell to the Congressional Convention as such 
candidate, and selected delegates who in the latter body voted for 
him throughout Si ballots. Then, at Mr. Russell's sugges. 
tion and request only, the vote of Scott County was transferred 
to Hon. H. Price, who was made the nominee of the convention. 

In 1863 Mr. Russell wrote, as an editorial in the Davenport 
Oazette, the first line printed in advocacy of the construction of a 
canal to connect the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, on or near a 
line from Hennepin to Rock Island. The advocacy thiis entered 
upon has been by him actively and ceaselessly continued to the 
present time. Desiring to make that more efiective, he proposed 
in February, ISSl, drew the articles for and secured the organiza 
tion of "The Illinois and Mississippi River and Canal Improvement 
Commission," of which body he was made the secretary, a posi- 
tion he still holds. Under the inspiration and direction of that 
organization was held the great canal convention of May 25 and 
26, in Davenport, and the same useful body is now pressing upon 
Congress the appeal for an appro})riation for the construction of the 
much-needed canal which is designed to connect the water-route of 
the North and South with that from the West to the East. Mr. 
Russell is, however, always proud to acknowledge that he received 
the first suggestion of the desirability of such a canal from his old 
friend, the late Hon. John L. Davies, to whom it had occurred at 
the instance of his then business partner, Hon. George U. French. 

He is a member of and an elder in the Presbyterian Church, 
although he was educated in the Congregational Church and was a 
member thereof from 1851 to 1S72. He is a firm believer in 
Evangelical Christianity. He was raised in the Republican school 



582 HISTORY OB' SCOTT COUNTY. 

of politics, has always been a radical anti-slavery man, an Aboli- 
tionist and opponent to caste. In 1S6S he made a short visit to 
Europe for his health, visiting many points of interest. He was 
married in April, 1852, to Miss Lydia R. Riitledge, daughter of 
Rev. W. Rutledge, a lady who is still living, as are a son and 
three, daughters of the happily wedded couple. 

Mr. Russell stands high as an editor, a very useful and respected 
citizen, and one of the most prominent of those who helped build 
up the press of the great West. He has pursued his chosen course 
with untiring zeal and with a success which has already earned for 
him no inferior rank among the editors of the country. The grciw- 
ing prosperity of the paper over which he presides and the prom" 
inent position into which it has sprung might satisfy any ordinary 
ambition. 

DEMOCRATIC BANNER. 

The third newspaper that was planted in the prolific newspaper 
soil of Davenport was a seven-column weekly named the Democi'atic 
Banner, and first saw the light of day in the month of September, 
1848. From the time when the Iowa Sun ceased to shine — in 1842 
— until the flinging of the Banner to the breeze, the Democrats of 
Davenport and Scott County had been without an organ, the Ga- 
zette, the sole paper in the field, operating with the Whigs. 

About September, 1848, Mr. Alex. Montgomery came to Daven- 
port with printing material, and started the weekly newspaper 
known as the Democratic Banner, the size, 22 x 32 inches, six col" 
umns to the page. He published the paper until Januarj-, 1849, 
when, amongst others, he got the California fever and sold his ma- 
terial to Messrs. H. Price, M. D. Westlake, R. M. Prettyman and 
H. Leonard, who employed R. Smitham to edit and publish the 
paper. The ofiice was in the second story of a building on Second 
street, just east of Rock Island street, and is still standing. Here 
the paper was printed until about the middle of July of that year, 
and not having sufficient patronage to make it self-sustaining, and 
the stockholders being loath to draw on their purses so frequently 
for its support, in order to curtail expenses Mr. Smitham moved 
the material to his barn on the hill, situated on the site of the res- 
idence of W. H. Decker, Esq. Here the paper was printed and 
distributed to its subscribers as often as circumstances would admit. 
until toward fall, when it suspended. As it had to depend princi- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COrNTV. 583 

pally on St. Louis for supplies of paper and ink, and as these ar- 
ticles would not hold out without renewing, it was sometimes 
compelled to issue only a half sheet. 

The stockholders then induced Mr. T. D. Eagal to take hold of 
the paper, who removed the othee and his family into the two-story 
frame building on the west side of Main street, immediately south 
of where the First National Bank is now located, using the front 
room for the jirinting office and the rest for a residence, and on the 
5th of December, 1849, he finally purchased the office of the stock- 
holders. Here he completed the first volume of the paper and part 
of the second, passing some of the most trying yet pleasant days of 
his life. lu the spring of 1850 he removed the office to a large 
one-story frame building, previously used for the postoffice, on the 
corner of the alley, now occupied by Judge Grant's office and block. 
Here he completed the second and third volumes of the paper, and 
in the spring of 1851 bought new material, and a press of the 
Washington pattern, and put the paper in an entire new dress. 

Dec. 5, 1851, Mr. J. W. AVheeler came to Davenport and en- 
tered into co-partnership with Mr. Eagal. They added new ma- 
terial to the office, enlarged the paper to seven columns, and moved 
the office to the second story of the brick next to what is now Met- 
ropolitan Block, the postoffice being on the first door. Mr. Whee- 
ler was a young man, a practical printer and a ready writer, but of 
delicate constitution, and was compelled, in consequence of ill- 
healtli, to dispose of his interest in the papei', June 8, 1852, to 
Austin Corbin, Esq., a personal friend of his, and afterward a broth- 
er-in-law. Mr. Corbin's connection with the paper was of but a 
few months' duration. Owing to other business engagements he 
sold iiis interest to Samuel R. Millar, Esq., Sept. 10, 1852. Mr. 
Millar was connected with the publication of the Banner until 
March 24, 1854, when Mr. Eagal purchased his interest in the 
paptr. Mr. Eagal continued the publication of the Banner from 
the time Mr. Millar retired up to Oct. 12, 1855, the close of its 
seventh volume, when he disjiosed of the establishment to Messrs. 
J. T. Hildreth, D. X. Richardson and G. E. West, who afterward 
changed the name of the paper to the Iowa State Democrat. 




DEMOCRAT BUILDING. 



HISTOKV OF SCOTT COUNTY. 685 

DAVENPOKT DEMOCRAT. 

The Iowa State Democrat was a continuation of the Democratic 
Banner witli cliauge of name and proprietors. Tlie history of the 
chani^e and subsequent career of the Democrat is thus given by its 
editor, Mr. Richardson: " In the summer of 1S55 while the writer 
hereof was an attaciie of tiie Morning JVeios at Peoria, 111., he was 
called to the counting-room one day by the proprietor and there in- 
troduced to a gentleman, a Mr. Henry F. Mitchell, of Davenport, 
who said. that in his town there was a weekly newspaper office for 
sale;;the Democracy of tiie place desired to have a daily organ, and 
that a part of his business at the JVews^ office at that time was to 
Inquire if he could suggest a probable purchaser who would under- 
take the enterprise. Conversation then and there held developed 
the prospect of a hearty co-operation on the part of the Democracy 
in Davenport, not only in subscription and advertising patronage, 
but in way of a substantial bonus. Bonus is a very large word to 
the mind of the young man earnest to start a newspaper. It means 
ready money — something, very likely, he has not. In this instance 
it would be at least a $1,000 ! Such a sum, in his opinion, 
could be readily raised among 20 men of Davenport for any person 
who would start a dally Democratic newspaper. There was much 
else said during the hour's conversation about the size of the place, 
its business and prospects, and tiie conference broke up with one 
young man determined upon achieving a bonus in Davenport, a 
newspaper bonus of 81. ""0, perhaps more. 

" The foreman of the Yews was a Mr. Dalrymple, an accomplished 
printer, fair writer and business man. Together the plan was 
talked over. Both were to raise .$250, one to go to Davenport 
immediately and see if tlie property could be bought on a $500 
cash payment, and if so, to write back, but to remain and issue 
a prospectus, wliile the other party went so St. Louis to raise 
hissliare of the money. Tlie trade it was found could be made on 
that basis. St. Louis was visited, but without any cash results; nor 
could Mr. D. raise his amount. He, too, had failed. The slate 
was, 'to all visible appearance, smashed; badly smashed. But the 
bonus! To lose so much waiting money would never do. Hastening 
back to Peoria, the writer would try anotiier scheme. He was 
boarding at the time with Mr. James T. Ilildreth — Jud»3 Hildreth 
as he was then known. The Judge had run a newspaper office up in 
Kenosha, Wis., had been associate editor of the Peoria Morning 



586 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Neios, and had other newspaper experience. His son-in-law, Mr. 
George R. West, was a compositor on the News. The plan of go- 
ing to Davenport was broken to the Judge. The patronage and 
the bonus was considered. It was good in his sight, and right there 
arranged that if the purchase money could be reduced to about §300 
he would put it in and on a basis of SlOO for each of the partners, 
providing all should share alike in the bonus. 

" It was so agreed. We left Peoria next morning for Davenport, 
arriving there in the evening. Mr. Hildreth proceeded to Wiscon- 
sin to sell some property he owned in the village of Elkhart, to pro- 
vide for the first payment of the purchase. 

" The plan worked. Mr. Eagal would accept $300 cash, and a 
note for the balance of about $200 coming to him, the buyers to as- 
sume the mortgage held by Samuel R. Millar, of a $1,000 or so. 
The prospectus had already been issued and circulated far and near. 
What it said and promised we cannot now say, not having seen it 
for 20 years. It was written, we were told, by George S. C Dow, 
Esq., who also christened the new paper as the Iowa State Demo- 
crat, which name was accepted by the new proprietors. 

The Banner was a weekly newspaper, located on Second street, 
now Metropolitan Blook, three doors from Brady's, over a hardware 
store. To obtain the bonus it was incumbent upon the proprietors 
to start a daily newspaper. That required money to buy material. 
The Banner office had material enough for its own use, though con- 
siderably worn, and a Washington hand-press. The body type was 
small pica, bourgeois and brevier, none too much for a weekly. 
We had no money with which to buy material for a daily paper. 
Right at that point the question of a bonus was broken to the good 
people. They agreed that such a matter had been considered, but 
suggested, and rather properly too, as we can now see, tiiat before 
any bonus was paid to comparative strangers it would be well to 
have something wherewith to print a daily paper; have the city 
canvassed to soe if a sustaining subscription list could be secured. 

" To that latter duty the writer hereof bowed himself, and in the 
course of a few days was able to answer the question with satisfac- 
tion, both as to subscriptions and advertising patronage. So mucli 
accomplished, we went to the type agency of II. A. Porter & Bro., 
Rock Island, who sold the goods of the White foundry, JMew York, 
and told them of the plans — the purchase, thejprospectus, the sub. 
scription and advertising patronage then secured, — and do you 
imagine we forgot to speak about the bonus? ^Then you are mis- 



HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 587 

taken. The Porter Brothers looked the matter over, and, to the 
extent of |250 dollars or so, decided to orive credit. This would 
furnish some new nonpareil advertising and some display type. 
For reading matter the old fonts in the office must be used, and 
even though Brother Sanders, of the Gazette, was putting in a 
steam press and fitting up a new office in Postoffice Block, Brady 
street, we would run our daily with much toil on our hand-press, 
and remain in old quarters. 

"The question was settled — the Daily Iowa State Democrat was 
to appear on the loth of October, without fail. Business promises 
poured in and business prospects were flattering. In due time the 
]>aper appeared on the date promised; it was printed on a 22 x 32 
sheet, seven columns (narrow) to the page. 

"Moving into the new office in the latter part of November of 
that year, it became necessary to incur more expenses than had been 
counted upon, so it was thought best to call in the bonus. The 
conditions had all been faithfully complied with, and things were 
moving on with great apparent prosperity. The matter was men- 
tioned in the usual way, was finally persisted in, and it was then 
and not until then definitely stated that no bonus had been raised; 
tiiat it had been talked of and nothing more; that the paper was 
then on its feet, comparatively out of debt; that Mr. Millar would 
let his mortgage rest for an indefinite number of years on payment 
of interest; that the people and the party would give an earnest 
support; but the bonus — well, to cut it otF here, there was none, 
probably would be none. 

'■The firm of Iliklreth, Richardson & West continued until the 
11th of September, IS.57, at which time Mr. Hildreth died. The 
establishment then fell into the hands of the surviving partners, 
and was published b\' Ricliardson & West until Oct. 11, 1S59, 
when it was united with the Daily Morning Neios, a Democratic 
newspaper that had been established three years before. Under 
this combination the name of the paper was changed to the Dem- 
ocrat and News, and was owned, to the extent of one-half, by the 
former proprietors of the loioa State Democrat, three-sixteenths 
by Thomas McGuire, and five-sixteenths by Alonzo W. Church, and 
the firm that of McGuire, Richardson & Co. This partnership 
continued until Feb. 7, 1860, when Mr. McGuire, induced by 
the ill health of his wife, sold his interest to Mr. George F. Car- 
penter and returned to Cambria Co., Penn., from whence lie had 
come to Davenport about six months before. He was one of the 
old time Democratic politicians of the Keystone State, a fluent 



588 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COITNTT. 

writer and speaker. In July, 1860, Mr. Given retired from the 
concern, his interest being assumed by the firm of Richardson, 
"West & Co., which was subsequently bought, in 1864, of Mr. 
Church for $600. The firm remained as above until May 11, 1863, 
when Mr. Carpenter and Mr. West disposed of their interest to the 
parties forming the present firm of Richardson Bros. 

"Tlie firm of Richardson Bros, has continued without change 
for the past 19 years, attended by fair business prosperity. 
The Democrat and News remained in the Brady street office, Post- 
office Block, until the latter part of 1861, when it removed to 
Grigg's Block, Perry street, into property now owned by the Ga- 
zette Company, where it remained until the fall of 1869, when it 
took possession of its present commodious quarters, which had 
been built by Richardson Bros, during the summer of that year. 
The name was changed to its present title in April, 1864. It was 
first printed by hand; then by power presses until taking posses- 
sion of its present office, and since by steam. It was started as a 
seven-column paper, daily and weekly; was enlarged several times, 
and several times reduced in size, onlj- to be enlarged again, until 
the present sizes were reached — a daily of nine and a weekly of ten 
columns. The daily was changed from a morning to an evening 
paper, April 27, 1863. 
-jtjf^^- '/, "The present proprietors, D. N. & J. J. Richardson, are natives 
"'^ of Orange, Orange Co., Vt.; the senior member having been born 

there March 19, 1832, the junior March 23, 1839. Having served 
their farm-life apprenticeship to their own satisfaction, they gatli- 
ered what education they might, and emigrated West, the elder in 
185-i, the younger in 1859. The one had gained some practical 
knowledge of the art preservative previous to his proprietorship, 
the other achieved his in the Democrat office, closing the days ot 
his apprenticeship in 1862. From tJie first half of t*iie subsequent 
year to the present time their labors have been united, constant, 
almost unremitting. For whatever success they have achieved in 
their undertaking they have thankful hearts; and as to the good 
they may have done, they can only wish it might have been 
greater. 

" Many are they that have come and gone in the various depart- 
ments of the Democrat in these many years — quite an army. Of 
those that were with the paper at its start, Oct. 15, 1855, none 
remain except the writer hereof. One that came four years later 



"^=*^':: 



,\**4v^. 



H<^". 






a 



< 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COCNTY. 591 

into the newsroom you will find there still — Mr. James H. Doxsee 
full 20 years at his case; and at the head of the job department, 
Mr. Albert L. Mossman, its occupant for 15 years." 

DEK DEMOKRAT. 

The demand for a newspaper in the German language came 
about 13 years subsequently to the appearance of the first 
newspaper printed here in the English tongue. At the time of the 
appearing of the loxua Sun, in August, 1S3S, there were but three 
or four German families in this county. From 1838 to 1850 there was 
a constant flow of German population into Scott County. By 851 
there were doubtless a hundred German families here, and the num- 
ber rapidly increasing, and that time there seemed to be an active 
demand for a German newspaper. While some of the new-comers 
from the Fatherland could read English, the large majority were 
unable to do so; and. being a reading people, felt very keenly the 
want of a home newspaper printed in their own tongue. More- 
over, these Germans had come here to stay, to become citizens, 
to vote. There were aspiring politicians, too, in those days, who 
hankered for votes — German or otherwise — and lost no time in 
arranging plans to secure them. Hiram Price, Harvey Leonard, 
Ezekiel Steinhiller, Jabez A. Jiirchard and Capt. A. H. Davenport 
became shareholders to a needful amount in a fund that was to 
establish a German newspaper in Davenport. Arrangements were 
made with Mr. T. D. Eagal, of the Democratic Banner, to print 
the paper, and Theodore Guclich, a talented young German, fresh 
from the battle-fields of the Schleswig-Holstein revolution of '48, 
in wiiich he had gained many a scar in the name of sweet liberty, 
was secured as its editor. 

On an expenditure of about a hundred dollars or so, to which 
Mr. Price was the largest contributor, some second-hand German 
type was purchased, and on the 22d of November, 1851, the first 
number of Der Demokrat was issued. It was a weekly Democratic 
slieet, printed in folio form, on a sheet 20 x 20 inches, five col- 
umns to the page. The reading matter was set in small pica type, 
under a motto of "Liberty for All," and the advertisements in 
English type, out of the Banner office material. Its place of issue, 
as we liave said, was from the Democratic Banner office, ]\lain 
street, where Judge Grant's office now stands. The office of Der 
Demokrat was soon removed from Main into the house now occu- 
rs 



592 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

pied by Mr. H. F. Laverenz, 318 Gaines street, between 3d and -ith, 
and had also taken in a partner, Mr. Rudolph Eeichmann, who had 
arrived here in March, 1S52, from Milwaukee. 

The ne.xt year, 1S53, they built a small house on the northeast 
corner of 3d and Harrison streets, where Berg's building now 
stands, and occupied it in part for a printing otKce and partly for a 
dwelling, where the office remained until 1855, when Gnelich and 
Kichmann dissolved partnership, and Mr. Gnelich removed his ma- 
terial to rooms in a frame building on the south side of 2d street, 
west of Harrison, where Melchert's hotel now stands. Business 
continued to improve with Mr. Gnelich. so much so that he deter- 
mined to start a daily paper. Furthermore, he had then somewhat 
modified his political fealty, had espoused the Free-Soil creed, and 
was getting things in readiness for the presidential contest of 1856. 
So, then, on the 3d of January, 1856, was brought out the first issue 
oi Der Democrat'' sAa\\j edition. It was printed on a small sheet, 
18 X 22 inches, folio form, four columns to the page, well patron- 
ized by advertisers. In his increased editorial labors Mr. Gnelich 
was assisted by his friend, Mr. Henry Ramming, whom many yet 
remember as a prominent citizen, and one of those who laid down 
their lives in field service in the late war. 

But Mr. Gnelich did not remain with his paper to take part in 
the presidential campaign of 1856, for, the opportunity present- 
ing, he sold out to advantage, and on the 20th of April of that 
year he turned over the entire concern to Henry Lischer & Co. 
The Co. was Theodore Olshausen, who was also its editor. The 
paper moved on prosperously under this firm until June 13, 1860, 
when it was sold to Messrs. DaldorflT & Ramming, Lischer and 
Olshausen returning to St. Louis, where they purchased the West- 
liche Post, and went into business on an enlarged scale. Mr. 
Lischer, having sold his interest in the Westliche Post, returned 
to Davenport to look after his unsatisfied interest in the concern, and 
concluded to take it back, which he did on the 28th of June follow- 
ing, resuscitating the daily edition on the 25th of the next August, 
since which time it has appeared regularly and prosperouslv until 
the present time, without change of owners. A Mr. Kilp under- 
took the editorial service until the 27th ot the following September, 
when Mr. J. P. Stibolt, then from Peoria, assumed the editorial 
chair, which he has so ably filled unto this day. 

In 1862 the office removed to McManus Block, 2d street, near 
Main, in order to get more room for its largely increased business, 
where it remained until August 27, 1877, when it moved to its 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 593 

present spacious and elegant quarters on 3d street, near Main, 
which were built that year by Mr. Lissher, expressly for the use of 
his extensive establishment. 

Mr. Geulich went to Burlington iu 1856, and, with Mr. Daldorf, 
became interested in the Iowa Tribune, a German newspaper, with 
which he was for several ye.irs connected. He is yet a resident of 
that city, engaged in the practice of law and insurance business. 
Mr. Daldorf is in the same place, and has been from time to time 
engaged in printing and other business. Mr. Ueichman went 
to Traer, Tama Co., Iowa, where, until within a few, years, he was 
the editor and proprietor of the Iowa County Independent, and 
where, as we believe, he yet resides. 

Olshausen immigrated into the United States in the summer of 
1851 ; he resided several years in St. Louis, where he published 
two pamphlets, containing an accurate description of the States of 
Missouri and Iowa. He was, moreover, oceupied with some other 
literary pursuit. In the year of 1856 he removed to Davenport 
and edited Der Demokrat f(jr abaut six years. Then he went 
again to St. Louis as co-editor of the Westllch'i Post. In May, 1865, 
he left for Europe, residing partly in Zurich, Switzerland, partly in 
Hamburg, where he died March 31, 1869. He had an ardent love 
of liberty, hated slavery intensively, his mind had a great tendency 
to idealism, he was strongly guided by principles and was much 
freer from egotism than human frailty generally is. Neither 
money nor glory could allure him ; he was mainly guided by his 
sense of duty and love of liberty. And yet he was banished from 
his native country which he loved so well. 

Henry Lischer was born in Bavaria, July 10, 1828; came to this 
conntry with his parents in 1835; was on a farm live years in St. 
Clair Co.. III., and then moved to St. Louis, where in ISiO he 
went into the office of the St. Louis Republican, and after a year, 
was apprenticed with the Ameiger des Westens, remaining until 
1846, when, the Mexican war breaking out, he enlisted in the Don- 
iphan Regiment of Missouri Mounted Dragoons. The war over 
he returned to the Ameiger office, of which he became foreman in 
1851, and so remained until April, 1856, when, with Thos. 01s. 
hansen he purciiased Der Democrat in this city, which they sold in 
1860 to Daldorf & Ramming, and purchased the St. Louis WestHche 
Post. In 1861 he sold his share of that piper to Mr. Olshausen, 
and returned to Davenjiort ; t^ookhnck Der DemoTcrat, and placing 
Mr. Daldorf in control, with Mr. Kilp as editor, returned to St. Louis 



594 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

to serve oat his time in the 3 J Home Guard Regiment ; returned to 
Davenport in August and revived the daily edition, which has been 
issued without interruption ever since. And from that daj-^ until 
now has Mr. Lischer devoted himself solely to the building up of a 
substantial German newspaper in Davenport. He has succeeded, 
and in sodoinghas gathered unto himself prosperity and abundance. 
The small office that he purchased in 1856 has become a large one, 
the meager material growing into a large and complete outfit ; the 
dingy little office in an np-stairs roona on Second street to a mag- 
nificent brick and stone edifice at Third and Main streets, the result 
of diligent labor. 

Mr. Stibolt was born in Northern Schleswig-Holstein, in De- 
cember, 1813, and came to America, landing at Baltimore in June, 
X 18-47. His coming to America was owing to some diiferences of 
political opinions and sentiments which had caused a falling out 
with relations and authorities, and which had also been the means 
of his disinheritance from his fortune, which up to 1S3S he had 
been allowed to consider his own. So he camehere without means, 
except hands, head, and those acquirements of science which he 
had gained by earnest study in the German universities. For sev- 
eral years he encountered man}' hardships. In 1852 he came to 
Alton, 111., and commenced the publication of a paper called " Vo?'- 
loarts (Progress), which was directed against slavery, and the 
nterfering of religion and churches in the legislation of State. It 
was the first paper of the kind ever published in the Northwest, 
and was not tolerated in a place like Alton. On invitation of 
friends he removed his press to Galena, 111., where he continued the 
publication of the Vo7'warts, which had a large circulation in the 
valley of the Mississippi, but had no hold on the place where it was 
published. Politically it was not without influence, but financially 
it was a failure ; for while his books showed a very large list of 
subscribers, the list of non-paying ones was almost as large. 

In 1856, on invitation of the Illinois Republican Central Com- 
mittee, by which he was deceived in the most shameful manner, he 
went to Peoria, where he was in charge of the editorial department 
of the Deutsche Zeitutig. He remained there until 1861, when he 
made arrangements with Henry Lischer to assume the editorial 
chair ot Der Demokrat, which position he has from that time with 
great ability filled. Mr. Stibolt takes rank among the oldest and 
most influential editors of the West. For nearly 30 3'ears he has 
found constant labor in the editorial chair. For the past 20 years 
his davs of recreation would not amount to a dozen. 



HIST0R1' OF SCOTT COUNTY. 595 

And 80 from very small beginnings in 1851, we have noticed 
the constant and substantial progress of Der DemoJcrat — from a 
weakling, with but few supporters, to a strong concern — the most 
prominent among the German papers of the State both in wealth 
and influence. 

DAVENPORT MORNING NEWS. 

The sixth newspaper enterprise of any considerable magnitude 
that blossomed into existence liere was that of the Mornhuj Neios, 
daily and weekly. It appeared in September, 1856, with full out- 
fit for doing a regular newspaper and job printing business on 
a large scale — everything bright and new. George N. Harrington 
and Franc B. Wilkie were classmates in Union College, New 
York, in lS55-'6. Young Harrington had a brother John, who 
is yet well remembered b}' Davenport people as a noted steamboat 
pilot. He then lived in Davenport, and being a man ot some means, 
and something of a politician witiial, off'ered to furnish George the 
money to start a newspaper enterprise in this place. In order to 
secure editorial talent for the enterprise, George Harrington offered 
Wilkie a half interest if he would take charge of it. He consented, 
and so the News appeared. When the News was started a hand- 
some balance was placed to its credit in one of the city banks. This 
was so placed to be used in meeting the expenses of the concern 
until such time as it would be self-sustaining. John Harring- 
ton, however, in order to double this capital, bet it all in the pres- 
idential election, which resulted in the choice of James Buchanan, 
and the money was lost. 

This led to the very unpleasant and unprofitable necessity of 
running the paper on borrowed capital, on 30 and 60 day paper. 
This drawback was not calculated to inspire hope, but still the 
Neics had friends and kept on. It was a bright, newsy i)aper of 
four pages, eight columns to the page, well filled with reading and 
advertising — for in those days, be it known, that Davenport mer- 
chants and business men advertised with a spirit that was worthy 
of the cause. Tiie leading editorials were bright and piquant. 

In the latter part of 1S57, under the impression that there were 
brighter prospects elsewhere, Mr. Wilkie disposed of his interest 
in the News establishment to his partner, Mr. George G. Harring- 
ton, who was to assume all the liabilities. On Mr. Wilkie's depart- 
ure, the paper was for a short time under the solitary management 



596 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of Mr. Harrington. The new state of affairs being unpleasant, Mr. 
Harrington sought a buyer, and finally disposed of the entire prop- 
erty to John Johns, Jr., & Co., and left the place. 

In 1S59 it became apparent that there was no longer any fat liv- 
ing for two Democratic dailies in Davenport. The N'ews office was 
for sale. It chanced that a gentleman. Col. A. Thomas Maguire, 
came here from Pennsylvania to negotiate for it. Looking the 
field over in a hurried way. Col. Maguire decided to purchase. A 
bargain was struck and he went into possession, without payment. 
He returned to Pennsylvania for his family, leaving Mr. Wallace 
in charge, and sufficient money to run it a week or two. Return- 
ing, and finding the receipts and money left with the foreman had 
not sufficed to keep up expenses, he took alarm and was meditat- 
ing a retreat. He would have left right away but for the inter- 
position of mutual friends of the Iowa State Democrat and the 
News, who proposed a union of the two under one name and man- 
agement. The Democrat and News became a single paper Oct. 11, 
1859, and so remained until April 20, 1861, when the Neios was 
dropped from the title. 

LE CLAIKE WEEKLY EXPRESS. 

In the month of December, 1856, at the instance of the people 
of Le Claire and those having property interests there, Messrs 
Harrington & Wilkie decided to start a weekly paper in the "Little 
Republic." They accordingly visited that city, and, after getting 
a good list of names, issued two or three numbers of the Le Claire 
WeeMy Express from the Davenport office, when they disposed of 
the enterprise to two energetic printers in their office, AVilliam H. 
Fleming, and William Craig, who removed the material to Le Claire 
and opened an office there. 

The paper thus commenced continued with varying success until 
the fall of 1857, when Mr. Craig disposed of his interest to his 
partner, who soon strengthened his line by a ]iartnership with 
Mr. Francis H. Impey, of Davenport. Mr. Impey, in June, 1858, 
after a rather barren winter in the newspaper line, sold out and 
quit the editorial chair of the Express^ and Le Claire also. At 
that time Mr. Edward Kussell, then of Le Claire, now of the Daven- 
port Gazette, became associated with the editorship of the Expressi 
but it was up-hill work. No amount of talent could well sustain a 
newspaper in Le Claire in those times of financial darkness; so in 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 597 

October of that year Mr. Fleming closed the office — the Weekly 
Express was dead. At the best the struggle for life had been a hard 
one, and after the financial collapse of 1857 it became hopeless. 
Politically the Erjyress was independent until after the establish- 
jnent alongside of it ot a Democratic paper, when it became Re- 
publican. 

LK CLAIRE REPUBLIC. 

In December, 1858, Dr. James Van Home, of Le Claire, who had 
purchased the material of the late Express office, formed with 
Messrs. Russell and Fleming a co-partnership and started a new 
paper, the Le Claire Eejmhlic, Mr. Russell, editor, and Mr. Flem- 
ing, printer. It was started as an experiment and so carried on; 
subscrijJtions being received at first for six months onl}', and all con- 
tracts for advertising made to cover that period of time. Twenty- 
six numbers of the Le Claire Bep'Mie were issued, when the impos- 
sibility of success having been sufficiently demonstrated the paper 
stopped, its light went out; it died in peace, owing nobody. It 
is a matter of wonder if another similar instance can be found in 
Iowa newspaper experience; paying as it went; taking no subscrip- 
tions without the cash; receiving a good share of patronage; and 
the best paper Le Claire had over had. 

LE CLAIRE REGISTER. 

Three months after the discontinuance of the Republic, John 
Trainor King, then of Davcn])ort. bought the material of the Re- 
public office and established the Le Claire Reyister, a Democratic 
paper, the first of the "Douglas" variety the county had yet had. 
And the venture met with better success than any of the others; was 
better supported than they. But the proprietor, apparantl}' dis- 
satisfied with the limited field furnished by Le Claire, and perhaps 
not making anything, notwithstanding the liberal support accorded 
him, took himself back to Daven]iort, and with him the material of 
Le Claire's first printing office. In Davenport, in the third story 
of NichoUs' Block, he established a Democratic-agricultural paper 
called Ihe People'e Champion and Producer''s Weekly Chron- 
icle. Too top heavy, it died of overmuch name; or removed from 
under it in a few weeks to re-appear in Muscatine, where, combin- 
ing the material with that of the old Democratic Inquirer, was 
started the Muscatine Review, a daily mid weekly Democratic paper 



598 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

which lived until some time in 1861, when the material was re- 
moved to Keokuk. Mr. King is still living, a resident of Phila- 
delphia, we believe. 

DAVENPOET DA.ILT TIMES. 

Atmo Domini 1858 was proliticof newspapers. Davenport was 
a city of about 12,000 people, who, in their great forbearance, tol- 
erated five daily and several weekly newspapers. There were in 
regular standing at that time the Gazette, Iowa State Democrat, 
Morning News, and Der Demokrat, all struggling to serve the peo- 
ple and make a living for the proprietors. And yet, notwithstand- 
ing all this accumulated weight of talent that had centered here, 
and the business capacity required to manage these four dailies, 
there were those who were dissatisfied — who wanted something 
better and more of it — claiming that the reading community was 
not well served. 

Mr. "Wm. T. Clark, of the law firm of Allen & Clark, undertook 
this work. Along with him in the enterprise he enlisted Mr. Na- 
thaniel Hawthorne Parker, author of '' Iowa As It Is," and for- 
merly editor and proprietor of the Davenport Commercial and 
later with the Iowa Regider, printed at Camauche. 

On the first of September, 1858, Messrs. Clark, Parker & Co. 
issued from the job office of Luse, Lane & Co., on Perry street, the 
first number of the Davenport Daily Times. It was a neat seven 
column paper of folio form, with a goodly amount of reading matter 
of no extraordinary stamp, and had a rather meager amount of ad- 
vertising. 

DAILY ANTI-KNOW-NOTHING. 

In 1851 a class of American citizens of foreign descent becoming 
disgusted with foreigners formed a political party, entirely secret iu 
its operations, the object of which was to. keep from office and sys- 
tematically degrade all citizens whose birth happened to have been 
on the other side of the ocean. In opposition to such a scheme as 
this, Mr. T. D. Eagal, for the spring election campaign purposes of 
1856, started a daily paper under the above heading. The election 
past, in which both sides claimed a victory, the publication of the 
paper suspended. 

BEOBACHTER AM MISSISSIPPI. 

The second German newspaper was started in Davenport in the 
summer of 1S56. Der DemoJcrat\\&A retired from the field of Dem o 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 699 

cratic politics, and espoused the Fremont side of the presidential 
campaign of that year. Tlie German Democrats were determined 
to have an organ, and right away, in the rear of the second story of 
the Post-office (now Viele's) Block, and on the north side of it was 
started the Beohachater am Mississippi (Watchman of the Missis- 
sippi), which was printed on the 1 owa State Democrat press for a 
while, and afterward moved into Grant's Block, on Main street, 
where the Ilseics did its press work, and where it ceased to exist as 
a Davenport institution 

THE TEMPERANCE ORGAN. 

In the spring of 1856 the first temperance newspaper was started 
in Davenport called The Temperance Organ. It was issued from 
the book and job printing house of Luse, Lane & Co., of which Mr. 
Price was a part owner. It started as a temperance paper, to per- 
suade luen from drinking to their own destruction, and did earnest 
service in that cause. It was a seven-column folio, in new material, 
and made a fine appearance. It was the first temperance paper in 
the State, and was published about one j'ear. 

DAVENPORT COMMERCIAL. 

In the spring of 185-i. Mr. JS'athaniel Hawthorne Parker started 
a weekly independent paper in Davenport, its office in the third- 
story of what was tlieu known as Witherwax Block, southeast cor- 
ner of Second and Brady streets. It was not a prosperous venture; 
and in December of the same year he sold out to Mr. Winthrop 
Atwill, who sought to improve it by changing its name to the Daven- 
port Courier. He published for a few months only, and closed his 
oflSce. He sold it the next fall to two young men who made an ef- 
fort to purchase the Daily Iowa State Democrat office. They is" 
sued a few numbers of the weekly, and retired from the field. 

THE DAVENPORT BEE. 

Early in the year 1854, Mr. DeWitt Carey came here from Ohio 
and commenced the publication of a weekly newspaper, of the in- 
dependent sort. It was a folio, seven columns to the page, and had 
its editorial office in Witherwax Block. Mr. Carey had his work 
done at the Gazette office. The name of the publication was The 
Davenport Bee. Its income was about equal to the expenditure ; 



600 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

but Mr. Carey concluded not to make a permanent business of it, 
suspended publication, and returned to Oliio, where he died some 
years ago. 

THE CHIP BASKET, 

a sort of facetious paper started July 19, 1856, by Hiram A. Keed ; 
published weekly from the oiBce of Luse, Lane & Co., and contin- 
ued until September of that year, when its editor went upon the 
Daily News as city editor. It was a small sheet of four columns, 
and besides making some fun for the public, made some trouble 
for its owner, in way of bufietings from the aggrieved. 

OTHER PAPERS. 

In 1S54: or 1855 a paper called the Bridge City Record was 
started here by "Wood, Michener & Co., and was devoted princi- 
pally to the real estate business, and lived but a few months. 

In 1856, the old "silver gray" Whigs published a weekly cam- 
paign paper in the interest of the Bell and Everett ticket. It was 
called The Union, and was edited by William H. Brown. The 
principal expense of the enterprise was borne manfully by James 
M. Dalzell, John P. Cook, and some others. 

In 1856, and for several years thereafter, a religious paper, in 
magazine form, called The Evangelist, was published here, the 
work being done in the Gazette office; the editorial room in Lesslie's 
Block, northeast corner Brady and Front streets. 

DAVENPORT DAILY JOURNAL. 

The Davenport Times of 1858 was the last new daily until the 
appearance of the Davenport Journal in 1869, a period of 11 
years. Mr. Chas. G. Pluramer and Gen. A. H. Sanders undertook 
to publish this new daily. They bought a complete outfit, and on 
the 10th day of May, 1SG9, the first number of the Davenport Z^a/Zy 
Journal appeared. The name was copied from the Evansville Jour- 
nal, the General's first daily. In size it was a seven-column folio, 
reading matter in brevier, advertisements in nonpareil. The weekly 
was one column larger. The advertising patronage was liberal as 
could have been expected with a new paper, and the enterprise 
opened with a reasonable degree of promise. Gen. Sanders was 
editor-in-chief, and his most inveterate enemy would not say that 
his pen lacked in force, brilliancy or versatility. He was seconded 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 601 

at the editorial tabic by Mr. W. II. Rossington, one of the best city 
quills in the State, while in the business department and general 
superintendency was Mr. Plummer, a man of considerable printing 
office experience. In sliort, the Journal had started and come be- 
fore the public under as favorable auspices as could have been asked 
for, in every respect save one — there was no room here for another 
daily. To a person familiar with the workings of such contests for 
newspaper supremacy it was not difficult to determine the result. 

The Oazette would not die; the Journal must, and did. On the 
date stated the public were duly informed of its withdrawal from 
the field, and all patrons were notified that all balances on unex- 
pired advance subscriptions would be refunded at the office of the 
paper. And they were. The Journal proprietors were honorable 
men, and left no unsettled accounts. 

The material was purchased by another firm, and reissued Xo- 
vember 1.5. It was carried on until May 20, 1S70, when it finally 
suspended. This was the last attempt to found an English daily in 
Davenport. 

THE TRUE RADICAL 

was established in 1867, by a stock company composed largely 
of Germans, of which Mr. Frank I. Jorvis was the editor-in-chief. 
It appeared on Saturday, March 'J — of quarto-form ; of good size ; 
issued weekly at $2. 50 per year, and at the height of its prosperity 
enjoyed a good circulation, and had many interested readers. One 
of its chief peculiarities was its reprints of scarce free-thought 
literature. Rousseau's Confessions of a Savoyard Curate ; Pitts' 
Letter on Superstition ; Sir W. Drummond's Qildi])us Judajcius ; 
Laurence's Essay on Functions of the Brain, and other rare tracts 
were published in full in its columns. It finally declined and died 
of a combination of fatal disorders, but was in many respects one 
of the brightest and naost interesting papers ever printed in this 
country. It was printed by the stock company for over nine 
months, when the material was sold to Mr. Jervis and Adolphus 
G. Smallfield, who continued its publication on Harrison street, 
two doors above Third, west side, until the 7th of January, 1869, 
when it expired. 

SUNDAY MORNING TIMES. 

A weekly literary ])aper with this name was started in this city 
at the job office of Charles G. Plummer, by 13. II. Evans & Co., 
on the 5th of February, 1871. After a career of four or five weeks 
it suspended, and was succeeded by the Sunday Jloming Star. 



602 HISTORY OF SCOTT.' COUNTY. 



SUNDAY MORNING STAR. 



This was also a literary papar, printed by Charles G. Piummer, 
the columns of which were enriched by articles from the pens of 
Mr. Ben. H. Barrows, Frank I. Jervis, and other pleasant writers. 
It was a very handsome folio sheet with ornamental heading, 
corners and double rule border, after the fashion of the Xew York 
Ledger. It failed, however, to meet the expectations of its pub- 
lisher, and it suspended on the 11th of June, of the same year in 
which it started. 



THE- soldiers' FRIEND 



was a small folio six-column sheet published by C. Augustas Havi- 
land, who was also its editor. It was started as a helper to its 
owner's soldiers' war claim operations, and finally drifted into 
politics. In ]>ursuit of a broader field and a surer fame, it removed 
to Chicago in 1S69, when it was changed into a semi-literary pub- 
lication, called the Gem of the West. 

LE CLAIRE CITY ENTERPRISE. 

In May, 185S, a man named Robert W. Lawrence, having ob- 
tained the material of the Camanche Register., brought it into Le- 
Claire, and started a Democratic paper, called the LeClaire City 
Enterprise. On his leaving, t!ie Enterprise became the property 
of H. H. King, who operated it until 1S59, when he quit the iiews- 
pai;)er field, and the material was returned to Camanche. 

SCOTT COUNTY REGISTER. 

This paper, a weekly, was established in LeClaire, Apiil 11, 
1866, by Gilbert W. Hunt, on material brought there from the 
Jachion County Sentinel. On the 14th of December following he 
took Clint Parkhurst as partner, and it was printed by Clint Park- 
hurst & Co. until Feb. 2, 1866'7, when Mr. Hunt became sole 
proprietor, and continued its publication until April IS, 1867, 
when he sold it to a corporation of Republican politicans. This 
combination, with Dr. Gamble as editor, ran the paper until April 
17, 1868, when they sold it to C. W. Hills, who printed it about 
six months, when the material was removed to Wilton, Iowa, hav- 
ing been purchased by Bacon & Eaton, for $600. 

THE LE CLAIRE PILOT 

was started in LeClaire, Jan. 6, 1877, by Mr. H. L. Barter, on 
material previously used in the publication of the Port Byron 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COCNTV. 603 

Weekly. Marcli 22, 18T9, Mr. L. R. Witlierell became a part- 
ner, and continued until the 29tli of April, 1S79, when he disjjosed 
of his interest to Mr. W. C. Thornton. The Pilot was snspended 
in the fall of 1S80. 

TnE IOWA WORKMAN, 

a semi-monthly paper, devoted to the interests of the United Order 
of Workmen, was moved to this city from Kellogg, Iowa, in 1878, 
by Mr. W. C. McBeth, its proprietor. It is now owned by the 
Iowa "Workman Company, Frank Rohm as business manager. It 
is edited by the Rev. W. S. Messmer, and is said to have a wide 
circulation among the fraternity. 

WESTERN WEEKLY. 

In 1872 a small weekly printing office was brought here from 
Hilton by a man named Clark, who for some time printed a small 
temperance paper in the second story of tlie building now occupied 
b}- Bills & Block, Main street, next door south of the Democrat 
office. In time this merged into a larger paper called the Wstern 
Weekly, for the publication of which a stock company was sought 
to be formed. Mr. D. E. Jones, formerly editor of the New T ork 
Weekly Sun, and later of the Chicago Congregational Herald, was 
editor for tive montlis during the last yiar of the Western Weekly 
which closed its uneventful career in August, 1874. 

THE BLUE KIBBOX NEWS 

is tiie fourth temperance newspaper organ established in this cit}' 
Its first issue appeared on tlie 28th of February, 1878, under the 
ownership and editorial control of Dr. J. B. Morgan. On the 28th 
of March following, Mr. George W. Calderwood, of Greenville, 
Ohio, became its editor; and on tlie 22d of May following, Mr. Ed 
James, of Cross Roads, Scott Co., became lialf owner and city 
editor. July 4-, 1878, Mr. Solon II. Fidlar, its present editor-in- 
chief, assumed the ciiair till then occupied by Mr. Calderwood; and 
Mr. James retired from the firm on the 12th of September follow- 
ing. In the city department he was succeeded by Mr. A. .J. Flem- 
ing, the ownership reverting to Dr. Morgan. 

in July, 1879, Dr. Morgan disposed of the JVows to E. W. Brady, 
and in August of the same 3ear the name was changed to the 
Northwestern Nev's, from the fact that other temperance move- 
ments, using difiercQt colored ribbons, as tlie red, white and ])ur- 



604 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

pie, did not like the appellation of the Blue Rihhon Wewe, feeling 
thev were not so well represented. In November, Mr. Brady 
changed the form from a quarto to a folio of eight columns to the 
page. The paper, after an experience such as all temperance papers 
usually experience, is now upon a paying basis. 

Edward W. Brady, publisher of the Northwestern News, has had 
an active life. He was born in Allegheny Co., Penn., Feb. 22 
1826. At the age of IS months he was taken to Washington 
County, in the same State, where he was reared on a farm, and 
where at an early age he began to "earn his bread by the sweat of 
his brow," laboring on a farm and in a mill owned by his step- 
father. He learned to read in the Sabbath-school, and was after- 
ward permitted to attend the comm:)a schools of his native State 
for one year; therefore the knowledge he has acquired has princi- 
pally been outside of the sahjol-room. When 21 years of age 
he returned to Allegheny County, and worked on a farm until 
tli3 fall of lSi9, when he came to Iowa and loaated in Louisa 
County, where he remained until 185S, his occupation while there 
being that of a farmer, and for a time in business in Wapello. As 
stated, he cam? to Divenpart in 1S.5S, where he eagaged in the 
auction and commission business, and then became an insurance 
agent, removing to Lafayette, Ind. Returning to Davenport he 
traveled as a salesman for a farming implement house, and then 
for a window-shade manufactory in Hock Island. In a few months 
he became a partner in the concern, and finally, in 1874, sole pro- 
prietor, the manufactory meantime being removed to Davenport. 
He now sells his goods in 26 States. In 1860 Mr. Brady married 
Lydia F. Weaver, inDavenport, by whom he has had six children, 
four boys and two girls. In May 1881, Mr. Brady established the 
Inter-State JVeivs, an eight-column folio, which has met with good 
success, and is recognized as a good advertising medium by all 
classes . 

THE DATENPOET WEEKLY TELEGRAPH 

was started in this city, Jan. 26, 1878, by Edward J. Jennings 
and his son, Vincent Jennings, with the former as editor. It was 
a nine-column folio, with ''patent insides;" was printed in the 
Gazette building, aad "devoted to the interests of the people." 
It survived but a few mouths, and the material was laid away. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 605 



DEE BANNER. 



In 1870 a daily German newspaper of this name was started by 
a stock company in tliis city. It was Democratic in politics; was 
first edited by Dr. De Haas, of New York, who remained with it 
but a few months. It was unprofitable from the start. The stock- 
holders sold it to Mr. Joachim Saidt, who changed its name to the 
DeiUscher Anzeiger. Its original office of publication was in the 
Gazette building, Perry street; but it was by Mr. Sindt removed 
to Schmidt's Block, Second and Harrison streets. The material 
was several years ago sold, and on it is now printed the Muscatine 
Zeitung. 

THE DAVENPORT FBEE PRESS 

made its sprightly bow March 30, 1878, edited by Mr. Moses, as a 
literary and sporting paper. It never bowed again — more's the 
pity, for its editor fought space with a racy quill. 




CHAPTER XV. 

ILLUSTRIOUS AKD PROMINENT DEAD. 

Scott County has furnished some of her ablest and best men to 
people " The Cit}^ of the Dead." It is here proposed to give short 
sketches of some of the prominent ones who have passed away. 

ANTOINE LE CLAIRE. 

Antoine LeClaire was born Dec. 15, 1797, at St. Joseph, Berrien 
Co., Mich. His father was a Canadian Frenchman, his mother, 
the grand-daughter of a Pottawatomie chief In 1808 he estab- 
lished a trading post at Milwaukee, Wis., exchanging manu- 
factured articles for various kinds of furs. In 1809, he engaged 
more extensively in the business, in connection with John Kinsey, 
at Chicago (Fort Dearborn then). 111. In 1812, though sur- 
rounded with the Indian tribes with whom he was trading, and who, 
through the influence of British emissaries, were generally hostile 
to the United States, Mr. LeClaire espoused the American cause, 
engaged actively in the service— was in the contest at Peoria, wherej 
with others, he was taken prisoner. The prisoners were coutined 
at Alton, 111., but were released during tlie same year. 

About this period, at the solicitation of Gov. Clarke, of Missouri, 
Antoine Le Claire entered the Government service, and was placed 
at school, that he might acquire a proper knowledge of the English 
language. In ISIS, he acted as interpreter under Capt. Davenport, 
at Fort Armstrong; and the same year returned to Peoria, where, 
in 1820, he married the grand-daughter of the Sac chief, Acoqua, 
(the kettle). Tlie same year he was sent to Arkansas, to watch the 
movements of the Indians in that locality. He was returned to 
Fort Armstrong in 1S27, and was present as interpreter in 1832, 
when the treaty was made by which the United States purchased of 
the Sac and Fox tribes the territory West of the Mississippi River. 

Inconsequence of cholera among the soldiers at Fort Armstrong, 
the treaty, which would otherwise have been held in the Fort, was 
transferred to tlie Iowa shore opposite. Here the great chief of 
the Sacs, Keokuk, made a reserve of a section of land, which he do- 

(COG) 







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V .-a 




^ yK^ cy^^^-^^j^- 



I 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 609 

nated to Mr. Le Claire's wife, requiring, as an only condition, that 
Mr. Le Claire should build his house on the section, and on the spot 
then occupied by the marquee of Gen. Scott in making the treaty, 
which condition he afterward filled to the letter. The Sacs and 
Foxes also gave him another section at the head of the Rapids, 
where Le Claire now stands. The Pottawatomies, in the treaty of 
Prairie du Chien, reserved two sections on the Illinois side, which 
they presented to Mr. Le Claire. The flourishing town of Moline is 
situated on this reserve. The treaty was ratified by Congress the 
following winter. 

In 1S33 Mr. Le Claire was appointed postmaster at Davenport 
and also justice of the peace, to settle all matters of diflfereuce be- 
tween the whites and Indians. His jurisdiction extended over all 
the territory purchased of the Sacs and Foxes west of the Missis- 
sippi, from Dubuque on the north, to Burlington on the south. 
The population of Burlington was at this time, about 200; that of 
Dubuque, about 250. 

Mr. Le Claire was an accomplished linguist — speaking some 
12 or 14: Indian dialects, as well as the French and English. Mr. 
Le Claire was one of the proprietors of the town of Davenport, and 
one of its active business men. Ho was possessed of great wealth; 
has improved the city by a liberal expenditure of a large income, 
in erecting churches and other public buildings, at his immediate 
expense. The fine church of St. Marguerite — whose spire reaches 
from the lofty bluff till it would almost seem to touch the quiet 
stars, or to mingle with the cloudy glories of a summer's day — was 
built and furnished by the munificence of Mr. Le Claire. Every- 
where over the fair city of Davenport are scattered improvements, 
each of which elegantly and appropriately memorializes his generos- 
ity. , It is to regretted that a history of his life, embracing its lesser 
details, could not have been ol)tained, as his whole course has been 
replete with stirring incidents and romantic adventure. When 
the jPioneer Settlers' Association was formed, Mr. Le Claire, as the 
oldest living settler in the county, was elected its first president, 
and had he not declined a re-election, would have been continued 
in the offiiu until his ileatli. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 1S61, Mr. LeClaire 
was struck with paralysis, and rapidly declined until Wednesday, 
Sept. 25, when he breathed his last, retaining his consciousness 
until the last. 
86 



610 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

A meeting of the Pioneer Association was called and arranged 
ments made to take charge of the funeral. A programme of ar- 
rangements was formed and 12 members of the association ap- 
pointed to act as pall bearers. On Friday, the 27th, the body was 
laid away to rest, followed to the grave by a large concourse of cit- 
izens. 

HON. JOHN p. COOK. 

Hon. John P. Cook died at his residence in Davenport on the 
corner ot Sixth "and Main streets, at o o'clock on the afternoon 
of April 17, 1872. He was a native of the State of 'New York, 
having been born in Whitestown, Oneida Co., in August, 1817. 
About 36 years ago, when at the age of 19 years, he came to this 
place with his father, and with him settled on the " Cook Farm,", 
at the present western boundary of this city. Kemaining there 
for a year or two, he then prepared himself for the practice of law 
in the office of his brother, Ebenezer Cook, in this place; removed 
to Tipton, in Cedar County, and in the year 1842 was admitted to 
the bar. He married, in 18-42, Miss Eliza A. Powe, of Pleasant 
Valley, in this county. In 1851 he removed from Tipton to this 
city, which has been his home to the day of his death. Subsequent 
to his settling here he was elected to the House of Representatives 
of the United States, and served his country well and faithfully in 
the 33d Congress. On the breaking up of the "Whig party he affil- 
iated with the Democratic party, the principles of which he labored 
earnestly to sustain and promulgate, even to the end of his days. 
His life has been one of great energy and industry. He was by 
natural instinct a true "Western man — a wide-awake, thoroughly act- 
ive pioneer who never saw the time when he could lay aside the 
business harness and to all appearance never wanted to. As a lawyer 
he had few superiors; was always ready, fluent, and an able advocate, 
and with these qualities were combined energy, tact and industr}-; 
and tor years past, and up to the day of his demise, no law firm in the 
Northwest has stood in better repute than that broken by his death. 

It was but a few months before that the death of his brother, the 
Hon. Ebenezer Cook, took place. To him was the subject of this 
notice most devotedly attached. They had been together almost 
constantly from boyhood; all their business plans were conned over 
together, neither ever taking an important step without consult- 
ing with, and probably in some way deferring to, the other. His 
disease was that of the kidneys. His illness was of long duration, 
but he bore up to the last with the courage of a brave soul. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. Gil 

He was one of the founders of the Scott County Pioneer Settlers' 
Association, and always toolv the greatest interest in its gathering. 
No old settler was more missed in their annual social gathering 
than he. He was 55 years old at tiie time of his death. 

JABEZ A. BIRCHARD. 

Jabez A. Birchard was a native of Pennsylvania, being born at 
Middletown (now Birchardsville), Susquehanna Co., Oct. 22, 
ISOi. His parents were ot old Puritan stock and were engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. Jabez was brought up as a tanner, and 
merely received the education of a common school in the country. 

On arriving at man's estate, he purcliased a farm in his own 
neighborhood, on which he remained until 1836. When about 30 
years of age he married Miss Lydia Chamberlain, of Silver Lake, in 
the same county, who proved a faithful helpmeet, and bore him 
two sons and three daughters. He moved to Iowa in 1836, imme- 
diateh' purchasing and settling down on the farm he occupied until 
the day of his death. 

Of his children one son died in early manhood; the other occu- 
pies the homestead. His eldest daughter married a Mr. Le Mar, 
and lives in Colorado. The second is tlie wife of Mr. Garrett, of 
Davenport. The third married Mr. Samuel Heagj'. 

About 10 years previous to his death, while on a visit to Penn- 
sylvania, he met with a serious accident in falling from a buggy, 
which permanently lamed him and eventually led to the disease 
which caused his death. He liad lived for some time knowing that 
he must soon die, and left all his affairs in perfect order, leaving 
his family in very easy circumstances. At the last meeting of the 
Old Settlers' Society before his death he delivered the annual ad- 
dress, and made touching allusion to his own departure. He died 
at his residence in Pleasant Valley, on Oct. 20, 1871, at the age of 
67 years. His remains were deposited in Oak Dale Cemetery, 
Davenport. 

HON. G. C. R. MITCHELL. 

Hon. G. C. R. Mitchell, late judge of the fourteenth judicial dis- 
trict of Iowa, was born on the Oth of December, 1803, at Dan- 
dridge, Jefferson Co., East Tenn. He was educated at East Ten- 
nessee College (now East Tennessee University) in Kno.xville, 
Tenn., and was a member of its first graduating class in 1822. 
His parents having removed to Lawrence Co., Ala., he pro- 



612 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

ceeded thitlier after leaving college, and commenced the study 
of law under the directions of A. F. Hopkins, of Mobile, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1825. He practiced successfully in Alabama 
until 1834, and was several years clerk of the Circuit Court, and 
was at one time a candidate for circuit judge, but was defeated. 
Afterward he spent one winter in a tour among the Eastern cities. 
In the spring of 1835 he decided to settle in Davenport. 

In 1843 he was elected to the House of Hepresentatives of the 
Iowa Territorial Legislature. He was nominated as congressional 
representative from the State in lSi8, but was defeated. He was 
elected mayor of Davenport in 1856, and served in that capacity 
one year. In 1857 he was nominated by a meeting of the bar, and 
elected judge of the fourteenth judicial district, composed of the 
counties of Scott, Clinton and .Jackson. He held office, however, 
but a short time, being compelled by ill-health to resign it a year 
later, intending to return to tlie South. This purpose, nevertheless, 
he did not carry out, rest and relaxation bringing for a time the 
needed relief. 

In April, 1852, he married Miss Rose A. Clarke, of Brown Co., 
O., daughter of a native Irishman. They had six children, two 
sons and four daughters, only one son and one daughter of whom 
survive. 

Judge Mitchell died on the 6th of September, 1865. 

As a jurist, he took a high position. He was profoundly discrim- 
inating, a keen, careful analyst, whose deductions were always re- 
liable. He was wealthy, with a cultivated literary taste, a choice and 
ample library, a large social circle of sincere and pleasant friends, 
and an amiable wife and dutiful children. He enjoyed life as only 
one surrounded by such circumstances could. 

DANIEL T. NEWCOIIB. 

Daniel Tobias Newcomb, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Wallace) 
Newconib, was born at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July 25, 
1794:. His youth and early manhood were spent upon his father's 
farm. In the war of 1812 he served under Gen. Eddy in the inva- 
sion of Plattsburg, September, 181-4. In 1S22, at the age of 28, he 
located in Essex Co., N. Y., with the design of cultivating a large 
tract of land which he owned there, situated in what is now the town 
of Newcomb, so named after him, incorporated in 1828. 



J 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 618 

July 13, 1S25, he was married to Miss Patience Viele, eldest 
daughter of Abraham L. and Hannah (Douglass) Vicle, of Pitts- 
town. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb removed 
to Essex County, then a wild region of the Adirondacks, where 
they resided some four or five years, when they returned to Pitts- 
town. Mr. Newcomb's ambition was to become an extensive agri- 
culturist, and he therefore decided to explore the great West. Leav- 
ing home in January, 1837, he traveled alone on horseback, with 
the snow in many places two feet deep, throiigh Western New York, 
Upper Canada, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois; then crossed into 
Iowa (then Wisconsin Territory), and decided to settle on the west 
side of the ''Father of Waters." 

In September of the same year Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb removed 
West, accompanied by Mrs. Newcomb's parents and other members 
of the family. They located in a beautiful part of the country on 
the Mississippi Kiver, about 15 miles below liock Island, and 
took possession of a log cabin. At that time there were but two 
counties in Iowa (then about 25 miles wide), Dubuque and Des 
Moines. Here they resided several years, enduring all tlie fatigues 
and privations incident to frontier life in the West. Here Mr. 
Newcomb found ample scope for the gratification of his -ambition 
and became the owner oi' large tracts of land in Iowa. He ope- 
rated one farm in Iowa containing a field of 1,200 acres, all inclosed 
b}' a substantial fence, which in one year produced the enormous 
yield of 30,000 bushels of grain. He was one of the first farmers 
in the State of Iowa to use agricultural machinery. The profits of 
his estate, under his judicious management and untiring industry 
in due time accumulated a large fortune. 

At an early day he decided to make Davenport his future home, 
and accordingly he removed to that place in 18'12. He afterward 
erected a splendid residence on spacious grounds. In this lovely 
home, which commands a cliarming view of the Mississippi River 
and Rock Island, he spent the remainder of his days, dispens- 
ing the same generous hosjiitality that he had become noted for 
in his log cabin in the country. He died of apoplex^^, Dec. 22, 
1870, leaving no issue, beloved and respected by all who knew him. 

Mr. Newcomb was a man of little or no personal pretentions, re- 
markable for sound judgment, close observation, honest and up- 
right dealings. His remains rest in the family ground in Oakdale 
Cemetery, Davenport. 



614 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Mrs. Newcomb, who survives lier husband, is truly a remarkable 
woman, of more than ordinary intelligence. She enters heartily 
into all philanthropic enterprises, and is liberal in the use of her 
large fortune. During the late war she was active in the cause of 
our wounded soldiers, and during the entire period of the war she 
was an active worker. She was very efficient as president of the 
Soldiers' Aid Society of Davenport, and also one of the incorpora- 
tors of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, located in that city. She is 
an earnest and consistent worker in the Presbyterian Church, and 
aids largely in maintaining its interests. 

She sometime since erected the "Xewcomb Memorial Chapel " 
at Davenport, in memory ot her late husband, and quite recently, 
with a wise liberality, donated to the Davenport Academy of 
Science a lot, whereon a fine building is now standing. The im- 
petus thus given to this^ worthy enterprise has placed the insti- 
tution in advance of all similar ones in the West. This has been 
followed by a like donation to the Literary Association in the neigh- 
boring city of Moline, and others, which serve to show how great 
is the place she tills in the community. 

EBENEZER COOK. 

Ebenezer Cook was .the sou of Capt. Ira Cook, and was born 
at New Hartford, near Utiea, Oneida Co., K Y., Feb. 14, ISIO. 
"While yet a boy his father moved tu Broome County in the same 
State, where he was extensively engaged in the lumber business. 

Ebenezer at the age of 17 went tolthieaas the confidential agent 
of Hiram Powers, in a wholesale house tiiere. When 23 years ot 
age he married at Undilla, Miss Clarissa C. Bryant, and soon after 
went into the mercantile business, at Vienna, Ontario Co. In May, 
1835, with his old friend and earliest patron, Hiram Powers, he jour- 
neyed via the lakes to Green Bay, then on horseback through the 
Indian country to Galena. There they heard such glowing 
accounts of the lands of Iowa and the opposite shores of the Missis- 
sippi that on returning to New York State, the entire family de- 
cided upon leaving their eastern home for a new one in the regions 
beyond the Mississippi. Ebenezer did not accompany them but 
followed in December, 1S35. 

In 1838 he commenced reading law with Judge Williams, and 
was appointed clerk of the Federal Court in 1839, being admitted 
to the bar in 1840. He soon obtained an extensive practice in 10 
counties. 



UISTORT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 615 

In 1847 he commenced the locating of land warrants issued un- 
der the Congress ot IS-io, and this led him to active operations in 
real estate which he successfully carried on until the railroad ex- 
citement of 1851, '52, '53, when he took an active part in the new 
movement for the advancement of the State by these means, be- 
coming a director of the Chicago & Rock Island Road from its first 
organization; was elected secretary and vice-president of the old 
Mississippi & Missouri Road, and at the consolodation of the two 
roads, as the Chicago R )ck Island & Pacific, he became treasurer, 
afterward vice-president, and was at the time of his death acting 
president of the same road, which loses one of its most valuable 
and energetic chiefs. 

The handling of large sums ot money during his land warrant 
business drew his attention to banking, and he became a member 
of tlie firm of Cook tt Sargent, until 1859, when he withdrew to 
devote his whole attention to the interests of the railroad. 

Although a consistent and patriotic member of his party he took 
no active share in politics, and never sought or solicited any office 
in his life. He had his share of civic honors, being elected alder- 
man of Davenport in 1851, again in 1S51, and honored with the 
mayorality in 1658. He died at iiis home in Davenj^ort, on the Sth 
day of October, 1871, aged 61 years and eight months. 

WILLAKD BARROWS. 

Willard Barrows was born in Monson, Mass., in 1806. At the 
age of 10 years his father removed, witli his family, to New 
Braintree, where the subject of this notice spent most of his youth- 
ful days. He left the parental roof at the age of 15, and after 
spending some time in Pomfret and Thompson, in Connecticut, at 
school, he passed two years at Brimfield, at the home of his uncle, 
and in 1827 located in Elizabethtown, N. J. He was for many years 
a very acce]>table teacher of youth in that place, and married there 
in 1832. His natural love of the " wild and beautiful " in nature, 
led him to select as his profession for life that of a surveyor and 
engineer. His first introduction to his profession was on a con- 
tract with the Government in 1835, to close up the public surveys 
of the Choctaw Indian Purchase, in the State of Mississippi. 

In the spring of 1838 he returned to New Jersey, having been 
absent from his family for nearly two years, and returned with them 
in July ot that year, and settled in Rockingham, five miles below 



616 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Davenport. In 18i0 Mr. Barrows was engaged in the survey of 
the islands of the Mississippi, from the mouth of Eock River to 
Quincy, 111. 

In 18il and '42, the public surveys being suspended, he turned 
bis attention to farming, and, being justice of the peace, postmas- 
ter and notary public at Rockingham, his time was occupied in 
discharging these duties until the spring of 1843, when he was sent 
into the couutry lying north of the Wisconsin River, called 
the Kickapoo country, to perform the surveys of that rough, 
broken, uninhabited land, where he spent most of that season. 

"Barrow's Xew Map of Iowa, with Notes," was published in 
1854, by Doolittle & Munson, Cincinnati, and was a work at that 
day, of much importance. 

From 1845 to '50, Mr. Barrows was engaged most of the time 
in the surveys ot the Government. He has at different times 
given letters to the public, containing much valuable scientific and 
other information, while his work upon the map of Iowa has done 
more to disseminate a knowledge of our State than anything of the 
kind ever published. He died in 1868. 

ADRIAN H. DAVENPORT. 

One of the most prominent men in Scott County during the first 
20 years of its existence was Adrian H. Davenport, who was born 
in Shawneetown, 111., March 14, 1812, the son of Marmaduke 
S. Davenport. His father was appointed Indian agent on Rock 
Island in 1832, and it was then that the family came to tlie island 
to live. Adrian H. was married on the island in 1833 to Miss Har- 
riet Lane. Mrs. Davenport proved one of the best of wives and 
mothers, and he survived lier loss less than a year, she dying in 
June, 1880. In March, 1834, Adrian Davenport made a claim at 
Rockingham, and he, his father, his Uncle James, and Col. John 
Sullivan became proprietors of the site, and laid out the town, 
while Adrian established a Mississippi ferry between Rockingham 
and the mouth of Rock River, which was opposite. He kept a gen- 
eral store at Rockingham, and did a very large business. He was 
the moving spirit in Rockingham until along in 1840, when Dav- 
enport was established as the county seat, and tlie desertion of 
Rockingham commenced, the leading spirits aside from Mr. Dav- 
enport striking out for Davenport. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 617 

In 1S47 he, with liis father, removed to Le Claire, where they 
had acquired considerable property. Mr. Davenport soon became 
the leading man in Le Claire; was the lirst mayor of the town, and 
was re-elected every spring for several years. 

After Mr. Davenport moved to Le Claire he became engaged in 
river business, and for years was captain of the finest steamboats 
on the Upper Mississippi. 

Capt. A. H. Davenport was appointed sheriff of Scott Co., 
Iowa, in 1838, by Gov. Lucas, to succeed Maj. Frazer "Wilson, 
who was the first sheriff of the county appointed by Gov. Dodge, 
under the territorial government of Wisconsin. Capt. Daven- 
port served under this appointment till 1839, when the office of 
sheriff was made elective by a change in the organic law of the 
territory. Capt. Davenport was then elected and re-elected every 
two years till 1846, when, under the law, he could serve no longer. 
The Captain then retired to private life and in 1847 moved from 
Rockingham to Le Claire and became largely interested in the 
latter town. He bought the machinery of the Rockingham Steam 
Mill and brought it to Le Claire in 1848 and erected a steam flour- 
ing and saw mill, and in company with Mr. Samuel Lyter engaged 
extensively in a general mercantile business. Mr. Lyter was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Robert Christie. The mill erected by Capt. Daven- 
port burned down in a year or two after it was built, and he, in 
companyiwith R. H. Rogers, James Jack and Winchester Sherman, 
built a much more extensive flouring mill on the same site and 
also built the saw-mill now owned by Mr. Strahbun. Capt. Daven- 
port was also one of a company who built the " boat ways " in Le 
Claire. 

On the 11th of May, 1880, Capt. Davenport was stricken with 
paralysis, and for a month after his life hung in the balance; but 
he recovered only to experience a similar attack a few days before 
his death, whicii occurred March 27, 1881, at his home in Le Claire. 
Six children were left — J. H. and W. A., esteemed citizens of Le 
Claire; Mrs. Anna E. Hewitt, of Marion; Mrs. Sarah McCaffrey 
and Mrs. Elvira Gardner, of Le Claire; and Mrs. Virginia Hen- 
derson, of Princeton. 



FATHER PALAMORGtJES. 



The Very Reverend John Anthony Marie Palamorgues departed 
this life in his native place, Ste. Geneveive, France, on the 19th of 
November, 1S75, aged about 70 years. 



618 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COtTNTrY. 

He was born at Ste. Genevieve, France, about 1806 ; was edu- 
cated to the priesthood, came to America in the year 1838, and ar- 
rived in Davenport, where he had been sent as a missionary priest, 
Aug. 1, 1839. He came a perfect stranger, and without knowl- 
edge of the English language, poor of purse, yet rich in faith in 
his church and mission, and full of determination to excel in good 
words and good works. 

The church, St. Anthony's, in which he was to minister, had 
been commenced the year before (1838), and was at his coming al- 
ready completed. 

Father Palamorgues was the first to assume the charge of this 
church, which he retained as priest, teacher, and philanthropist 
until May, 1868, when he retired from his people to spend the rest 
of his days among his kindred in his native village in France. 

At his coming to this charge there were only about 400 Catholics 
in the Territory of Iowa, and he lived here to see the number in- 
creased to 125,000; the priesthood increased from two to 70. The 
school which he opened in 18i0 was the first common school in 
Davenport, and had among its scholars as many children of Prot- 
estants as of Catholics. ^ 

The entire people were sorry that he went away ; and at a meet- 
ing of the Pioneer Settlers' Association in January, 1S71, a motion 
was unanimously adopted that an address be sent to him at Ste. 
Genevieve, France, showing their eai-nest desire for his return to 
Davenport. This he was forced to decline. 

MAEGUEEITE LE CLAIKE. 

Mrs. Marguerite Le Claire, wife of the late Antoine Le Claire, 
died at the family residence, in Davenport, Oct. 18, 1876. 

Mrs. Le Claire was born at Portage des Sioux, St. Charles Co., 
Mo., Oct. 16, 1802. She was the daughter of Antoine Le Page, a 
Canadian, and the grand-daughter of the Sac chief, Acoqua (the 
kettle), the leading chief of his nation. Her early life was spent 
in her native village, where her education was superintended by 
one of the orders of nuns, under whom she studied French and 
English. In 1820 she was married to Antoine Le Claire in Peoria, 
who was then acting as interpreter between the Indians and the 
Government, and frequently accompanied her husband on his ex- 
cursions among the Indians in Arkansas, whom he was sent to 
watch, when acting as scout or interpreter for the Government, 






HI8T0KY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 619 

during seven years. During her residence in Davenport, and be- 
fore and since tlie deatli of her husband, delegations of the Sac 
and Fox Indians visited her place every year, where they were 
always made welcome, entertained as long as they wished to re- 
main, and when leaving, always carried away as a free gift what 
necessaries they required — corn. Hour, etc. 

Being an earnest and devout Catholic, her own Church and sect 
were recipients of her charity to a very large degree ; but as said 
before, when called upon for aid to any public or philanthropic 
enterprise, she never stopped to inquire as to creed or sect, all 
alike being partakers of her bounty. She died about nine in the 
morning, after receiving at the hands of Father Cosgrove the sol- 
emn rites of the Church of which she was a devout and consistent 
member. 

The funeral sermon was preached by Father Cosgrove, in St. 
Marguerite's church, of which she was a member, and which was 
built and furnished by her husband during his lifetime. Her re- 
mains were deposited in the burial lot beside her husband at the 
entrance of the church. 

JOHN OWENS. 

John Owens was born in AVales, March IS, 1793. lie was 
brought to this country while yet an infant, and grew to boyhood 
and manhood in New York City, and was one of those who enlisted 
in the great struggle of the Kevolutionar}' war in 1S12. At the 
close of that war, he removed with his parents to Cincinnati, where 
he resided for many years. He was here married to Miss Eunice 
Meeker. In 1S38 he with his family removed to Davenport, whore 
he met another poineer from Cincinnati, who had preceded him, 
D. C. Eldridge, to whose log cabin Mr. Owens and family were 
made welcome guests. 

A short time after his arrival he engaged in the grocery and dry- 
goods business, in which he continued for more than 30 years, re- 
tiring only a few years before his death. For a number of years 
he held the position of director of the Davenport National Bank. 
He never held but one public position, trustee of Davenport, in 
1839, although he was frequently solicited to run for office. In all 
the relations of life — father, husband, friend, neighbor, citizen, he 
was loving, affectionate, true, good and loyal, and his death was 
mourned by man^' outside of his family and relatives. 



620 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY 

For years he had been a member of the Christian Church and 
lived a consistent life, believing in and rigidly following the golden 
rule — "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He 
died at his residence in Davenport, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 1876, 
at the advanced age of 84. 

NATHANIEL SQUIRES. 

Nathaniel Squires died at his home in East Davenport, at 5 A- 
M., Jan. 22, 1878. 

Mr. Squires was born Aug. 12, 1807, at Dansville, New York. 
His school days ended when he was 16 years of age, and he served 
an apprenticeship to a carpenter and joiner for four years, becom- 
ing a first-class mechanic before he was of age. In 1837, having 
married two years previously, he determined to move West, and he 
stopped not till he had reached the Mississippi, then the west line 
of a far distant frontier, crossed it and landed in Davenport. As 
contractor he built many of the best buildings erected in the city 
during the years he was in business. 

Mr. Squires was noted for his push, promptness and ability as a 
builder, and much of the time he was sought after by persons who 
had large jobs which they wanted pushed. He prospered and 
achieved a competency long before he gave up his occupation. He 
could have held lucrative positions " for the people " but he was 
no politician, no office-seeker, and about the only positions lie ever 
held were those which required much work for little pay — as the 
office of alderman, which he filled four years, or from the spring ot 
1849 to the spring of 1853. 

DAVID S. TRUE. 

David S. True was born in Kennebec Co., Maine, in Septem- 
ber, 1823. He was a farmer's son, a member of a highly respecta- 
ble family of five. His father died when he was about two years 
old. He was brought up on the home farm, attended the common 
school; was an apt and eager scholar; worked his way upward 
among thebooks,and entered college and graduated with highest hon- 
ors. After graduating he was immediately chosen principal of one of 
the leading academies of Maine, where he taught with great success 
for two or three years; but, his health failing, and having a strong 
desire for travel, he resigned his position and spent some two years 
in the most interesting parts of Europe. 



I 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 621 

Returning to America in 1852, and having expended tlie little 
means he had acquired by teaciiing, he resolved upon establishing 
himself in the far West and entering upon the practice of law. 
having already thoroughly prepared himself for the high duties of 
that profession. He opened a law office in 1852, in the Le Claire 
Block, Davenport, with a meager library and almost penniless. 
Practice gradually came to his hands, his business was well and 
ably attended to and success attended him. In 1859 Mr. True was 
united in marriage with Miss Jennie F. Forrest. In the fall of 
1873 he returned from Colorado, in low health. For the last 
three months of his life he was confined to the house most of the 
time, suffering but little, but gradually sinking until the vital spark 
finally expired. 

David S. True was a man of a thousand, as his name might seem 
to indicate. So he was, a true man in every sense of the word. 
He was a true citizen and neighbor; in professional duties and 
business pursuits, he was true as steel; a true husband and friend. 
As a member of the bar he was clear headed, taking a ready and 
strong grasp upon the subject in hand. Careful, exact, a sound 
judge of law, thoroughly reliable as a legal adviser, able, impres- 
sive, and eloquent as an advocate. Ho died at his rooms in 
the Newcomb House, Davenport, Iowa, April 23, 1873, in the 
50th year of his age. 

HON. JOHN L. DAVIES. 

John L. Davies was born in South Wales, in the year 1813. By 
trade he was a carpenter, as was his father before him. At the 
age of 18 he left the land of his birth and came to America, 
settling for a while in Cincinnati. In May, 1S40, he was married 
to Margaret Jones, with whom he lived until the day of his death 
in great peace and happiness. Shortly after his marriage he moved 
to Iowa, settling in Davenport in March, 1841. Upon arriving he 
immediatel}' purchased property and built a small house, the same, 
with its additions from time to time, that he lived and died in. 
From the time of his coming he pursued his trade with energy, 
and was a leading builder in the earlj' days of Davenport. 

Politically he was a power of strength in the Republican party, 
and, thougli never seeking office, he probably had as much to do 
with shaping the affairs of his party as any other man in its ranks 
in the State. 



622 BISTORT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

He made his purse, his pantry and his wardrobe literally a horn 
of plenty to countless soldiers' families and soldiers' widows and 
orphans, which enabled him to realize how much more blessed 
it is to give than to receive. He died at his home in Davenport, 
March 28, 1872, in the 59th year of his age. 

JONATHAN PAEKER. 

Jonathan Parker was born at Clarendon, Rutland Co., 
Vt., May 7, 1786. He passed the first 20 years of his life on 
his father's place ; in his youth he helped to make the farm. 
Many an acre did he help to clear of its forest trees. In 1806 he 
left home to take a look at the outside world— a bundle of clothes 
his only baggage. He found himself at Cambridge, near Boston, 
at the end of the fourth day, and on the next day hired out to a 
farmer with whom he had stayed during the night; wages, $12 a 
month and board. He worked on that farm five months. 

He married Naomi Titus, whom he had known from boyhood, 
and together they lived till March, 1875. In 1811 Mr. Parker 
and famih' left Clarendon for good, moving to Sherbrooke, 
Canada. The year 1825 found him in Luzerne Co., Penn., where 
he became a partner with Major Sterling in a woolen factory , 
where he remained 12 years. 

In the spring of 1830 he went to Albany, New York, by canal; 
bought a horse and buggy, which he drove to Buftalo; thence by 
steam passage to Chicago; thence to Davenport, where his children 
had all preceded him, two sons having come out in 1836, and two 
dai;ghters in 1838. 

During his connection with the Bingham estates he studied civil 
engineering, and became a competent surveyor of lands. This 
business he resumed in this country, and had plenty to do in 
those days. In 1850 he ran the first line for the Chicago & Rock 
Island Railroad, from Peru to Rock Island, as deputy under Colonel 
R. P. Morgan ; surveyed the section lines to give angles for right 
of way along the lines. During the same year Mr. Parker, by 
order of the City Council of Davenport made a map for a railroad 
between Davenport and San Francisco. 

He was the father of seven children, two of whom died before 
he came to Iowa. One lies buried in Yermont, another in Canada; 
the two eldest lie in the cemetery at Davenport, one of whom, 
Jonathan W. Parker, was one of the earliest lawyers in Daven- 
port, and one of the ablest of his time in the State, a member of 



HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTT. 623 

the Iowa Territorial Legislature, and speaker of the State Council, 
and Mayor of Davenport in 1841. The other children are Mrs. 
Sarah N.. Bonne}- (deceased), Hon. Geo. W. Parker, J. Monroe 
Parker, and wife ot Hon. James Thorington. 

Mr. Parker died April 22, 1875, just one month and one day 
after his beloved wife ; they were both 89 years of age. He died 
of congestion of the lungs. 

BEZALEEL SANFORD. 

Bezaleel Sanford was born in Litchfield, Conn., July 7, 1786. 
He passed his boyhood in his native village, and when a youth 
joined an elder brother in Central Vermont, becoming a clerk in 
a store for him, and gaining the rudiments of a business education. 
At the age of 21 he emigrated to the village of Herkimer, N". 
Y., where he was engaged as a salesman in a store for six or 
seven years. Desiring to see something of the world of business he 
removed to the city of New York, where he entered a large store as 
a clerk In that city he married Miss Ora Worthington. She died 
in Davenport in 1863. 

Mr. Sanford enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812, and did a 
patriot's duty in defending his country in her last contest with Great 
Britain. After the war, he returned to New York City, where 
he pursued his vocation as salesman until about the year 1818, 
when he became a commercial traveler. In 1838, he concluded 
to settle in Cincinnati, and the fall of that year found him in 
the metropolis of Ohio with his family. There he remained, en- 
gaging in miscellaneous business until 1840, when he removed to 
Davenport, his son-in-law, the late Alfred Sanders, having preceded 
him. Mr. Sanford purchased a farm near Rockingham. He farmed 
over tiiree years in this place. In 1S44 he sold the farm, and moved 
to the city and went into the drug and grocery trade. He remained 
in trade here till 1851, when he purchased a lot on the southwest 
corner of Brady and Second streets for $2,000, a two-story brick 
residence being included in the purchase. He erected a frame 
building on the south end of the lot and removed his goods to it. 

Mr. Sanford came of a long-lived family. Of eight brothers 
and sisters, seven lived over 80 years. He was the father of four 
children. Mrs. M. A. Sanders, Mrs. Charles Leslie (deceased), 
D. W. C. Sanford and one who died in infancy. Mr. Sanford was 
an honest and upright man. No one who knew him ever thought 



624 BISTORT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of doubtinej bis word. He would keep a promise at whatever cost 
to himself. He died on the 15th of January, 1873, at the residence 
of his daughter, Mrs. M. A. Sanders, in his 87th year. 

CAPTAIN LE ROY DODGE. ■ 

Le Roj Dodge was born in Herkimer Co., li. Y., Dec. 25, 
1811, acquiring what education the common schools of that place 
and time afforded. In 1832, coming West, he arrived at Dubuque, 
lured thither by the reported discoveries of rich lead mines. But 
he found the mining business over done and secured a posi- 
tion as clerk in the postoffice at Dubuque and afterward as clerk 
on one of the steamboats plying between that point and the city of 
St. Louis. He came to Scott County in 1S36 and purchased the 
place where lie afterward made his home, about tlie year 1843- 

Kising in his business from clerk to master he was subsequently 
proprietor of a number of boats, prominent among them the "Jas. 
McKee" and the " Keokuk." He retired to his farm about the year 
1859 with an ample fortune, the basis of which was untiring hard 
work and an indomitable will. He died June 27, 1871. Of his 
children, Mrs. E. E. Cook and Mrs. C. G. Raguet are residents of 
Davenport, while Worth Dodge, his youngest son, is living with 
his mother, Eliza M. Dodge, widow of the subject of this sketch, at 
the old home near Buffalo. 

Captain LeRoy Dodge represented Scott County in the State 
Legislature as a Democrat, a character which he ever uncompro- 
misingly sustained. 

EOSWELL H. SPENCEE. 

Koswell H. Spencer was born at Vergennes, Vt., April 4, 
1809, and was nearly 6S years of age at the time of his death. 
In 1830 he came West to Greene Co., 111., stopped there a few 
months and then volunteered in Capt. Lorton's company of 
Illinois Militia for the Black Hawk war. At the expiration of an- 
other year, which was at the close of the war, he came to Rock Is- 
land and remained, until 1834, when he crossed over to the other 
side of the river to what was then Wisconsin Territory, and settled 
permanently at Valley City, 10 miles above Davenport on the 
river. He then opened up a farm and built a saw-mill on Spencer 
Creek, the latter being accomplished in 1836. A few years later, 
upon the organization of Scott County, he was elected county treas- 
urer. Following his business faithfully and energetically, he in 




^7^^^ 




o^^€^^^;-^/ ^y^^-^^ 



1 



(j 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 627 

1855 found himself possessed of 700 acres of land and surrounded 
with all the comforts and delights of an elegant and commo- 
dious home. 

The financial panic of 1857 coming on unexpectedly, he became 
very seriously involved, and in 186'2 came out of his difficulties 
with only a few thousand dollars left, with which he purchased a 
farm in Cedar Co., Iowa, whither he removed. He remained 
there two years, and spent two years in Cxeneseo, Henry Co., 
111., and in 1866 removed to the city of Hock Island where he 
engaged in the grocery business until iiis health necessitated his 
retiring from active business. 

He was married in 1836 to Martha A. Henley, daughter of Ste- 
phen Henley, who had settled in Pleasant Valley with his family, 
about a year before. They had a family of nine children. His 
wife, whom he survived nearly four years, was a woman of most 
saintly character. 

Mr. Spencer died on March 14, 1876, at Rock Island, at the resi- 
dence of his brother, John W. Spencer, in the 6Sth year of his 
age. 

ALFRED SANDERS. 

The subject of this brief memoir was born in Cincinnati, O. , on 
the 13th day of May, 1819, and died at his residence in East 
Davenport, Iowa, April 25, 18*^5, ^ed 46 years. His disease was 
typhoid fever. His body was conveyed to the Christian chapel 
in his adopted city, attended by the "Old Settlers" and a large 
company of his fellow citizens. Appropriate services were observed 
by the Church of which he was a member ; and a suitable address 
was made by the pastor, Elder James Challen. His body reposes 
in Oakdale Cemetery-. 

He was the third sou of Hezekiah Sanders, one ot the pioneer 
settlers of Cincinnati, who died in 1836, leaving a wife and a 
family of five sons and two daughters. 'His parents belonged to 
the Society of Friends. Among the survivors is Gen. Add. H. 
Sanders, who was long associated with him as co-editor of the 
Daily GazMe, and who, by his ready pen and spicy articles, full 
of wit and humor, has won for himself an enviable reputation as 
public journalist. His eminent services in the late war have en- 
rolled liis name among the patriots and defenders of his country. 
Alfred Sanders received a good education, and finished his Aca- 
demic course of studies in Woodward College, Cincinnati. He had 
87 



628 HISTORY OF SCOTT COTINTy 

the reputation of being a good scholar, — moral, upright, courte- 
ous and kind. He was ambitious to excel in those studies that 
pleased him, and took a high position in the several classes in his 
favorite Altna Mater. In 1841 he arrived in Davenport, Iowa, 
and was married in 1842 to Miss M. A. Sanford, the j'oungest 
daughter of B. Sanford, Esq. They had six children, two sons 
and four daughters, of whom four survive. 

On the 11th of August, 1841, he brought to the city the press 
and materials for a printing establishment, and soon opened an 
office and commenced the publication of the Weekly Gazette, the 
first number of which was issued on the 2oth of August of the 
same year. In August, 1853, he commenced a tri-weekly, with 
most favorable prospects ; and in October, 1854, the first number 
of the daily was issued. Alfred Sanders continued his services as 
principal editor until, in 1862, he sold out his entire interest to the 
present proprietors, and retired to a less active employment in life. 
By his pen and tongue he urged the election of John C. Fre- 
mont in 1860, and afterward, that of Abraham Lincoln to the 
presidency, and stood by our chosen chief to the last, and sought 
no reward but that which conscience and a sense of duty would 
grant. 

He was a devoted student of. the natural sciences. In early life 
he made botany a specialty, and was very successful in its prose- 
cution. During the first year of his residence ia Iowa he spent 
much time in the prairies and woods making collections of plants, 
analyzing and classifying them. He was an antiquarian, and 
especially was he fond of that branch- of it that is denominated 
neumisrnatics. For many years he was engaged in collecting 
coins and medals, and whatever would represent their values. He 
paid much attention to conchology, and made a large collection of 
sliells from our Western waters in addition to those obtained from 
abroad. These he classified and named, and designed to arrange 
in his cabinet. In the latter years of his life he was zealously de- 
voted to the study of geology. His library was enriched with works 
upon this subject, and he constantly read and studied them, and 
practically engaged in its pursuit. 

HON. WILLIAM B. CONWAY. 

"William B. Conway, a pioneer lawyer of Davenport, died at 
Burlington, Iowa, Nov. 6, 1839. At the time of his death he was 
secretary of the Territory of Iowa, and was regarded as one of the 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 629 

most gifted men in the Territory. His body was received in Dav- 
enport on the 9th of November by a committee appointed for the 
purpose, and was conveyed to St. Anthony's church, where the 
solemn services for the dead were performed by the Rev. Father 
Pelainorgues. A meeting was held on tlie morning of the 9th, 
whose proceedings were solemn and impressive. 

PUBLIC MEETING. 

At a meeting of the citizens of Davenport, convened at Davenport 
Hotel on Saturday, Nov. 9, 1839, to testify their respect for the 
memory of William B. Conway, deceased, late secretary of tlie Ter- 
ritory of Iowa, T. S. Hoge was called to the chair, and G. C. R. 
Mitchell appointed secretary. 

On motion it was ordered tiiat John H. Thorington, Thomas S. 
Hoge, Duncan C. Eldridge, Ira Cook, G. C. R. Mitclieli, Richard 
Pearce, Antoine Le Claire and John Owens be appointed a com- 
mittee to make the necessary arrangements for the funeral of the 
deceased, and also to draft and report resolutions expressive of the 
sense of this meeting. 

The committee having retired for a short time reported the fol- 
lowing resolutions which were unanimously adopted : 

Hesolved, That this meeting has heard with the most profound 
regret of the death of William B. Conway, Esq., late secretary of 
the Territory of Iowa. Possessing a mind richly cultivated and 
improved, a disposition amiable and kind, he was generous and 
hospitable; of manners the most bland and courteous, respected, 
honored and beloved by all who knew him. We feel that in his death 
this neighborhood has lost its brightest ornament, and the Territory 
one of its ablest and most worthy officers and highly valued citizens. 

Resolved, That this meeting sincerely condole with the family 
of the deceased in their severe and deep affliction, and pray that 
He who tempers the blast to the shorn lamb may support and pro- 
tect them. 

Resolved^ That as a mark of respect for the memor}' of the 
deceased, we will wear the usual badge of mourning for 30 days. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by 
the chairman and secretary, and the Iowa Sun and other papers 
throughout the Territory be requested to publish the same. 



630 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Resolved, That Antoine Le Claire and G. C. R. Mitchell be, 
and they are hereby, appointed acommittee to deliver a copy of the 
proceedings of this meeting to the respected widow of the deceased. 

Th. S. Hoge, C kairman. 
G. C. R. Mitchell, Secretary. 

On the 11th, a meeting of the bar of the Territory of Iowa was 
held at Burlington to testify respect to the memory of the deceased , 
and the following was their expression : 

" A distressing dispensation of Prov^idence having deprived us 
of the society of one or our body, whom, during his residence 
among us, we had learned warmly to esteem, we feel called upon 
to express our deep regret for his untimely death, and of the esti- 
mation which his amiable and excellent'qualities universally com- 
manded. Therefore, 

^Resolved, That our brother, the late William B. Conway, had, 
by his amiable manners, unexceptionable deportment, as a member 
of the bar, greatly endeared himself to his associates, the members 
of the bar, of the Territory, generally. 

Resolved, That by his death the bar has been deprived of an 
able member, the Territory of a faithful officer and valuable citi- 
zen, ourselves of a devoted friend, and his wife and child of their 
only protector. 

Resolved, That we take this method of expressing our deep regret 
at his untimely death, and of our condolence with the relatives of 
the deceased, and of bearing testimony to his many virtues. 

Resolved, That we testify our respect for the memory ot our 
deceased brother by wearing the usual badge of mourning for 30 
days. 

Resolved, That David Rorer, Esij^., present these resolutions to 
the Supreme Court of the Territory for the purpose of having them 
entered on the record of the court. 

Charles Mason, Chairman. 
Wm. J. A. Bradford, Secretary. 

J. DUNCAN PUTNAM. 

Davenport lost one of her most useful citizens in the death ot 
Joseph Duncan Putnam, who died Dec. 9, 1881. 

lie was born in Davenport — the son of Charles E. and Mary 
Putnam — in October, 1855, and had entered his 27tli year, his 
age being 26 years, one month and 22 days when he died. His 
health was never very good, but from the days when he became able 



HISTORY OF SCOTT CODNTT. 631 

to read, he manifested a strong desire for study. lie early devel- 
oped a fondness for the study of insect life, and never tired of it. 
In the course of time his correspondence on the subject became very 
extensive, and the most eminent scientists in the world became his 
correspondents and his admirers and friends, lie became a mem- 
ber of the Davenport academy of science when a youth, and our 
city readers know that it is owing to his efforts and the work of 
his parents that the academy has become the noted institution it 
is. He represented the Davenport academy of science at several 
meetings of the national association for the promotion of science, 
and wherever he traveled was treated with respect and honor by 
men of science. Last year he was elected ])resident of our acad- 
emy of science, and died in the position. 

His death is an irreparable loss to the academy. He studied and 
toiled in its interests; he and his devoted parents made it wliat it 
is. and it exists as his monument. 

ROBERT M. PRETTTMAN. 

Robert M. Prettyman was born July 5, 1818, in Sussex Co., Del., 
and was the son of Isaac and Hannah Prettyman. Robert M.'s 
mother died in Sussex when Robsrt was only four years old, and 
his father died six years later, leaving him an orphan at the ten- 
der age of 10 years. He was the youngest of three children and 
the only son. After the death of his father Robert went to live 
with his grandmother, and continued to live with her until ho was 
17 years old, when she apprenticed him to a dry -goods merchant 
to learn the business. He remained with him until he was 21 years 
old. Then he emigrated, and in 1839 arrived in Davenport and 
took a situation as a clerk in a hotel for three months, then took a 
position as bookkeeper in the dry-goods store of J. M. D. Burrows, 
and afterward became Mr. Burrows' partner in various lines of 
trade. They carried on the dry -goods business and milling and 
were the representative merchants of that day. Mr. Prettyman 
withdrew from the milling business after their new mill was built, 
and afterward withdrew from the firm, and took the agency of a 
line of steamers on the Upper Mississippi, which position he held 
to the day of his death, whicli occurred in Davenport, Sept. 3, 
1873. Robert M. Prettyman was married to Julia H. Logue, Aug. 
14, 184r3, in Davenport. 



632 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

EUGENE BIRCHABD. 

Eugene Birchard was born June 16, 18iO, on the farm whore he 
died, at Pleasant Valley, Scott Co., Iowa, in a log cabin, such 
as the pioneers erected for their first homes in the county. He was 
the son of Jabez A. Birchard, who settled in Pleasant Yalley iu 
1836. The family is of the good old Puritan stock which emi- 
grated from New England over a hundred years ago. Eugene 
Birchard was reared in Scott County, and never had a home any 
where else. He received his education at Lumbard University, 
Galesburg, 111., and after he returned home from that institu- 
tion he settled down to his father's calling, that of a farmer. In 
his young manhood he was married to Miss Kittle Donoldson, 
daughter of James Donoldson. 

He filled the office of township clerk and township trustee several 
years. He took active interest in other local matters of importance. 
He became attached to the Democratic party on reaching his ma- 
jority, and had great inflnence in its councils in the county ; and 
when that party united with the Liberal Republicans and came 
into power in 1S73, Mr. Birchard was elected member of the loth 
General As.sembly ; he served his constitutents so well and honor- 
ably in that bodv, tiiat two years later he was reelected, becoming 
a member of the 16th General Assembly. In the fall of 1873 he 
was taken with hemorrhage of the lungs whilst on a hunting 
e.xcursion and remained in a feeble condition during tiie winter, and 
in tlie spring went to Colorado in hopes of getting relief, and for a 
time was feeling better and quite hopeful. Returning in the fall 
it was evident to his friends that his course was nearly mm. He 
died Dec. 14, 1S79, at his residence. He left a wife three daughters 
and a son. R. S. Hunting preached the funeral sermon. 

JAMES MACKINTOSH. 

The subject of this notice was a native of Dundee, Scotland. 
"When about eight years of age, he lost his grandfather, a soldier 
of Calloden, and soon after, his mother. He and his father then 
emigrated to America, arriving in Montreal in 1817. Selecting 
the trade of bookseller and binder, he traveled some years in the 
States ; and in 1S30-'31 carried on a book-bindery in Cincinnati. 
He then attached himself to the famous Oregon expedition, then 
organizing in Boston. In this scheme he lost all his monev. After 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 633 

the Black Hawk purchase, his attention was called to the beautiful 
lands bordering on the Mississippi, and he very sensibly located at 
Davenport. 

Mr. Mackintosh took a very active part in all matters of local 
interest, the county-seat (j[uestion, the laying out of roads, and the 
sale of the public lauds. He was a very public-spirited man, and 
his deatli was lamented by all 

REV. W. RUTLEDOE OF LE OLAIRE. 

Rev. William Rutledge, who was pastor of the Baptist Church in 
Le Claire for several years, and who aided in the erection of its lirst 
house of worship, entered upon his work in that connection in the 
summer of 1S47. He was a native of England, having been born 
in Braintree, County of Essex, Aug. 19, 1804:. He served the long 
apprenticeship to a tailor in London, to his uncle, then common 
and required in that country', and a few years after attaining his ma- 
jority suceeded to the business of his employer, in Avery Row, Bond 
street, and became quite prosperous. Jan. 21, 1S2S, he married 
Sarah Ann Sharp, at St. James, Westminister, a very estimable 
Woman who still survives, making her liome with her daughter, 
Mrs. Edward Ilussell, Davenport. While energetic in business, 
the young master tailor exercised his abilities in earnest labors in 
the Sunday-school and temperance causes particularly, and at 
length enjoyed an extended reputation as a public speaker in their 
behalf. The result was that about the year 1843 he surrendered 
liis business and devoted his entire time to lecturing in aid of the 
"Teetotalers " societies and the Rechabite order. In that connec- 
tion lie labored mainly in Essex and adjacent counties, with fre- 
quent visitations in London. Meanwhile a long cherished desire 
to acquire citizenship in the L'^nited States, because of his great 
admiration for American institutions, grew stronger month by 
month. Securing at last the agreement of his intimate and cher- 
ished personal friend, Mr. William Russell (also an earnest laborer 
in the temperance reform, a "radical" in politics and a life-long 
eulogist of the American Republic), that he, too, would emigrate^ 
Mr. Rutledge closed up his engagements in England, and, leaving 
with his family, arrived in New York Sept. 1, 184.5. Establishing 
himself in Philadelphia, he soon became intimate with Rev. John 
Lansing Burroughs, pastor of the Broad Street Baptist Church, 
by whom he was invited to active participation in the Sunday- 
school and temperance work of that organization. As a result, he 



634 rasTORT OF scorr county. 

was led to examine the scriptural grounds of the Baptist faith, and 
to accept that faith as his own. His abilities and worth being 
speedily recognized, he was appointed a colporteur of the Baptist 
Publication Society, and accepted a commission to the West. Jour- 
neying with his family via the Pennsylvania and Ohio canal and 
the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, he reached Davenport on May 5, 
1847, having been previously, in Philadelphia, regularly ordained 
as minister of the gospel in the Baptist denomination. In Daven- 
port he was gladly welcomed by the Baptist Church, and, after a 
short residence in the city, was invited to labor with the Baptist 
Church of Le Claire, Iowa, and Cordova, 111. These organizations 
he faithfully served until, in 1855, he was invited to the pastorate 
of the^First Baptist Church in Davenport, in which relation he con- 
tinued rather more than a year, returning to his old home in Le- 
laire. Thenceforward, until his death, he continued to labor in 
the niinistr\' wherever called to the duty he loved so well. Part of 
the time he was the regular pastor of the Le Claire Church. Dur- 
ing other periods he preached at Cordova and Port Byron, 111., and 
at Princeton, Iowa, and neighboring towns. Everywhere he was 
known as " The Elder," and enjoyed the highest esteem of the peo- 
ple. All classes knew him as a thoroughly good man, sincere of 
speech, warm at heart and pure in life. He died on Oct. 27, 1868, 
in his Le Claire home, of diabetis, at the age of 64 years, 2 months 
and 8 days, rejoicing in the realities of the faith and hope he had 
so long presented to others as the consolation of a dying hour. He 
was a man of simple habits, earnest purpose and marked trust in 
Divine Providence. Laboring at his old trade whenever work was 
offered to him, and accepting that as an aid to his chosen labor of 
preaching the gospel, his meager salary as a minister alwa^-s suf- 
ficed not only to support his familj', but to render his home the 
hospitable resort for many a friend and wayfarer. A favorite with 
the young, he married in his day a larger number of couples in Le 
Claire, Princeton, Cordova, Port Byron and vicinity than any other 
minister ever resident thereabouts, while none were more sought 
for to attend funerals, or administer consolation in sickness and 
sorrow. 

As an illustration of the kind of duty devolving upon pioneer min- 
isters in the county a third of a century ago, it may be stated that 
when the Baptists of Le Claire erected their first house of worship 
in 1847, " Elder " Kutledge carried the hod for several successive 
days taking to the scaffold the brick and mortar with which Mr. 



UISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 635 

Laurel Summers laid up the walls. Tliat building, since torn down, 
stood on the north side of AVisconsin avenue, on the corner, one 
square west of Main street. The basement was long occupied for 
public-school purposes, town meetings, elections, etc., in common 
with the uses of the Church ; the upper part not being finished until 
several years after the building was erected. Indeed, the public 
subscription made for the church erection was conditioned on the 
uses of the basement herein mentioned. 

Long will the memory of those earl}' days be recalled even by 
those who then were boys and girls among the residents of Le 
Claire. To all of these the genial smile, the kind word, the earnest 
life of Elder William Rutledge, will have happy recollection to the 
end of their days. 

B. B. WOODWARD. 

B. B. Woodward, son of Joseph S. and Mary F. "Woodward, was 
born in Wayne Co., N. Y., on the 7th day of August, 1817 
When he was but two j'ears of age his parents removed to Cincin- 
nati, and he once told the writer that one of the precious memories 
of his life in that city was in connection with the reception of 
La Fayett.e there in 182-1, when he stood in rank with the scholars 
of his Sunday-school, and lifted his hat as the noble and revered 
Frenchman passed between the lines. Much of Mr. Woodward's 
boyhood was passed in Camden, O. In 1S42 his parents emigrated 
to Scott Co., la., and settled on the tract of land on Jersey Ridge. 
He remained on the farm until the spring of 1849, when he became 
a merchant in the city, opening a "general store" with his brother 
Job. He continued in the store till 1850, when he gave up mer- 
chandising forbanking,and went into the bank of Chubb Brothers, 
Barrows ik Co., which occupied the room on the southeast corner 
of Second and Main streets, taking the position of teller. In May, 
1875, he was elected president of the bank, the duties of which 
position he performed with acceptability to all parties interested, 
until he was prostrated by severe illness. Mr. Woodward was 
married in March, 1845, the bride being Miss Elizabeth E. Morgan. 
The wedding occurred at the home of Miss Morgan's parents, on 
what is known as the Watkins place, just above the city, on the 
river road. The union was in every way a happy one, and the 
greatest blow of Mr. Woodward's life was the death of his much 
loved wife some nine years ago. In the death ot Mr. Woodward, 
Davenport lost one of its best and most honored citizens. He was 



636 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

a very upright and conscientious man, exact in his dealings, 
prompt, energetic, quiet, patient, and an excellent counselor. If he 
had any fault as a business man, it was in placing too much confi- 
dence in humanity. His own nature was so honest that he was 
unsuspicious of others. He was a man of great benevolence of 
character; was a liberal donor to the M. E. Church, of which he was 
a regular attendant and pew-holder, though not a member, to the 
Young Men's Christian Association, and to the Library Associa- 
tion. To the latter he gave, when the effort was made to purchase 
the lot upon which its building now stands, what was doubtless the 
most munificent donation made by any one in proportion to their 
means — S500. Years ago, when that order in Iowa most needed 
business men to aid and direct, Mr. Woodward was the most active 
in the Order of Odd Fellows. lie filled the IS^oble Grand's chair 
in Davenport Lodge, No. 7 ; was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
of Iowa in lS57-'58,and the following year served as Grand Patriarch 
of the Grand Encampment. He was Grand Representative of Iowa 
in the Grand Lodge of I. O. O. F. at its session at Baltimore in 
1859, and again at Nashville in 1''60. He was also a member of 
State Encampment, No 3. Last year, at the session of the Grand 
Lodge in this city, he was elected Grand Treasurer, but resigned a 
few months afterward, when he saw his health would not permit 
him to fulfill the duties of the office. As treasurer of the Soldiers' 
Monument Association, he carfully husbanded and invested the 
funds of that organization so that, at the time of his death, it had 
doubled in his hands. On the last day that he rode out, Mr. 
"Woodward conversed with the secretary of that association with 
reference to feecuring the erection of the long-desired monument 
at an early date, so earnestly were his feelings eidisted in 
behalf of that work of patriotic regard for the heroic dead. For 
two terras, from 1851 to 1856, Mr. Woodward served as city clerk, 
and once he filled the office of school treasurer. His death oc- 
curred on the morning of Aug. 12, 1879. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

AUTHORS AND ARTISTS. 

Scott County has not raucli to boast of in this connection, yet 
there are a tew names worthy of mention, one, at least, having a 
world-wide reputation. 

ELDER JOXAS HARTZELL. 

A well-known divine and author is Jonas Hartzell, of Daven- 
port, who was born Oct. 19, 1803, in Northampton Co., Penn., 
from which place, with tiie family, he removed to Deerfield, 
Ohio, in 1S05. There were no schools in the township in which 
the family lived until 1813, when Jonas was in his ;llth year. 
At this time he attended school about one year, the sum to- 
tal of his educational experience in the schools of the country. 
The parents of Jonas were of German descent, born in Pennsyl- 
vania, and the settlement in Ohio was composed exclusively of 
Germans, and the German laiiguage alone was used until the year 
in which the school was established. 

After spending a year in school, Jonas had arrived at an age, it 
was thought he could be made useful, and he was therefore pat to 
work clearing land and engaging in other laborious work neces- 
sary on a farm at that date. When in his 22d year, in .June, 
182.5, he was united in marriage with Alice Wollihan, who proved 
a helpmeet indeed to him in after years. Mrs. Hartzell died in 
Davenport, May, 19, 1866. .Nine children were born unto them, 
one of whom died when but six years of age; the remainder, seven 
daughters and one son arc living. 

Mr. Hartzell was raised to believe in the doctrines of the Presby- 
terian Church. His wife was a pious Methodist. About a year 
after their marriage she said to him: ''What scripture have you 
for infant baptism? If you have any, I ask for it; for I have no 
confidence in my baptism." He endeavored to satisfy her mind 
by referring to all the proof-texts usually quoted in proof of the 
position, but the more he studied the matter the less he believed in 
is old views, and a change occurred. He became a subscriber to the 

(637) 



638 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Christian Baptist, edited by Alexander Campbell, who was preacli- 
iug a " restoration to primitive Christianity," and, becoming con- 
vinced that Mr. Campbell was right in his views, he and his wife 
were immersed the second Lord's day in Jane, 1828. 

As it was the custom of the Churches which were rapidly form- 
ing to depend for mutual edification upon the gifts of the members, 
those of Mr. Ilartzell did not long remain concealed. Possessing a 
vigorous mind, a remarkable clear psrception of logical relations, 
a sincere love of truth, and a fine command of language, he at 
once bscame distinguished as an effective and able preacher. In 
person he is tall and erect, grave in manner, in complexion some- 
what swarthy, with regular features, intelligent dark eyes, full and 
handsome lips, and, in speaking, a sligiitly German pronunciation 
and arrangement of words. Few men are possessed of as much 
originality. His ideas and manner of expressing tliem are pecul- 
iarly his own. 

Jonas Hartzell has been a very prolific writer, being the author 
of 14 pamphlets and bound volumes, in addition to the vast 
amount of matter contributed to tlie periodicals of the day. He 
was a strong anti-slaver}"^ man, and his writings did much to edu- 
cate the people for the emancipation that was to be brought about 
by the war. A series of articles were written by him for an anti- 
slavery paper in Cincinnati, and then collated and published 
under the title of "The Bible Yindicated." In this work he vindi- 
cated the Bible against the attacks of infidels and pro-slavery 
Christians, and conclusively proved that the sacred book could not 
be used in defense of the "peculiar institution." A large edition 
was issued and speedily disposed of; and a second was called for, 
but the war coming on caused the demand to cease. Of the 
second edition 500 copies were for Kentucky distribution. 

Joseph Barker, one of the most noted infidels of England, chal- 
lenged the clergy of this country to a debate. Mr. Hartzell accepted 
the challenge. The debate occurred ; was reported, and was to 
have been published. Alter all arrangements were made Mr. 
Barker declined to permit the publication of his speeches. Mr. 
Hartzell then had his speeches published. An edition of 3.000 
copies was speedily disposed of. " Controversial Letters," consist- 
ing of seventeen letters to Rev. Laird Collier, "Evidences ot 
Christianity," " Kingdom of Heaven and its Government," "Bap- 
tismal Controversy, its Exceeding Sinfulness," are among tiie pub- 
lished works of Mr. Hartzell. He has been a minister of the 



HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 639 

gospel since 182S. His tirst pastoral labor was in Warren, Ohio, 
where he spent 12 years. In 1854 he came to Davenport, 
and for four years was pastor of the Church here, at tiie expiration 
of which time he resigned, much to the regret of the congrega- 
tion. This was his last pastoral work. Since 1858 he has acted as 
an evangelist, responding to such calls as he was able to fill. 

REV. WILLIAM STEVENS PERRY, D.D., LL. D. * 

We are by no moans sure that in saying wiiat it is proper should 
be said concerning the Rev. Dr. Perry, his ministry, and literary 
work, with reference to his late election to be bishop of Iowa, we 
shall be performing a service that anybody in Geneva, or any 
amorig, the thousands of friends and well-wishers of Hobart Col- 
lege everywhere, will very much thank us for. The cause of edu- 
cation, in one of its high places, loses something ; the cause of 
religion, in one of its highest places, gains something. It does not 
becf)me us to strike the balance, and say that it is the duty of Dr. 
Perry to remain in the presidency of Hobart College, much as we 
are tempted to think that. Bishops of adequate temper and mold 
are scarce enough ; as scarce, perhaps, as able, scholarly, success- 
ful presidents of colleges. And inasmuch as the Episcopal Church 
(and ever}' other Church) has need of more bishops of the stamp 
and fashion, and piety, and breadth, and liberality, and learning, 
of the new bishop of Iowa, we are not disposed to utter protests 
against the decree which takes him to a first place in churclily dig- 
nity and influence, in one of the first States of the Union. 

Dr. Perry is a young man ; exceptionally young among minis- 
ters, authors and college presidents ; his age is only H. Among 
bishops, so generally old and venerable men, whose white hairs 
attest their advanced years. Bishop Perry will be a conspicuous 
exception to the rule. He is of New England parentage; was born 
January 22, 1832, in Providence, R. I. ; was prepared for college 
at the Providence High School, and entered Brown University, 
from which, however, at his own request, he was dismissed, and 
entered Harvard, where he was graduated in 1854. Four years 
later he was ordained priest in Boston, and subsequently was as- 
sistant minister in St. Paul's, Boston. He was afterward rector 
of St. Luke's, in Nashua, N. H., in Portland, Me, and Litchfield, 
Conn., and in 1869 became rector of Trinity Church, Geneva. 



* From the Geneva (N. Y.) Courier, June 14, 1876. 



640 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Previously he was editor of the Church Monthly of Boston. In 
the Church, among other offices of honor and trust, he has been 
secretary and deputy to the General Convention, and is now, by 
appointment of the General Convention, historiographer of the 
American Church. The office of secretary which he held for sev- 
eral years is the only permanent office in the convention. Four 
years ago he became professor of history in Hobart College, and 
in the beginning of the present year he was elected President ot 
Kenyon College, and Dean of the Theological Seminary, diocese 
of Ohio; still more recently being cliosen President of Hobart Col- 
lege. To these dignities, the like of which rarely come to any one 
man in the course of Jiis life, is now added the bishopric. 

As a minister, in the pulpit and out, Dr. Perry has been promi- 
nent. His sermons are direct, pointed, often eloquent, while they 
are invariably polished and felicitous beyond ordinary pulpit utter- 
ances. As an organizer of the efforts of others, he is notably suc- 
cessful. 

The list of Dr. Perry's published works is a surprising testimony 
of his acquirements ; and while they are mostly religious, coming 
in the line of his professional labors, his studies take a wide 
range. He is an accomplished bibliographer; his knowledge of 
books, and of rare and curious books, throughout the field of gen- 
eral literature, is very unusual. His library contains nearly 10,000 
volumes, and as many more pamphlets. 

We shall attempt, in our limits no anal^-sis in detail of Dr. Perry's 
literary work ; nor is it at all necessary. The American Church 
Review, from which we get much information concerning Dr. Perry, 
here briefly embodied, and many other public journals, have made 
more or less extended criticisms of these publications, and unite in 
commendation of them and particularly of the historical works, as 
embracing very valuable contributions to that department of our 
literature. The Churchman says : " The Pev. Dr. Perry is doing a 
grand work for the American Church, and one which will by and 
by gain for him her lasting gratitude." The Episcopal bishops 
have almost unanimously written their testimonies of praise. As 
a historian Dr. Perry's rank is conceded to be first in the Episco- 
pal Church. The New York Tribune, speaking of Dr. Perry's 
style, says : "His language is singularly direct and^simple, adapted 
to produce a lively impression on the mass of readers, and wholly 
free from the starch of professional formality." The Evening Post 
uses even more forcible words on the same subject. It is imprac- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 641 

ticable to quote here the testimonies; it is enough to saj that they 
sliow uniforinlj the high estimation in wliich Dr. Perry's work is 
lield, in and out of the Church of which he is a meinber-whose rec- 
ognitions of him have been so many and so varied, but which will 
hardly be able, even should it desire, to appropriate to its exclusive 
service all his time and talents. Dr. Perr}' is not and cannot be 
solely a churchman. In every good work he is prominent, accord- 
ing to his opportunity. Social reforms have his most earnest 
sympathy and aid. The traditional limitsof endeavor, so carefully 
observed by a proportion of the more conservative churchmen, Dr. 
Perry is quite oblivious to, to his everlasting credit. In the war, 
his loyal convictions took the form of efforts which directly and 
indirectly sent score- if not hundreds of men into the national 
service. So, whatever in any way gains the approval of his judg- 
ment, has his cordial and hopeful co-operation. Geneva, and Hobart 
College, and the State of New York will lose, with the departure 
of Bishop Perry, a few months hence, a citizen whose place it will 
be difficult to till ; and we congratulate, with what grace we may, 
the people of Iowa, among whom he goes to live and labor. 

DAVID K. DUNGAN. 

David R. Dunganisa native of Noble Co., Ind., and was born 
May 15, 1837. Ris father was James Dungan, and his mother's 
maiden name, Mary Ann Johns. Her parents were natives of Eng- 
land, and a hardy, robust and long-lived race. His father's ancestors 
were from Scotland, so that the mixture of blood is what may be 
called Scotch-English. 

"When young Dungan was but one year old his parents removed 
to Clay County, in Western Indiana, where they lived until the 
young man had attained his 15th year, when his father pushed for- 
ward a second time to the Western frontier, this time to Western 
Iowa, where they arrived just as the Indians were retiring and 
before the land was in market. This was in 1852. Having always 
resided on the frontier, his educational facilities were such as the 
common schools ot Indiana and Iowa afforded. In addition to these 
privileges he spent a short time in the Kentucky University. He 
has derived the most profit from his private studies, having been a 
close student since his 22d year. In March, 185S, he was im- 
mersed, uniting with the Church of Christ, and in the spring of 
1S59 he began to exercise his gift in preaching. In September, 



642 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

1860, he was ordained as au Evangelist, and from that time to the 
present has been a constant and faithful minister of the Lord. In 
addition to his regular preaching he has had 19 theological debates, 
with representative men of the leading religious denominations ot 
the West. In the discharge of his ministerial duties he has resided 
in Omaha, Plattsmonth, Pawnee and Lincoln, Nebraska ; DeSoto, 
Oskaloosa, Eldora, Mt. Pleasant and Davenport, Iowa. To the 
latter place he came in July, 1880, since which time he has served 
as pastor of the Church of Christ in that city. 

D. K. Dungan and Mary Ann Kinnis were united in marriage 
in Harrison Co., Iowa, Feb. 17, 1861. Eight children have been 
born unto them, si.x of whom are now living. 

Officially, Elder Dungan has never sought a public place. He 
was for some years regent of the University of Nebraska, and was 
one of the most active and influential members. In 1879 he was 
made the Prohibition candidate for governor of Iowa, and polled 
quite a large vote. He is a fluent speaker, of pleasing address, and 
terse and logical discourse. His wit never fails him on any oc- 
casion, and, when necessary, he can use sarcasm with most telling 
eflect. 

Elder Dungan has been the author ol several works, the first 
being entitled "On the Rock," in which he treats of the action, 
subject and design of baptism in a series of conversations purport- 
ing to be held between a gentleman, his wife, and various persons 
representing the different theological beliefs. It is a well-written 
work and one calculated to convince. It was written as a serial for 
the Evangelist, in 1871, and published in book form in 1872. It 
has run through seven editions. 

In 1878 "Modern Phases 5f Skepticism " was issued. Though 
not having as large a sale as the other works by the same author, 
it has been well received by the press and people. 

"Rum, Ruin and the Remedy" first appeared in 1879. It has 
run through two or three editions. A local writer says of him in 
this connection: "Mr. Dungan has a wide range of practical 
knowledge on the temperance question . He has lectured, written 
and debated on the subject for 15 years, and perhaps in point of 
reading and critical thought on the subject is not inferior to any 
man in the nation." It discusses the subject of temperance briefly 
and pointedly; license, prohibition, the physical, pecuniary and 
moral phase of intemperance, and, in fact, every vital topic per- 
taining to the liquor traffic. 



HISTORY OF SOOTT COUNTY. 645 

Among otLer of the smaller works of Mr. Dungan are the "Dun- 
gan-Jameson Debate," "Modern Revivalists," " IngersoU's Mis- 
takes about Moses," '-Our Place and Mission," and "What Shall 
We Do?" 

MISS MART K. MEAD. 

Miss Mead is a daughter of Rev. E. Mead, and has spent almost 
her entire life in the county. She has contributed much to the 
periodicals of the day. The following are selections from her pen : 

TIME. 

Oh solemn stream of time, 

Whose waters pause not in their ceaseless flow ; 
In every age and clime, 

'Whelminfj alike our happiness and woe; 

If once a voice was lent, 

How many a secret might thy waves reveal, 
How many a strange event I 

How many a long forgotten page unseal! 

Since first the stars of morn 

Poured forth a song to greet the finished earth. 
How oft thy waves have borne 

The wail of sorrow or the voice of mirth ! 

As in the vanished past, 

So in the coming years thy course shall be ; 
And centuries flee as fast, 

To the dark ocean of eternity. 

E'en now another year, 
With wintry snow among its white locks strown, 
• Reposes on its bier. 

Waiting to join the mighty ages flown. 

What record doth it bear ? 

What word of kindness to the wretched given? 
What spirit's contrite prayer, 

When earthly hopes like summer clouds are riven ? 

Full many a day hath fled, 

And many a joy awaking with the day, 
The same brief course hath sped. 

And shrunk at eve, like Jonah's gourd, away. 

Call not the moments back. 

But with a thoughtful eye their flight review; 
And, glancing o'er life's track, 

Go forth to battle with its ills anew. 

38 



646 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

The stars will brightly shine, 
The summer smile as sweetly as before, 

And June her roses twine, 
When we can view their blushing tints no more. 

But when we lay aside 
This feeble, sickly tenement of clay, 

And, freed and purified, 
Soar to the regions of eternal day ; 

What recks it, that our name 
May be forgotten in the haunts of old, 

And no loud voice of fame 

Ring through the buried arches, dark and cold. 

Thy steps, O Time ! are low. 

And steal upon us ere we are aware. 

Till shining threads of snow 
Are thickly clustered mid the raven hair. 

Our fathers , where ars they ? 

At rest, where no dark dreams of care invade, 
And daylight's feeble ray 

Comes like a captive struggling through the shade. 

Ere many a New Year's sun. 

Its chariot, through the Eastern sky, shall guide, 
Our earthly labors done, 

We too shall slumber sweetly by their side. 

Oh! not by months and years, 

Nor frequent change of darkness and of light, 
Nor yet by hopes and fears, 

Measure our path, or mark Time's rapid flight. 

But let each kindly thought. 
Each generous action as we onward haste. 

Each hour, with duty fraught, 
Gleam forth, a waymark on life's trackless waste. 



MARCH. 
[Written for the Gazette.'] 

These days of earth's awakening, these fresh pure days how blest. 

Ere bursts the first pale bud of spring, or wild bird finds her nest. 

No more oppressed with weight of snow the naked forest grieves. 

The moss is springing green below the budded osier leaves. 

Come forth, oh gentle train of flowers, children of wood and wild, 

Last night the warm clouds wept in showers, this morn the sunshine smiled. 

There's a wild flower near my dwelling, and I count its fragrance dear, 

For its tiny buds are swelling, the earliest of the year. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 647 

When the autumn winds were sighing, and the withered leaves fell fast, 

Then I feared my blossom'sdying, and I hid it from the blast. 

But it feels the Spring's awaking, and its tiny blade has ris'n, 

Till the chilly earth forsaking it has burst beyond its pris'n. 

Oh, soul that long hath slumbered in life's still and starless night, 

Lo ! the winter hours are numbered, wake and God shall give thee light. 

ARTISTS. 

For many years Davenport and vicinity was visited by artists 
for the purpose of sketching the bsautiful scenery along the river, 
the finest and most picturesque to be seen along the Upper Mis- 
sissippi. The first to stop in Davenport for a great length of time 
was John Casper Wild. From "Davenport, Past, and Present," 
the following is taken: 

Among the strangers from St. Louis who visited Davenport in 
the spring of 1845 was John Casper "Wild, a gentleman of consid- 
erable reputation as a landscape and potrait painter, and lithow- 
raphist. He was a tall, spare man of about 40 years, with lone 
raven black hair, whiskers and moustache, and restless brown eyes, 
lie had, at times, a worn and haggard look, the result, doubtless, 
of ill health and a life-long battle with the world for the bare 
means of subsistence. He was uncommunicative as to his own life 
but it is an impression of the writer's that he was born in poverty, 
reared among the trials of indigence, from which, unaided, he 
sought to emerge, and in his maturity, a good artist but poor finan- 
cier, so that his history was a continued struggle. It is but little 
wonder, then, that through the clouds which so constantly surround 
him he could see but little sunshine. On his arrival here, he was 
totally dependent upon his talent. He soon commenced work, and 
produced a painting of Davenport and Rock Island, as one pict- 
ure. From this a limited number of beautifully colored lithograph 
copies were taken, for those who would buy. Alas ! poor Wild — 
the pictures which now would bring their weight in gold, had then 
a dull and weary sale. This view was not only faithful in its Oe- 
tails, and beautiful as a picture, but it proved Mr. "Wild an artist 
of high talent. 

It is worthy of mention that the artist lithographed his own 
picture on stone, and made and colored the impressions himself. P 
has been remarked that so fine a specimen of lithographing cannot 
now be done in the metropolis of the country. 

Mr. Wild afterward commenced a second painting of Davenport 
viewed from another point, but it was never finished. The same 
summer he made paintings from which litlngraphic copies were 



648 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTr. 

taken, of Dubuque, Galena, Muscatine and Moline. All these 
sketches were distinguished for their correctness and beauty. He 
worked rapidly but well, and a practical knowledge of lithography 
was useful in securing correct copies of his works. The writer of 
this accompanied Mr. "Wild on a trip to the Falls of St. Anthony 
in 1846, in which excursion he made a number of small sketches, 
but they were never produced on canvas. The painting of Dav- 
enport and Rock Island truly represents the young cities as they 
slept in 1845 upon the green banks of the great river, before the 
rushing winds and waves of progress had broken their slumbers. 
There are but few copies of this painting now in the possession of 
our citizens, and it is needless to say that the lapse of time and the 
intervening wonderful changes in the aspect of our city render 
these pictures invaluable to their owners. 

In 1846 Mr. Wild, who continued residing in Davenport, painted 
a fancy sketch, of which it may be right to make a particular 
note, as it was the nearest approach to an artistical smile of 
which Mr. Wild was ever known to be guilty. He had neither 
humor of his own, nor an appreciation of humor in others. He 
looked tragedy, thought tragedy, and his conversation outside of 
business and art was never much more cheerful than tragedy- 
This little oil sketch represented three notable cliaracters of the 
village, each of whom, at that time, was personally known to almost 
every man, woman and child in the place. They were collected at 
the well-remembered ferry-house, and near the equally well-remem- 
bered old bell-post. The bell there suspended was then furiously jin- 
gled, and often with disagreeable pertinacity, by those who wished to 
call the old ferryman, Mr. John Wilson, from the opposite side. The 
ringer was generally considered under personal obligation to stand 
to his 2>ost some time, in company with his horse and vehicle, if he 
had any to cross over, so that the ferryman might with proper de- 
liberation determine whether the skiff or horse ferry-boat were re- 
quired by the nature of the cargo. The large person of Mr. Le Claire 
sits in a buggy, to which is attached the notable old white horse 
that used to drag his master about the place. Close by stands Mr. 
Gilbert McKown, whose store was on Front street, a few steps dis- 
tant, but whose burly figure and good humored face, seen on any 
street, seemed a part and parcel of the town, and directly identified 
with its corporate existence. The third figure is Sam Fisher, as 
he was familiarly called by every acquaintance. He then lived in 
the house now owned and occupied by Mr. George L. Davenport, 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 649 

at the corner of Bradv and Third streets. Sam. Fisher was the best 
fisher in the town, a good story-teller, and iiad a most marvelous 
memory of past times and incidents, facts and dates, which, united to 
some peculiar eccentricities ot character exclusively and honestly his 
own, made him a conspicuous character. One of his smaller eccen- 
tricities is shown in the picture. He is standing with his pants 
drawn up to the top of one boot, and down to the sole of the other, 
using a favorite gesture, and evidently do'\n'^ the talking, of coarse. 
These three persons are now alive, and two of them continue resi- 
dents of Davenport. The picture is in the possession of Hon. G. 
C. R. Mitchell, who, by the way, ought to have figured in the paint- 
ing. 

Mr. Wild was a native of Zurich, Switzerland; he went to Paris 
when young, where he resided] for 15 years, and then emigrated 
to the United States. lie lived fseveral years in Philadelphia, 
where he finished some views for Atkinson's Casket, a panorama 
of Philadelphia, and a view of Napoleon's marshals on horse-back. 
In the spring of LS41, he went to St. Louis, and remained there 
till he removed here. At St. Louis he commenced a periodical 
called "The Valley of the Mississippi, Illustrated" — edited by Louis 
Faulk Thomas, the views by Mr. Wild. Only 10 numbers were 
issued. Mr. Wild died in Davenport, in the year 1846. When 
sick, he was kindly taken to the residence of Mrs. Webb, now oc- 
cupied by Mr. Henry, where he received the attentions of a son 
during the long illness which preceded his death. AVhile thus 
lying on his death-bed, the home of his boyhood seemed a beauti- 
ful picture before his e\'es, and he expressed a longing desire to 
die at Zurich. This was not granted him, but kind hands softened 
the last shadowy pencilings of his life, and laid him gently among 
the summer flowers. 

Among others who figured at an early day as painters were R. 
Wright, Mrs. Codding and Mr. Wolfe. 

In the past decade much interest has seemed to be manifested 
among many of the citizens of Davenport in artistic work, and 
at an exhibition held at the Academy of Science in February 
1882, a collection of 255 paintings and drawings were exhibited. 
Among the number were some fine specimens which attracted 
much attention and were highly praised. Those contributing 
on this occasion were Mrs. E. Burrows, Charles H. Hubbell, 
Miss Lida Roff, Miss Anna M. Baird, Mrs. E. E. Cook, Miss 
Mary Rofi", Miss F. M. Hazen, Mrs. W. F. Peck, Miss Bianca 



650 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

"Wheeler, Miss Matie Lane, Mrs. H. M. Martin, H. L. Bottom, 
Miss Bessie Van Patten, Miss Allie Bryant, Mrs. B. Wilcox, 
Miss Josie Parker, Mrs. E. Peck, Miss Sadie Bryant, Miss Anna 
M. Barr, Mrs. H. C. Wales, Miss Sarah French, Miss Lizzie Gil- 
lette, Miss Anna Williams, Miss Ada Wright, Miss Mary Fulton, 
Mrs. Frank Kichardson, Mrs. Jennie Lane, Miss Fejervary, Miss 
Ury, Mrs. Agues Haase, Miss Lizzie Davis, Mrs. R. P. Moore, 
Miss Cora M. Allen, Miss Jennie Warriner, W. Otto Gronen, 
Miss Lucy Mitchell, Miss Jessie Young, Miss Tillie Lambach, 
Henry Lambach, Miss Mary Kayser, William Fiske, Thomas 
Brockett, Miss Lucy Whitaker, Mrs. N. C. Martin, A. Hageboeck, 
Mrs. E. S. Crossett, L. Smith, Miss Celeste Fejervary, Mrs. H. E. 
Hard, W. W. Hathaway, Miss Louise Ells, Mrs. F. H.- Hancock, 
Mrs. Kircher, Miss Lucy Sudlow, Miss Lulu Farrand, W. W. 
Hathaway, F. H. Oelting, Miss Cora M. Allen, S. A. D. Hahn, 
August Hageboeck, J. W. Ross, George Knorr, Miss Millie Des- 
saint, Arthur Chandler and Miss Helen Ebi. 




CHAPTER XVII. 

MEDICAL. 

One of the most honorable of all the pi-ofessious is that of medi- 
cine. The man who risks his own life to save that of others is 
deserving of great credit. As an introductory to this chapter, the 
following medical reminiscences of Dr. E. S. Barrows, the oldest 
practitioner in the State, is here given : 

"In compliance with your request as the first and oldest physician 
of Scott Co., Iowa, I will proceed to say something of the medical 
profession, from the early part of 1830 to an indefinite period, trav- 
eling toward 1860. If I say too much relating to self, it will be 
from a matter of necessity, for I alone, the first year and a half, 
represented the ])rofession west of the Mississippi for 100 
miles north and south, and 3,000 miles west. Therefore be it 
observed, I should not have anything to talk about but terri- 
tory, without people, or doctors, and nothing at all, leaving out 
myself, as one person, answering to make up my quota of the 
social aggregate forming the early history of tliat domain now 
enclosed by lines, giving bounds to Scott County. 

" Whoever essays to narrate past events of the world will find 
that no nation can be found which was so rude that it was neither 
blessed nor cursed, as the case might be, with a profession, propos- 
ing to deal with the ailings of the body, originally emanating di- 
rectly from that other class of pretenders who assume to care more 
particularly for ailments of the soul. All through the course of 
human destiny both professions seem to have formed an essential 
element of the cultivated and the uncultivated, the civilized and 
the uncivilized, going to make up the human aggregate. Health 
and duration of life maybe considered the result of intelligent action, 
and as there is a general desire to preserve the one and prolong the 
other beyond the accidents of time and place, it seems but reason- 
able that the early settlers of Scott County should have encouraged 
a profession which assumes to give the community the benefits of 
the accumulated medical .skill of all the preceding ages. And who 
shou'd have been the first to demonstrate the fact that such wisdom 
was ai hand, and ready for business ^ 

(651) 



652 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

" With becomiug modesty (if not becoming, it is at least con- 
sistent with the pretentions of that class of professional men who 
deal mostly with the hidden secrets of human ills), that first doc- 
tor, the first between Dubuque and Burlington, located at Rock- 
ingham early in 1S36, is the writer of this article. 

" In the autumn of 1836, the first physician who drew a lancet on 
a prostrate patient was located at Rockingham, and the patient 
was Antoine Le Claire, of Davenport, who was seriously ill with 
inflammatory rheumatism. His physician was Dr. Bardwell, of 
Stephenson, now Rock Island, a reputable physician and politician 
from Indiana, who subsequently located and successfully pursued 
the practice of medicine in the northeast corner of Bufi^xlo town- 
ship. After two years' residence he sought more room and a bet" 
ter field for work, at Marion, Lynn Co., Iowa, where, after a 
few years, he died lamented. I was called in council with Dr. 
Bardwell, Nov. 15, 1S36, and hastened to Mr. Le Claire's resi- 
dence, located where the freight depot now stands. Found the Dr. 
present waiting a little impatiently, and received a formal introduc- 
tion. Dr. Bardwell expressed a desire to proceed to business, for 
he had engagements elsewhere, ' not however, professional,' he said 
'as you may see by these articles' [simultaneously raising with each 
hand a light shoe from both side pockets of his coat] ; ' there is go- 
ing to be a dance to-night, and I have the honor of being a mana- 
ger.' 

" The engagement referred to was a formal celebration of the 
opening of the first hotel which Davenport was ever favored with, or 
perhaps that other word, cursed, would be as appropriate, since 
the locality soon became known as 'Brimstone-Corner.' Old set- 
tlers whose dates go back to that period, when that name is men- 
tioned do not become confused as to the whereabouts of the local- 
ity. If the mind of a patriot of the Missoui-i war loses its serenity 
when he communes with himself, and perhaps fights over the 
battles of that day, when the first and last drill of the Scott 
County volunteers paraded on the commons, between the new ho- 
tel and the river, the glory achieved then and there will fade into 
a conviction that this was a new country, and the less said by way 
of apology for the peculiar manner by which we formed new friend- 
ships out of very raw material the better it will be, even for 
'Brimstone-Corner.' The building is occupied at present as Staf- 
fen's headquarters for lime, cement, sewer pipe, etc. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTi'. 653 

"To return to the subject of my first patient, Dr. Bardwell asked 
me to give Mr. Le Claire ray attention, bv a system of prognosis 
best known to the trade. To quote his language, ' I have been ex- 
amining him for about a week, and have come to the conclusion 
that it is a plain case of abdominal dropsy, and, thinking it expe- 
dient to be in time, I have brought along my box of instruments, 
with the intent of relieving him of a gallon or two of water by 
tapping.' I proceeded to the examination of the case and asked if 
I might see Mrs. Le Claire. She came into the room and gave me 
the history of the case. Then the council commenced, by my say. 
ing, to my mind it was an unmistakable case of imflammatory rheu- 
matism, and the tapping had better be done in the arm. The 
difference of opinion so far as related in the diagnosis did not seem 
to create any surprise, but my suggestion of bleeding astonished 
greatly. He asked if I was candid in my view of the subject. ' Most 
certainly I am,' was my reply. Dr. Bardwell then spoke thusly: 
'Mr. Le Claire, here are two doctors, one may be taken and the 
other left, which will you have^ Mr. Le Claire's reply was, 
'Dr. Burrows may bleed me.' I did bleed him, and Dr. Bardwell 
was kind enough to hold the bowl, and then hurried ofJ to the ball. 
From that day forward to the day of his death, 26 years later, the 
patient was mine. 

"I made 12 visits, in as many days. The sequel was most sat- 
isfactory, for within l(t days fron) my last visit, Mr. Le Claire rode 
on horseback from Davenport to Kockingham, and without ask- 
ing for my bill, handed me a handful of silver, interspersed with 
gold pieces, saying, 'I will pay you the balance some other time,' 
then bade me good-bye, for he had not dismounted, and rode off. 

" The sum given me was $150. He did pay the balance, besides 
contributing annual payments for small service. On my removal 
to Davenport, in the spring of 1843, he presented me with a deed 
of out lot No. 31, then called four-acre lots, saying to me: ' If you 
don't want that lot, sell it; I felt that I had never paid you for 
your services.' I attempted an acknowledgment, but he said, 
'Don't say anything, for I owed it to you.' I did sell the lot 
subsequently, for $1,000. It was the one upon which Sargent's 
row is built. The population on Jan. 1, 1837, of the domain 
now known as Scott County was below 200, after which immigra- 
tion set in with greater rapidity. 

" During this summer, Dr. A. C. Donaldson, from Wilkesbarre, 
Penii., located in Davenport as the first resident physician. He 
was well qualified for a successful practice of the profession; was 



654 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

eminenty upright in thought and act, and deserved a better recom- 
pense for his medical ability and his moral worth than the woi-ld 
afforded him. He remained in Davenport but two years, or 
perhaps three, removed to St. Louis, and subsequently to Cali- 
fornia, where death overtook him. * * * 

"During the summer and autumn of 1S37 a few cases of bilious 
remitting fever occurred, but yielded readily to treatment. The 
winter following, several cases of bilious pneumonia demanded 
prompt attendance and special vigilance in the observance of 
changes indicative of greater danger. These were the diseases, and 
the principal ones, which called for medical help up to the year 
1849. Since that year, or from that period, the summer and 
autumnal fevers ceased to be epidemical, and pneumonia became less 
frequent. It may be well to mention here that the fevers of 1849, 
after the third or fourth day, assumed a typhoid character, the re- 
mission hardly observable, and the nervous depression occasioning 
great anxiety. 

'■ Old citizens well remember that year, for in it occurred the 
death of Mr. David Hoge and Miss Sophia Fisher. 

" I think it was Dr. Hush, of Philadelphia, — a great name up to 
about 1825, — who said the lancet was a ' sheet-anchor ' in all 
inflammatory diseases. So it might have been said of quinine, as 
used in remittent and intermittent fevers, in both the Mississippi 
and Missouri valleys from 1830 up to 1850. During that period 
120,000 square miles west of the Mississippi and north of St. 
Louis became populated, and ail ot it more or less malarious. 
In some of these years the demand for quinine was so great that 
the supply in the American market became exhausted. ' Sapping- 
ton's pills' were indirectly the power which worked steamboats up 
the river from 1835 to 1843. They were, verily, the ' sheet-anchor ' 
not only aboard boats, but in many households. Dr. Sappington 
was a regular allopathic physician of considerable ability, residing 
up the Missouri River, who thought it would be a benefaction to 
the new civilization of the West to prepare quinine, ready to be 
taken, in the form of pills. The boxes contained four dozen each, 
and the pills two grains each. The direction on the box was to 
take from two to twenty, as the urgency of the case seemed to 
require, without reference to the stage of the paroxysm. 

" Dr. Thos. J. Saunders, recognized by the profession as a schol- 
arly M. D., graduated at the Pennsylvania University, in 1843, lO 
please his father. The law was his choice as a profession ; but ar that 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 655 

did not accord with the moral sentiments of a higlily worthy disci- 
ple of George Fox, he acceded to his father's wishes and became 
an M. D. , practiced medicine for a while in New Jersey, and trav- 
eled for a time in Europe. After his return, in connection with 
his practice in New Jersey, was prominently engaged as a poli- 
tician, serving several terms as secretary of the Senate. 

" In 1855 Dr. Saunders came to Davenport, and practiced his pro- 
fession successfully. His abilit}' for public service has for the 
last 20 years kept him engaged in its employ. He was secretary of 
the Constitutional Convention of 1857; was member of the Senate 
from Scott County; served four years as paymaster in the army 
which handled the Rebellion. 

" For the last few years has been engaged for the war department 
in assessing damages, or taking evidence to that eti'ect, caused by 
Sherman's army in East Tennessee. But with all these diversities 
of engagements he has never ceased to entertain a respect, together 
with an interest kept up, for the medical profession. 

" Dr. E. Fountain and Dr. J. M. Adler came to Davenport in 
1854, from Aspinwall, on the Isthmus, where they had been en- 
gaged for two or three years as surgeons of the Panama Railroad 
Company. 

" Dr. Fountain was from AVest Chester Co., New York, a grad- 
uate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, in 1851; 
was most estimable for his many moral virtues and fully com- 
petent, and master of his profession for his term of experience. In 
1861 he became infatuated with the supposed medicinal virtues of 
an article called chlorate of potash, which he claimed to have used 
witii great success, and to confirm his own conscientious opinions 
of its action on the system experimented upou himself rather than 
his patients, took an over-dose on March 27, and died from its ef- 
fects within 48 hours. 

Dr. Adler as partner" of Dr. Fountain, continued the practice 
until 1865, then removed to Philadelphia, where he continues at 
the present in a large and successful practice. 

" Dr. C. C. Parry, from Sandy Hill, N. Y. (See Scott Couuty 
Medical Society), came in 1852 or '53, practiced for a few years, 
then devoted !iis attention wholly to a scientific branch of the pro- 
fession which he has made a specialty, and at present is engaged in 
exploring Southern California. As a botanist Dr. Parry possesses 
a celebrity to which he is worthily entitled, and second to very few. 



656 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

" Dr. McCarn came to Davenport about 1860, remained a 

year or two, went to Memphis, Tenn., and died with yellow fever in 
1867." 

In the north part of the county there settled tlie following prac- 
titioners, as furnished by Drs. Gamble and Knox: 

Dr. Zebulon Metcalf, Kegular, from New York, came here in 
1841, practiced three years, and removed to Clinton County. 

Dr. Zachariah Grant practiced here in 1835, died about 1844. 

Dr. Nelson Plummer, Irregular, came here in 1842, and removed 
to Farniington in 1848, and now resides there. 

Dr. Philander Chamberlin, Irregular, commenced practice here 
in 1844; he removed from herein 1848, and now resides in Oregon. 

Dr. James Gamble, Eegnlar. graduate of Missouri Medical Col- 
lege in 1847, came to Le Claire in July of the same year, and has 
been and is now in active practice there. He is the oldest practic- 
ing physician in the county. 

Dr. Sylvenus Rowe, Irregular, commenced practice here in 
1846. He removed to Michigan where he now resides. 

Dr. Austin, Irregular, came here from New Jersey in 1S4S, and 
practiced two years, then returned to New Jersey. 

Dr. Wm. P. Hills, Regular, came here in 1850, from Pennsyl- 
vania, practiced five years and now resides in Clinton Co., Iowa. 

Dr. James Van Home. Regular, came here in 1853, from Penn- 
sylvania, practiced about two years, and now resides on a farm near 
Cordova, 111. 

Dr. S. "W. Treat, Irregular, came here in 1856, practiced until 
1863, now resides in Denver, Col. 

Dr. W. F. Hays, Homeopathist, came here in 1857, practiced 
about five years, and now resides on a farm in Clinton Co., Iowa. 

Dr. T. S. Smith, Regular, came to Pleasant Valley in 1860, 
practiced several years, and now resides on a farm in Pleasant 
Valley. 

Dr. F. W. Belltield. Regular, located in Valley City in 1861, 
and practiced there until his death in 1873. 

Dr. E. D. Allen, Regular, located in Pleasant Valley in 
1879, practiced two years, and now resides in Madison Co., 
Iowa. 

Dr. Barnes, Irregular, located here in 1867, and remained about 
one year. He now resides in Henry Co., 111. 

Dr. Bradway, Irregular, came here in 1855, practiced two years, 
and now resides in Cass Co., Iowa. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 657 

Dr. Taylor, Irregular, came here in 1870, practiced two years, 
and died in 1875. 

Dr. Brovm, Irregular, came here in 1869, practiced four years, 
and now resides in Guthrie Co., Iowa. 

Dr. Barkalow, Regular, located here in 1880, practiced one 
year, and now resides in Muscatine Co. , Iowa. 

Dr. J. A. DeArmonii, Regular, located here in 1876, and is now 
practicing here; graduated at Pennsylvania University. 

Dr. T. C. McClery located here in 1875, in partnership with 
Dr. Gamble, and now resides at Exeter, Neb. 

In 1853 Dr. Joseph P. Hoover, a graduate of Pennsylvania 
Medical College, located in Princeton, and practiced medicine three 
years. 

Dr. J. T. Tate moved to Princeton in 1854, and practiced one 
year. 

In 1856 Dr. Thomas Gault, a graduate of Berkshire Medical 
College, Massachusetts, located in Princeton, and practiced in 
partnership with Dr. Samuel Kno.\ for si.x years, and now resides 
in Rock Island, Ills. 

In 1856 Dr. Samuel Knox, a graduate of Pennsylvania Univer- 
sity, located in Princeton and practiced in partnership with Dr. 
Gault, for six years; after Dr. Gault left he still continued in prac 
tice there, and is still in active practice. 

In 1855 Dr. C. G. Martin, a graduate of Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, Philadelphia, came to Princeton and practiced one year. 

Dr. S. Semple, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, came to 
Princeton in 1858, and stayed two years. 

In 1858 Dr. G. L. Bell came to Princeton, and practiced 10 
years; he is now in Chicago. 

In 1859 Dr. Bowman came to Princeton, and practiced one year. 

Dr. Logan came to Princeton in 1860, and practiced one year. 

In 1S69 Dr. S. Gast, Cancer, commenced practice in Princeton, 
and is still there. 

In 1869 Dr. Blackburn located in Princeton, and practiced until 
his death, in 1880. 

In 1875 Dr D. A. Kettle located in practice in Princeton, and 
is still there. 

In 1878 Dr. C. W. Knott located in Princeton, and prac- 
ticed medicine three years; now resides in Benton Co., Iowa. 

In 1878 Dr. John Knox, a graduate of the University of Penn- 
sylvania, located in Princeton and is still practicing there. 



658 HISTORT OF SCOTT COtTNTY. 

IOWA AND ILLINOIS CENTRAL DISTRICT MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 

The Iowa and Illinois Central District Medical Association was 
organized Nov. 7, 1866. The want of a central society, in which 
local difierences could not disturb the harmony of meetings, had 
long been felt by the profession of Davenport, Iowa, and Rock 
Island, 111., and the district of country contiguous to them. 
Agreeable to this feelina: resolutions were adopted in the Scott 
Co. (Iowa) Medical Society, providing for a call for the meeting 
of all regular physicians residing within a radius of 50 miles of 
Davenport, Iowa. 

A committee of arrangements, consisting of Drs. Peck, Baker, 
and Eichardson, was appointed, who corresponded with a large 
number of physicians in Illinois and Iowa, finding that it seemed 
to be the universal desire that such an association should be or- 
o-anized. In reply to their invitation about 30 physicians of Illi- 
nois and Iowa assembled in the court-house in Davenport, Iowa, 
on the afternoon of Nov. 7, 1866, when they organized, adopted a 
constitution and by-laws, and elected temporary officers. It was 
decided that the meeting should be held quarterly, alternately in 
Davenport and Rock Island, in January, April, July and October. 
The society rapidl}' increased in size and prosperity'. The com- 
mittees appointed to report on medical and surgical subjects spent 
much care and labor on their reports, and a great deal of interest 
in the meetings was evinced by the members. 

Scott County physicians have been honored in the offices of the 
society as follows : 

1866-'68. — W. F. Peck, Secretary, T. J. lies. Treasurer. 

186S-'69. — J. W."\Vitherwa.\, Vice-President; E. H. Hazen, Secre- 
tary; T. J. lies, Treasurer. 

1869-'70 J.W. H. Baker, Vice-President; E. H. Hazen, Secre- 
tary, T. J. lies. Treasurer. 

18T0-'71.— E. Hazen, Secretary; T. J. lies, Treasurer. 

lS71'-72.— T. J. lies, President; A. W. Cantwell, Treasurer; E. 
H. Hazen, Secretary. 

1872-'73 — A. S. Maxwell, President; A.W. Cantwell, Treasurer. 

1874-'75.— E. H. Hazen, Vice-President; A. W. Cantwell, 
Treasurer. 

1875-'76. — E. H. Hazen, Secretary; A. W. Cantwell, Treasurer. 

1876-'T7.— W.W. Grant, President; A. W. Cantwell, Treasurer. 



HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 659 

1877-78.— J. W. H. Baker, Vice-President; A. W. Cantwell, 
Treasurer. 

1879-'80.— A. "W. Cantwell, Treasurer. 
1SS0-'81.— A. W. Cantwell, Treasurer. 

SCOTT COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

Notice having been given through the public prints, that a meet- 
ing would be held for the purpose of organizing a medical society 
for the County of Scott, nine regular members of the profession 
met at the office of Drs. "Witherwax 6z Carter ( Third street, west 
of Brady), on the 18th of October, 18.56. Dr. Jas. Thistle presided 
and Dr. Tomson acted as secretary. Committees were appointed to 
report upon the several subjects of Constitution and By-Laws, Code 
of Ethics, and Fee Bill, and the meeting adjourned to meet 10 days 
subsequently. On the 28th of October, 13 physicians met at the 
office of Drs. Fountain & Adler ("Second street, between Brady 
and Main) received the reports of the respective committees, adopted 
a constitution and by-laws, as well as the code of ethics recommended 
by the American Medical Association, and proceeded to elect the 
following permanent officers, to serve for one year : President, Dr 
Egbert S. Barrows; "Vice-President, Dr. Lyman Carpenter; Secre- 
tary, Dr. J. J. Tomson; Treasurer, Dr. James Thistle, and Censors, 
Drs. T. J. Sanders, Jno. M. Adler, and J. W. H. Baker. 

Although regular meetings four times a year had been agreed 
upon, calling this the anniversary, yet the necessity seemed to exist 
for a special meeting, and the members agreed to meet again in 
two weeks. The society convened in the Young Men's Literary 
Association Hall (Postffice building), on the 11th of November, 
Dr. Carpenter, Vice-President, occupying the chair. At this meet- 
ing a fee bill was adopted, and the members generally signed the 
constitution. Jan. 27, 1857, the first regular quarterly meeting 
took place at the office of Drs. Fountain & Adler, the president 
taking the chair. A resolution was adopted, and a committee ap- 
pointed relative to forming a union with the Rock Island County 
Medical Society. Drs. Barrows and Saunders were elected delegates 
to the American Medical Association, to convene in Nashville, 
Tenn., the succeeding May. The second quarterly meeting took 
place in the Council Chamber, at the corner of Brady and Third 
streets, April 28, the president filling the chair. The members 
of the Rock Island Medical Society were admitted as honorary 
members, and entitled to all privileges save voting. Dr. Patrick 



660 raSTOET OF SCOTT.' COUNTY. 

Gregg, former and first president of that association, read an elo- 
quent and instructive address, by special invitation. Dr. Baker 
was appointed to deliver an essay at the next, or a future meeting. 
Drs. Fountain, Thistle, Carter, Pelton, and Barrows were appointed 
delegates to the State Society, to meet at Iowa City the following 
June. The third quarterly meeting met at the Council Ciiamber 
July 28, the vice-president in the chair. The annual meeting 
convened at the same place, Oct. 27, Dr. C. C. Parry presiding 
at the morning, and the vice-president at the afternoon session. 
Resolutions were adopted making the annual meeting to occur the 
last Tuesday in January, and postponing the election of officers 
until that period, and continuing the existing organization. A 
committee, consisting of Drs. Carter, Thistle, and Adler, was 
appointed to revise the constitution and by-laws. The annual meet- 
ing assembled at the same place Jan. 26, 1858, Dr. Fountain 
presiding. The afternoon session was held at the office of Dr. 
Baker. 

The society has had an honorable career and has been in existence 
a little more than a quarter of a century. The following named of 
its membership have been called on to preside over the State Med- 
ical Association: J. M. "Witherwax, E. S. Barrows, M. B. Cochrane, 
J. W. H. Baker, James Gamble and W. F. Peck. 





-% 




l(/h(r{c^ yKuA- 




CHAPTER XVIII. 
CHRONOLOGY. 

In this connection' is ^iven a synopsis of many historical events 
that have transpired in the county, with an occasional introductio 
of some event of" national importance. 

1S32. — Treaty with the Indians by Gen. Scott,'by which the title 
to the land in Scott County became vested in the United States. 
George L. Davenport made the first claim of land in Scott County. 

1833. — First settlement in the county made by Capt. Benjamin 
W. Clark, near the present village of" Buffalo. Antoine Le Claire 
received a CDmmission as justice of the peace from the Governor of 
the Territory. 

1834. — Antoine Le Claire established a ferry between Stephen- 
son, now Rock Island, and Davenport. 

1836. — Davenport laid out. First hotel, built by Antoine Le 
Claire and Col. George Davenport. First public sale of lots in 
May. Gov. Dodge, of Wisconsin, held another treaty with the 
Sac and Fox Indians by which the tract of land reserved by the 
Indians in previous treaty was ceded to the United States. First 
law offices opened in Davenport by Alexander McGregor and G. 
C. R. Mitchell. First marriage in Davenport occurred this year, 
the contracting parties being William B. Watts and a niece of An- 
toine Le Claire. The first surveyor, William Gordon. The first 
plasterer, William B. Watts. The first white child born in Daven- 
port, a son of Levi G. Colton; it died in IS40. Dr. E. S. Barrows 
settled in Rockingham, being the first physician in the county and 
'second one in the Territory. 

1837. — Rev. Elnathan C. Gavitt, Methodist Episcopal, Rev. 
Enoch Mead, Presbyterian, and Bishop Chase, Episcopal, preached 
a sermon in Davenport, in the order named, Mr. Guvitt's btiiug 
the first ever preached in the village. D. C. Eldridge bniU a 
grist-mill run by liorse-power. First blacksmith slioj), by Louis 
Le Page. First shoemaker David Miller. First tailor, James O. 
Kelley. 

39 (663) 



664 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

1838. — The Presbyterians effected the first Church organization. 
G. L. Davenport & Co. opened the first hiinber yard. Harvey 
Leonard made the first brick and erected the first brick house, on 
the northeast corner of Third and Main streets, it is still stand 
ing. The Catholics erected the first church edifice in Davenport. 
The Iowa Su/i started by Andrew Logan. 

1839. — City charter granted the town of Davenport. Daven- 
port had its first physician in the person of Dr. A. C. Donaldson. 
First drug-store, by Charles Leslie. Frst wagon-maker, Seth F. 
Whiting. First school by Eev. Mr. Hummer. Catholic school, by 
Eev. J. A. M. Palaraorgue. First paint shop by Riddle & Morton. 

1840. — First agricultural society in Scott County organized, with 
A. W. McGregor, President, and John Forrest, Secretary. County- 
seat removed from Rockingham to Davenport. Le Claire House 
completed and opened by Mr. Hulse, of Cincinnati, and the "White 
Hall Temperance House by D. C. Eldridge. The first pork packed 
by Shays & Gano, Davenport. First stove, tin and sheet-iron store 
in Davenport opened by R. T. Craig. 

1841. — Court-house and jail built by the citizens of Davenport, 
and presented to the county. The first shoe store opened in Dav- 
enport by L. B. Colkmer. Mr. Armitageand Captain JSTichols 
started the first butcher stall. The first shipment of wheat made 
by John Owens to Cincinnati ; price 50 to 56 cents per bushel. First 
watch repairer and goldsmith in Davenport, R. L. Linbaugh. 
Newspaper, now in existence, commenced by Sanders & Davis as 
a weekl}', under the name of Davenport Gazette. Oct. 14, first 
regular service of the Episcopal Church in Davenport, the Rev. C 
H. Goldsmith officiating. Nov. 4, Trinity Church parish of Dav- 
enport wa3 organized. The first harnoss shop in Davenport was 
opened by Jacob Sailor, but soon after removed to Rock Island. 
Flour thisyear was sold at five dollars a barrel, and wheat 50 cents 
a bushel. Pork was worth but one and a half to two cents a pound. 

1842. — Protestant Episcopal Church organized on the 4th of No- 
vember in Davenport. Steam ferry-boat built by J. Wilson, but 
abandoned the same year. Bakery opened in Davenport by Daniel 
Moore, the oldest one in operation. Stephen Lindley started his 
harness shop in Davenport. The Iowa Sun discontinued. Good 
winter wheat sold at 37 and 40 cents per bushel. The best flour 
sold for $4.50 a barrel, and the same autumn sold in Chicago at $3 
and in St. Louis at $2.50 per barrel. There was no money; every- 
thing was barter in trade; pork sold at $1 and $1.50 per 100. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 665 

1843. — New city charter ijranted Davenport. Horse ferry-boat 
started by John Wilson. Iowa House opened in Davenport by 
D. B. Slii\w, afterward called the Ohio House. Scott County Bible 
Society organized. Ice in the river two feet thick. A Dubuque 
paper stated that for nearly four months the mercury stood at 20 
degrees below zero, and for several weeks of that time it stood at 
35 and 39 degrees below zero. xVlthough the crops were abundant, 
yet on account of the intense cold and want of sufficient liay and 
shelter a great many cattle died. Seven churches in Davenport. 

1844. — Iowa College Association formed in April. Stage office 
opened by Bennett & Lyter, and lines of stages to Dubuque and 
Burlington established, Bennett & Lyter having obtained the 
contract to carry the mail on their routes. By census taken of the 
county in June it was found to contain 1,750 inhabitants. Finan- 
cial condition of the county at the end of the year flattering. Ex- 
penditures, $1,757.80, and the receipts in treasury, $2,503.80. The 
wheat raised estimated at 100,000 bushels and no flouring mills in 
Davenport. A son of Benjamin W. Clark -was drowned in the 
Mississippi near Buffalo. A child of Mr. Winfield, near Rocking- 
ham, was burned to death by its clotlies taking fire. Ephraim 
Jenny died suddenly Jan. 16. 

1845. — First fire in Davenport; burned the building in which 
Mr. Eidridge had opened his store in 1837, situated on the corner 
of Eipley and Front streets, at the time occupied as a residence by 
three or more German families. On the 4th of July Col. George 
Davenport was foully murdered in his house on the island by des- 
peradoes. Kiver within one foot of the rise of 1844, May, 1845. 
A Swiss man and his wife poisoned by drinking tea made out of 
jimson weed. Peaches raised in the county were sold at 37^ 
cents per bushel. Arrest of Birch, Fox, Long, Baxter, Aaron Long 
and Young, murderers of George Davenport. Grand Jury at Rock 
Island found bill of indictment against Robert Birch, John Long, 
Aaron Long, Granville Young, "William Fox, John Baxter ; Birch, 
the brothers Long and Fox as principals, Baxter and Young as ac- 
cessories before the act. Asaiiel Hubbard, one of the county com- 
missioners, died in Nebraska County, in September. Charles, 
infant son of William Inslee, of Davenjmrt, fell into a kettle of 
hot water and was scalded to death. Joliii and Aaron Lone and 
Granville Young hung at Rock Island, Wednesday, Oct. 24. 



666 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

18-1:6. — The first plo^v factory was started in Davenport ])y John 
Bechtel. ^tna Flour Mill (the lirst steam mill in Davenport) 
finished, and business commenced by A. C. Fulton. Burrows and 
Prettyman started their mill about the same time. First Board of 
Trustees of Iowa College chosen. 

1847. — First banking house in Davenport established by Cook 
& Sai'gent, who also opened the first land agency. April 23, 
first Odd Fellows' lodge in Davenport instituted. First clothing 
store in Davenport started by Powers & Jordan. The Democratic 
Banner first published by T. D. Eagal. Preparatory department 
of Iowa College opened, Eev. Erastus Ripley, teacher. Albion 
Mills started, J. M. Burrows, proprietor. The German immigra- 
tion was large this year; 100 landed in Davenport on the 
22d of June, nearly all of whom settled in the county; 3,652 
white inhabitants iti count}', and two negroes. 

1849. — First jewelry store in Davenport started by A. C. Bill- 
ion. Daring July and August many died of cholera. There 
were now 4,873 inhabitants in the county. There were at this time 
in the city of Davenport, twenty-two carpenters, nine stone-ma- 
sons, two stone cutters, five brick-makers, six brick-layers, five 
plasters, six printers, ten cabinet-makers, five chair-makers, seven 
wheelwrights, two coach-makers, twelve blacksmiths, fifteen 
coopers, five saddlers and harness-makers, one trunk maker, eight 
shoemakers, three tin and coppersmiths, seven tailors, four engi- 
neers, three millers, two sawyers, eight draymen, nine teamsters, 
tlu-ee butchers, one dyer and scourer, one gunsmith, one watch- 
maker, one turner, one baker, one upholsterer, one barber, nine 
ministers, four physicians, two lawyers, two weekly papers. The 
public buildings were: two steam fiouring mills, one steam saw- 
mi 11, the Iowa College, the Medical College, five school houses, 
three hotels, two billiard rooms, two coffee houses, nineteen stoi-es, 
one public liall, one exchange office, two pork houses, one livery 
stable, and one plow factory. A full grown bear was killed in the 
neighborhood of Blue Grass. The Gazette urgently advocated the 
building of the Rock Island & La Salle Railroad, and asked the 
citizens of Scott County to subscribe liberally to its stock. A 
Muilical Institute established in Davenport. First jewelry store in 
c<>UMtv established in Davenport by A. C. Billion. 

18.50. — First exclusive book store in Davenport opened by W, 
PI. IL'lmes, who bought out D. C. Eldridge's stock, he having kept 
H 1)0 'k and drug store. Der Demokrat, a German newspaper com- 
iiif cud in Davenport by Theo. Guelich. Pennsylvania House. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 667 

Davenport, opened b}- M. C. Davis, on Seco))d street, between Main 
and Harrison. Tlie first district school in Davenport, James Thor- 
ington, teaclier, Mr. Thorington having taught private or select 
schools for some five or six years previous. Charter of Davenport 
Clt}' amended. First collegiate class formed in Iowa College. Pop- 
ulation of Davenport, 1,848. First picture framing and gilding es- 
tablishment opened by Frederick H. Weiss, in Davenport. Sash, 
door and blind factory and saw-mill opened by Burnett, Gillett & 
Co.. corner of Scott and Front streets. Davenport; capital, $125.- 
000 ; employ 90 hands ; manufacture annually, $160,000. One 
hundred new houses erected in Davenport during the year. Twen- 
ty-two thousand and forty -one acres of land entered in the county. 
Plenty of prairie land to be had for $1.25 per acre. On Monday, 
April 5, the county subscribed $25,000 in aid of the Rock Island & 
La Salle Railroad. Postoflice established at Allen's Grove, in 
August, with George Frederick as first postmaster. 

1851. — The foundry, machine and finishing shops in Davenport 
started by Le Claire, Davenport ct Co., employing 12 hands tiie 
first season. Coates & Davies' planing mill built in Davenport; 
capital, $75,000; employed 30 hands. The first daguerrean artist 
who opened permanently in Davenport was O. L. Bnrdick, al- 
though some had practiced the art previous!}'. In April Judge 
Grant was chosen first president of tlie Chicago & Rock Island 
Railroad. Robert Christie's mill was erected at East Davenport- 
First wholesale grocery in Davenport, established by S. liirsclial- 
June 1, Stephenson & Carnahan opened a new drug store in Daven- 
port. New city charter granted Davenport. In February, Charles 
Weston was elected mayor of Davenport, and H. Leonard. A. 
Wygant, Dr. Barrows, N. Squires, H. Price, aldermen. In the 
August election Wm. Burris was chosen judge, and Harvey Leon- 
ard, sherift'. Second Baptist Church of Davenport was organized. 
Oct. 7, S. Biirnell's steam saw-mill was built. Three hundred 
immigrants landed at one time from the Wyoming settlers for Scott 
County. Cholera very bad. Over 300 houses built in Davenport. 
Oazette enlarged to a seven-column folio,' May 22. German Lu- 
theran ciiurch erected. Heavy rain storm occurred May 21, which 
destroyed a large amount of property. Forty-five buildings were 
in process of erection in Davenport in May. The river was higher 
than any year since 1844. Amity post-office, Hickory Grove town- 
ship, established in July, with Philip Baker, Postmaster. Daven- 
port &. Rogers" grist and saw mill burned Sept. (t. 



668 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COCNTV. 

1852. — First exclusive tobacco storeand cigar mamifactorv opened 
in Davenport by James Burge, altliough H. Wagener was tlie first 
person wlio manufactured cigars in tiie place. Steam ferry boat 
started by John Wilson. J. M. Cannon's steam saw-mill was built. 
First tombstone and marble manufactory in Davenport started by 
W. W. Kennedy. Population, 3,500. 

1853. — Le Claire foundry burnt Ausf. 20. First music store 
opened in Davenport by J. A. Crandall. Mississippi & Missouri 
Kailroad Company organized. Sept. 1, ground first broken by Mr. 
Le Claire. East end of Le Claire's row (in Davenport) completed, 
the fourth story being Le Claire's hall. First express ofBce started 
in Davenport, Ilenwick & Son, agents. Telegraph office opened in 
Davenport. Population ot Davenport, 4,500. Aug. 1, tri-weekly 
Gazette started in Davenport. Dec. 21, remarkable; river not closed. 
Steamer " Jenny Lind" arrived from Le Claire, and left next day for 
Galena with a load of good. On Thursday, July 7, 1853, vote was 
taken for or against city of Davenport subscribing §85,000 in aid of 
the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad — 212 for and 1 against. Pre- 
viously a vote was taken for or against count}' subscribing §50,000 
Chicago & Rock Island — 298 for and 10 against. Wednesday, Oct. 
26, first snow of the season. Antoine Le Claire was offered $130,000 
for 100 acres of land near Davenport. Davenport weekly Bee 
being published. 

1S54. — Feb. 22, completion of the Chicigo & Rock Island 
Railroad; the Atlantic and Mississippi united. On the 20th of July, 
a most terrible and destructive tornado passed over Davenport, the 
most severe ever known in this region. Trees were torn up, and 
liouses unroofed and blown down. The Le Claire foundry was 
partially demolished, the walls of the building falling in on some 
of the workmen, killing William Overton and injuring his son. 
Mr. Wickersham's store, a new three-story brick building, was com- 
pletely demolished. In June of this year, the Rev. Henry W. 
Lee, D. D., was elected first bishoj) of Iowa. Central part of Le 
Claire's row finished, which completed the block from Brady to 
Main streets. Witherwax's block and Orr's building completed. 
Third floor of the latter fitted up and occupied as Odd Fellows and 
Sons of Temperance Hall. A portion of third loft of Witherwax's 
block named Literary Hall. The Davenport Commercial was 
started in the spring by N. H. Parker; W. Atwill purchased it in 
December and changed the name to Davenport Courier. An ex- 
tensive wholesale iron and hardware store was opened in Daven- 



HISTORV OF SCOTT COUNTY. 669 

port in tlie fall by T. Close & Co. Daily line of stages established 
to Iowa City, Ti])ton and Cedar Rapids. First stove and hollow- 
ware fouudry in Davenport established by Davis, Boyd t% Co. 
Eenwiek & Sons steam saw-mill was built dm-ing this year; capital. 
$50,000 ; they employed 30 hands. First buckskin mitten manu- 
factory in Davenport was established by Keith & Lewis. Davenport 
Gas. Light and Coke Company organized. The first exclusive 
crockery store in Davenport was China Hall, opened by L. S. 
"Webb & Co. First exclusive book and job printing office in Dav- 
en])ort established by Luse & Coles. Sept. 1, corner-stone ot 
the bridge laid. Oct. 16, the first daily paper in Davenport, 
the Daily Gazette, issued by Sanders & Davis. Oct. 31, Le 
Claire House, Davenport, sold to Dr. J. J. Burtis. Nov. 25, 
Scott House opened by R. Benton. First (German) Evangelical 
Lutheran Church organized. Allen «fe Bosworth's steam saw- 
mill built iu Davenport. Hildreth & Dallam's steam flour-mill 
at East Davenport finished and put in operation. Population 
of Davenport, 6,000. Scott County Agricultural Society held their 
first annual fair. Oct. 4; §4:00 paid in premiums. June 5, 
ex-President Fillmore visited Davenport. June 10 Col. Will- 
iam Davenjiort visited Daveni)ort. June 21 a public sale of lots 
was made on the blufi one mile below Davenport, at which unim- 
proved lots sold at trom §150 to 82P0. William Herri ck & Co., 
of Cincinnati, commenced preparations to light the city of Daven- 
port with gas, September. Public school building dedicated 
in Davenport, Saturday, Sept. 30. 

1S55. — Jan. 2, frost out of the ground and farmers plowing. 
Banking house of Yerberg & Barrows opened at Davenport. Jan. 
13, Commercial Writing Academy opened by C. Parker in Daven- 
port. Steamboat "Minnesota Belle" arrived in port, the first arri- 
val from the Upper Mississippi for many years. Jan. 26, new city 
charter for Davenport. March 31, Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion organized. May 15, new ferry-boat "Davenport'' established, 
between Rock Island and Davenport. July 20, first locomotive 
ever seen in Iowa arrived in Davenport called the "Antoine Le 
Claire." Track laid two and a half miles west of city. Aug. 23, 
city of Davenport first lighted by gas. Banner of Davenport 
changed liands, Mr. T. D. Eagal disposing of his interest to Messrs. 
Dalrymple & Richardson. Enos Tichenor elected Mayor of Dav- 
enport; William Burris, Judge; Harvey Leonard, Sheriff; and James 
McCosh, Recorder. Nov. 28, first steam-power printing press in- 
troduced in Iowa by Sanders & Davis, proprietors of the Gazette. 



670 HI8T0KY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

1856. — Jan. 1, Mississippi measured by Mr. Hogan at low 
water mark; found to be 2,580 feet wide, and at high water, 2,700 
feet wide. Jan 5, first number of the Daily Democrat of Daven- 
port issued. Jan. 20, mercury down to 20'^ below zero. Feb. 8, 
arrivals at the three hotels, Le Claire House, and the old and new 
Pennsylvania House, during the past year amounted to 50,000, as 
per the registers in the hotels named. Feb. 28, last span of the 
Mississippi bridge completed. March 6, bold robbery of boots 
and shoes from the store of Moore & Brown, of Davenport. June 
6, enlargement of the Dally Gazette. July 16, the most destruc- 
tive and extensive fire by which Davenjjort had ever been visited, 
broke out on Monday night in a frame building on Front street, 
near the corner of R. .'k Island, occupied as a warehouse by 
Hull, Allen & Co. ; D. Moore's bakery, a two story brick build- 
ing' and a frame dwelling house occupied by Mr. Shields were also 
consumed; total loss, $15,000. Sept. 9, bridge over the Mis- 
sissippi completed. Cars commenced crossing on schedule time. 
Oct. 3, an ordinance passed by the City Council of Davenport for 
the purchase of two fire-engines, two hose-carts, and 1,S00 feet 
of hose. First permanent organization of a fire company. Oct. 
21, dedication of Ste. Marguerite's church of Davenport. Dec. 5, 
first concert given by the Philharmonic Society. Dec. 9, ice 
bridge formed over the Mississippi. Davenport iron works estab- 
lished on Rock Island street, near Second, by Jemme, Donnelly & 
Lea; capital, $18,000; value of manufactures, $100,000; employing 
55 hands. County jail erected, under the superintendence of 
Hon. W. L. Cook, then county judge. Le Claire machine works 
bought by M. Donahue; capital, $50,000; employ 40 hands; man- 
ufactures, $150,000 for the year. 

1857. — Jan. 1, dissolution of Sanders & Davis, publishers of the 
daily and weekly Gazette, of Davenport, and partnership entered 
of Alfred and Add. H. Sanders. Jan. 9, Second Presbyterian 
church of Davenport destroyed by fire. Jan. 21, bill passed to 
amend the city charter of Davenport. Feb. 16, Board of Trade 
organized, and its officers elected. Feb. 17, 16 persons baptized 
in the river by the pastor of Second Baptist Church of Daven- 
port. March 17, Dr. Burtis disposed of his interest in the Le 
Claire House, Davenport, to Mr. Schuyler. March 9, a fire broke 
out in a store on Brady street, Davenport, occupied by Mr. Meyers 
as a cigar store. The fire spread to a two-story frame, owned by 
George L. Davenport, and occupied by Dr. "W. W. Parktr as a hard- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 671 

ware store. Both buildings were consumed. Mr. Meyers' loss, ■ 
$500, and Mr. Parker's, $8,700. April 16, Davenport furniture 
factory organized. May 1, opening of Cook & Sargent's new 
banking house in Davenport, on the corner of Main and Second 
streets. May 19, $70 asked for a ton of liay. May 29, arrival of 
the two fire engines for Davenport, the "Pilot " and the "Witch," 
from Boston, Mass., costing §3,400, throwing streams 200 feet 
from a IJ-inch nozzle; " Pilot" weighing 3,67u pounds, and the 
" Witch," 3,610 pounds. The " Rover" reel, with her hose, weighs 
2,0S0 pounds. June 15, lively encounter between steamboat men 
and the bridge tenders, in which several were injured by stones 
being thrown from the steamer " Wra. H. Nelson." July 6, 
great fire broke out on Brady street, between Fourth and P^ifth 
streets, in Davenport, destroying 13 frame houses, used as stores 
and dwellings, and a large amount of household furniture. 
July 31, a boiler explosion in the M. & M. workshops, opposite 
the depot in Davenport. Two boilers were blown to pieces, the en- 
gines and brick work being scattered in all directions; but few 
lives were lost. Damage to property estimated to reach $5,000. 
Aug. 25, gas cut oft for two weeks in Davenport during necessary 
repairs, and for new ini])rovements and additions to the works. 
Sept. 4, a boiler explosion at Renwick's mill; no one hurt. Sept. 
28, first town clock in Davenport; ])ut up by Cook & Sai'gent in front 
of their banking house, on the corner of Second and Main streets. 
Oct 1, Trinity church, Davenport, first lighted with gas. Oct. 19, 
the Independent fire engine and hose company took possession of 
their new engine room. 

1858. — January, organization of the Pioneer Settlers' Associa 
tion of Scott County. Feb. 22, the Burtis House, on the corner of 
Fifth and Iowa streets, Davenport, opened to the public and the 
first annual festival of the Pioneer Settlers' Society. May 3, Ger- 
man Fire Company, No 3, organized in Davenport. Aug. 4, Cook 
& Sargent's bank refused to receive Burrows & Prettyman's cur- 
rency, except on special deposit. Aug. 11, trial of Thomas Cellian 
for the murder of his wife. Aug. 19, the Buckholter arson 
case on trial. Aug. 29, a disgraceful Sunday riot. Fight be- 
tween the police and ferry boat hands. Two policeman wounded, 
and several other parties injured. Sept. 1, first edition ot 
the Davenport Daily Times. On the morning of the 6th, 
at a quarter past 12 o'clock, a destructive fire broke out in 
the old Bazaar building, corner of Bradv and the river, in 



672 HISTORY OF sco'rr county. 

.Davenport. It started in one of the saloons in the basement. The 
building was erected in 1852, and was worth $3,000. Cook & Sar- 
gent burned $200,000 of Florence currency in the furnace of their 
new building. Sept. 28, the steamer "Fannie Harris" sunk, and 
two lives were lost. Two firemen were knocked oti the boat by the 
force of the collision with the bridge piers. Damages to the boat 
amounted to about $2,000. Oct. 17, the Denton House caught on 
tire, destroying all the furniture; loss $10,000. Nov. 6, a burglar 
efiected an entrance into the post office by cutting out a panel in the 
rear door. About $12 was stolen. Arrest of two counterfeiters in 
Meyers' saloon on Brady street, with over $2,000 of the "queer" 
in their possession. Nov. 22, a bold but unsuccessful attempt to 
set fire to the new bank of Cook & Sargent, in Davenport. Dec. 
14, two children burned to death, and one child severely injured, 
belonging to the family of Richard Dutton, who lived on Harrison, 
between Ninth and Tenth streets, Davenport. 

1859. — Feb. 22, second annual festival of tlie Old Settlers' So- 
ciety at the Burtis House. March 20, the steamer " Aunt Lstty" 
blown against one of the bridge pieces, and about 40 feet of her liull 
stove in. May 12, the Pike's Peak excitement in full bloom. Grand 
review of the fire companies of Davenport and Pock Island. May 
30, the Pike's Peak bubble bursts, and a large number of our citi- 
zens are daily returning. Several attempts at burglary and robbery 
from buildings and persons recorded on the 30th. June 6, daring 
but unsuccessful attempt to destroy the Rock Island Railroad bridge 
over the Mississippi River. Oct. 24, two persons stabbed in AYeide- 
man's beer garden, on the bluft", by cabin boys from the steamer 
"Fred Lorenz." Oct. 30, death of William Herrig one of the young 
men stabbed in Weideman's beer garden, Davenport. Nov. 4, 
daring but unsuccessful attempt to break jail frustrated by the 
plucky conduct ol Jailer Graham's wife, of Davenport. Nov. 8, 
Sunday laws, a special ordinance passed by the City Council of 
Davenport, that the city marshal be hereby ordered to prevent the 
unlawful assemblage on the Sabbath day at dance houses, beer 
houses, grog shops and drinking saloons, etc. Nov. 21, first malt 
house in Davenport started by Mr. Decker, corner of Fourth and 
Scott streets. The first operation in tracha^otomy, in Davenport, 
successfully performed by Dr. Adler, assisted by Drs. Fountain 
and Maxwell, on a little son of Mr. D. B. Shelley. Nov. 26, the 
Andalusia packet " Comet" met with an accident during the storm. 
"While coming up the river under a heavy press of canvas, when a 



UISTOEY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 673 

short distance above Credit Island, was struck by a squall, and her 
mainmast and ringing were carried overboard, and encountering a 
heavy sea, sunk in five feet of water. The crew safely swam 
ashore. Dae. 2, old John Brown was publicly executed at 11 o'clock 
on the morning of Dec. 2, at Charleston, Va. A number of the 
German citizens of Davenport showed their sympathy for him by 
lowering tlie flag to half mast on Lahramann's Hall, and draped it 
in mourning; a number of stores harl crape attached to the doors, 
and some Germans wore crape on their hats. Dec. 16, the Odd 
Fellows of Davenport dedicated tlieir new hall on Brady above 
Fifth street. Dec. 16, suspension of Cook & Sargent's banking 
house of Davenport. 

1S60. — Jan. 1, lion. Ilirain Price elected mayor of Davenport 
with a majority of 26S votes over Judge Grant. Jan. 23, destruc- 
tive fire broke out at 90 Brad_v street, Davenport, occupied by Miss 
Kenwick as a millinery store; loss nearly $3,000. Jan. 28, Hor- 
ace Greeley lectured on Northwestern America, and had the 
largest audience tiiat had ever assembled for a similar occasion in 
Davenport. Feb. 22, grand military display to celebrate the anni- 
versary of George Washington's birthday. Feb. 27, first annual 
festival of tiie Scott County "Xew England Society," held in the 
Burtis House, Davenport. March 21, the city hospital, situated 
about one mile from the city of Davenport, on Locust street, de- 
stroyed by fire; work of an incendiary. March 22, Messrs J. C. 
Matliers & A. Winert erected a soap, candle factory and tannery in 
Davenport. Mr. Stroh also erected a tine two-story brick store on 
Harrison, above Second street, and Mr. Richard B. Hill erected a 
block of five warehouses on Front street, corner of Brady. April 21, 
Itobert E. Campbell, of Davenport, a banker, committed suicide. 
June 1, a brush Tnanufactorj' was started in Davenport by Joseph 
Wliisler, on Kipley street. Marble works opened b}^ McCosh & 
Donahue. June 3, the large ice-iiouse 100 x 30 feet, belonging to 
E. Peck, blown down. June 25, riotous and disgracaful proceed- 
ings at the election jiolls in the Si.vth Ward of Davenport during 
the election for alderman. July 4. an immense crowd of the citi- 
zens of Davenport turn out and enjoy the day. Splendid parade 
made by the military and other civic societies. July 19, new gro- 
cery house opened in Davenport by A. J. Preston. John Howe 
starts in business, on his own account, in the gas and steam fitting 
and plumbing line. July 22, a very narrow escape of Dr. J. A. 
Reid, of Davenport, from drowning. July 26, conijiletion of several 



674 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

of the fine stores in R. B. Hill's block on Second street. Kehoe & 
Carbart opened up a drv-goods store. Aug. 9, several new ware- 
bouses completed and opened up by Charles Glassman, grocer, on 
Third, below Gaines street. William Dalzell put up a frame 80 x 25, 
on Harrison street, above Fifth. J. S. Coates erected a stone build- 
ing 75 x 30, of one and a half stories, on the southeast corner ot 
Perry and Front streets, Davenport. Aug. 12, extensive improve- 
ments made in the Great Western Brewery; the amount of capital 
invested is about $16,000. Aug. 15, Young Men's Associated 
Congress organized. Sept. 9, farewell sermon preached by Rev. 
George F. Magoun. pastor of the Congrearational Church of Daven- 
port. Sept. 12, Mayor Caldwell, of Davenport, forfeited his position 
as mayor by moving outside of the city limits. Sept. 16, the Re- 
formed Dutch church was dedicated at 10 A. M., and the Rev. C. 
G. Van Derveer was installed as pastor. The church is located on 
the corner of Eleventh and Brady streets, Davenport. Sept. 18, 
a broom factory started by C. H. Van Epps; also a woolen and 
spinning mill opened. Oct. 3, the Davenport Gazette took the 
diploma and a $10 premium at the State Fair for the best looking 
paper in the State of Iowa. 

1861. — Feb. 2-1, an attempt was made to assassinate President 
Lincoln, whilst traveling from Harrisburg to Baltimore. March 
29, sudden death of Dr. E. J. Fountain. Six attempts at incendi- 
arism in one night. April 7, election day; Republicans carry 
the day by a large majority. H. G. French elected Mayor; O. S. 
McNeil, Marshal. Charles H. Eldridge succeeded A. F. Mast as 
Postmaster. Mr. Mast had held the office for eight years. April 
15, great excitement in Davenport over the reported surrender of 
Fort Sumter by Major Anderson. April 24, Governor Kirk- 
wood's arrival at Davenport, and the acceptance of Captains 
Littler's and Wentz's companies for the Second Regiment. May 
10, collision with the bridge by the steamer " Gray Eagle,'' which 
sunk a few minutes afterward; total loss of boat and cargo, val- 
ued at $50,000. May 10, A. F. Mast, ex-Postmaster of Davenport, 
opened a grocery store on the corner of Third and Harrison 
streets. May 20, Captain R. M. Littler and his regiment, the 
Davenport City Guards, ordered to Keokuk. May 22, sword pre 
sentation to Captain R. M. Littler by the Davenport Guards. 
July 1, appointment of Add. Sanders to the position of staff officer 
to the governor. July 29, Col. Hoffman appointed to take charge 
of a regiment. Aug. 12, appointment of Dr. M. B. Cochran as 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COTraTT. 675 

surgeon to tlie First Regiment of Iowa Cavalry. Aug. 13, terri- 
ble tight in Missouri. The rebels repulsed with tremendous loss. 
The rebel depot on the Potomac cleaned out. Captain Littler pro- 
moted to lieutenant-colonelcy of his regiment. Aug. 17, Edwards 
Congregational Church of Davenport re-organized. Aug. 27, 
grand reception to Captain Wentz's company, First Regiment of 
Iowa Volunteers. Sept. 6, Company C, Second Regiment of Iowa 
Cavalry, organized with Henry Egbert as captain. Sept. 8, 
Colonel Ilotiman resigns his commission as colonel of the Eighth 
Regiment. Sept. 25, death of Antoine Le Claire, aged 63 years 
nine months and ten days. Mr. Le Claire was struck with 
paralysis about nine days before his death. Oct. 11, election 
delayed on account of war excitement. Resulted as follows: 
James Thorington, Sheriff; August F. Mast, Recorder. Nov. 
9, Lieut .-Colonel Wentz killed in an engagement at Bel- 
mont. Nov. 12, arrival of the body of the late gallant Colonel 
Wentz, and the same lying in state in Metropolitan Hall. Nov. 
13. funeral of the late Col. Wentz; grand military display, in 
which all the public schools, civic societies and citizens take part. 
Business generally suspended, and houses on the route draped in 
mourning for one of Iowa's most gallant dead. Add. li. Sanders 
appointed lieut.-colonel of the 16th Regiment Iowa Infantry, 
quartered at Camp McClellan. Dec. 5, presentation of a sword 
and revolvers to Lieut.-Colonel Sanders by Col. Hill. Dec. 17, 
Charleston, S. C. rn flames. 

1862. — Feb. 7, Fort Henry taken by the Union army. Feb. 17, 
Fort Donelson and 15,000 prisoners surrendered to Gen. Grant. 
Feb. 26, arrival at Davenport of the late Capt. Sla^'maker's body, 
who was killed before Fort Donelson; impressive funeral services 
held in St. Luke's chmeh. April 6, election day; Hon. G. H. 
French re-elected Miiyor; Harvey Leonard, Marshal. April 11, 
the 8th, 12th and l-ltli Regiments uf Iowa Infantry taken prisoners. 
Lieut. -Col. Littler lost his left arm in the attack before Pittsburg 
Landing. April 29, capture of New Orleans and occupation by 
the Fetleral forces. May 6, disastrous lire in Davenport, destroy- 
ing the grain eleva'or on the southwest corner of Fifth and Har- 
rison streets; h>ss, $12,000. May 12, Norfolk in possession of the 
Federals. May 19, suicide in the Hurtis House of Jennett Dutton. 
May 25, dissolution of partnership existing between Alfred and 
Add. H. Sanders, of the Davenport Gazette; the business was 
continued by Alfred Sanders. July 21, Burrows &, Prettyman's 



676 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

mill and block destroyed by fire; loss, §60,000. Sept. S, Alfred 
Sanders disposed of his interest in the Davenport Gazette to Messrs. 
James McCosh, Edward Russell, Fred Koops and Levi Davis, the 
same entering into a co-partnership to be known as the " Gazette 
Company." Oct. 14, Col. Sanders returns home badly wounded 
b}' a minie ball in his right leg, which he received while leading 
his regiment against the enemy, his horse being shot from under 
him. The Colonel procured another horse and remained with his 
men till dark. Dec. 1, dedication of the new German Theater of 
Davenport, corner of Scott and Third streets, by a grand ball. 

1863. — Jan. 6, sword presented to Major William Penn Clark. 
Jan. 13, Old Settlers' reunion. Feb. 17, a new bakery opened by 
Messrs. Matthes & Berkel in Davenport. Feb. 21, Davenport 
starch factory started by George A. Baker & Brotlier. March 7, 
new banking house opened in Davenport by Messrs. Corbin & 
Dow. March S,6, Le Claire Row, Davenport, on Second street, from 
Main to Brady, sold to Charles Yeile, of Evansville, Ind., for 
$60,000. April 4, John E. Henry elected mayor of Davenport- 
April 27, Demoo'at issued as an evening instead of morning paper. 
May 11, Mr. J. J. Richardson became associated with his brother 
in the proprietorship of the Democrat of Davenport. May 18, 
Messrs. Schricker & Dressaint purchased the mill property of 
Burmell, Gillette h Co., for $9,000. June 29, the First National 
Bank opened with Austin Cobin, President, and Ira M. Gif" 
ford, Casliier, and secured the first certificate issued under the new 
banking law in the United States. Aug. 31, the Davenport City 
Relief Society organized with Mayor John E. Henry as President; 
G. L. Davenport, Treasurer, andF. H. Griggs, Secretary. Sept. 21, 
10 candidates admitted to the university by Bishop Ames, of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Sept. 23, Robert Sickels, who had 
been in business in Davenport many years, formed a co-partnership 
with A. J. Preston, in the hardware and iron trade. Nov. 11, Twin 
City Mills destroyed by fire; loss, $15,000. Shields' woolen-mill 
in operation for the first time. 

1861. — Jan. 1, Young Men's Library, connected with tlie Associ- 
ated Congress of Davenport, organized with a library of 1,200 
volumes. June 1, 44:th Iowa Regiment mustered into Govern- 
ment service, with S. II. Henderson, Colonel; Henry Egbert, Lien- 
tenant-Colonel, and E. F. Richman, Adjutant. July 11, gold 
closed in New York on Saturday at $2.86. Aug. 18, a load of barley 
sold on the streets of Davenport for $1.81 per bushel. Aug. 29, 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 677 

Messrs. Bn'ant & Co., of Davenport, establish a jobbing-house fur 
boots and shoes. Aug. 31, corner-stone of Griswokl College laid. 
Terrible fight between raftsmen in Hartel's saloon, on Second 
street, between Perry and Kock Island streets, Davenport; one 
man dangerously stabbed. Sept. 22, General Sheridan routs the 
enemy at Harper's Ferry; over 5,000 prisoners taken; great 
public demonstration and rejoicing at the favorable tidings. Nov. 
24, Lieut.-Colonel Robert M. Littler appointed Acting Assistant 
Provost Marshal General for the State of Maine, with head- 
quarters at Augusta. Dec. 25, General Sherman captures Savan- 
nah, including 150 guns and 33,000 bales of cotton. Dec. 29, 
Griswold College chapel consecrated by Bishop Lee, and assisted 
by Bishop Vail, of Kansas. 

1865. — Jan. 18, Fort Fisher captured bv the Union array; great 
rejoicings at Davenport; a salute of lOu guns fired in honor 
of the victory. March 14, Opening of Bryant & Stratton Com- 
mercial Business College in Nichol's Block, corner of Brady 
and Second streets, Davenport. April 1, John L. Davies elected 
Mayor; William Pool, Marshal; W. A. Kemington, Treasurer; 
Francis Ochs, Assessor, of Davenport. April 3, Petersburg evac- 
uated and Richmond taken. April 9, Lee surrendered, with 
his entire army, to General Grant. Exteusive conflagration in 
dwellings in rear of St. Louis Hotel, Davenport; stables and 
numerous dwellings destroyed; loss, $8,000. Another tire broke 
out in a frame building, used for storage of hay and feed for horses 
and mules in the Government stables, on Second street, between 
Perry and Rock Island, Davenport; loss, §1,000. Still another 
fire broke out in stable in the alley between Perr}' and Brady, used 
by Dr. Carpenter. April 10, grand gala day in Davenport, and 
great rejoicings; immense procession; grand illumination in the 
evening. April 11, Major R. M. Littler promoted to Lieutenant- 
Colonel of U. S. Volunteers, by President Lincoln, for faithful and 
meritorious service. April 15, President Lincoln shot dead; J. 
Wilkes Booth the assassin . Secretary Seward also assailed by a 
murderer; he survives the wounds inflicted upon him; the would- 
be assassin escaped. April 25, death of Alfred Sanders, former 
proprietor of the Gazette. April 2S, Booth, the assassin of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, was shot dead, and his accomplice, Harold, was 
taken prisoner about three miles from Port Royal. April 29, ter- 
rible accident on the Mississippi, a few miles above Cairo, by 
the explosion of the steamer "Sultana;" over 1,000 lives were 



678 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

lost, and the boat burned to the water's edge. May 14-, Jefi 
Davis, the Rebel President, captured in Irwinville, Georgia. July 
13, hoop-skirt manufactory established in Davenport by Winter, 
Grouse & Co., at No. 23 East Second street. Aug. 20, a man shot 
dead whilst assaulting a i-eturned soldier with an ax, in Daven- 
port; verdict rendered, justifiable homicide. Oct. 10, Removal of 
Mr. Russell as post-master, and General Sanders appointed to the 
position. Oct. 31, post-office removed to the corner of Third and 
Perry streets. 

1866. — April 8, election day in Davenport ; John L. Davies was 
elected Mayor ; W. A. Remington, Treasruer ; Francis Ochs, As- 
sessor, WilliamPool, Marshal. May 7, collision, the steamer " Enter- 
prise" sunk by striking tlie large pier of the bridge; loss, $40,000, 
insurance, §12,000. May 15, arrival of the new steam tire-engine 
for the Fire Kings of Davenport. May 16, firemen's annual re- 
view of Davenport; grand display of the department; after the in- 
spection by the City Council was concluded, the engines were tried 
and worked satisfactorily. May 25, Davenport rope factory started. 
Aug. 1, the Atlantic cable laid, and in good working order. Aug. 
21, the roof ot the Congregational church fell in wliile under- 
going repairs ; no one injured. Oct. 6, survey commenced for the 
railroad bridge and carriage drive over the Mississippi, imder the 
supervision of E. H. Johnson. Oct. 9, Hiram Price, of Daven- 
port, elected member of Congress. Oct. IS, improvements and 
enlargement of St. Marguerite's church completed. Dec. 9, lament- 
able occurrence ; an elderly woman, Mrs. Julia Ann Cahill, aged 
70 years, and two grandchildren burned to death, and a boy fa' ally 
injured by the burning of their house on Locust street road. Dec. 
28, incendiarism; burning of barn, horses, cattle, ha}-, etc., belong- 
ing to Judge W. L. Cook ; loss, $4,000. The number of suicides, 
burglaries, fires, etc., during the last two months, exceeds any- 
thing that has ever occured in Davenport during any six months 
from the time of its earliest settlement. 

1867. — Jan. 24, a new grocery establishment opened in Daven- 
port on Brady street by Messrs. Price vfe Conner. A new hard- 
ware house opened at No. 50 Brady street, by Goodwill & Bissell. 
Feb. 4, re-opening of the new Y. M. C. A. rooms in Le Claire 
Block, Davenport, J. S. Conner, President. March 17, six prisoners 
broke jail, and after a lively chase three were captured by the 
sherift and aids. April 6, election day ; Michael Donahue, May- 
or; J. W. Moore, Marshal; Otto Klung, Treasurer; T. J. Saunders, 




i^€fUc-^A<:-^2^,^ 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 681 

Assessor. June 11, ceremony of breaking the ground for the 
Episcopal Cathedral. June 23, first annual commencement of 
exercises of Griswold College ; sermon preached by the Rev. 
Chester S. Percival, of Cedar Rapids. June 29, permanent 
location in Davenport of Dr. E. II. Hazen, oculist and aurist. 
July, corner-stone of St. Mary's church, of Davenport, laid, 
July 21. Over 200 buildings have been erected and more than 
$500,000 invested within the last seven months in improvements 
and addition to business and private houses in Davenport. Sept. 
3, another destructive conflagration in Davenport; seven business 
houses on Brady street in ruins; loss, §160,000. Levi Davis sold 
his interest in the Gazette Company to J. S. Conner. Sept. 10, the 
C, R. I. & P. R. R. open to Des Moines; the first train from 
Davenport through to the capitol celebrated with especial interest. 
Sept. 30, five buildings burned on East Second street, Davenport, 
between Perry and Brady streets; less, $5,000. Nov. 11, Bur- 
rows' flour-mill burned; loss, $15,000. JSlov. 25, return of Bishop 
Lee from the Lambeth Contereiice, to Davenport. Dec. 29, com- 
pletion of the Burtis Opera House. Dec. 26, formal opening of 
the Burtis Opera House, Davenport; a grand success. 

1868. — Jan. 16, subscription books opened for a street railway 
in Davenport. Feb. 12, great damage done to the bridge by the 
ice gorge ; one span moved off the pier ; five steamboats and 
barges wrecked; the water up to Second 3tn_ 't; the river rose eight 
feet in two hours; daiiiage?:, $150,000. March 16, a tornado on 
the river ; the railroad bridge in ruins : entire destruction of 
the draw. April -1, election da)' in Davenport, Mr. Donahue elected 
Mayor; John Kaufman, Marsiial; Otto Klung, Trer.surer; Francis 
Oclis, Assessor. May 23, new grocery store opened by Risley & 
Bawden, on the corner of Third and Harrison streets, Davenport. 
July 16, A. L. Mossman swam from the loot of Perry street, Daven- 
port, to the ferry landing at Rock Island in 17 minutes. Dec. 
7, Sickles & Preston opened a hardware store in Davenport. 

1869. — Jan. 15, a woman arrested in Davenport with $3,000 
counterfeit money in her possession. Jan. 31, the jewelry store 
of Arcliibald Corken entered by burglars; money and jewelry to 
tlie value of $1,600 taken. March 2. Third street railroad opened. 
March 13, estimated population of Davt-niwrt, according to the 
assessor's books, 20,063. April 4, election day in Davenixirt; 
James Renwick elected Mayor; John RHnfman, Marshal; Francis 
Ochs, Assessor; W. A. Remington, Treasurer. Apr. 9. incendiary 
40 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTY. 

work; destruction of John L. Davis' planing-mill; loss, $20,000; 
no insurance. Nov. 11, the Democrat building tired, narrow es- 
cape of the structure ; loss, about $1,600. Dec. 20, Simonson's 
clothing store on Second street, Davenport, burned ; loss, $25,000. 
1870. — Feb. 26, $10,000 Avorth of beer destroyed belonging 
to Knepper & Schlapp, in East Davenport, by parties drilling 
holes in the large casks and vats, and letting all the beer out; over 
700 barrels of lager were destroyed. April 2, Republican victory 
at the polls in Davenport; John M.'Lyter, Mayor; John Kaufman 
Marshal; F. Ochs, Assessor; W. A. Eemington, Treasurer. Apr. 4, 
extensive fire in Davenport ; Pennsylvania House burned ; also 
three residences; loss, $75,000. April 15, bold attempt to destroy 
theCity Flour Mills, of Davenport; loss, $1,100. April 25, Garrett's 
shoe factory, two dwelling-houses, Knostman & Petersen's furniture 
factory and lumber yard burned; loss, $30,000; all in Davenport. 
May 19, D. A. Burrow's mill of Davenport burnt; loss, $10,000. 
Aug. 22, a mother and her two children foully murdered, near 
Second and Warren streets, in Davenport. Aug. 29, a man's arm 
torn out of the socket at Renwick's mill in Davenport; he dies 
30 minutes afterward. Sept. 4. J. C. Bills elected Mayor of 
Davenport. A new wholesale store for hats, caps, furs and straw 
goods opened by J. A. Solomon & Co. at No. 10 \^eile's Block, 
Davenport. Sept. 19, new trunk factory started in Davenport by 
William McKay & Son. Sept. 20, Hosford & Nutting opened a 
new hardware store in Davenport. Oct. 6, first train on the 
D. & St. P. E. R. over the Wapsie. Oct. 23, two passenger trains 
each way daily from Davenport to De Witt. Nov. 20, the firm of 
Charles Knell and G. R. Marvin opened a new furniture establish- 
ment in Davenport. Nov. 21, first regular through passenger 
train to St. Louis ; 248 miles in 11 hours to the Mound City 
from Davenport. Dec. 15, installation of the Rev. J. B. Stewart 
as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport. 

1871. — Jan. 28, A. S. Alston's store on Second street, Daven- 
port, robbed of $2,000 worth of silks and velvets. Feb. 5, first 
marriage in Davenport according to the rites of the Jewish fiiith, 
the contracting parties being Mr. E. Rothschild, of the city, and 
Miss C. Lazare, of Rock Island, 111. April 1, election day in Dav- 
enport ; J. C. Bills, elected Mayor ; J. A. Le Claire, Marshal. 
Tompson & Bahls opened a new merchant tailoring establishment. 
Oct. 5, heavy fire in Davenport, the iron elevator destroyed; 50," 
000 bushels of grain burned; loss, $62,000. Opening of R. Clay- 



HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 683 

ton's plumbing, gas and steam-fitting establishment on Second 
street. Oct. 14, cold-blooded stabbing of Dr. G. W. Lyon, whilst 
standing in his own door-yard, by Michael Delaney. Dec. 17, 
Hon. John L. Davies's stable in Harrison street burned ; loss $4,000. 
1872.— The Rev. J. G. Merrill succeeds the Eev. J. A. Hamil- 
ton as pastor of the Edwards Congregational Church, Davenport. 
March 1, Glue factory started by Mason & Co. on Second street, 
foot (.f Ainsworth, 102x62; costing $13,000. H. C. Marsh, of 
Gorton, ^. Y., succeeds Levi Davis as one of the proprietors of 
the Gazette; estimated value of the Gazette property, $55,000. 
March 28, death of the Hon. John L. Davies, of Davenport. Ajiril 

4, a fine retail hat, cap, and gents furnishing store opened on Third 
street, near the postoffice, by W. S. Cameron. Aug. 22, heavj' 
fire in Davenport; destruction 'of Kirk's planing-mill and other 
property; loss, $21,000. Nov. 21, Government bridge opened. 
Dec. 31, completion of the new gas works of Davenport, at a cost 
of $55,000. 

1873. — Jan. 23, destruction of the old city market house of 
DavenportjOn Western avenue; "Rescue" engine and"Pioneer" hook 
and ladder truck burned; loss, $4,700. Bridge completed; length, 
including shore spans, 1,848 feet; five spans and one draw. Feb, 
10, dedication, by Bishop Andrews, of the new Methodist church 
of Davenport on Brady street. March 10, reappointment of Post- 
master Russell. April 5, J. A. Murphy elected Mayor of Daven- 
port, J. A. Le Claire, City Marshal; B. Finger, Assessor. May 

5, completion of the fine organ in the Episcopal Cathedral at a cost 
of $5,000. May 26, organization ot the Davenport Glucose Com- 
pany; capital stock, $50,000; June 18, consecration of the Epis- 
copal Cathedral; sermon by Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, in the 
forenoon, and by Bishop Clarksou, of Nebraska, in the evening. 
June 22, death of Dr. White, late business manager of the Gazette 
Company. Aug. 26, corner-stone of the new Trinity church laid, 
on the corner of Brady and Seventh streets. Oct. 14, election re- 
turns; L. Rholfs, Treasurer; H. Leonard, Sheriff; L. Robeson, 
Assessor. Dec. 26, dedication of the new Congregational church, 
corner of Ninth and Perry streets. Dec. 30, opening of new water- 
works at a cost of $512,000. 

1874. — Fire pressure; official test of the water- works; thepumps 
can furnish 9,610,200 gallons in 24 hours, supplied by two engines, 
each of 125jhorse-power. Feb. 5, swindling venture ofT. S. Egglesht 
ii Co., to steal $15,U00 from three banks; capture of Egglesht after 



684 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

a smart chase. March. 20, E. C. Chapin succeeds the late Dr. J. 
H. Wliite as business manager of the Gazette Company, by pur- 
chasino; a one-third interest. April 4, election returns are : J. W. 
Stewart, Mayor; B. Fingjr, Assessor; J. E. Le Claire, Marshal. 
April 27, Fritz Dinkel kills iiis wife with a butcher knife. Sept. 27, 
death ot'Bisliop Lee from tiie effects of serious injuries received 
from falling down stairs. Dec. 25, opening of the new Trinity 
cliurcii of Divenporton the corner of Seventii and Brady. Jan. 3, 
Retiwick Memorial or East DavenpiM-t Mission church, dedicated. 
Jan. 9, remarkable change in tlie weatiier; at 11 A.M., 21 '^ above 
zero; at 2 P.M. 4 ^ below, and at 10 P.M., 21 ' below zero in Daven- 
port. March 29, disastrous fire in Davenport; Shields' woolen-mill 
partially destroyed; heavy losd of machinery, wool and cloth; loss, 
$30,00(1 to $40,000. April 3, election day in Davenport; Roderick 
Rose, elected Mayor;. E. II. Jenning, Marshal; B. Finger, Assessor. 
May 8, great morning in Davenport; tiie loss of the steam- 
ship " Schiller," 16 residents of Divoiipjrt being among the lost, 
viz.: Charles F. Haase, wife and two cliiliiren; Otto Kircher, P. xV. 
Paulsen, William Fraham, Mrs. M:ii-garetha Klomnier, P .C. 
Roschmann, Mrs. Emma Hansen and I'Jiild, Henry Goetsch, 
G. W. Gntsch and .wife, .Fohn Ni-isen and John Bonhotf. May 
12, Consecration of Trinity church, of Davenport ; sermon by 
Bisliop Talbot. Aug. 28, Seig & Williams entered their new 
warehouse; a tine .hree-story brick, 43 x 150 feet, on the southeast 
corner of Third and Main streets, D.ivenport. Sept. 4, M. Weide- 
mann opens a new dry-goods, notions, and millinery establish- 
ment, on the corner of Second and Harrison streets, Davenport. 
Sept. 14, Beiderbecker & Miller take possession of their tine new 
building on West Second street, Davenport; its size is 150 x 70, 
and three stories high, with all the latest interior improvements. 
Nov. 4, Mr. Edward Russell again assumes the chair as editor-in- 
chief of the Gazette, by purchasing the interest of W. M. Potter. 
1876. — Jan. 1, G^-JS'jWe annual review shows the following build- 
ing improvements during 1875 : Charles Plill's furniture store on 
Second street, four stories, 21x80; cost $6,000; a three-story 
brick on Second street lietween Ripley & Scott, 40x75, erected by 
August Steffen and II. Dolr man, cost $10,0;)0; Reupke, Schmidt 
& Co., cracker factory, corner lowi and Fourth street, 43 x 150, 
two story, cost $5,000; Schauder's Hotel, Front street, three-story 
brick, 20 x 70. cost, $6,000; Stcffen's Block, corner Harrison and 
Second. 87x77, three-sto'-y brick and iron, cost, $25,000; Grant's 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 685 

Hotel, corner of Main ami Frotit streets, tlirue-story brick, 55 x 150, 
73 rooms, and cost $21,000. Feb. 22, great fire in Davenport; de- 
struction of Hill's block and several stores and offices; loss over 
$50,000. April 1, election day; Roderick Rijse, Mayor; Edward 
Jennings. Marshal. April 3, U. N. Roberts & Co. took posses- 
sion of their tine new three-story brick, corner of Harrison and 
Fourth; size (^3 x 105. May 15, heavy tire broke out in Ren wick, 
Shaw ctCrossett's mill; lumber and machinery destroyed valued at 
$10,000. Sept. 10, Rev. William Stevens Perry, D. D. (of Trinity 
Church, Geneva, N. Y.), consecrated bishop of the Episcopal 
Church for the diocese of Iowa. Oct. 4, tirst issue of the new Ger- 
man paper, Der Sterneii Banner. 

1877. — Jan. 1, annual review of the Gazette, 1876, shows build- 
ing improvements §211:, 250; total amount of manufactures, §11,- 
302,902.07; goods sold at wholesale, $5,397,000; grain receipts, 
5,380,000 bushels. Jan. 18, arrival at the water-works, Davenport, 
of the new engines. March l-t, J. L. Dayraude succeeds E. C. Clia- 
pin as business manager ot the Gazette Company. jApiil- 7, election 
day in Davenport; T. T. Dow, elected Mayor, E. J. Jennings, Mar- 
shal; E. H. Schmidt, Assessor. Aug 12, completion of the new 
Board of Trade rooms, of Davenport. Aug. 20, Der Demokrat 
moves into its new quarcers; tine three-story brick, cut-stone front, 
on Third street, near Main. Sept. 15, Whitaker's mill destroyed 
by tire; loss, §10,000. Oct. 4, corner-stone laid of the new lil)rary 
building for the Academy of Science. Nov. 6, the corner-stone 
of the new library building, with impressive ceremonies i)y the 
Masonic order. Nov. 20, new book store opened on Brady street, 
by Gartside & Piatt. Dec. 16, the 100-foot single-deck spin on 
the island side of Government bridge broken down, by a derrick 
attached to a freight train, and Conductor McFarland seriously in- 
jured. Dec. 30, dedication of the Fire King's new engine house 
on Perry street. Ashtabula bridge disaster, Dec. 28, 1876. 

Captain Haupt, proprietor of the Mississippi House, Davenport, 
died Jan. 6, in the 57tii year of his age. lie had run the house 
for 20 years. March 6, 1877,George Mordaunt arrested for forgery on 
several parties in Davenport. June 25, severe storm throughout tlie 
county; great damage to crops. July 2t), big strike of railroad 
employes. Sept. 8, old settlers had a barbecue at Blue Grass. 

1878. — Jan. 3, Der Demokrat a|ipears enlarged from six to seven 
coulmn paper. Jan. 1, a steamboat, the '"McDonald," landed 
from Le Claire; something that is almost unknown. Jan. 5, death 
of Fred. O. Parker. March 30, dastardly attempt of two masked 



686 HISTORY OF SCOIT COtTNTT. 

men to kill and rob Father Cosgrove. April 8, Major Giistavus 
Schnitzer received a telegram from Hon. Hiram Price, at Washing- 
ton, that he was appointed United States Marshal for Wyoming 
Territory. April 6, Charles Hagerty, arrested for the attempted 
murder of Father Cosgrove. May 12, snow and frost all over the 
West. Davenport had her share. May 22, State Homeopathic 
Convention met at Burtis House. Dec. 9, snow storm lasting 
part of three days; snow about three feet deep. 

1879.— The Gazette shows a record of 1878 of the business inter- 
ests of Davenport; total value of manufactories S-t,45S, 90S; amount 
of wholesale and jobbing trade as $.5,018,500; building improve- 
ments $160,000. During the year 1878, 29,189 passengers were 
ticketed from the C, R. I. & P. P. P. ticket office at Davenport. 
Jan. 7, a Mrs. llogan living about three miles from Davenport 
burned to death ; caught her clothing afire while warming her- 
self Jan. 4, quite a serious fire at Princeton, sweeping away 
an entire row of substantial brick buildings, the worst loss this 
place has ever had, being about $9,500. Jan. 12, John McManus 
and wife had gone to church and left their five children; the old- 
est boy, Frank, had the day before bought a pistol, and he got 
it out, and supposing it to be unloaded, pointed it at his sister 
Mary and pulled the trigger; the pistol was discharged the ball en- 
tering her l)rain; she died in a short time. Jan. 15, corn blockade 
at Chicago. Jan. 30, Gen. Sigel was in Davenport on a short 
visit to his friends. Feb. S, quite a fire on the corner of Second 
and Brady streets; loss about $3,000. Feb. 15, James McManus 
died at his residence at the west end of Third street. Feb. 20, death 
of Mrs. Clarissa C. Cook. March 29, death ot JST. M. Rambo. April 
4, double death b}^ suicide, ot Harry Watt and Louisa Filter. April 
15. William Smith crushed to death by a boiler falling on him while 
helping to move it at the rear end of the round-house in Davenport. 
April 21,Mrs. Scharinberas' and Mr. Becker's houses on West Ninth 
street were burned. May 2, Frederick Winters committed suicide 
by jumping into the river. May 6, Warren Chase fell from the top 
of Mr. Ballard's house in Davenport, where he was painting. His 
neck was nearly broken and spinal column so injured that the whole 
body was paralyzed. May 11, 36 girls and boys took their first 
communion at St. Anthony's church, Davenport. May 20, Judge 
Dillon tendered the petition of professor of municipal and real- 
estate law in Columbia Law School, New York, at a salary of $7,000. 
May 22, total destruction of H. P. Beatties flouring mill by fire; 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 687 

loss $100,000. May 2S, telegram received by Charles E. Put- 
nam, that his son John C. was drowned at Hoboken, N. J., while 
attending school. May 31, Government bridge opened perma- 
nently after being closed for repairs. Mrs. D. Keck bought the 
John r. Cook residence at the cost of $12,000. June 2, the Mrs. 
Ebenezer Cook will case settled. 

On the 4th of July a lad named Henry Caston acted tlio part of 
a genuine hero in saving the life of James Collins, a boy of 13 
years, who was drowning in the river. A burglary was perpetrated 
at the residence of Mr. G. P. Knostman, on the night of the 3d of 
July, 1879. Several valuable articles were stolen. One of the most 
furious storms of wind and rain that ever visited this locality oc- 
curred on the morning of the 9th of July. Not much damage was 
done to buildings, but the injury to the crops was enormous, whole 
fields of corn and oats being prostrated. On Thursday afternoon, 
July 12, a fatal accident occurred to one of Davenport's old and 
established citizens, Christian Kusch. He was carrying some shin- 
gles to the carpenters, to a scaffolding just beneath the eaves of a 
barn they were building, when the scaffolding fell with him to the 
ground. He was taken up senseless and died from the eU'ects of 
his injuries Friday noon. He had been a resident of Scott County 
since 1S57, and had always been a (^uiet man, honest and highly es- 
teemed by his acquaintances. Jacob Breis, who was in his 90th 
year, died July 16, at the residence of his son-in-law, Lucas Ruhl 
The deceased had been a resident of Davenport for 30 years. At 
10 o'clock on the morning of July 10, the body of an unknown 
man was found in the river at the foot of Harrison street ; an in- 
quest was held, the jury's verdict being " death from accidental 
drowning." The glucose company had $7,000 worth of machin- 
ery under contract for their works, much of it nearly completed, 
when the works were totally destroyed by fire, July 19. The body 
of George AYestphal, of Davenport, who was drowned off a Gov- 
ernment dredge boat, above Hampton, on Monday afternoon, July 
28, was recovered below Hampton two days later. He had been a 
resident of Davenport 22 years. An attempt was made to rob the 
drug store of J. F. Koch, on the night of Aug. 5, which came 
near resulting in the death of Mr. Koch; two shots were fired by 
the burglar which missed their mark. B. B. Woodward, for many 
years one of Davenport's most prominent citizens, died at his res- 
idence in that city Aug. 19, after a long and painful illness. Na- 
thaniel Wilson died of old age in Le Claire township, Aug. 19, 



688 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

He was one of the first pioneers in tliat township and has resided in 
Scott County 42 years. On Thursday morning, Aug. 28, the most 
costly, the finest, and one of the largest barns in Scott County, be- 
longing to E. W. Gilbert, of New York, and occupied by C. Druehl, 
was struck by lightning and completely demolished. A shocking 
outrage was perpetrated in Winfield township on Friday night, 
Sept. 26. Near midnight three masked men forced an entrance 
into the house of Farmer Flanery, dragged him from his bed, theni 
in spite of all resistance from him and pleadings from his wife, 
they took him out of doors and kicked and beat him in the most 
brutal manner and ended their infamous work by throwing him 
in a pond. His injuries were very severe. A shocking accident oc- 
curred on Oct. 20. The \ictim was Edward Fleming, son of James 
Fleming, No. 522 West Fifth street. He had been put to work by his 
employer to melt zinc to galvanize telephone wire. Following instruc- 
tions he poured a composition of some kind into a kettle of boiling 
zinc causing an instantaneous explosion; which covered his face and 
neck with the scalding stuff, which sank deep in the flesh. He pre- 
sented a horrible spectacle, both eyes being burned out. The burning 
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul round-house occurred on Oct. 
30, two engines being badly damaged. The death of Joiin Burnside, 
occurred at his home in Blue Grass township, Nov. 8. He was a 
true, upright and honest man, respected by all who knew him. 
On Dec. 12, the livery stable of Judson Parcell was almost com- 
pletely destroyed by fire. The live stock and portable property 
■were all saved, but the buildings were almost totally demolished. 
After several months of illness with consumption Hon. Eugene 
Birchard died at home, in Pleasant Valley township, Dec. 13. 

ISSO- — On the morning of Jan. 2, George Balch met with a fatal 
accident at the railroad yards, dying at 2 o'clock in the afternoon 
from the eflfectsof his injuries. The quiet peace of Sunday morning, 
Jan. 11, was disturbed by a most horrible accident, resulting in 
the death of Miss Addie E. "Webb. The exact nature of the ac- 
cident will never be known, but it is supposed that a lamp she was 
carrying exploded and set fire to her clothing and body; death re- 
lieved hei'of her sufferings soon after. On the night of Feb. 1, the 
First National Bank caught fire and came near being entirely de- 
stroyed. There was no damage to the books or private valuables, 
but the building presented a sorry sight. T. B. Olshausen's pot- 
tery on Eighth street, was destroyed by fire Feb. 14. As bold an 
operation in the robber's line, as ever was carried out in Daven- 



HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 68^ 

port — a peculiar operation standing alone in its class — was enacted 
on the evenino of Feb. 17. About 9 o'clock the law office of Mar- 
tin, Murphy & Lynch was entered; a young attorney, D. S. Dris- 
coU, was blind-folded, gauged and made to unlock the safe; $303 
in cash was the reward of the robbers bold scheme. The deatii of 
Col. J. U. Berryhill occurred March 3. On Thursday morning, 
March 11, the large frame tavern known as the Meyers Place, 
with barn and dance hall adjoining, were consumed by fire. Terrible 
storm of wind and rain April 19, causing great destruction ot prop- 
erty. One of Davenport's honored citizens, Dr. C. G. Blood, died 
April 27. A large fire occurred May 6, ISSO, resulting in the de- 
struction of the extensive rope-walk of M. Bondinot & Sons, a 
dwelling house and barn. 

A horrible tragedy occurred on the night of May 10. A young 
man named Frank McLaughlin was shot and instantly killed on 
West Fifth street, by a saloon keeper, Fred Bahl. Joseph J. 
Brown, a well-known citizen of Davenport, committed suicide, May 
16, 1880. A cyclone passed over Scott County, June 5, creating 
terrible devastations. Property was destroyed to the amount of 
$70,000. Charles Arp, a son of Peter Arp, one of Scott County's 
prominent citizens, committed suicide June 16 by lying on the 
railroad track and letting a freight train pass over him, mangling 
him in a shocking manner. James Baraclough threw some gun- 
powder into the fire, an explosion followed instantly, and the bc'y 
James was severely burned, his face being literally blown to 
pieces, and one thumb blown off. The large barn of John Schro- 
ecker was completely demolished by fire at 12 o'clock, on the 
night of Kov. 29; the summer kitchen was also burned, total 
loss being $750. A ghastly affair occurred on the 30th of Novem- 
ber. A young man named Henry Wolhoeft, who had been la- 
boring under mental disorder for some time past, secured a butcher 
knife and started up stairs with it. His mother instantly missed 
the knife and followed him, begging him not to kill himself; she 
caught hold of his arm, but with a powerful wrench he threw her 
from him, and before she could reach him again he had inflicted a 
terrible cut on his throat, from the effects of which he died soon 
after. The most destructive fire that had occurred in Davenport 
for some time took place on the night of Aug. 15. The vine- 
gar works and paper warehouse, owned by Fay & Smith, on Front 
street, were almost completely destroyed by tire; total loss, $33,500. 
On F'riday, Aug. 2U, the planing-mill, sash, door and buildingshop 



690 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of Groves Bros, was consumed by fire; total loss, $8,600. Rev. 
Father George Bropby died in this city, at the advanced age 
of 105 years, on Oct. 16. A $4,500 fire occurred in Davenport 
Dec. 31, in the Davis Block. 

1881. — A terrible cutting aflray occurred on the night of Jan. 
28, 1881, which came near resulting in the death of one or two of 
the participants. A snow-storm visited Davenport on Feb. 11, 
and continued until Feb. 13. Kailroads were blocked, street-cars 
were stopped from running, and business generally suspended. 
About six miles below Buffalo liv'ed the family of Theodore 
Krause. On Monday, Feb. li, Mr. and Mrs. Krause drove up to 
Buffalo to purchase some supplies, leaving their four children in 
chai'ge of things at home, but expecting them to retnain at school 
until its close in the afternoon. But the youngest child, Minnie, 
went home at noon for some purpose. About half-past one o'clock 
a neighbor, in driving past the place, observed a couple of hogs 
pulling something about the yard, while a strong odor of burned 
flesh filled the air, and, running in, was horrified to find the child 
Minnie on the ground, her clothing having been nearly burned off, 
and her body and arms and head appeared roasted and blackened, 
while her legs had been torn by the hogs. She died from the 
effects of her injuries. Evidently she had been trying to re-kindle 
the fire in the stove, and her clothing had been caught by the 
flames, and she ran into the yard and threw herself in the snow to 
extinguish the flames, and while thus prostrate had been attacked 
bj- the hogs. 

A horrible accident occurred at "Waleott, Feb. 28. A laborer 
named Samuel Cummings was shoi^eling snow off the railroad 
track, when a freight train from the West came along, puslied by 
the engine of the construction train. He was struck and fell back, 
then rolled down npon the track, caught and dragged some dis- 
tance. The train was stopped, but before help could reach him he 
was dead. Capt. A. H. Davenport died at his home in Le Claire 
on Sunday afternoon, Marcli 27. The old planing-mill at the cor- 
ner of Third and Farnam streets was burned 7\.pril 26; total loss, 
$3,900. David Le Claire, the oldest settler left in Davenport after 
the death af Mrs. Marguerite Le Claire, died at his residence in 
West Davenport, May 13. 

On the morning of July 2, while preparations were going on for 
the celebration of the Fourth, with crowds from the country and 
neighboring towns thronging the streets, bent on amusement, came 



HISTORY OF SCOTl' COUNTY. 691 

news which thrilled the city as was never the case but once, and 
that was when the great Lincoln was murdered. It was about 
9:30 o'clock when the first telegram came, "President Garfield 
was shot twice at the B. & O. depot at Washington." News 
came shortly after that the wound was not fatal, and people took 
hope. The name of the cowardly assassin was Charles J. Guiteau. 
Capt. Eobert Melville died at his home in this city, July 21. On 
the morning of July 29, ISSl, Thomas Greene, of Tamaco, who 
was in this city under medical treatment, received a sun stroke) 
which caused him the loss of his sense of speech. Two boys, 
Eugene and Fritz Ivers, were drowned while in bathing near Paige, 
Dixon A: Co.'s mill, on Friday, Aug. 12. Mr. R. F. Paige, of the 
firm of Paige, Dixon & Co. died at his home in this city, Sept. 1, 
from heart disease. "William Schlimmc, a farmer, four miles north- 
west of Davenport, committed suicide by taking a dose of carbolic 
acid, on Monday, Oct. 10. Mrs. Doretha Litz, committed suicide 
in Davenport on the 12th of October, by ium])ing into a well, 
while in a temporary fit of insanity. A terrible steamboat disaster 
occurred in front of the city of Davenport, on Thursday ui^it, Oct. 
27. The "Jennie Gilchrist" alter passing through the bridge;[and 
moving up the channel a short distance became helpless to move, 
and began floating back toward the bridge. She struck the bridge 
between piers Nos. 2 and 3. Instantly her steam-pipes jiarted, and 
there was a terrific crash like an explosion. The disaster was 
caused by the breaking of a pitman cam. Eight lives were lost) 
and cargo to the value of $2,000. Joseph Quick was killed by the 
accidental discharge of a gun in Winfield township, on Sunday, 
Oct. 30. J. B. Xebergal, an old and prominent farmer in Blue 
Grass township, committed suicide by hanging himself, on Mon- 
day, Dec. 26. 




CHAPTER XIX. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 
TEMPEEANCE. 

The cause of temperance is one that has always enlisted the ser- 
vices of the moral and benevolent earth. As far back as the his- 
tory ot the world can be traced, intemperance has existed. Laws 
have been promulgated against it, warnings have been given over 
and over again, and yet man will continue to use the intoxicating 
cup, notwithstanding Solomon, tlie wise man, has said, "Look not 
thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth the color in the 
cup, for at last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder," 
and a greater than Solomon has added, "That no drunkard can 
inherit the kingdom of heaven." 

In the lirst half of the present century but few large distilleries 
existed, while now every neighborhood must have its "still." A 
new settlement was no sooner formed than an enterprising indi- 
vidual would erect his still, and commence the manufacture of 
whisky, pure and unadulterated. The surplus corn of the country 
could be used in no other way; at least such was thought to be the 
case. Every merchant advertised whisky as one of the specialties 
of his store. The whisky-jug was thought to be an indispensable 
help in the harvest field, or at house-raisings, log-rollings and corn- 
hiiskings ; nor was the decanter, with its exhilarating contents, 
genei-ally wanting at social gatherings. Liquor bought by the 
gallon, and even by the barrel, was kept in the house for daily use. 
Before partaking of breakfast the glass was passed around and par- 
taken of, to give an appetite, and in the evening was used as a 
"night-cap" before going to bed. When bittered by some herb 
or drug it was used as a sovereign remedy for some of the ailments 
flesh is heir to, and often as a preventive. 

Whisky was generally considered necessary at every house-raising. 
It must be borne in mind by the reader that in the early day the 
houses built were invariably of hewn round logs, and it required the 
assistance of a large number of men to erect one. The necessity 

(692) 



rasTORY OF scorr countt. 693 

of having a supply of whisky at these raisings often put the pioneer 
to considerable inconvenience, aiul occasionally delayed the raising 
a much longer time than desired. 

Wliile temperance largely exists, it is evident that it has gieatly 
decreased within the past generation. According to population 
there are not as many drunkards, nor is there as much liquor con- 
sumed as a third or half a century ago. This leads to the fuitlicr 
declaration tliat can well be sustained, tliat the efforts put fortli by 
the temperance people in times past liave not proven a failure. That 
organizations have flourished for a time and then ceased to exist 
proves nothing. These organ izat ions were but iiuman instrumentali- 
ties brought forth bythe necessities of thehour,theirdesignbiingto 
accomplish a certain purpose then apparent. It is not to be expected 
that they will be as enduring as the hills, or so strong that "the 
gates of hell shall not prevail against them." If they accomplish 
a good work for the time, well and good. If it be found that ihere 
is a radical defect in their organizations necessitating a change, let 
it be made, and let it not be imagined because they are defective 
and have not accomplished all the good their most sanguine sup- 
porters anticipated, that nothing has been done. All over ihe 
counti-y can be found sober, honest ami good men, who, but f u- the 
eflort put forth by the members of some temperance organization 
that had ceased to exist, would now fill a drunkard's grave. 

Notwithstanding whisky is thought to be a preventive for n^ ai ly 
every disease, it has been proven by actual stati-tics to be a source 
of disease, the habitual drinker being more liable to attack from 
various diseases than the total abstainer. Especially has this been 
proven to be the case in diseases of an epidemic natuie, such as 
cholera. 

THE WASIIINGTONIANS. 

In the winter of 1840-41, in the city of Baltimore, a.society orig- 
inated having for its object the ])revention of intemperance and 
the reformation of those who had become slaves to the intoxicating 
cup. This organization adopted the name of Washington Society, 
so named in honor of the Father of his countr}- — George Washing- 
ton. Those connected with tlie society became known as Wash- 
ingtonians. The pledge adopted was a simple one, as follows: 
The undersigned, being desirous of carrying out the principles of 
temperance, do pledge our honor that we will abstain from all in- 
toxicating drinks. 



694r HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

The movement early began to be agitated in Davenport and 
throughont the county. Many who had been accustomed to par- 
take freely of the intoxicating cup became radical and zealous 
workers in the temperance cause. 

The Gazette, under date Jan. 13, 1842, has the following to say 
of the movement: 

"Almost every newspaper that we receive has something to say 
of the progress of temperance, in the respective towns of their pub- 
lication. Shall we not say something of our own village ? For the 
honor then of our town, and we trust our friends in the distance 
will notice it to induce moral immigration, Davenport contains no 
coffee-houses. 'Putin your paper,' observed a stranger to us, 
a passenger on the most recent boat detained at our wharf, ' put in 
your paper, sir, as one ot the most favorable items connected with 
your beautiful town, that one of our passengers traversed it all 
over in search of liquor, but could not obtain a drop.' We com- 
ply with his injunctions." 

For several years the temperance cause flourished. The Gazette 
for Jan. 29, 1846, said: 

"Cold water is 'all the go here.' A red-nosed, blear-eyed, swell- 
head, tremulous, tipsy son of Bacchus would be something of a 
curiosity at this place. We once had such among us, but they are 
now the most bitter opponents that old red-eye has to contend with. 
A few stout cold-water men rigged up a team and went down to 
Blue Grass one night last week to stir up our farmer friends. 
They came back highly elated with their success; 28 raw hands 
had enlisted under the pure white banner of Temperance." 

SONS OF TEMPERANCE. 

After the Washingtonians came the Sons of Temperance, an or 
ganization having for its motto, "Love, Purity, and Fidelity." 
The " Sons" were composed of males above the age of IS, and held 
their meetings in secret, believing that they could more fully carry 
out the obiect of the order. To enable the wives and daughters 
of members to engage in the good work, the "Daughters of Tem- 
perance" were organized; and for the benefit of males between the 
age of 14 and 18, the ''Cadets of Temperance" were organized. 
Thus every member in the family were secured as workers in 
the good cause. The " Sons" formed their first division in this 
county in 1S4S, and for manv years were in a flourishing con- 
dition. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 695 

TEMPLE OF HONOR. 

Almost contemporaneous with the Sons of Temperance was the 
Temple of Honor, which combined the principles of temperance 
with tiie benevolent features of such organizations as the Masons 
and Odd Fellows. Every person desiring to become a member of 
the order had to be proposed for membership and was required to 
be of the requisite age and in good health. A fair degree of suc- 
cess attended this order. 

GOOD TEMPLARS. 

The Independent Order of Good Templars originated in 1851, 
and was the outgrowth of a desire to unite all the members of a 
family in one order, and with the laudable object of " saving the 
fallen and preventing others from falling." The first lodge of 
Good Templars, in this county, was instituted about the year 1855, 
since which time the order here has had seasons of prosperity and 
seasons of adversity. Like ail other human organizations, its 
members at times are enthusiastic, and work together in harmonj', 
and success therefore attends their every movement. Again, di- 
visions occur; the members refuse to co-operate with one another, 
and the order takes a backward stride. 

DARK DEEDS. 

The following embraces a few of the " dark deeds" committed in 
Scott County. The list is not long, but long enough. It speaks 
well for the county that it is no worse. 

On Monday morning. May 15, 1854, the body of a German was 
found lying in the middle of Fourth street, stabbed to the heart. 
On evidence at the inquest, it was tound that he passed Sunday 
evening at a dance house and n saloon in the lower part of the 
city. About one o'clock Sunday morning a fight occurred at the 
house, and shortly afterward the man left in company with a 
woman for Rock Island. The woman testified that two men fol- 
lowed them until the}' reached Fourth street, when one of them 
dropped behind, and the other came up and struck her companion 
with something in a handkerchief. The blow was repeated, and 
the man shrieked and fell. The man when discovered was found 
to have been stabbed between the third and fourth ribs, through 
one lobe of the lung and penetrating the heart. 



696 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

On Sunday niglit, Oct. S, 1854, as Thomas Pritchard was lean- 
ing against the railing in the dance-honse in the lower part of the 
city, Charles Beener, a negro, knocked him down and then seized 
and brutally dragged him down the steps and twice plunged a 
large knife into his breast, either one of which would have caused 
his death. Beener and two accomplices were arrested. 

On Sunday night, Oct. 23, 1859, Henry Stoddard together with 
some others were making a noise in Wiedeman's saloon, and 
refusing to be quiet when requested, Mr. Wiedeman took him and 
another young man by the collar and shoved them toward the 
door. As he was putting them out, Stoddard drew his bowie- 
knife and inflicted two very dangerous wounds upon the person of 
William Herrig, and a slight flesh-cut upon Charley Deitmire. 
Before Stoddard could be arrested he made good his escape. 
Herrig died of his wounds Oct. 29. 

The citizens in the vicinity of Warren and Second streets, in the 
city of Davenport, were horritied on the night of Aug. 21, 1870, by 
hearing that a German woman named Koenig, who had but a short 
time before come to this country from Schleswig-IIolstein, had 
murdered her two children and then killed herself. On hasten- 
ing to the spot it was found that the report was too true, 
for, lying upon the bed in the cold embraces of death, 
were the bodies of a little boy and girl, the latter four years 
and the former only two j-ears of age. A visit to the yard dis- 
covered another horror, for there, in a well of not more than three 
feet in diameter, some 18 feet deep, and containing but about two 
feet of water, lay the body of the unfortunate mother whose rash 
hand, under the pressure of impending poverty, had committed 
the rash act, and hurried herself and innocent children into the 
presence of God. The body of the poor demented creature was 
taken from the well, where it had been drowned in a kneeling 
position, with the face buried in the water. Tiie following state- 
ment by the husband was received before the coroner's jury, which 
was composed of Messrs. Tichenor, Charles Echardt and Jacob 
Grobe: He had been up town Saturday evening, and returned 
home about 10 P. M. ; found the light out, and supposed his 
wife and children had gone to bed. He struck a match and 
lighted a candle, and saw upon the floor his two children lying 
dead. He picked them up and laid them upon the bed. He then 
apssed into the yard and saw his wife sitting by the well. He 
went to her, and she told him she had drowned the children in a 



HISTOKT OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 699 

bucket of water in tlie house, and intended to drown herself, as she 
had no desire to live; she was discoura<i;ed and sick. Kcenig says 
he told her to come in, but she did not want to. Then he led her 
in. Here she repeated what she had said at the well, and said it 
would be l)etter if they were both dead, and proposed that the}' 
both drown themselves in the well. He said he consented, and they 
both went to the well and jumped in, but the depth of the water 
was not sufficient to drown him. Then he climbed out and went 
down street, and not knowing what to do, went and told Mr. 
Jacob Rolf, a tailor oh Second street, who returned with him to the 
house and remained until he was taken into custody by Deputy 
Sheriff Feid. 

W. L. F. Kfjenig was about 35 years of age. He and his family 
had only been in this country three and a half months, the greater 
portion of which time had been passed in Davenport. Ignorant 
of our language and unfitted by liis profession, a school-master, for 
manual labor he found it impossible to secure employment, and 
their bare living liad exhausted the small capital they brought with 
them from the old country. They were reduced to such extremity 
that they had endeavored to part with some antique and cherished 
family jilate whicii they liad brought witii them, which was only 
rated as old silver by the jeweler to wiiom he oftercd it; marks of 
former prosperity in the way of expensive and good clothing were 
found in the house, althougli the furniture was scanty in quantity 
and of the poorest description. The health of the wife had failed 
after tlieir arrival in Davenport; some chronic disease of the eyes 
had nearly destroyed her powers of vision. 

As questioned by the coroner the following was gleaned from 
the prisoner: " Went out about 7 o'clock; when I got home I found 
my wife sitting alone by the well. I asked Iier how she could make 
np her mind to do such a wicked thing as to kill her children ; she 
told me we were so poor and had nothing to live on ; she had 
talked about it before and we had agreed to join the Amana So- 
ciety. I ilo not remember tiie first thing I said to her when I found 
her at the well. I was down-hearted. I carried her into the house 
and went to work to try and restore the children to life, my wife 
declaring she would drown herself, and ran away several times but 
1 brought lier back. She was always kind to the children. I found 
the oldest child lying dead on the floor, the other in a bucket of 
water. I thought it must be my wife who had killed them. AYhen 
I found I could not restore the children wu agreed to go and drown 
41 



700 HISTORY OF SCOTT COCNTY. 

ourseh-es together in the welL We took hold of each otlier's hands 
and jumped into the well; the fall did not stun me. I knew where 
I was when we struck tlie bottom and immediately tried to drown 
myself. My wife laid down in the water. I laid down too; don't 
know how long; stooped forward while standing and put my head 
in the water, don't know why I took my head out of the water ; 
then I thought I would get out again and go into the house and 
shoot myself, but was too weak to reach up and get my gun; 
thought it best to see Eolfs before killing myself. I told him all 
about it and that I was going to kill myself, but he kept me from 
it." The jury returned a %'erdict in which they found the prisoner 
guilty of being accessory to the death of his wife. 

The city of Davenport was very much shocked and public feel- 
ing very much excited over an event which happened there on the 
evening of Oct. 14, 1871. The news was circulated that Dr. 
George F. Lyon had been fatally stabbed by one Dennis Delaney, 
an Irishman who was employed in tlie railroad shops at the depot. 
The facts seem to be these: The Doctor and Delaney resided next 
door to each other on Seventh street. It appeai-ed that Delaney's 
dog was poisoned a few weeks previous, much to the wrath of its 
owner, who had charged the Doctor with doing it. On the 11th 
Delaney had another dog die in the same way in front of his house 
which he let lay there until the evening of the 14tli. There was an 
alarm of fire on that evening and the Doctor liad gone out on the 
porch to see where the fire was. The gate opened to the street 
from the steps, which was raised some five feet above. No sooner 
had he reached the steps than Delaney who had been brooding 
over the loss of his dog, came to the gate and said in a threatening 
tone: " If you don't bury that dog I'll fix you," saying he would 
give him five minutes to do it in. Tlie Doctor at once denied the 
poisoning of the dog, saying he knew nothing of the matter what- 
ever. Delaney again accused him, when the Doctor replied, "You 
cannot prove that, Delaney. I never had anything to do with it 
and don't know who did do it." Delaney then said, " I will settle that 
when I get inside," and, suiting the action to the word, rushed 
up to the Doctor, caught him around the waist and stabbed him in 
the abdomen, bringing the knife around and laying open his left 
cheek. 

The deed was done in an instant. The Doctor tore himself away 
from his would-be murderer, leaving his vest in his blood-thirsty 
hands, and jumped over the fence out of his own yard into the 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 701 

Street, his bowels protniding, calling for help while his murderous 
assailant went home. Moses Ilobbs and F. C. Gilman, neighbors, 
came to his aid carrying him into the house, where he was soon 
attended by Drs. Worley, Peck, Middleton and Cantwell, who 
dressed his wounds, which were of a very dangerous character, 
about five feet of his intestines protruding through a wound about 
two inches long in the abdomen. The assailant was arrested and 
lodged in jail to await trial. 

KILLING OF JOSEPH WILSON. 

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 12, 1873, James Messenger left the 
house of John Donahue, on Twelfth street, where he worked, and 
went to the house of Mrs. Emeline Wilson, on Fourth street, near 
the corner of Harrison, in Davenport, taking some clothes along to 
be washed. 

Arriving at her house he sat down on a bench near the door and 
commenced talking to Mrs. Wilson quite loud and earnestly. In 
the house, lying upon a lounge, was a colored man named Joseph 
Wilson, who boarded with Mrs. Wilson. The two, although of 
the same name, were not related. Not long before, Wilson had 
returned from his work, and was very tired. He was trying to 
sleep, and the loud talking outside annoyed him. He ordered 
Messenger and Mrs. Wilson to stop. Messenger replied with angry 
words. Wilson then told Messenger to go away, or he would 
make him, to which Messenger replied that he would not go for 
him. Then Wilson got oii the lounge and came to Messenger and 
led him out to the sidewalk. Then Messenger cried : " I will 
kill you; 1 will shoot you.'' 

Wilson did not seem to take much notice of Messenger's words, 
or else did not believe that he would shoot, as he told him he dare 
not shoot, or words to that effect. But Messenger did shoot ; he 
drew a revolver and a moment afterward a pistol report was heard. 
Wilson slowly turned to the house and staggered in and fell upon 
the floor. He told Mrs. Wilson to run for a doctor, and this was 
the last time he spoke. 

When Mrs. Wilson and the doctor returned Joseph Wilson was 
dead. The ball entered Wilson's left side, striking the heart, and 
the only wonder is that death did not result sooner. 

A crowd soon gathered and the alarm spread. A murder had 
not been committed in Davenport for several years before, and a 
feeling of curiosity and horror was excited. 



702 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Officer Mies and Feid also appeared, but did not find Messen- 
ger on the place. He was captured, howevei", about 11 o'clock, in 
the stable at Mr. Donaliue's ])lace. He did not know until told by 
the officers that Wilson was dead. The coroner brought in a ver- 
dict of murder by James Messenger. 

One of the most mysterious murders that ever occurred in Daven- 
port took place Friday night, Sept. 5, 1873. About half-past 11 
o'clock on the night of Sept. 5, 1873, John N. Crawford, living on 
the corner of Eighteenth and Brady streets, was awakened by a 
terrible noise at the next house, occupied by Mr. Fox. He soon 
ascertained that it was made by a man on tlie back porch of the 
next house, knopking at the door and begging to get in. Mr. 
Crawford went down town and got Officers Feid and Maguire, who 
returned with him, and took the man into custody. They found 
him very weak, so much so that they had to send for an express 
wagon to remove him to the hospital on Main street. Mrs. Fox 
says the man beat lier back door loudly and persistently-, and begged 
most piteously to be taken in. But they feared to do so, fearing 
he was a burglar. The man had gained his entrance through tlie 
back gate, the front one being locked. On the way to the hospital 
the officers questioned the man and he said his name was Robert 
McQuestian and that his home was in Alpha, 111. He said lie had 
been attending the fair and had been in a tight that night, and had 
been kicked and struck in the head and robbed of §80 in money. 
He bad received a terrible kick in the stomach and died from the 
effects of internal injuries. He appeared to be under the influence 
of liquor and was evidently in great pain. He died that night. 
The body had on a gray Scotch suit of clothes. Tiie vest pocket 
on the right side was slashed open, and one would naturally sup- 
pose he had been robbed of watch and chain. He bore tlie ap- 
pearance of being a man of 40 or 45 3'ears of age, weighed about 
130 pounds and was about five feet eight inches in height. His 
face was covered with clotted blood, wiiich liad flowed from a wound 
in the temple, and he was otherwise badly bruised and cut about the 
head and body. The body was placed in a receiving vault at Oak 
Dale Cemetery, to await recognition. On the morning of Sept. 
9, a brother and two friends of the murdered man from Alpiia 
came to Davenport and identified the body as that of fiobert Mc- 
Questian, of Alpha, who had left his home for the purpose of at- 
tending the fair at Davenport. He was a quiet, inoffensive man, 
but to some degree addicted to drink. He was a widower with 
one child. Nothinff was elicited as to the cause of his death. 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 703 

TODNG PIONEER SETTLERs' ASSOCIATION. 

It is not known with whom the idea of the " Yonng Pioneer 
Settlers' Association " originated, but during the early part of Jan- 
uary, 1859. Wiliard Barrow mot one of tlie members of this asso- 
ciation and proposed that such a society should be formed. As an 
" Old Settlers' Society " had been organized, which excluded some 
of the children ot the "old settlers," and included others, it indeed 
seemed proper that tliose cliildren who were prohibited from en- 
joying the right of membership in that association should bind 
themselves together in a societ}' similar to the first. That the 
children of "old settlers " should not be strangers to each other, 
but should experience the potency of that tie, by which the hearts 
of their parents were bound together. Therefore, those who were 
entitled to membership were notified that a meeting would be held 
at the residence of Willard Barrows, Feb. 1, 1859. The associa- 
tion continued to hold meetings until 1873. They were very in- 
teresting and of real importance in the community. The mem- 
bership was finally reduced, however, and the association suspended 
in the year mentioned. 

DUELS. 

The readers of this history will hardly expect a record of duels 
in a State so highly civilized as Iowa. But there were once advo- 
cates of the code living here, and there are on record two instances 
of a resort to it. From "Davenport Past and Present," the fol- 
lowing: record is taken: 

" In the Spring of '37, the first duel ' on record,' in Iowa, was 
fought between a couple of Winnebago Indians. A party of the 
tribe was here fishing, and encamped on Rock Island. A couple 
of young men were carousing at Stephenson, and, in a little while 
commenced quarreling. The blow was passed. Too refined, by 
their intercourse with the whites, to avenge the blow with knife or 
tomahawk, they resorted to the code of honor. Unfortunately for 
one of them, the choice of weapons was not fully up to the pre- 
vailing principles of the code duello. One had a shot gun, the 
other wisely took the rifle. On the willow island, below the city, 
they drew up the required distance, and blazed away. The heavy 
lead of the cracking rifle was 'too much' for the lighter pellets of 
its more noisy brother — the shot gun. The siiot gun and its hold- 
er went down, and the latter was buried not far from the grave- 
yard below the city, and upon the banks of the noble Mississippi, 
whose everlasting voices hymned his advent to the Spirit Land. 



704 HISTORY OF SCOTT COITNTY. 

"The rifle hero fled to his home in Rock River country. But 
vengeance overtook him even there. The friends and relations ot 
the slain clamored for the blood of the slayer — and the sister of 
the latter went for the survivor. She found him — entreated him 
to come back to Rock Island, and be killed, to appease the wrath- 
ful manes of tlie departed. Such logic was irresistible — he came 
— and in a canoe paddled by his own sister, he reached the island, 
singing his death song. A shallow grave was dug, and kneeling 
upon its brink, his body tumbled into it, and his death song was 
hushed as the greedy knives of liis excutioners drank the blood of 
his brave heart. Can the white man show a nobler act than this, 
among all his bravest deeds in the arena of the duellist? The 
ch{a7'0 osouro of Spartan deeds presents uo more beautiful blend- 
ing of heroism and duty than this — nay, verily. 

" A duel, the second on record in Iowa, and the first among 
white men, occurred in 1841, between Messrs. Egnor and Fitch. 
Love, as is the case generally, was the cause of the emeute, and 
pistols alone could quell it. They met early one morning on the 
banks of a stream below Davenport — which stream, in consequence 
has been immortalized as 'Bloody Run.' They flred, and re- 
turned to the city unharmed, save thatEgnor's arm was bandaged, 
and carried in a sling. Posterity is divided in regard to the nat- 
ure of the wound — a minority asserting that it was caused by a 
bullet, while the remainder assert that neither pistol had anything 
more deadly in it than powder and wadding." 

SCOTT COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY. 

The Scott County Bible Society, au.xiliary to the American Bible 
Society, was organized in Davenport, Sept. 13, 1842, at which time 
a constitution was framed and adopted, which has continued with- 
out material alteration or amendment to the present time. • At its 
first meeting Rev. D. Worthington was elected President, and 
Charles Leslie, Secretary. The following named are the present 
officers : J. S. Connors, President; E. B. Hay ward. Treasurer; 
Harry Sayles, Secretary. 

CHOLERA. 

The first cases of asiatic cholera that occurred in the vicinity of 
the present city of Davenport occu red in 1832. During the previous 
year. Gen. Winfield Scott had been ordered to take 1,000 troops 
and proceed to Wisconsin Territory and keep in subjection the In- 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 705 

dian tribes that were threatening war upon the whites. His forces 
moved westward from New York by way of the Erie canal to V>ni'. 
falo, where, in embarking upon a transport that was bound to some 
point near Chicago, they took upon board a man who was lying in 
thesnti upon the wharf sick with the cholera, of course not knowing 
the nature of the disease. A few daj's after, the disease broke 
out among the closely packed troops and raged with great virulence) 
many dying with it. The decimated force landed near Chicago and 
wintered there, thence moving down as far as the present city of 
Dixon, in the spring of 1832. Gen. Atkinson, then in command, 
sent their baggage down Rock River in boats under charge of his 
Rangers, and landed it at Big Island, near the present village of 
Milan, where it was left subject to the purification of the elements. 
The Rangers came around up the Mississippi and went into quarters 
on the present Democrat farm. Soon after one of them was taken 
sick, and no one knowing what ailed him, he was taken to the hos- 
pital on the island. The surgeons at this post were not familiar 
with the disease — in fact know not what it was. The hospital was 
situated near the bakery, and soon the contagion spread among the 
bakers, and spread into the camp. Nothing could be done to stay the 
ravages of the scourge, and 100 were soon dead out of a garrison 
of -too. The garrison was then divided. One detachment was posted 
on the site of the present Democrat farm; another at the present 
Watkin's place, a mile farther up the river. This selection of camps 
was in order to enjoy the wholesome water of the copious springs at 
each of those places. The third division went into quarters on the 
Illinois side, on the ground afterward occupied as a residence by 
P. L. Cable. The fort being abandoned the garrison scattered into 
healthful places, the scourage subsided, not a death afterward oc- 
curring. 

FERRIES. 

The Mississippi River was no slight obstruction to travel in the 
early day, and immigrants from the east would endeavor to steer 
their course so as to make sume point where there was a good ferry 
. established which charged reasonable prices for ferriage. The first 
public ferry between Warsaw on the south, and Prairie du Chien on 
the north, a distance of 500 miles, was established by Col. George 
Davenport in 1825, and full crews employed both at the "slough" 
and the main channel, for the original ferry led across the island 
and not below it. The slough ferry touched the Illinois shore 



706 HISTORY OF SOOTT COUNTY. 

near where the passenger depot of the Chicago, Rock Ishmd & 
Pacific Railroad now stands. The island landing on the main chan- 
nel was just in front of the Davenport mansion, while on the Iowa 
shore there were two — an arriving and departing landing. The 
rapids' current was strong, and the boats, ordinarily propelled by 
oar and hehn, were naturally carried well down stream in cross- 
ing. The first landing was at a point where Renwick's mill was 
subsequently built, and from this point, having first discharged its 
freight, the boat was polled u]) along the shore to a puint at the 
foot of Mississippi avenue, from which it returned to the island 
landing. It was seldom, indeed, that there was any return trade. 
The crew consisted of two oarsmen and a man at the hehn, and for 
putting a man and horse across was $1.25, or a two-horse team for 
$2.00; single passengers in a skiff, '26 cents. 

Captain Benjamin W. Clark established a ferry at Bufi'alo while 
he lived at Andalusia, before lie moved across the river. For many 
years this was the most noted ferry between Burlington and Du- 
buque. Antoine Le Claire in 1834 started his ferry below the isl- 
aml, and Davenport boats and crews retired from the business. 
Le Claire opened out with fiat-boats. His first captain was L. S. 
Colton. After three years' service Mr. Le Claire sold out his fran- 
chise and boats to John Wilson for $1,000, and i-etii-ed from the 
business. 

Mr. "Wilson was a man of enterpi'ise, and improved his line by 
building new boats and transacting his business in a systematic 
manner. He made commutation rates with Rock River ferry, at 
the mouth of Green River, whereby one fare paid way over both 
ferries, which arrangement being well advertised, greatly increased 
his business and brought to Scott County many parties seeking 
homes, who otherwise would not have come. In the Iowa Sun, of 
Aug. 4, 1838, it was announced that Mr. Wilson had a steam 
ferry upon the stocks which he would put upon the water in due 
time. For some unaccountable reason the boat was not finished 
until 1S42, but when it did appear it was found to be in advance 
of the times, and was taken ofi to re-appear no more until 1852. 
It was, however, the first steam ferry on the river above St. 
Louis. 

In 18-1:2 there were 12 ferries chartered. Every town along the 
river, or site where a town was to be in the future, had its ferry. 
Benjamin W. Clark had a ferry at Buftalo, which still exists. In 
the spring of 1838 Benjamin W. Clark was licensed to run a ferry 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 707 

at Buff'alo; John II. Sullivan and Adrian H. Davenport at Roek- 
ingliam, and Marniaduke S. Davenport at Credit Island. These 
ferries may have been in operation before this time, but this is their 
first public record. The Buffalo ferry is the only survivor of the 
three. 

In the spring of 1839 Joseph and Mathias Mounts were char- 
tered ferrymen just below Buffalo. Avery Thomas started a flat 
ferry-boat at Pinnoo's Landing, now Princeton. Benj. Doolittlewas 
also chartered for the Wapsipiiiecon, near its mouth. These were 
all flat-boats. The Princeton ferry is now run by steam. 

In IS-iO Gilbert Marshall was licensed to ferry the Wapsipine- 
con at Point Pleasant, and this became the property of J. W. 
Kertly in 1842, and afterward that ut'Judge Grant. 

In 1842 Lucian AYells started a ferry at Pleasant Yalley. and 
Parkhurst, now Le Claire, was honored near the same time. 

At the May, 1838, term of the County Commissioners' Court, 
held at Rockingham, the following was adopted as the schedule 
for licenses: Davenport, $20; Buffalo, $10; Rockingham, $8; all 
the rest at $5 per annum. The following rates were also allowed 
for the Mississippi ferriage: 

Footman 18|. 

Man and horse 50. 

One vehicle and driver 75. 

Two-horse vehicle and driver 100. 

Each additional horse or mule 18|. 

Neat cattle, per head 12^. 

Sheep or hogs 05. 

Freight, per hundred 06^. 

The Wapsipinecon tariff was 33 per cent, oft the Mississippi rates. 

The commissioners also entered on their records the following 
order: 

" Ordered^ That each keeper give due attendance at all times, 
from sunrise until 8 P. M., but shall be allowed double rates of 
ferriage after sunset." 

Among the improvements instituted by Mr. Wilson was the 
" ferry alarm.'' Says a local writer: 

" In very primitive times, in order to arouse the ferryman on 
the opposite shore, benighted Stephensonites, who had been over 
here [in Davenport] to attend evening service and overstaid their 
time, or zealous Davenporters, who after dark had occasion to visit 
Stephenson in the missionary cause, had to raise the ' war-whoop.' 
In order to discourage relics of barbarism. Mr "Wilson introduced 



T08 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

the ferry triangle, an ungainly piece of triangular steel, which, 
when vigorously pounded with a club, sent forth from its gallows- 
tree a most wretched clanging noise. But it brought the skiff 
though it waked the whole town. That triangle was immortalized 
by Davenport's local bard — the same who is now broiling beneath 
a torrid sun in a far off consulate. In an inspired moment he 
ground out an epic, or a lyric, or a something, in seven stanzas, 
and from seven to 17 poetic feet. We would re]>roduce it if we 
were quite certain our i-eaders were all prepared to die." 

On the death of John Wilson, the ferry fell into tlie hands of his 
son-in-law, Judge Spencer, and Thomas J. Robinson, then associ- 
ate jiidge, and in 1854 another judge, James Grant, of Daven- 
port, was added, and the firm changed from J. W. Spencer & Co. 
to Spencer, Kobinson & Co. Judge Grant retired in 1862, but the 
firm name remained the same. John W. Spencer was one of the 
early pioneers of Illmois, arriving in Green County, from Ver- 
gennes, Vt., behind a lot of cows and young cattle, which he 
drove out for Isaac Hawley, who subsequently became a citizen of 
Scott County. 

Thomas J. Robinson came out in 1837 to Greene Co., 111., 
from Maine, his whole worldh' wealth consisting of two dollars. 
He taught school several years, and was county clerk several 
years. In 1817 he came to R(jck Island Co., 111., and for two 
years engaged ill farming. He then engaged in merchandising 
and milling three or four years at Port Byron, and from 1853 to 
1868 was the Captain to be seen, almost without a day's absence, 
upon the deck of his active and prosperous steamer, ever active, 
pleasant and accommodating, minding his own business and mind- 
ing it well. 

The " John Wilson " was the first permanent steam ferry-boat 
introduced between Davenport and Rock Island. The "Daven- 
port" came out in 1855 and ran in connection with the *' Wilson" in 
those busy transfer times of 1855 and 1856, before the completion 
of the railroad bridge. In 1857 the " Rock Island," the present 
feny, came into service, and the "Wilson" was sold to the Fulton 
and Lyons trade, and when the war broke out the "Davenport" 
went into the Government transport business, and in time went 
where the good steamers go. 

The only competition the firm of Spencer, Robinson & Co. ever 
had was in 1851— '55, when Judge Mitchell and C. S. Whisler, hav- 
ing obtained a 1<> years' charter from Iowa, put a boat of their own 



HISTUKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 709 

upon tlie line. In the winter of 1854— '55, they made an effort to get 
ii charter from the Illinois Legislature but failed. Having author- 
ity to earrv but one way, the business was unprofitable, but keeping 
up a bold front, tliey sold out their Iowa franchise in 1855 to Spen- 
cer, Robinson it Co., for $2,000, and afterwai'd sold their boat to 
an irresponsible party and never got a cent for it. 

S})encer, Robinson & Co. amassed a handsome fortune from the 
ferry. Their best years were 1855 and 185*5, but the business con- 
tinued good until the Government built the magnificent bridge 
across the river and threw it open to everybody free of charge. 
Under this arrangement the boat barely paid expenses, and a 
valuble source of revenue has been lost. But it can in truth be 
said the old ferry served its owners and the public well. 

THE WEATHEE. 

The winter of ISi^-'S is one long to be remembered. In an- 
swer to a letter Prof. T. S. Parvin, of Iowa City, writes the editor 
of this work as follows: 

I have examined my Meteorological Records of 1812-'3, and ex- 
tract theretrom the following items: The record was made at Mus- 
catine, six miles south, and 30 miles by the river west, so that 
there is no material difference between the two jilaces. 

18i2. — Nov. 18, temperature 4 - , ice running in the Mississippi 
River. 26th, river closed. Good sleighing from this date. Dec. 19, 
temperature, 21° below zero, lowest of the winter. Coldest day 
22 ° , temperature, six ° . 

1843. — April 1, good sleighing' continued and uninterrupted from 
Nov. 26, a period of 126 days, or four months. April 8, river 
opened, having been closed a period of 134 days, or four and one 
half months, the longest period known in the history of the coun- 
try, the average time for 40 years being two months. Coldest day, 
Feb. 6, six ° , and the lowest temperature 19 = below zero. 

1842. 
Nov. Mean Temp. 30.30 = 



Dec. 



.Jan. 



Max. 


" 


G0 = 


Min. 


'• - 


-11 = 


Mean 


" 


21.00 = 


Max. 


(( 


48 = 


Min. 


1843. 


-21 = 


Moan 


Temp. 


24.90 = 



Max. '• 50 = 



Jan. 


Min. Temp. 


—15 = 


Feb. 


Mean " 


13.30 = 


l> 


Max. " 


45 = 


" 


Min. " 


—19 = 


March. 


Mean " 


15.51 = 


" 


Max. " 


38 = 


" 


Min. " 


-15 = 


April. 


Mean " 


47.70 = 


" 


Max. '• 


78 = 


u 


Min. " 


16 = 



710 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COTTNTT. 



The winter of 18J:2-'J:3 was the longest, not coldest, winter, 
known to the old settlers. 

We have had other winters witli a lower mean temperature 
and with lower temperature, (as low as 30 ° below zero), lower 
daily temperature and more daj's of extremely low temperature, 
but none of such long continuance as that famous winter of cold, 
prolonged cold, of ice and snow, through a longer period than 
ever before or since. 

The following are the dates of closing and opening of the river 
at Le Claire from the winter of 1S41 to the present time : 







NO. 


D.4YS 






NO 


DATS 


WINTKR. 


CLOSED. 


OPENED. CLOSED. 


WINTER. 


CLOSBD. 


OPENED. CLOSED. 


1841-'2 


Dec. 27 


March 1 


67 


1862-'3 


Did not close so as to prevent 


1843- '3 


Nov. 7 


April 10 


147 




boats runniu 


g but "two or 


three 


1843-'4 


Jan. 27 


Feb. 27 


30 




days. 






1844-'5 


Feb. 4 


Feb. 19 


15 


1863-'4 


Dec. 18 


March 3 


75 


1845-'6 


Nov. 30 


Jan. 24 


59 


1864-'5 


Dec. 8 


Marcli 7* 


89 


1846-'7 


Jan. 8 


March 15 


66 


1865--6 


Dec. 12 


March 24 


103 


1847-'8 


Jan. 19 


Feb. 17 


29 


1866-'7 


Dee. 27 


April 5 


99 


1848-'9 


Dec, 20 


March 21 


93 


1867-'8 


Dec. 14 


March 11 


88 


1849-'50 Did not close and ferry- 




1868-'9 


Dec. 8 


Feb. 15 


69 




boats were scarcely inter 




1870-'l 


Dec. 22 


March 30 


99 




rupted. 






1871-'2 


Nov. 28 


March 39 


128 


1851-'2 


Dec. 6 


March 5 


89 


1872-'3 


Nov. 17 


March 14 


116 


1852-'3 


Dec. 4 


March 9 


95 


1873-'4 


Dec. 21 


March 8 


86 


1853-'4 


Dec. 23 


March I 


68 


1874-'5 


Nov. 39 


March 30 


121 


185i-'.5 


Jan. 21 


March 10 


48 


1875-'6 


Nov. 24 


Feb. 26 


94 


1855-'6 


Dec. 24 


March 29 


96 


1876-'7 


Dec. 1 


Feb. 19 


80 


1856-'7 


Dec. 


March 25 


109 


1877-'8 


Nov. 30 


Feb. 16 


77 


1857-'8 


Closed about 


one week. 




1878-'9 


Dec. 10 


Jlarch 9 


88 


ISSS-tl 


Did not close 






1879-'80 


Dec. 13 


Feb. 15 


64 


l8.59-'60 


Dec. 20 


March 29 


101 


1880-'l 


Nov. 18 


April 13 


147 


1860-'l 


Dec. 22 


March 2 


70 


1881-'2 


Jan. 14 


Feb. 10 


27 


1861-'2 


Dec. 3 


Marcli 29 


117 











The past week has been marked by very undecided weather. It 
was cold, warm and pleasant; snowed, hailed and rained; froze, 
thawed and froze again; calm, blustering and mild; in brief, as a 
Yankee would say, we have had " considerable weather," — enough, 
however, to suit the most fastidious taste, if properly propor- 
tioned.— ^ase«e, Dec. 23, 1841. 

We have heard it frequently observed by old residenters, tliat 
the climate of this winter is tiie most changeable they have ever 
experienced in Iowa. — Gazette, Jan. 13, 1842. 



*Ice ran out and steamer " Hawkeye " arrived the same evening. 



HISTORY OF SCO'lT COUNTY. 711 

Our weather for several days has been remarkabi}- warm, more 
appropriate to the month of April than that of January. — Gazette^ 
Jan. 20, 1842. 

It is said tliat we are further north than the more southern 
States. Well, we do not intend to dispute the fact, but we do think 
that vegetation is more advanced here now, at this present 
writing, than we have known it in the southern portion of Oliio on 
the 27th of April. Many vegetables raised in the gardens, growing 
from the seed, are advanced enough to be edible. We had radishes 
on our table nearly a week since, some of which were almost an 
inch in diameter. Flowers, there is no end of them; our prairies 
are carpeted with a variegated hue, richer than ever looms of Lydia 
wove. — Gazette^ April 28, 1842. 

The weather continues cold, with the mercury from six to eight 
degrees below zero. The ice in the river is more compact and firm 
than it has been this winter, and presents no sign of breaking up. 
The past winter is admitted by the "oldest settler " to have been 
the coldest within their remembrance. 

Our weather is as fickle as fortune. Alternately it smiles and 
frowns upon us till fatigued we, for once, sigh for sameness. If 
we were not right sure the clerk of the weather, like our Legislat- 
ure imitating Congress, would disregard a petition, we would get 
numerous signers for cold weather. But heighol " Whatever is, is 
riglit," says Pope, and repeat we, so ''no more of that an' thou 
lovest me." — Gazette^ Jan. 18, 1844. 

Our river closed up on last Saturday night, but the ice again 
broke loose for a short time on Monday. At this time it continues 
closed, but impassable. Last Sunday was the coldest day we have 
experienced this winter; mercuiy five degrees below zero. — 
Gazette, Thursday, Feb. 1, 1S44. 

For a fortnight past, with the exception of one or two rainy days, 
we have had the most delightful weather ever experienced at this 
season in this climate. Geese are continually passing over, north- 
ward bound, while the bluebird carols his sweet notes from tlie 
forest trees in token of the return of spring. In many sections of 
the country it has redeemed wheat supposed to have been killed 
by the unfavorableness of the early part of tiie winter. — Gazette^ 
Feb. 24, 1844. 

The Mississippi has been rising gradually for the past 10 or 12 
days, until it is now higher than it has been since 1S2S. We appre- 
hend there will be considerable damage done from the rise. The river 



712 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

at present presents a beautiful sight, and well may it be termed the 
" Fatiier ofWaters," deluging as it does the bottoms and islands. 
It must be a mile and a quarter wide in front of our town. — Ga- 
zette, April 25, 184-1. 

After almost incessant rains for two and a half months, about the 
first of this month, the clouds dispersed, and since that time we 
have had fine harvest weather. — Gazette, July 17, 1844. 

Last Tuesday night another storm passed over this place and 
vicinity, prostrating many of the shade trees which adorn our streets, 
leveling corn fields and doing much other injur3'. Such a succes- 
sion of heavy rains and destructive storms have never before been 
known in this portion of the West. — Gazette, Aug. 1, 1844. 

After a series of weeks of weather so delightful as almost to de- 
ceive vegetation into the idea of early spring, winter has com- 
menced with that sure criterion of continuance — a river full of 
moving ice. For three months to come we must expect to inhale 
the invigoration of a cool, bracing atmosphere. ^6^a2e^!!e, Nov. 28, 
1844. 

The river is now closed at this place for the first time this sea- 
son. The ice stopped running Tuesday, 4th instant. The season 
thus far has been been remarkably vaW^.— Gazette, Feb. 6, 1845. 

The Mississippi at this place closed on Sunday, the 30th of No- 
vember. On Monday men crossed on the ice and on Tuesday with 
teams. After many days of the most delightful fall weather, win- 
ter has fairly and coldly commenced. Sunday morning last the 
mercury stood 14 degrees below zero. — Gazette, Dec. 4, 1845. 

After about si.x weeks of spring weather, winter has again thrown 
its snowy mantle over the earth, blocked up the river, and made 
the cheerful fireside the most comfortable location. — Gazette, Feb. 
26, 1846. 

Yesterday morning was the coldest experienced this winter, the 
mercury ranging from 18 to 20 degrees below zero. — Gazette, Jan. 
11, 1849. 

The river froze over in December and remained closed until 
March 14, 1849. 

Last Monday was the coldest day of the season, the mercury 
ranging from eight to 10 degrees below zero. The river has closed 
above us, but there is still a narrow channel open. At present 
there is the gloomy prospect before us of a thaw. — Gazette, Dec. 
20, 1849. 



UISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 713 

Christmas day (IS51) was peculiarly disagreeable. The thermom- 
eter showed 26 degrees at sunrise, then came a li^ht snow and the 
mercury dropped down to 16 degrees and the wind blew chilly. Next 
morning the mercury stood at 4 degrees, and the people from the 
countr}' say the wind blew a hurricane, and ricks of grain and stocks 
of hay were scattered in all directions. The average temperature 
of Davenport, 1850, was KU degrees, and of December, 1851, 16f 
degrees. The maximum, or highest temperature attained in 1850 
was 26 degrees; in 1851, 48 degrees. The minimum, or lowes 
point to which the mercury sunk in 1850, was 2 degrees below zero; 
in 1851 it sunk to 20 degrees below zero. Range of the thermom . 
eter in December, 1850, 28 degrees; in December, 1851, 68 de- 
grees. — Gazette, Jan. 1, 1852. 

Last Monday morning (Jan. 19), with the exception of the 
morning of Feb. 1, 1840, was the coldest weather experi- 
enced here for 25 years, and how much longer " the mind of 
man runneth not to the contrary," as we can find no older 
inhabitant. During the winter of 1842-3, the mercury sunk 26 de- 
grees below zero. On Monday morning it stood 27 degrees below 
zero. In 1840 it was 28 degrees below, and for 13 years previous 
the lowest the soldiers on the island knew it was 25 degrees below 
zero. Such was its severity that Mr. Le Claire had a young horse 
frozen to death which was running at large upon the island. Last 
Sunday morning the mercury stood at 5 degrees below zero; at 2 
F, M., 4 degrees below; at 5 P.M., 10 degrees below, and at 9. P. 
M., 16 degrees below. On Monday morning it was 27 degrees be- 
low; at 12 M., 9 degrees below, and at 9 P.M., 13 degrees below 
zero. A change occurred during the night and the next morning 
it had risen to 6 degrees above zero. — Gazette, Jan. 22, 1852. 

Sunday night, Nov. 21, we had an old-fashioned Eastern storm 
that brought with it snow which drifted until, while some places were 
bare, less exposed ones were piled up to a depth of three or four 
iect.— Gazette, Nov. 25, 1852. 

We have had quite a medley of weather the past week. From 
the 9th to the 12th inclusive was the winding up of several weeks 
of wretched weather. During those days it tried desperately to 
snow, but couldn't effect it. The 13th, 14th and 15th were delight- 
ful days, cold, bright and bracing. On Monday, the 13th, the ther- 
mometer stood 5 degrees below zero, and 18 degrees below zero 
on the \5th.— Gazette, Dec. 16, 1852. 



714 HISTORY OF sccrr county. 

Last Sunday, the 24:th, we bad a regular old-fashioned snow- 
storm for the space of half an hour; bigger flakes fell than we 
remember to have seen all last winter. — Gazette, April 28, 1853. 

The month of January was one of more steady cold weather 
than ever before exjierienced in this latitude. The mercury fell 
below zero five times and three times reached zero. The mini- 
mum of the month was 1(5 degrees below zero, and the maximum 36 
degrees above. — Gazette, Jan. 31, 1851:. 

The winter months have passed away and March is upon us. We 
have had the most remarkable and pleasant winter we remember 
to have experienced in this or or any other locality. 

On Thursday afternoon, July 20, 1854, a heavj' storm of wind 
passed over Davenport, raging for about one hour. On every side 
were scattered branches of beautiful shade-trees, while here and 
there one lay broken oiF at the trunk. The Le Claire foundry was 
unroofed and partly blown down, the bricks and timber falling 
on Wm. Overton and his son Edward, the former receiving injuries 
from which he died in about one hour. A three-story brick build- 
ing just finished and occupied by Mr. Wickersham as a tinware and 
stove store, was leveled to the ground, burying six persons in its 
ruins, none of whom, however, were killed. Mr. Wickersham's 
loss was $10,000. Other buildings were unroofed, chimneys blown 
down, and much damage caused. 

Our winter thus far has been remarkable for its mild, dry tem- 
perature and its general healthiness. Since the 13th of December 
the mercury has not been down lower than 11 degrees Fahrenheit, 
and during that time has averaged 21 degrees at daylight. Yes- 
terday was one of the most remarkable days we have ever witnessed, 
and the most disagreeable of the season. As day dawned every 
branch, twig and dried leaf were hoar with frost, and as the shades 
of evening closed around us the same scene was presented. Old 
Sol's rays had not the subtlety to penetrate the thick fog that 
draped in dense folds Mother Earth. — Gazette, Jan. 9, 1851. 

On Tuesday morning of last week the mercury, in continuation 
of the many warm days we had experienced, stood at 30 degrees. 
A change came over its spirit and the next morning it had sunk to 
6 degrees below zero. The succeeding morning it stood 16 degrees 
below zero, being the coldest day experienced in this place (as showed 
by the same thermometer hung in the same location) for five years. 
— Gazette, Feb. 6, 1851. 




,^^ //{^aAA.cyi,cZT^ 



CHAPTER XX. 

CITY OF DAVENPORT. 

Fifty years ago, at the close of tlie Black Hawk war, Gen. Scott, 
assisted by some of his principal officers, in consequence of cholera 
upon the island, met with representatives of the Sac and Fox tribes 
of Indians, upon the site of the present city of Davenport, for the 
purpose of making a treaty with them. By that treaty a section of 
land was reserved, and by the Indians given to Antoine Le Claire. 
That reserve now comprises a portion of Davenport. 

The location of the city is a beautiful one, and the early travelers 
up and down the Mississippi often stopped to admire it. Long 
before the country was settled it attracted public attention, and the 
scenery in and around what now constitutes the city is thus de- 
scribed by a traveler: "At the foot of the Upper Kapids is one of 
the most picturesque scenes that we recollect to have beheld. On 
the western side, a series of slopes are seen rising one above an- 
other for a considerable distance, until the background is terminated 
by a chain of beautifully rounded hills, over the whole of which 
trees are thinly scattered. On the other side of the river is a broad 
flat plain of rich alluvion, several miles in length, and more than a 
mile in breadth, and terminated by a range of wooded hills. On 
this prairie is a small village of the Sac and Fox Indians, composed 
of rude lodges, scattered carelessly about. In the front of the land- 
scape, and presenting its most prominent feature, is Rock Island, 
the western shore of which is washed by the main current of the 
Mississippi, while the eastern side is separated from the main land 
by a narrow channel, which is fordable at low water. The southern 
point of the island is elevated about 40 feet above the ordinary 
level of the river, and is supported by a perpendicular parapet of 
rock. Here stands Fort Armstrong, a strong and very neat work, 
garrisoned by two companies of United States troops ; and here 
will be one of the most desirable sites for a town on the Upper 
Mississippi. Rock River, which enters the Alississippi a few miles 
below the island, is a rapid stream, which may be easily rendered 
navigable, and which aflbrds abundant water-power for the propul- 
sion of any kind of machinery. The whole of this region is fruit- 
ful, heathful, and agreeable to the eye." 

George B. Sargent, in a little work entitled " Notes on Iowa," 
published in 1848, in copying the foregoing adds: " It is interesting 
to mark the changes that have taken place since the above de- 
scription was wiitten. On the western side, with the beautifully 
rounded hills in the background, now stands Davenport. On the 
42 (717) 



718 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtJNTr. 

other side, which was then occupied by the Sac and Fox village, 
is now the nourishing town of Rock Island, in Illinois. Fort Arm- 
strong is abandoned and in ruins. All along the banks of the 
river are seen the marks of civilization and improvement. But 
though the scenery has lost some of its wildness, it retains its 
original characteristic, and lias gained many pleasant features. The 
towns of Kock Island and Davenport, the old fort with its deserted 
block-houses, the Mississippi, winding gracefully above and below, 
Rock River branching oif through the woods, the forest-covered 
island, the high wooded bluffs, and the rich, green prairies of 
Illinois, form a picture, which, for beauty, variety and extent, can 
hardly be surpassed. 

Tiie healthfulness and beauty of the situation, together with the 
facilities for hunting and tishing in its neighborhood, have made 
the place the fashionable resort during the summer months of large 
numbers of people from St. Louis and other Southern cities. It 
has hitherto been more noted on this account than as a place of 
trade; but the business of the town is now rapidly on the increase. 
Tliere are several flourishing stores, and two large flouring mills 
have been erected during the past year, one of which is already in 
operation. Most of the houses are substantially built of brick. 
The hotel and court-house are large and handsome buildings." 
j^Iewhall, in ISil, thus writes in regard to Davenport: 
'•This town was laid out in 1835-'6, on a reserve belonging to 
Antoine Le Claire, Esij. It is the seat of justice for Scott County, 
and is situated nearly opposite to the lower end of Rock Island, on 
a handsome elevation, with a beautiful range of sloping hills in its 
rear. It is about 350 miles above St. Louis, by water, ^iO miles 
above Burlington, and 95 below Dubuque. The town of Stephen- 
son, on the opposite shore, with the glittering dome of its court- 
house, the mouth of Rock River a few miles below, the picturesque 
and antiquated fortifications on Rock Island, with its beautiful 
villa,* the charming residence of Le Claire, the magnificent hotel 
overlooking the white cottages of Davenport, and the adjacent vil- 
lage of Rockingham — all form a combination of picturesque beauty 
seldom if ever surpassed. I have approached this point from all 
its bearings, and whether viewed from river or blutf, it is like a 
beauteous picture varied in all its lights and shadts. I well re- 
member the first and lasting impression it produced upon my 
feelings; it was on a bright, sunny morning in August, in the year 
1836; the sun was fast dispelling the glittering dews, and every 
drooping: flower was lifting its smiling crest; on the Iowa shore 
might be seen occasionally a gaily painted warrior of the Sacs and 
Fo.\es riding along the heights, his painted form partially exposed 
to view as his scarlet blanket waved to the breeze, his light feathers 
and gaudy trappings being in admirable contrast with the verdure- 



*The residence of Col. Gtorge Davenport. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 719 

clad hills; then did I feel the utter incompetency to describe so 
beautiful a scene ; then could 1 have invoked the pencil of the 
painter, or the pen of the poet. 

"The distant reader may be skeptical concerning this hiwh- wrought 
description. At this I marvel not. The author is aware of the 
difficuitv of convej-inof entirely correct ideas of a region to those 
who have never traveled beyond the tiireshoid of home; especially 
in delineating this (in common parlance) land of the 'squatters;' 
as if, forsooth, the land of song, of Arcadian groves, and shady 
bowers, must needs be in sunny Italy, or classic Greece. 

"I will, however, add the corroborating testimony of one or two 
graphic writers, to convince the reader that nature here has been 
lavish of her beauties as well as her Ijounties. 

" 'The country around Rock Island is, in our opinion, the most 
charming that the eye ever beheld. Rack Island is, of itselt, one 
of the greatest natural beauties on the Mississippi. The ''old 
fort," Jiot to speak of its military association, is, in truth, an ob- 
ject on which tlie eye delights to dwell. The flourishing town of 
Stejihenson, upon the Illinois shore, adds greatly to the attractions 
of the scene; and Davenport, with its extended plains, its sloping 
lawns, and wooded bluffs, completesone of the most perfect pictures 
that ever delighted the eyes of man. The interior of the territory 
is rich, beautiful, and productive from end to end. Enterprising 
and industrious farmers may Hock in from all quarters, and find a 
rich reward for moderate toil. The interior is healthy, and every 
section of laud admits of easy cultivation.' 

" A correspondent of the New York Sta7\ a gentleman of much 
taste, writing from Rock Island, says: 

" 'There are some bright spots in this rude world which exceed 
our most sanguine expectations, and this is one of them. 

" ' In beauty of the surrounding scenery, both on the Upper Mis- 
sissijipi and the Crystal Rock, I have found imaged all the charms 
I had pictured in my youthful imagination wiiile reading a de- 
scription of the happy valley in Rasselas, but which I never ex- 
pected to see in the world of reality. The Father of Waters is a 
giant even here, 350 miles above St. Louis; it is estimated to be 
over a mile and a quarter wide, and is 100 miles below Dubuque, 
and about .500 miles below the head of navigation, at the Falls of 
St. Anthony.'" 

THE BEGINNING. 

The claim upon which the city of Davenport was first laid out 
was made in 1833, and was contended for by a Dr. Spencer and 
Mr. McCloud. The matter was finally settled by Antoine Le- 
Claire buying them both nut, giving them for tiie quarter section 
^150. In 1835 Mr. Le Claire sold his " reserve" to a company 
which was formed for the purpose of purchasing and laying out a 
town site. The company thus formed was composed of Major 
"William Gordon, Antoine Le Claire, George Davenport, Major 



» 



720 HISTORr OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Thomas Smith, Alexander McGregor, Levi S. Coiton. Philip Hara- 
baugh, and Captain James May. In the spring of 1836 the site 
was surveyed and laid ont by Maj. Gordon, United States Survey- 
or, and one of the stockholders. The spot selected included the 
area bounded on the east by Harrison street, on the north by Sev- 
enth, west by Warren, and south by the river. It included -'56 
blocks, and six half-blocks, the latter being the portions lying 
adjacent to Warren, on the west. 

The cost of the entire site was $2,000, or $250 per share, — a 
price which now would purchase but a very indifterent building 
lot in the least valued part of it. In May the lots were oifered at 
auction. A steamboat came np from St. Louis laden with passen- 
gers to attend the sale, and remained at the levee during its con- 
tinuance, in order to afford the conveniences of lodging, edibles, 
and the not less essential item of drinkables. The sale continued 
two days, but owing to the fact that the titles were simply such as 
were included in a squatter's claim, and purchasers fearful that 
such were not particularly good, only some 50 or 60 lots were 
sold, and these mostly to St Louis speculators. The lots brought 
from $300 to $600 each, a smaller sum than the proprietors cal- 
culated upon. The remaining portion of the site was then divided 
among tlie proprietors.* 

The immigration this year was but small, only some half-dozen 
families coming in. 

The tirst hotel or taverri was put up this year, and opened by 
Edward Powers, and is still standing on the corner of Front street 
and Ripley. It was put up by Messrs. Davenport and LeClaire, 
and was called " Davenport Hotel,"— in honor of tlie" city." The 
first saloon was also started this year by an old sea captain, John 
Litch. It was a log house, and stood on Front street. It was 
long a favorite resort for the politician and those who felt the ne- 
cessity of using a " little wine for the stomach's sake and their 
often infirmities." The captain did not always live up to the letter 
of the law, and the matter of license was probably contrary to his 
convictions of right, as he was on more than one occasion taken in 
hand by the Board of County Commissioners. 

In October, 1S36, James Mcintosh opened a small stock of 
goods in a log house, built by A. LeClaire, on the corner ofPiplej' 
and Third streets. In December following, D. C. Eldridge also 
opened a large stock of goods, and claims to be the first to keep a 
general assortment, with the intention of making it a business. 

In the fall of 1836 a son was born unto Levi S. Coiton, the first 
birth in the new village. The first female child born was a daugh- 
ter of D. C. Eldridge, in the spring of 1837. 



♦DaveDport, Past and Present. 



. CITY OF DAVENPORT. 721 

INCORPOKATION. 

Tlie town of Diivi'iipoi-t w:i.s iiicoriiorated by tlie Legislature 
in the winter of 1838- '9, and the tirst election for township 
officers was held April 1, 1839. Rodolphus Bennett was elected 
Mayor ; Frazer "Wilson, Recorder ; and Dr. A. C. Donaldson, D. 
C. Eldridge, John Forrest. Thomas Dillon and John Litch, Trus- 
tees. Tlie town council held its tirst meeting April :iO. James M. 
Bowling was a])p()inted Treasurer ; William Nichols, Street Com- 
missioner; and W. II. Patton, JMarshal. 

In 18-t3 a new charter was granted the town, which was used 
■without amendment until 1850. when it was amended, and in 1851 
repealed by the passage and adoption of a new city charter. This 
charter has bec-n amended from time to time to suit the conven- 
ience of the inhabitants, or to grant or take from it some ])rivilege. 
From 1889 to ]SS1 the following named have served in the ofifces, 
and for the time mentioned: 

LIST OF OFFICERS FROM TllF, DATIC i)F THK FIRST CHARTER TO TUE 

I'RESEXT TIME. 

1839. — Mayor. Rodolphus Bennett; Recorder, Frazier "Wilson ; 
Treasurer, James M. Bowling; Marshal. George Colt. 

1810. — Mayor. John II. TJiorington: Recorder. Frazier "V\'"ilson; 
Treasurer, James M. Bowling; Marshal, William B. "Watts. 

18-11. — Mayor, Jonathan W. Parker ; RsK-ortler. .lohn Po])e ; 
Treasurer, James M. Bowling; ^Marshal, "U'illiam B. Watts. 

1812.— Mayor, Ilarve}' Leonard; Recorder, J. W. Parker; Treas- 
urer, James M. Bowling; Marshal, Gilbert B. McKown. 

1813. — (New charter granted.) — Mayor, James Thorington ; 
Clerk. Jonatiian "W. Parker; Treasurer. John D. Evans; Marshal, 
Jared N. Snow. 

1814. — ilayor, James Tliorington; Clerk, Levi Davis; Treasurer, 
John D. Evans; Marshal, Jared X. Snow. 

1S15. — Mayor, James Thorington; Clerk, John Pope; Treasurer, 
John D. Evans; Marshal, Samuel L>-ter. 

1846. — Mayor, James Tliorington; Clerk. John Pope; Treasurer, 
John D. I-lvaiis; Marshal, Samuel Lyter. 

1847.— Mayor, James il. Bowling; Clerk, James Tliorington; 
Treasurer. ; Jlarshai. John D. Evans. 

1848. — Mayor, James M. Bowling ; Clerk, James Thorington ; 
Treasurer, John D. Evans; Marshal, Samuel Parker. 

1849. — Mayor, Jonathan Parker; Clerk, James Thorington; 
Treasurer, John D. Evans; Marshal, Lockwood J. Center. 

1850. — (Charter amended.) — Mayor, James Ilall; Clerk, James 
Thorington; Treasure!-, Joiin D. Evans; Marshal, L. J. Center. 

1851.— (New charter.) — Mayor, Charles "Weston ; Clerk, A. F. 
Mast; Marshal, Patrick Courtney; Treasurer, L. B. Collamer 



722 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Aldermen, First Ward, Adam Weigand, Harvey Leonard; Second 
Ward, Egbt. S. Barrows, Nathaniel Squires ; Third Ward, Eben- 
ezer Cook, Hiram Price. 

1852.— Major, John Jordan; Clerk, A. F. Mast; Marshal, 
Samuel Parker ; Treasurer, William Van Tuyl ; Aldermen, First 
Ward, Harvey Leonard, Adam Weigand; Second Ward, Nathaniel 
Squires, John P. Cook; Tiiird Ward, Hiram Price. John Bechtel. 

1853.— Mayor, Jolin A. Poyd ; Clerk, Eichard K. Allen ; Mar- 
shal, Samuel Parker; Treasurer, Jessamine Drake; Aldermen; 
First Ward, Adam AVeigand, John Weeks ; Second Ward, Jolm 
P. Cook, Joseph Kingerlee ; Third Ward, Hiram Price. William 
Gray. 

1854. — Mayor, James Grant; Clerk, B. B.Woodward; Marshal, 
L. J. Center; Treasurer, L. B. Collamer; Aldermen, First Ward, 
H. Wilhelra, G. G. Arndt ; Second Ward, Clias. J. H. Eyser, E. 
A. (^erdtzen ; Tliird Ward, B. Atkinson, D. P. McKown \ Fourth 
Ward, Henry H. Smith, Ebenezer Cook : Fifth Ward, William 
Burris, A. A. McLoskev. 

1855.— Mayor, Enos Tichenor ; Clerk, B. B. Woodward ; Mar-' 
shal, Samuel Parker ; Treasurer, William Van Tuvl ; Aldermen, 
First Ward, G. G. Arndt, Gilbert C. R. Mitcliell ; "Second Ward, 
E. A. Gerdtzeu, Charles J. 11. Eyser; Tliird Ward, D. P. McKown, 
Austin Corbin; Fourth Ward, Ebenezer Cook, Hiram Price; Fifth 
Ward, Anthony A. McLosky, Alfred H. Owens ; Sixtli Ward, 
Joseph Lambrite, Samuel Sadoris. 

1850.— Mayor. G. C. R. Mitchell; Clerk, Wm. Hall; Treasurer, 
Samuel Sylvester ; Marshal, John H. Taylor ; Aldermen, First 
Ward, James O'Brien, John Schuett; Second Ward, C. J. H. Eyser, 
Aug. Smallfield; Third Ward, James M. Bowling, Austin Corbin; 
Fourth Ward, Hiram Price, Jolm Forrest ; Frftli Ward, W. S. 
Kinsey, S. R. Barkley ; Sixth AVard, Samuel Sadoris, Joseph 
Lambrite. 

1857.- Mayor, Geo. B. Sargent ; Marshal. H. W. Mitchell ; 
Clerk, E. Peck ; Ti-easurer, Samuel Sylvester ; Aldermen, First 
Ward, J. M. Cannon, Edward Jennings; Second Ward, H. Ram- 
ming, Theo. Guelich; Third Ward, J. M. Bowling, Austin Corbin; 
Fourth Ward, John Forrest, J. C. Washburn e; Fifth AVard, James 
O'Brien, Geo. E. Hubbell, vice A. Le Claire, resigned; Sixth AVard, 
Wm. Guy. Isaac H. Sears. 

1858. — Mayor, Ebenezer Cook ; Marshal, John Bechtel; Treas- 
urer, Lorenzo Schricker; Clerk, Hallet Kilbourn; Aldermen, First 
Ward. John M. Cannon, I. P. Coates; Second Ward, Theo. Guelich, 
Henry Ramming; Tiiird AVard, Austin Corbin, James Mackintosh; 
Fourth AVard, Thomas H. Morley, John C. Washburne : Fifth 
Ward. Geo. E. Hubbell. James ' O'Brien ; Sixth AVartl, Robt. 
Christie, Isaac H. Sears. 

1859. — Mayor, Ebenezer Cook (part term), Hiram Price (part 
term); Clerk, L. C. Bnrwell; Treasurer, L. Schricker; Marshal, 
John Bechtel; Police Magistrate, John Johns, Jr.; Aldermen, 



CITY OK DAVENPORT. 723 

J. H. Holmes. G. P. Anderson, First Ward; H. Ramming, II. H. 
Anderson, Second Ward ; J. P. Coates, J. Mcintosh, and S. Saddores, 
Third Ward; II. B. Evans, T. II. Morlej, Puurth AVard; J. A. Le 
Claire, J. 0'l>rien. Fifth Ward; C. A. llaviland, Robert Christie, 
Sixth Ward. 

18C0.— Mayor, James B. Caldwell; Clerk, II. Mittelbuscher; 
Treasurer, W. A. Remington; Marshal, 0. S. McNeil; Police 
Magistrate, John Johns; Aldermen, II. Weinert, II. S. Finley, 
First Ward; T. Guelich, B. Peters, Second Ward; C. S.Ells, 
H. Ramming, Third Ward; Thomas U. Morley, II. B. Evans, 
Fourth Ward: J. O'Brien, J. A. Le Claire, Fifth Ward; J. Coult- 
hart, C. A. Haviland, Sixth Ward. 

1861. — Mayor, George II. French; Clerk, H. Mitte'buscher; 
Treasurer, W. A. Remington; Marshal, O. S. McNeil; Police 
Magistrate, John Johns; Aldermen, John Schmidt, H. Weinert, 
Cli. Kauflfman (jiart of term), First Ward; T. Guelich, B. Peters, 
Second Ward; ^larsh Noe, II. Runiming (part term), Wm. Glas- 
nian (])art term). Third Ward; P. J. Gillett, G. L. D.ivenport, 
Fourth AVard; J. A. Le Claire, J. C. Parker, Fifth Ward; AYm. 
Renwick, J. Coulthart, Sixth Ward. 

1862. — Mayor, George II. French; Clerk, Thos. Dermady (part 
term), H. Mittelbuscher (part term); Treasurer. John II. Morton; 
Marshal, H. Leonard; Police ^lagistrate, D. 11. Wheeler; Alder- 
men, S. G. Mitchell, John Schmidt (^i)art term), Edward Jennings, 
(balance term). First AVard; Francis Ochs, AVm. (Tlasman, Second 
AA^ard; Henry Lambach(part term), John Wunderlichl^ balance term). 
Marsh Noe, Third AVard; G. W. McCarn, Geo. L.Davenport, 
Fourth Ward; Victor Hunt, J. A. Le Claire (part term), W. 
Kelly (balance term), Fifth Ward; James CUinningham, AVm. Ren- 
wick, Sixth AA^ard. 

1863. — Mayor, John E.Henry; Clerk. H. Mittelbuscher; Treas- 
urer, John H.Morton; Marshal", F. W. Means; Police Magistrate, 
D. II. AVheeler; Aldermen, Samuel Hirschl, S. G. Mitchell, First 
Ward; Ernst Claussen, Francis Ochs (part term), H. II. Andressen, 
(balance term). Second AVard; Marsh Noe. J. Wunderlich, Third 
AVard; George L. Davenport, George AV. McCarn, Fourth AVard; 
A^'ictor Hunt, AV. G. Jones, Fifth AA^ard; J. Coulthart, Jamea 
Cunningham. Sixth AVard. 

186-1:. — Mayor, Robert Lowr^v; Clerk, Ciiarles Kauflman; Treas- 
urer, AV. A. Remington; Marshal, AVm. Pool; Police Magistrate, 
H. D. AVheeler; Aldermen, G. M. Mathes, Samuel Hirschl, First 
Ward; H. H. Andressen, J. Claussen (part term), E. Tcgcler (part 
term). Second AVard; Henry A. Rungc. Marsh Noe. Third AVard; 
John Hornly, George L. Davenport, Fourtli AVard; ^L E. Davis, 
AV. G. Jones, Fifth Ward; M. K. Parks, J. Coulthart, Sixth Ward. 

18C5. — Mayor, John L. Davies; Clerk, C. Kauffman (part term), 
A. C. Billon (balance term); Treasurer, AV. A. Remington; Mar- 
shal, AA^m. Pool; Police Magistrate. C. G Blood; Aldermen, C. H. 
Lage, G. M. Mathes, First AVard; II. II. Andressen, Carl. Tegeler, 



724 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Second Ward; H. li. Rnnge, T. W. McClelland (part term), Marsh, 
Noe, Third Ward; F. W. Crampton, John Hornly (part term), 
John S. Seymour (balance term), Fourth Ward; W. G. Jones, M. 
C. Davis, Fifth Ward; J. Coulthart. H. Shiley, Sixth Ward. 

1866. — Mayor, John L. Davis; Clerk, D. B. Nash; Treasurer, 
W. A. Remington; Marshal, Win. Pool; Police Magistrate, C. G. 
Blood; Aldermen, C. H. Lage, G. M. Mathes, First^Ward; H. H. 
Andressen, N. Kuhnen, Second Ward; A. Warnebold, Marsh Noe, 
Third Ward; John S. Sevmour, O. S. McNeil, Fourth Ward; M. 
C. Davis, W. G. Jones, Fifth Ward; J. Coulthart, J. M. Frizzell, 
Sixth Ward. 

1867.^Mayor, M. Donoliue; Clerk, Jolin Lillis; Treasurer, Otto 
King; Marshal. J. W. Moore, W. T. Dittoe; Aldermen, G. M. 
Mathes, A.J. Littig, First Ward; H. H. Andressen. E. Claussen, 
Second Ward ;N. Kulien, P. B. Harding. Third Ward; J. S. Sey- 
mour. O. S. McNeil, Fourth Ward; M.^E. Davis, Tlios. Dermody, 
Fiftli Ward; F. Cunningham, J. M. Frizzell, Sixth Ward. 

1868, — Mayor, M. Donohue; Clerk, John Liliis; Treasurer, Otto 
King; Marshall, J. Kaufman; Police Magistrate, W. T. Dittoe; 
Aldermen, G. M. Mathes, A. F. Littig, First Ward; E. Claussen, 
Christ Kruse, Second Ward; P. B. Harding, H. A. Runge, Third 
Ward; 0. S. McNeil. S P. Bryant, Fourth Ward; Thomas Der- 
modv, J. C. Conklin, Fifth Ward; J. Cunningham, J. M. Frizzell. 
Sixth Ward. 

1869. — Mayor, James Renwick; Clerk, J. G. Tiicrk; Treasurer, W. 
A. Remington; Marshal, J. Kaufman; Police Magistrate, Bleik 
Peters; Aldermen, G. M. Mathes, John Tude, First Ward; Christ 
Kruse, H. F. Laverenz, Second Ward; H. A. Runge, Henry Hoch, 
Third Ward; S. P. Bryant. L. T. Eads, Fourth Ward; R.Gavin, T. 
W. McClelland, Fifth" AVard; J. M. Frizzell, G. S. Shaw, Sixth 
Ward. 

1870.— Mayor, J. M. Lvter; Clerk, J. G. Tuerk; Treasurer, W. A. 
Remington; Marshal, J. Kaufman; Police Magistrate, Bleik Peters; 
Aldermen. John Tude, Ed. J. Jennings, First Ward; H. F. Lav- 
erenz, J. F. Miller, Second AVard; Henry Hoch, J. K. McCosh, 
Third AVard; L. T. Eads, J. N.Crawford, Fourth AVard; John Lillis, 
J. M. Dalzell. Fifth AVard; G. S.Shaw, AVallington Scott, Sixth 
AVard. 

1871.— Mayor, John C. Bills; Clerk, J. G. Tuerk;, Treasurer, Ch. 
Tuerring; Marshal, J. A. Le Claire; Police Magistrate,Bleik Peters; 
Aldermen, Ed. J. Jenninp;s, A. Woeber, First Ward; J. F. Miller, 
H. F. Laverenz, Second AVard; F. K. McCosh, Louis Feid, Third 
Ward; J. N. Crawford. E. E. Cook, Fourth Ward; J. M. Dalzell, 
E. B. Baldwin. Fifth AVard; W. Scott, G. S. Shaw, Sixth AVard. 
1872.— Mayor. A. H. Bennett; Clerk. J. G. Tuerk; Treasurer, 
Charles Tuerring; Marshall, J. A. Le Claire; Police Magistrate, 
Bleik Peters; Aldermen, A. Woober, Henry Abel, First Ward; 
H. F. Laverenz, H. Lischer, Second Ward; Louis Feid, H. A. 



CITT OF DAVENPORT. 725 

Purge, Third Ward; C. II. Frost, C. C. Cock, Foiirtli Ward; E. 
B. Baldwin, T. T. Dow, Fifth Ward; G. S. Shaw, W. Scott, Sixth 
Ward. 

1873.— Mayor. J. H. Murphy; Cleric, J. G. Tuerk; Treasurer, 
Charles Tneri-iiig; Marshal, J. A. Le Claire; Police Magistrate, 
John Kaufman ; Aldermen, Ed. J. Jennings, II. Abel, First Ward; 
H. Lischer, Otto King, Second, Ward; II. A. Piimge, C. II. Ficke, 
Third Ward; C. C. Cock, T. W. McClelland, Fourth Ward; T. T. 
Dow, Wm. Braithwaite, E. Grace resigned. Fifth Ward; I. II. 
Sears. G. S. Shaw, Si.xth AVard. 

1874. — Mayor, J. AV. Stewart; Clerk, J. G. Tuerk, Treasurer, 
Charles Tuerring; Marshal, J. A. Le Claire; Police Magistrate, 
John Kaufman: Aldermen, Ed. J. Jennings, C. Foster, First Ward; 
Otto King. H. Lischer, Second Ward; C. II. Ficke, Clias. Priester, 
Third Ward; T. W. McClelland resigtied, J. E. Stevenson, AY. F. 
Skinner, Fourth AVard; AVm. Braithwaite. T, T. Dow, Fifth AA^ard; 
G. S. Sliaw, I. II. Sears, Sixth AA^ard. 

• 1875. — Mayor, Roderick Hose; Clerk, J. G. Tuerk; Treasurer, 
Chas. Tuerring; Marshall, Ed. J. Jennings; Police Magistrate, 
John Kaufman; Aldermen, C. Foster, Thos. Scott, First AVard; 
Otto Khig, H. Lischer, Second Ward; Chas. Priester, C. H. Ficke, 
Third AVard; AV. J. Skinner, J. E. Stevenson, Fourth AVard; T. 
T. Dow. J. L. Ilehert. Fifth AVard; 1. II. Sears, D. Stanchfield, 
Sixth Ward. 

1876. — Mayor, Roderick Rose; Clerk, J. G. Tuerk; Treasurer, C. 
Tuerring; Marsluil, Ed. J. Jennings; Police Magistrate; John 
Kaufman; Aldermen, C. Foster, Thos. Scott, First AVard; Otto 
King, H. F. Laverenz, Second AVard; C. F. Knappe, C. II. Fiske, 
Third Ward; W. J. Skinner, J. E. Stevenson, Fonrtlv AVard; Jos. 
Hebert, T. T. Dow, Fifth AVard; D. N. Richardson, Daniel Stanch- 
field, SixthWard. 

1877.— Mayor, T. T. Dun; Clerk, J. G. Tuerk; Treasurer, Ru- 
dolph Priester; Marshal, Ed. J. Jenninirs; Police ilagistrate. C. 
G. Blood; Aldermen, C. Foster. Thos. " Scott, First Ward: Otto 
King. II. F. Lavernz, Second Ward;'C. F. Knappe, Martin Kun- 
kel. Third Ward; AV. J. Skinner, AV. L. Marks, Fourth AA^ard; A. 
Burdick, AV. G. Jones, Fifth AVard;!. II. Sears, D. X. Richardson, 
Sixth AVard. 

1S78.— Maj-or, John AV. Thompson; Clerk, J. G. Tuerk; Treasurer, 
Rudolph Priester; Marshal, Louis Fcid; Police Magistrate, C. G. 
Blood; Aldermen, C. Foster, Tiios. Scott, First Ward; Otto King, 
John Spetzer, Second AVard; Martin Kunkel, Leo Schumacher, 
Third AVard; M. L. Marks, O. S. McNeil, Fourth AVard; M.V. 
Gannon, A. Burdick, Fifth AVard; John AVhitaker, I. II. Sears, 
Sixth Ward. 

1879. — Alayor, Jerrie J[urphy; Clerk, .John McStein; Treasurer, 
R. Priester; Marshal, Theo. Martins; Police Magistrate, John 
Kaufman; Aldermen, C. Foster, Henry Lamp, First AVard; Otto 



726 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Klu^, John Spitzen. Second Ward; Martin Kankel, Leo Schu- 
macher, Third Ward; O. S. McNeil, A. P. Doe, Fourth AVard; M. 
V. Gannon, James Dooley, Filtii AVard; J. Babcock, John AA^hita- 
ker, Sixth AVard. 

IgSO. — Mayor, Koderick Rose; Clerk, John McSteiu; Treasurer, 

E. Priester; Marshal, Theo. Martins; Police Magistrate, John 
Kaufman; Aldermen, AVm. O. Schmidt, Henry Lamj), First AVard; 
Otto Kluo;, Fritz Vulstedt, Second Ward; Martin Kunkel, AVm. 
CIaussen,"Third AVard; A. W. Cantwell, A. P. Doe, Fourth AVard; 
James Dooley, F. H. Hancock, Fifth AVard; John AViiitaker, E. J. 
Babcock, Sixth Ward. 

1881. — Mayor, John E. Henry; Clerk, John McStcin; Treasurer, 
Fred Kruse; Marshal, Byron Runisey; Police Magistrate, Bernard 
Finger; Aldermen, AVm. O. Schmidt, N. Ivramback, First AVard; 
Fritz A^olstedt, F. G. Claussen, Second AVard; AVm. Claussen, Henry 
Karwarth, Third AVard; A. AV. Cantwell, John Hoyt, Fourth Ward; 

F. H. Hancock, G. Pt. Marvin, Fifth AVard; John AVhitaker, W. 
F. Fidlar, Sixth AVard. 

THE POSTOFFICE. 

The first postoffice established in this neighborhood was on the 
island, Col. Davenport being the first postmaster. This was in 
1824. Previous to this, during the occupancy of the island by 
Government troops, the mails came in at very irregular intervals, 
by military manipulation, once a year or oftener, as supplies or re- 
inforcements were sent in. AVlien Col. Davenport was appointed 
the nearest office was at the little town of Atlas, on the Illinois 
River, about three miles from its mouth. It was between tliis 
point and the island, about 300 miles distant, that the mail-carriers, 
either on foot or on horseback, made trips once a month. A few 
years later the nearest postoffice was at Clarksville, Mo., 24-5 miles 
away; then the service got up as far as Hannibal, 208 miles, and a 
little later to Quincy, 183 miles. Between the island and Quincy 
the mail service was performed.by Rev. Peter Williams, a Methodist 
minister. A local writer says of him: ''Meager as to education, 
but chuck fall of zeal, he faithfully served Uncle Sam and his 
Divine Master at the same time, delivering his mail and his 
rousing old backwoods Methodist sermons at the same time. 
Despite the well-known text upon the subject, he did serve two 
masters, and did it well. Parson Peter's loftiest efforts were re- 
served for the sinful men of sanguinary war who peopled Fort 
Armstrong. At that point, of a Sunday, in his plain, ungrammat- 
ical style, did the venerable old man thunder forth the gospel with 
most earnest vehemence. He was a Methodist, with the bark on, 
and he took no pains to conceal it. He was the pioneer Methodist 
of these parts, probably the first preacher of any denomination 
among the white men in this vicinity." 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 727 

The route from Quincy to the island was suspended in 1829 or 
1830, and tlie island mail came in by svay of Chicago and Galena, 
by horseback from the latter place until about 1835, when it com- 
menced coming by vehicle by way of Dixon, and it kept coining 
by that route until the advent of the steam horse. In 1S38 there 
were several m.'^il routes into this vicinity, bringing mail about 
half the days of the week. 

Col. Davenport was in possession of the office several years 
before he was properly sworn in. Judge Irwin, of the U. S. 
Supreme Court, by chance visited the island and administered the 
long-neglected oath of office. Mr. Davenport was postmaster on 
theisland until Nov. 25, 1S34, when his charge was turned over to 
Miles Conway, at Farnamsburg, now llock Island. 

Davenport was the first point iu Scott County endowed with 
postal honors, Antoine Le Claire receiving a commission as the 
first postmaster, April 19, 1836. He received his mail from the 
Stephenson (now Eock Ishiiid) office, and brought the letters there- 
from in bis coat-tail pocket. It is said the first quarter's commis- 
sion netted Mr. Le Claire an actual income of 75 cents! 

In December, 1836, D. C. Eldridge opened a store in a little log 
liouse down on the corner of Front and Kipley streets, and Mr. Le 
Claire made him his deputy, and gave him charge of the office. 
The duties of this office were not yet burdensome, though provis- 
ions were made for bringing the mail over in a mail bag. Mr. 
Eldridi^e closed out his store in a year or two, and in the summer 
of 183S built a little one-story brick house on the corner of Third 
and Brady streets, for his future residence, and just east of it, upon 
the same lot, erected the little brick office for a postoffice. It was 
not much of a building, and would but poorly accommodate the 
business of to-day. But it was quite a neat little affair, and really 
a great improvement in its day. There v.as plenty of room for the 
neat little array of boxes, and for two or three city magnates to sit 
and talk awhile with the agreeable and chatty postmaster. It was 
the first expressly built postoffice building in Davenport, and the 
last. From a well-written article by D. N. Richardson, the follow- 
ing extract is taken : '' Mr. Eldridge ended his service as deputy 
in Februarj', 1838, and was now commander-in-chief of the depart- 
ment, receiving his commission thri)Ugh the influence of Gen. 
George W. Jones, of Dubuque, then delegate in Congress for "Wis- 
consin Territory. Mr. Eldridge had formed the acquaintance of 
the General in 1835. while moving into this country, and after- 
ward met him at Burlington, in 1837, while the Wisconsin Terri- 
torial Legislature was there in session, before which bod}' he was a 
candidate for further Congressional honors. Mr. Eldridge was a 
Wiiig and the General a Democrat, but politics didn't amount to 
much on the Ijorder in those days, and if it did it didn't make 
any difference in this case. The General took a liking to Mr. 
Eldridge and got him the position, which he held, with but a single 
recess, for more than a dozen years. " The postoffice remained in 



728 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

the little brick office for nearly two years, but in 18iO was removed 
to the White Hall tavern, bat then newly erected upon the site 
now occupied by the Democrat building, Mr. Eldridge being its 
host. The post'oihce was kept in the bar-room of the White Hall 
for a little more than a year, when Mr. Eldridge retired from hotel- 
keeping and established a handsome and spacious reading-room in 
the basement of the Le Claire House. The postoffice was removed 
into the reading-room and there remained until 1843, when a little 
frame bakery down on Main street was fitted up for its occupancy, 
and the reading-room abandoned to other less literar\' uses. '• Here 
Mr. Eldridge kept his office until the inauguration of James K. 
Polk as President, in March, 1845, soon after which the office was 
han.ded over to Joim Forest, the village justice. In the same build- 
ing did Squire Forest hold iiis court and handle the mail during 
the entire Polk administration. He informs us that he was un- 
fortunate in his official career, in that about the time he entered 
upon his duty, the rate of postage was reduced from 25, 18f and 
12^ cents per letter to 10 and 5 cents, which interference on the 
part of the Government in favor of the letter-writing masses for a 
while very seriously curtailed his percentage, which was no higher 
under the new arrangement than under the old. This trouble was 
but teniporarj-, however, for under the reduced postage system the 
mail bags became much more weighty after awhile, and the re- 
ceipts got to be quite satisfactory before his office term had expired. 
He remained postmaster until the summer of 1849, when Gen. 
Taylor, having assumed the Presidential chair, executed a commis- 
sion to tlie former incumbent, and D. C. Eldridge again became 
postmaster. Upon taking hold of tiie office that gentleman re- 
moved it to Second street, into a new brick store building. He had 
bought out two drag stores just before, one of Dr. John F., now 
Judge Dillon, and another of Alfred Sanders, edilorof the Gazette, 
and consolidated the pills and pestles in the aforesaid new two- 
story brick. So the drugs and mail matter were both dealt out 
over the same counter. 

'-'This new postoffice location made trouble. It was away out in 
the country, the bulk of the city being between Main and Ripley 
streets. The people wanted very much to know what the mischief 
he was carting tlie postoffice away up to Princeton for? They 
wanted their mail, and they didn't want to hunt all over the prai- 
ries for it, eitherl Petitions were circulated, numerously signed, 
and forwarded to Washington, wheve the grievances of the people 
were taken under advisement. The Department called on Mr. El- 
dridge for an explanation of his sudden movement toward the lead 
mines. Tlie worthy official resjwnded by saying that he had 
sought to serve the interests of the Department by rem-iving the 
office from a rickety old frame to a substantial brick, and the entire 
distance between the old postoffice and the new was but about 500 
feet by actual tape-line measure, and he believed it to be his duty 
to keep it there. So the Governmentthought, and so the difficulty 
ended. 



CITT OF KAVENl'ORT. 729 

" Tlie office i cinaii'ed thero. In November, ls52, was Gen. Frank 
Pierce eliosen President. ^Ir. Kldridge wanted to si)end tlie win- 
ter ill (Cincinnati, and concluded U> give up the office, Icnowing 
that a change would })robahly be made in the sjjring, so he for- 
warded ids resignation in tavor ot' William Van Tuyl, a well- 
known Democrat, then as now a resident of Davenport. Mr. Van 
Tuyl was duly appointed postmaster, and continued the office in 
the same place until the following sjjring, when the Pierce admin- 
istration came into power. 

" The record is now brought down to the spring of 1853, at which 
time Davenport had a pojiulation of about 3,000, and was on the 
eve of rapid increase. The Pierce adnunistration had assumed the 
reins of government. While the people of Davenport had no reason 
to find fault with the manner in which Postmaster Van Tuyl had 
conducted the atfairs of his office, the Democrats did object to the 
manner of his appointment. There were other aspirants to the 
])Osition in the field, among whom were A. F. Mast, T. D. Eagal, 
editor of the Deinocratic Banner. Richard Shields and Gilbert 
Mc Ivown, who with their backei's vigorously disputed the right of 
Mr. Eldrid'ge. the former incumbent and a Whig, to dictate as to 
wiiich of the probably hungry and certainly expectant Democracy 
should enjoy the spoils of the glorious Democratic victory. 

" The general disquiet culminated in an appeal to Gen. George W. 
Jones, still a member of Congress from this State, who, not wish- 
ing to take the postal bull by the horns, directed, as there were 
several candidates in the field, the choice of the Democracy 'ne in- 
dicated by ballot. So they met at the court-house one quiet spring 
morning and voted — as usual. After a ballot or two Mr. Eagal 
withdrew his name in favor of Mr. Mast, who was the fortunate 
candidate. His name was sent forward and in due time his com- 
mission arrived. Mr. Van Tuyl, being of the opinion that his posi- 
tion would be sustained, did not go into caucus, and so lost his 
office. 

"Mr. Mast assumed control of the office and held it for eight 
years. Its location remained on Second street, near Brady, about 
three months, during which time he put up a new postoffice build- 
ing on the corner of the alley on Brady, below Second street, 
which room becoming too small was deserted in 1855 for more 
commodious quarters further up Brady street. 

"When Mr. Mast entered the office, Davenport was just becom- 
ing a point of importance. The Chicago ct Kock Island Railroad 
was approaching completion; seven four horse mail coaches of 
Frink lic Walker's line left this place daily for various Western 
points. The Western mail arrived by way of Muscatine, at mid- 
night, and about the office on the arrival and departure of the mails 
there was that noise and bustle, rattling of coach wheels, prancing 
of horses, cracking of whijjs, and slinging of mail bags that 
will never be seen again. In those days, aiul until IXU, the post- 
office bo.xes, now the property of the Department, belonged to the 
postmaster, together with all their ])roceeds. This income, to- 



730 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

gether with the usual percentage of -iO per cent, on mail matter, 
amounted to about $800 the tirst year; increased to $3,300 in 1S56 
and 1857, and then under pressure of the panic subsided to $2,000 
a year, in the latter part uf iiis official term. With the exception 
of a few months at the beginning, Eicliard Smetham was with him 
the entire term; and during the tiush times spoken of, three clei'ks 
were employed. The opening of the mails on Sunday mornings in 
those times atiorded a rare sight, the ' general delivery ' patrons 
being numerous and anxious. Taking place in line as they ar- 
rived, the 'rear sergeant' generally found himself well nigh out of 
sight of the postoffice. At that time the Davenport postoffice was 
only one of three postoffices in the United States that liad a surplus 
over expenses. The room, which was originally about 50 feet 
deep, was extended some 30 feet farther back by tearing away the 
partitioii and taking in what was then the city marshal's office. 

*'In the spring of 1861, President Lincoln having been inaugu- 
rated, Charles H. Eldridge. having distanced all competitors, who 
were neither few nor far between, was commissioned to take the 
office. The city had grown during Mr. Mast's term to a place 
of 15,000 when Mr. Eldridge went into the office. The war broke 
out about that time and postal matters became very important. 
The business of the office swelled rapidly again. Mr. Eldridge 
remained in charge until April 1, 1864, when his resignation was 
accepted, and Edward Russell, head clerk in the office, was ap- 
pointed in his stead. Again the office was found to be too small, 
and was removed to its present location, in the fall of 186-tr. 

■'President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, and Andrew John- 
son reigned in his stead, and many were the official heads that tum- 
bled into the gutter in those days. On the iirst of December in that 
year. Gen. Add. H. Sanders, the eighth postmaster of Davenport, 
presented A. J.'s commission and took Mr. Russell's place. Mr. 
Russell had really been removed on the 5th of October preceding, 
but by reason of a sturdy tight carried on by Mr. Price, then in 
Congress, the 'taking otf' was delayed until December. 

"Mr. Russell retired in good order to the editorial room of the 
Gazette, of wliich paper he had been for some time editor-in-chief, 
and among quills, ink, paste-pot and scissors, bided liis time until 
he should be able to rinw the official neck ot his official enemy. 
Gen. Grant was elected President in 1868, and in May, 1809, ■ the 
coveted hour came; tlie gutter swapped heads, and Mr. Russell as- 
sumed control and holds it until the present time. 

"Davenport has been a postal point 38 [now -15] years, 
and has had eight different postmasters: Antoino Le Claire, 
D.C. Eldridge, John Forest, AVilliam Van Tuyl, A. F. Mast, C. 
H. Eldridge, Edward Russell and Add. PI. Sanders. The aspirants 
have been numerous; verily their bones whiten in the political 
burying grounds. Of the successful ones, but one has passed from 
earth, orD.ivenport. Great changes have taken place since An- 
toine Le Claire and his successor, D. C. Eldridge, brought the 



CITY OF DAVENl'OET. 731 

Davenport mails over from Ste})Iienson in their hats or coat-tail 
pockets. Then the first quarter's salary amounted to less than a 
dollar; ])robably less than 50 letters were handled. Now they couie 
in daily by the thousand. The position is a lucrative one. Then for 
several years the postmaster was wont to deliver letters to his pa- 
trons as he met them on the street; now he sends forth squads of 
men in uniform to scatter the heavy mails throughout the city. 
But recently the crowd assembled at mail openings, and the peo- 
ple who called at the ]iostoftice during each day numbered in the 
thousands. Now under the free delivery system it has dwindled 
down to a mere shadow of its former self. Time was when the princi- 
pal number of letters were mailed at 25 cents, prepayment op- 
tional. Ni.w you may write four pages and send it for three cents, or 
order §10,000 worth of goods on a postal card. But a few years 
ago sending money by mail was extra hazardous; now by systems 
of registiatiou and postal orders, you may transmit all you are 
worth ill a short time and with perfect safety. Mail coming is no 
longer anxiously looked for; it is coming all the time, morning, 
noun and night. Mr. Eldridge tells us tliat time was when it was 
a great financial question how to take out a 25-cent letter. Money 
was painfully scarce, and often he delivered them on credit, tak- 
ing pay in farm and garden produce, days' work, and barter iren- 
eraliy." 

EELiaiOUS. 

The first religious service held in Davenport was in the spring 
of 18:^7, at the house of D. D. Eldridge, by Rev. Mr. Gavitt, a 
Methodist Episcopal minister. Some time during the same year 
an Episcopalian minister delivered a discourse, and shortly after, 
religious services began to be held now and then at the house of 
A. LeClaire, in which a priest from Galena officiated. There are 
now in the city the following denominations, with the number 
of organizations as given. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, like many other 
churches in the West, is without a full record of its early history. 
Among the immigrants of 1835, '36 and '37, not more than 10 or 
12 persons could be found who were of tliat denomination. 
These worshiped at first in common with other denominations, 
until the 20th or 21st of April, 183S, when a little band of 10 was 
gathered together in a small building that stood above the alle}' on 
Ripley street, between Front and Second, belonging to T. S. Uoge, 
and since destroyed by fire. Here they worshiped a year with 
such supply of ministerial aid as could be obtained. They were 
from various parts of the United States. Mrs. Ann ^[itchell was 
from Alabama; Dr. A. C. Donaldson and wife from Pennsylvania; 



732 HISTUKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Robert Cristie and wife from Ohio; Mrs. Jemima Barkley from 
Pennsylvania, and T. S. Iloge and wife from Ohio, and these com- 
posed the first congregation. 

The following year J. M. D. Burrows and wife, and one or two 
others, were added to their number, and with these few a church 
was organized in a little frame school-house, standing near the 
corner of Fourth and Harrison streets, on the 5th of May, 1839. 
The pioneer clergymen who officiated upon this occasion were the 
Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, of Macomb, 111., now deceased; Rev. 
M. Hummer, of Stephenson, 111.; Rev. Enoch Mead, of Rock- 
ingham, Iowa. Mr. Pillsbury preached the sermon upon the occa- 
sion, from Mark xvi:15, 16. 

Some six years of the records of this church have been lost, so 
that many of the facts and dates were arrived at by Mr. Mead cor- 
responding with Mr. Pillsbury; who spoke of his journey to Dav- 
enport from Andover, where he then resided, in the following 
way: 

Mr. Hummer had re(piested his services upon the occasion, 
which were to take place on the following Sunday, and required 
him to leave home on Saturday. He had loaned his horse to a 
neighbor, and it had not been returned, and he walked the whole 
distance, 26 miles, and returned on foot. Mr. Pillsbury says that 
when he came to Rock River slough it was overflowed, and some 
80 rods wide, and too deep to wade, when he applied to Mr. George 
Moore, who lived on the bluiis, some two miles from the slough, 
but the nearest resident, who kindly sent his son and team and set 
him across. This is but an incident among the many hardships of 
pioneer ministers in the West. 

The organization of the church took place, and tlie communion 
was administered. For four years this church had no stated minis- 
terial supply, during which time a few more were added, the church 
having preaching only occasionally from the clergymen above 
mentioned, and a few others who were traveling through the 
regions of country beyond the Mississippi River. In 1842 J. M. 
D. Burrows and T. S. Hoge were chosen and ordained elders of the 
church. 

The first stated supply of preaching was in the spring of 1843, 
by Rev. Samuel Cleland. He had charge of this and the church at 
Stephenson, 111., for about four years. During this period the in- 
fant church struggled on amid man}' discouragements. The emi- 
gration to the West during these years was slow. But few were 
added to its numbers. But as an evidence of their zeal, faith and 
courage, they erected in these dark days their first house of wor- 
ship, a small brick building. Even after the completion and occu- 
pancy of this church, they were at times almost ready to sit down 
in sadness and give up their most cherished object. 

Charles C. Williams came to Iowa in August, 1841:. He was from 
Newark, N.J. He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church 
of that city, and afterward in the Central Church for many years. 




^Ct/C^c • o^' K^ft^^^ 



cm" OF DAVENPORT. 735 

He was a man of most ardent piety, ever readj to lend his aid and 
influence in promoting the cause of his Redeemer's kingdom. His 
connection with the church of Davenport when it most needed 
spiritual aid and encouragement seemed providential. At this 
time Mr. Hoge, one of the elders, moved to Galena. So Mr. 
Williams and James M. Dalzell were ordained and set apart as 
elders in this church. His tirst work, with the help of others, was 
to establish a Sunday-school, which continued to date, and of which 
he was superintendent to tiie time of his death, which occurred in 
September, 1852. 

There were additions to the church as new settlers moved in, 
and the congregation increased in a measure; yet in 1846, owing 
to removals and death, there were still but 17 members. 

At this time the Rev. George S. Rea became their minister, and 
occupied the pulpit about two years and a half In the fall of this 
year (1846) the Sabbath-school of the church was first organized. 
During the summer of 1849, the church being again without a 
minister, the Rev. Erastus Ripley, of the Congregational body, and 
senior professor in Iowa College, preached for the church with 
much acceptance. 

On the 27th of September. 1S49, for the first time, a formal call 
was made out by the church to the Rev. J. D. Mason to become 
their pastor. The call was duly presented before the Presbytery of 
Iowa, and accepted. His services commenced the first Sunday in 
November. The church at this time consisted of about 30 mem- 
bers. In 1857 the list of membership reached 200, but owing to 
removals in ls6i», it only amounted to 150. 

In October of ISo'J the pastoral relation of Rev. Mason was 
dissolved, and in the autumn of this year a call was made to the 
Rev. S. McAnderson. of Pennsylvania, which was accepted, and he 
was installed in April, 1800. Rev. Clute is the present pastor, and 
the church is in good condition, spiritually aiid financially. 

College Avenue Pre-'<hijferiin) Church. — In May, 1855, A. C. 
Fulton donated to the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, 
a city lot on College and Fulton avenues, in Davenport, for 
church purposes. The size of the grounds was increased by pur- 
ciiase, and a substantial church edifice erected, and opened for ser- 
vice in January, 1875, and was incorporated March 6, 1876, by the 
following incorporators: 

Rev. J. D. Mason, P. S. Morton, A. M. Miner, Thomas Havens, 
J. 11. Knostman, Jas. II. "Wcise, G. F. Knostinan, .]. W. Vooddry, 
Miss E. Andreas; and the follosving persons were appointed ekiers: 
Thomas Havens, Wm. Walker, P. S. Morton, J. II. Knostman. 

Rev. J. D. Mason was the first pastor, and officiated until April, 
1876, and was succeeded by Rev. W. S. ^lessmer, who was pastor 
until October, 1877, when Rev. .1. W. Coleman wascalled, and was 
pastor until January, 1880. at which time the present pastor, Rev. 
Rob't Edger was installed. 
43 



736 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Christian Churclt, or Disctplea. — On the 25th day of July, 1839, 
17 persons who had formerly held membership with the Christian 
Church at other points, mostly at Cincinnati, met at the house of 
1). C. Eldridge, and under the auspices of Elder James Rumbold, 
orijanized the Cliristian or Disciples Church, of Davenport. 

As early as April of that year, the iew disciples commenced 
meeting at the houses of the brethren, under the leadership of 
Owen Owens, of Cincinnati. Elder Rumbold arrived in Daven- 
port on the 22d of Jul}', 1830, and on the 25th organized the 
church. 

A few words relative to Elder James Rumbold may not be 
amiss in this connection, as he stands intimately associated with 
the church liere. Brought up in the Kirk of Scotland and uniting 
with the Scotch Baptist, at Aberdeen, in 1824, he i-emoved to 
this country in 1836, and settled in Troj', Xew York, where, with 
his wife and two others, he organized a church on the Bible alone 
and commenced preaching to them. This was the nucleus of 
what is now a large and flourishing church. In July, 1839, he re- 
moved to the city of Davenport. In March, 1841, he assisted in 
the organization of a chui-ch at Long Grove, in Scott County, bap- 
tizing seven on one day, three weeks thereafter. In Marcli, 1842, 
he removed to Galena, where he organized a church and baptized 
Ave; preaching awhile for them and then returning to Davenport. 
During the time Elder Rumbold preached here, he baptized about 
40 persons. On the 10th day of July, 1840, he baptized Miss 
Elizabeth Carroll, who was the first person immersed in Scott 
County. The fact that a mechanic, a foreigner by birth, without 
education, further tlian what he obtained by his own exertions, 
should have been able to accomplish so much, is evidence of the 
simplicity of Bible teachings and the facility with which the}' may 
be communicated to others. 

In this connection we would pause to mention one of the noblest 
of God's handiwork, a pure, humble-minded Christian, who long 
since has been gathered to his Fathers. Early in the history of 
the church in Davenport, we find the name of James Glaspell as- 
sociated with it as an elder, which capacity he continued to fill 
with great acceptance np to the year 1847, when he fell asleep in 
Jesus. As a sincere, pious, believer, you will rarely indeed meet 
with his equal. As a citizen he stood high in the community, and 
when he died his church did not alone mingle their tears with the 
bereaved family. 

After the organization of the church in Davenport the brethren 
continued to meet on Lord's daj's at their residences until Nov. 3, 
1839, when they rented Mr. Tapley's carpenter shop, on Second 
between Main and Brady streets, at four dollars per month. In 
1844 a lot was purchased on Brady, between Fourth and Fifth 
streets, and a brick meeting-house, considered large for the day, 
erected at an expense of from sTOO to §800. In 1855-'56 the pres- 
ent house of worship, the " Christian Chapel," was erected on the 



CITY OF DAVEXPORT. 737 

site of tlie old one, the cliurch in tlie mean time meeting at the 
court house. This cliapel was erected at an expense of about 
S8.50U; is 40x7.5 feet, with basement. 

In 1842 the Christian (Miurch was incorporated by act of Legis 
lature under the style of the Church of Christ, meeting in Daven- 
port. John Owens, Richard S. Craig and Cliarles Lesslie were 
appointed Trustees under the act. 

Fyr tive years Elder Rumbold was the only prcHchertlie Daven- 
port church had. In 1844 Dr. II. P. Gatchell, of Cincinnati, was 
employed by tiie church as their jiastor. He remained in tiiat 
capacity one^'ear, when he removed to Rock Island, but preached 
for this church until 1847. In 1848 Elder Charles Levan, of Phila- 
delphia, was employed as pastor, which position he occupied 
for nearly two years. For two or three years after his removal 
from the city , although the ciiurch was without a pastor, yet the 
members continued to meet regularly on Lord's day for breaking 
of bread, exhortation and prayer. Elder James E. Gaston suc- 
ceeded Mr. Levan. and in turn was followed by Elder Alexander 
Johnson, neither of which remained long in tlie position. Nov. 
19, 1854, Elder J. Hartzell was employed b}' the church as a 
preacher, which capacity he tilled until Feb. 7, 1858, when he was 
succeeded by Elder Eli Regal, of Ohio, who on account of ill 
health resigned his position on the lOtli of October of the same 
year. I'ntil August, ISoO, the church was again without a preacher, 
the brethren in the meantime meeting regidarly on Lord's tlayfor 
attending to the Lord's Supper and on Thursday night fa- prayer- 
meeting. In August, 1859, Elder Samuel Lowe was chosen and 
entered upon his duties as pastor. Maj' 5. 1861, Elder James Chal- 
len came and remained as pastor nearly eiglit years. Succeeding 
him J. B. Johnson came and remained about three months. In 
April, 1871. II. H. Plack came and remaine<l about three yeais. 
J. Carroll Stark came in May, 1874, and remained 11 months. In 
the latter part of the summer of 1875 John Encell came as pastor 
and remained two years. After which William M. Roe came in 
May, 1878, and remained two years. D. R. Dungan came in July, 
1880, and is the present pastor. Present membership of the church 
is 180. 

I'irift Methodht EpiscojmJ. — As already stated. Rev. Mr. Gavitt, 
from Ohio, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
preached the first discourse in Davenport, but it was not until 
1839 that an attempt was here made to organize a class. In that 
year Rev. B. Mead was the presiding elder for the Iowa District. 
Believing there were sufficient members living in the vicinity, 
he authorized William L. Cook to form a class. His search 
among Protestants resulted in tinding five members besides him- 
self and wife, who had been members of churches in other places. 
A time was appoirited for a meeting to be held at the house of 
Timothy Dillon, situated on Third street, near Washington Square. 
At this first meeting were present, as members, William L. Cook 



738 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

and wife, Timothy Dillon and wife, Israel Hall, W. S. Ruby and 
Marv Ruby. Here this little band of Christians, longing for a closer 
nnion with Him in whom they trusted, in deep devotion poured forth 
many desires tor spiritual food in this strange land, and, in that little 
cabin, alone with God, tliey dedicated themselves to him and his ser- 
vice, renewing their covenant vows, and forming the First Methodist 
Episcopal Church in the then village of Davenport. From this 
time meetings were continued ever^^ Sabbath, being generally con- 
ducted by Mr. Cook. The society increased until private rooms 
became too small, and in the fall of 1^40, the church then num- 
bering about 20 mcubers, it was thought best to erect a building. 
Though its members were few and poor, they purchased a lot on 
Perry street, between Fourth and Fifth, which was then consid- 
ered out of town, and built the first brick chapel. This church 
was seated at first with slabs and split saplings, flat side up, and 
ligiited with a '"chandelier" composed of a block of wood sus- 
pended by a rope from the ceiling, in which were inserted some 
half-dozen tallow candles, and warmed by a stove which looked as 
though it might have done good service before the flood. 

A petition was sent into conference in ISiO for a preacher, and 
F. 0. Chenowith was sent to the Davenport station. The church 
o-radiially increased in numbers until the little church on Perry 
street became too small, and in 1853 a large and commodious 
house of worship was erected on the corner of Fifth and Brady 
streets. This second church was used until 1S72, when it was 
thought best to change the location, and a new and handsome 
edifice was erected on Brady street, between Ninth and Tenth, at a 
cost of $20,000. Tlie church has been ministered unto by some 
able divines, and is now in a flourishing condition, with about 500 
members. Other churches have spi'ung from this, and the denomi- 
nation is now represented by five churches in the city — , the Fi)'st, 
the Fourteenth Street, German, Cook Chapel, and African. 
Among those who have labored for the congregation at Davenport 
were Kevs. D. Worthington. Joseph T. Lewis, William Simpson. 
A. Collins. J. B. Trtvlor, John Kelley, Langdon Taylor, A. J. 
Kynett, S. Haines. Mr. Linderman, R. W. Keller, Mr. Bowen. R. 
L. Collier, J. G. Demmitt, P. Brown, H. Biylies, A. B. Kendig, 
J. R. Fuller Mr. Anderson, E. Miller, Mr." M. McCleary, Mr. 
Marwell, J. H. Rliea and Mr. Brush. 

Forrteenth Street 31. E. CJmrch, Davenport, Iowa, was organ- 
ized in February, 1867. The trustees ap]>(>inted at the organiza- 
tion were J. G. G. Cavendish, A. Morton, W. Hender, J. T. Mar- 
tin, S. L. Mitchell, J. M. Frizzell, L. Perkins. The membership 
numbered about 50. The first pastor was the Rev. A. B. Kendig. 
Succeeding pastors in the following named order: Reverends Ener}^ 
Miller, W. Fraiik Paxton, L. F. Copeland, R. W. Keeler, ^Ym. 
Fawcett, E. Skinner, Frank Brush, H. S. Church, and S. W. 
Heald. The present Board of Trustees is: W. Hender, AVm. Ar- 
mill, N. K. Fluke, P. Earhart, A. L. Duncan, E. Sherman and I. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 739 

T. Martin : the present membership is about 200. The value of 
the church ])ropert_v at the organization was about $10,000 ; the 
present vahie about sl2,(H)0. "wiiich inchides a good and commo- 
dious parsonage. A Suudav-sciiool was organized in tlie Taber- 
nacle (a rough board building on a corner of the church lot) in 
March, 1S67, with about -iU scholars and J. G. G. Cavendish as 
superintendent, and Walter llender, secretary. The gentlemen 
continued in their respective offices about seven years,, when A. L. 
Duncan succeeded in the superinteiidency for one or two years. 
Walter Ilendcr then held that olfice for live years, when he re- 
signt'd and A. L. Duncan was again elected, and held the office 
until he removed from the city. Prof J. W. Ruggle was elected 
and now holds the office. The school now numbers about 230, con- 
sisting of primary and normal with all tlie usual intermediate de- 
partments. Tiie library contains about TOO volumes. 

Episcopal Churches. — Philo W. Sprague, pastor of the Trinity 
Episcopal Church, was born in Charleston, S.C., Feb. 2G, 1852. lie 
is the son of James W. and Henrietta Sprague, nee Woodruff. 
His parents moved North just before the war and settled in Sche- 
nectady, X. Y.. where Philo attended school until he was 15 
years of age. He then entered Union College and graduated in the 
full classical course, when but 19 years of age, at the expiration 
of which time he entered the Theological Seminary, ot New York, 
where he remained three years, and graduated in 1874. Upon 
graduating he took charge of Calvary Chui-ch, Pyonia. N. J., where 
he remained four years. In 1878 he received the appointment of 
Professor of Ancient Languages in Griswold College, and canon in 
charge of Trinity Church, corner Saventli and Brad\' streets, Daven- 
port, and at once assumed the duties of the respective positions. 
Rev. Philo W. Sprague and Harriet A. Woods were united, 
in marriage Dec. II, 1879. Miss Wools was a daughter of Joseph 
W. Woods, a merchant of Boston. One child has blessed this 
union — Caroline W., born March 22, 1881. 

The First Baptist Church. — The first religious services were held 
in the house of John M. Eldridge, on Brady street, where the gal- 
lery of Hastings. White tt Fisher now stands. The first preacher 
was Rf^v. Israel Fisher, who went from here to Oregon, where he 
died about 15 years ago. Tiie first organization, called the First 
Baptist Church, of Davenport, Iowa, was organized by him and was 
composed of the following members, nine in number: J. M. Eld- 
ridge, Mrs. Mary A. Eldridge, John Swartout, Clias. Swartout, 
Richard Pierce and wife, David Wilson and wife. Richard Pierce 
and Daniel Wilson were apjiointed deacons. The new church fitted 
up a room on Front street, over a store, as a place of worship, where 
the}' continued until they built a brick church at the corner of 
Fourth and Brady, on a lot given by Mr. Antoine Le Claire to 
the church. Here the church continued until the house became too 
small for their use when they removed to the corner of Sixth and 
Main and built the building now occupied as the High School Build- 



740 HISTOET OF SCOTT CO0NTT. 

ing (old). The present church organization was composed of mem- 
bers wlio withdrew from the first church arid organized as the 
Second Regular Baptist Church of Christ in Davenport, Iowa. 
The first church continued its oi'ganization with Rev. Mr. Folwell, 
now of Connecticut, as pastor, until about 1S61, when many of 
the church uniting with the present organization, the united 
church took the name of "Calvary Baptist Church," as the 
church is now known. 

Ihe Second Eegular Baptist Church of Christ, in Davenport, 
organized Oct. 7, 1851. Those comprising the constituent members 
of the church were Dea. C. G. Blood, Dr. J. M. "Witherwax, Esther 
Blood, May J. Solomon, Levi Davis, Rev. B. F. Braybrook, Lucy A. 
Braybrook, Deacon John Solomon, Jolinson Brown, Eraeline B. 
Witherwax, Mary Solomon, Sarah Brown, W. M. Crosson. Of 
this number Levi D.ivis is the sole surviving member. The fii'St 
officers of the church were Dr. J. M. Witherwax, C. G. Blood, W. 
M. Crosson, Trustee; Levi Davis, Clerk; J. Solomon, Treasui'er. 
The first pastor of the church was Rev. E. M. Miles, who settled 
with the church June, 13, 1852, and resigned Feb. 26, 1857. Mr. 
Miles has now almost retired from the ministry and is living on a 
farm near Camanche, Iowa. After a vacancy of two months Rev. 
Isaac Butterfield became pastor April 26, 1857, and continued to 
Oct. 27, 1863, a period of six years and six months. Mr. Butter- 
field continues still to serve as a pastor at Jackson, Mich. 
After a vacancy of four and a half months, Rev. D. S. Watson be- 
came ])astor, settling with the church March 13, 1864, and con- 
tinuing in this. relation to Sept. 22, 1867 — three years and three 
months. Mr. Watson subsequently removed to California, where 
he died. After a vacancy of one year Rev. T. W. Powell became 
pastor Se]it. 27. 1S68, and resigned on account of failing health 
Oct. 1, 1870. In December, 1875, Mr. Powell was recalled to the 
pastorate of the church and continued pastor until Jan. 19, 1879. 
lie is at present settled in Milwaukee, Wis. After Mr. Powell's 
first pastorate a vacancy of three and a half months followed. Rev. 
N. S. Burton, D.D., became jiastor Jan. 15, 1871, and continued 
until November, 187S. He is a present pastor of the Baptist 
chr.rch in Akron, O. After the close of Mr. Powell's second pas- 
torate the church was pastorless until October, 1879, when the 
present pastor. Rev. W. H. Stifler was called from Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa. 

The present house of worship was erected in 1852 and cost about 
$25,000. It is situated on the corner of Fourth and Perry streets. 
Tiie church is in a prosperous and flourishing condition and has 
373 members. It sustains two Sabbath schools, the home school 
and the North Divenport mission chapel. The following named 
comprise the officers of the cluirch : Pastor, Rev. W. H. Stifler, 
D. D; Djacons. Levi D ivis, D. T. Young, A. J. Montague, Nor- 
man Jordan, William Thompson, A. L. Mossman ; Trustees, E. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 741 

S. Ballard, E. S. Crossett, A. F. Williams; Clerk, II. C. "Wales; 
Treasurer, M. D. Snyder; Sabbath-soliool Superintendent, "W". 
Raraback. 

CONGREGATIONALISM. 

BY REV. .r. G. MERRILL. 

The birtii-place of the Congregational Church of Davenport was 
a small building on the west side of Main near Fourth street. At 
this time there were 30 families in Davenport; there were three 
stores, a hotel, two groceries, two commission houses, and St. An- 
thon^-'s Churcli was being built. 

At first the little church had no minister. Sermons were read 
by one of the deacons in a room hired tor public worship. They 
Sling out of the old village h^Mun book, and were made twice glad 
when a mijister casually spending Sabbath in town could preach to 
them. The church met in variuns places — on Second street, on 
Main where school was kept during tiie week and the family kindly 
removed their beds for Sunday services, at the foot of Brady and 
over a grocery or fruit stand, and near Ripley, in an unpleasant 
room in which a man could not stand erect. This latter place was 
called by the unregenerate of the time, ''brimstone corner."' 

AVhen the church was a year old, a minister came to Stephenson, 
now the city of Rock Island, bearing a commission from the A. II. 
M. Society, "for Stephenson and vicinity." It was Rev. J. P. Stuart, 
who on looking over his field considered Davenport as part of the 
said "vicinity" and preached ibr the little church six months. 

We find upon the records of the old church bearing the date of 
March IS, 1841. this vote: "Not to use any wine at the commun- 
ion but that made from raisins or free from alcohol. 

The tirst infant baptized was upon the ISth of April, 1S41, Rev. 
Mr. Mitre being in town on that day. At the same time a com- 
mittee was appointed to adopt measures for building a meeting- 
house. Ml-. Le Claire was waited ujjon and generously gave the 
church a lot. A part of the church were not satisfied with the loca- 
tion and an exchange was made for the site u})on which our former 
house of worshi]> stood, and here the project rested. On May 30, 
the church united itself by vote with the General Association of 
Iowa, a body assuming no jurisdiction over local churches, but afford- 
ing a means of intercommunication and mutual help. In Septem- 
ber, Rev. Reuben Gaylord was invited to become the pastor of the 
church, but declined to accept, lint as good Providence would 
have it, the same month came from the East Rev. A. B. Hitchcock, 
a graduate of Yale College. He was invited to minister to the 
church, and was commissioned by the A. II. M. Society, which as- 
sumed a part of his support. The church then numbered about 15 
members. 



742 HISTORY OF SCOTT COITNTY. 

The coming of the new minister awoke the sleeping church-build- 
ing enterprise. Mr. H. was sent East, a journey of three weeks by 
canal and stage, to secure funds. He obtained $540, a large sura in 
those days, and being able to handle tools he with three other breth- 
ren who gave their time, erected a building 38 x 24. Generally 
speaking, when a minister helps build a church, or is settled while 
his people build it, on its completion he is no longer needed. 
There was no exception in this case, and Mr. H. was glad to accept 
a call to Moline, his record as a faithful minister going with him. 
The church was without a pastor for nearly a year when Rev. 
E. Adams was chosen. Mr. A. was one of the famous " Iowa 
Band " which our churches delight to honor. He began to preach 
in November, 1844, to an extremely feeble church, supported in 
part for the subsequent eight years by the American H. M. Society. 
His salary was not far from .$400. 

Thirty was considered a large number for a congregation. The 
choir was assisted by a portable melodeon, held upon one arm by a 
man, who, with the fingers of the other hand, played the bass, while 
his helpmeet on the left played the soprano, each accompanying 
the instrumental eftbrts with the voice. 

The highest price paid for pews at any time during Mr. Adams 
stay was $20. Seven were sold for that amount, one for $16, two 
for $12, nine for $10, etc. This was not at Urst but about the half 
way point of Mr Adams's ministry. 

Money was worth much in those days. Twenty per cent, was the 
best the church could do when it tried to borrow. 

Mr. Adams was the first installed pastor of tlie chui'ch, his in- 
stallation taking place in 1847. Three years after he began to 
preach in Davenport. His ministry continued 10 years, during 
which time 178 members were added to the church. On the 24th 
of May the cammittee on supply of the pulpit were requested to 
employ Geo. F. Magoun. A new church was soon talked of, to be 
not less tlian 60 x 90 feet. But after consultation such an under- 
taking seemed too large, and on the 6th of Se])tember, 1855, it 
was voted to enlarge the old church by widening it, and on Nov. 
13, Mr. Magoun was invited to become pastor, at a salary of $1,000. 
The call was accepted in a characteristic letter, which is spread 
in full upon the records of the churcli. Mr. Magoun was installed 
January, 1856, Rev. M. K. Cross preaching the sermon. These 
were bright days in the history of the churcli as far as men could 
judge. Congregations were very large, larger perhaps than any 
congregation regularly maintained since that time in town. The 
church was aggressive, interested itself in missionary work, col- 
onized the Congregational church of Daven]ii)rt, had a band of 
" Young Workers," and still held on to the project of building a 
new edifice upon the lot adjoining tlie old church, apiece of ground 
that had cost them $1,900, and for the purchase of which they gave 
a mortgage upon their property. Two hundred and fifty dollars 
was paid for plans of a building like Beecher's to cost up among the 
tliousands. 



HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 743 

Then caino the erasli of 1857. Its full effect was not felt the first 
year, but in ".'i'^ an<l '59 houses stood tenantlcss; hundreds left the 
city in single boats. Tiie census showed a decrease of 5,0()fl in 
population. Property had a merely nominal value ; church mem- 
bers were financially crippled ; the mortgage upon the church, 
which had come to be if!3,000, was an intolerable burden. The min- 
ister's salary, which he had cut down to 8fi<'"i could not be ]>aid. 
Disaster produced dismay. Sliaht misunderstandings between 
the minister and a few of the jK'ojde increased the ombai-rassment 
of the situation until at the end of the fifth year of his ministry 
Mr. Magoun resigned. Of these years he says: "I remember 
tliem as associated with blessed seasons of revival, especially two 
or three years, when conversions were pretty constant, and I held 
inquiry meetings every ^Monday night, summer and winter." 

A council was called. Petitions accompanied with promise of 
help from members of the congregation were jtresented. The 
council recommended j\[r. Magoun's stay, provided the financial 
embarrassment could be removed. It was simj)ly impossible under 
existing circumstances, and the pastoral relation was dissolved. 

Here follows a sad ])iece of history. The church that had num- 
bered 250, the congregation which had filled the capacious house, 
were scattered to the winds, and for a year tliere was no organiza- 
tion, no service; the i-ains beat tiirough the roof of the sanctuary, 
its windows were broken, and desolation was on the house of God. 
Tiie First Congregational Church of Davenjxnt after an existence 
of 21 years was no more. 

We come now to the history of the jjresent organization : The 
Edwards Congregational Church. On ,Iuly 18, 1861, a com])any of 
26 persons met. organized and voted to call a council to recognize 
the church. On Aug. 11 of the same year the council met, Dr. 
Wm. Salter, of Durlington, ]n-eaching the sermon. Rev. Wm. 
Windsor, now of Marshalltown, was the first pastor of the church. 
His salary was sfiOO, the Home Missionary Society paying s200. 

Early in his ministry Mr. Windsor went East to secure funds to 
save the meeting-house from being sold. He obtained S2,500. 
Members of the church and other citizens of Davenport interested 
in the enterL)rise gave all in their power, and the hap])y hourci^me 
when tiiere was no debt. Soon repairs seemed necessary, and by 
great self-sacrifice .^1,200 was raised for the jnirpoSe. In the 
process of repairs an attem])t was made to remove the unsightly 
pillars from the center of the house. The last prop was being 
taken out when the roof fell in, and the whole structure was 
a wreck. Tiie crasli ot the fall had hardly ceased resounding 
through the streets before a few members of the church were cal- 
culating witii a pencil, upon a shingle, the cost of the increased re- 
pairs. Tiiose who had given their last dollar reached deeper into 
tlieir purses and found tlieir last penny, and, driven by necessity, 
accomplished what seems to us a miracle. 



7M HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

This was at the beginning of the war. As our great civil con- 
test advanced, and tlie Government needed moue_v, as you all 
know, it issued promises to pay that became less and less worth 
their face. The Jirst pastor of tiie church was fearfully embar- 
rassed pecuniarily. 

It was on Aug. 6, 1866, that the church for the first time thought 
itself able togo alone. Some of the members were becoming better 
able to give large suras, and at that time Mr. Windser, who was 
hired from year to year, was asked to remain a sixth year with a 
salary of $1,000. Mr. Windser declined to accept; said that his 
health was insufficient, and with expressions of profound regret on 
the part of the jieople, the first pastor of the Edwards Ciiurch left, 
the church having received more then 100 memhers during his 
five years' stay. Then followed a season of candidating. Three clergy- 
men in turn were invited to and declined the pastorate, Messrs. 
Greely, Bardwell and Cochrane, the latter at a salary of8'2,000. 
On March 11, 1867, the church voted a call to Rev. J. A. Hamilton 
oflering a salary of 82,000, and agreeing to increase it year !>y year 
until his salary should be §3,000. This was at first declined but 
on a renewal was accepted and Mr. ITamilton began work in Aug- 
ust of that year. The church moved steadily forward under tiiis 
pastorate, which continued for four and one-half years He found 
120 members and left 273. In the autumn of ISTl Mr. Hamilton 
determined to carry out a h^ng-cherished plan to visit Europe, and 
asked to be relieved trora his pastorate. The church requested hira 
to take leave of absence and return to them. He declared such a 
course prejudicial to the interests of the church and peremptorily 
resigned, and tlie church adopted resolutions regretting the loss 
occasioned not only to the city but the church by his departure. 

It became necessary, of course, to secure a new pastor, and Mr. 
Hamilton was authorized by the Church Committee to receive his 
successor, and on the 30th of March, 1871, Eev. J. G. Merrill, of 
Topeka, Kan., was invited to become pastor for one year, the 
church and pastor-elect never having met. The salary promised 
was .81,800 for the first year, the church having found itself un- 
able to pay the 83,000 tliat it had hoped to raise for Mr. Hamilton. 
Mr., Merrill accepted the call and preached his first sermon on the 
2d Sabbath of January, 1872. In August of the same year the 
church property was sold for 810,500, with a view to building a 
new house of worship. On Sept. 2, the pastor preached _the_ last 
sermon in the house that cost so much anxiety and sacrifice from 
the text, '■ But many of the chief of tlie fatiiers that had seenthe 
first house wept with a loud voice and many shouted aloud for joy; 
so tliat the people could not discover the noise of the shout of joy 
from the noise of the weeping of the people." On Nov. 5, of the 
same year the acting pastor was unanimously invited to be in- 
stalled. He accepted. Installation services took place Dec. 18, 
Dr. J. E. Eoy, of Chicago, preaching the sermon. During the 
last third of 1872 and all'of 1S73 the church leased the building 



f^' 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 745 

standing on the northeast corner of Fifth and Brady streets, now 
oeciipiod l)>\the Ladies' Library Association, and foriuerly tlie Fifth 
Street Methodist Church. Late in 1S72, after great difficulty and 
some division of feeling and judgment, a lot was secured for a new 
church, the corner-stone of which was laid in June oflS73. The 
clinrch, in which we now worship, situated upon the corner of 
Ninth and Perry streets, was dedicated on the 26th of December 
of the same year. The dedicatory sermon by the pastor from the text 
''Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall break down. 
And I said unto the rubles and to the rulers and to _the restot the 
people, the work is great and large; in what place thereforej ye hear 
the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall 
fight for us." In May,J18 7J:, an organ was purchased, and in the 
same month of 1S76 the house was completed by the erection of 
galleries, so that to-day we have church i)ro])erty worth s37,O0O, 
a building capable of aecommfidating over 1,000 people and fur- 
nished with all the appliances for church work. The church was 
])artially destroyed by lire on the night of the ISth of December, 
ISSl. It has since been rebuiLded and refurnished so as to surpass 
its former beauty and comfort. It enters upon the 11th year of its 
])resent jjastoratc with a niembersliiji double the number it liad 
when the pastoral relation was entered upon. It lias an aggressive, 
earnest, and self-denying spirit, and believes that although the 
jjast of Congregationalism in Davenport has been often dark and 
trout)lous, its future is secured. 

The First United Pi\shijtefian congregation of Davenport, was 
organized Oct. 21, 185-i, by Rev. William Graham, of the Associate 
Reformed Church, with 10 members: Alexander Blair, Sarah 
Blair, David Walker, Jennet AValker, Tiiomas M. Patterson, Mar- 
garet Patterson, Henry (."alderwood, Mary Calderwood, Robert X. 
Patterson, Jane Lucy. Thomas M. Patterson and Alexander Blair, 
were chosen ruling elders, the latter being still a very useful 
officer of the congregation. 

The first religious services were held in a privjite dwelling near 
the site of the present building. Since its organization the follow- 
ing named have served as p.istors: Rev. J. R. McCalister, who 
now lives at Shippensburg, Penn., was the first ])astor His pas- 
torate, which began Feb. 1. 1855, continued until October, 1857, 
when his whole time was given to Rock Island. 

Rev. S. II. Ilutchcn, who died at Norwicli, Ohio, in the year 
1868. ministered to the congregation from Oct. 24, 1S57, until July 
25, 1^.58. Rev. R. X. Fee, at present a missionary to the Warm 
Spring Indians of Oregon, preached to the congregation, as stated 
sn]iply for a short time. 

After a vacancy of several years. Rev. Ilenry Wallace, now 
editor of the Winterset Chronicle, was installed Jan. 24, 18G4. 
Resigning in May, 1870, Rev. J. U. McClenehan officiated as 
stated sup])ly for 18 months, removing to Winterset, and from 
tliere to Olathe, Kansas, where he died, lamented by the entire 
community. 



746 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

Rev. E. S. Campbell, who bar! been pastor at De Witt, Iowa, 
for about 20 3'ears, took charge of the congregation March 17, 
1878. His health failing, he resigned in July of the following 
year, and removed to New Concord, Ohio, where he died in the 
fall of the same year. 

Rev. J. Boyd, the present incumbent, after an irregular minis- 
try of a few months, began his labors in the congregation, in July, 
1880, which have^ continued without interruption, and with en- 
couraging success. 

The present house of worship, 40 x 50, was erected in 1854, at a 
cost of $1,400. It is not in a good location, and the congregation 
intend erecting a new one in some other part of the city. 

The present officer.-^ of the congregation are as follows: Elders, 
Alexander Blair, William McCool, William Johnston. Joseph H. 
Clyde; Trustees, James McCosh, J. H. Clyde, J. W. Jamison, 
L-'A. McCool. 

The number of members since the organization cannot be given 
with any accuracy; the removals since that date have been numer- 
ous, leaving about 50, with a number of adherents, which give 
hope of an increase at no distant day. 

A Sunday-school was begun, and has been kept np ever since 
the organization. James McCosh, wlio has recently been elected, 
was the first superintendent. The present officers are: Superin- 
tendent, James McCosh; Assistant Superintendent, J. W. Jami- 
son; Secretary, T W. Carthy; Treasurer, M. McCosh; Librarian, 
N. Jenison. 

St. Anthony^s, Boman Catholic. — The first church organization 
in Davenport was St. Anthony's Roman Catholic. In the spring 
of 1S38 Rev. Samuel Mazzuchelli an Italian by birth, visited Dav- 
enport and organized a church. Steps were at once taken for the 
erection of a church, which was completed and dedicated by Rt. 
Rev. Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, assisted by V^ery Rev. S. 
Muzzuchelli. The Catholic Advocate, printed at the time, thus 
speaks of the matter : 

" Mr. Antoine Le Claire, a wealthy Frenchman, and a zealous 
exemplary Christian, in partnership with Mr. Davenport, has gen- 
erously granted to the Catholic congregation, in the very center 
of the town, a whole square, inclnding 10 lots, in the middle of 
wliicli he has built, partly at his own expense, a fine brick church, 
with a school-room attached. *** In order to lay in Davenport a 
lasting foundation for the Catliolic religion, our bishop has pur- 
chased half a square for a hospital, and several other lots for pur- 
poses of the same kind. *** The church has St. Peter for its 
primary, and St. Anthony for its secondary patron." 

This little edifice was the first of the kind in Davenport,. It was 
erected at a cost of $2,800. It was used for several years as church, 
school-house and priest's residence. In 1843 an addition was built. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 7i7 

This building for some years was the largest public edifice in the 
town, and was used by ail large assemblies to deliberate upon mat- 
ters of public interest. 

In 1S39 Rev. J. A. M. Palamorgues took charge of the congre- 
gation, and for many years labored zealously to advance the inter- 
ests of the cause in Liiis city. At tliat time he was tiie only priest 
in Iowa south of Dubuque, and for many years lie visited Tur- 
lington, Muscatine, Iowa City and other places. The number of 
Catholic families in Scott County in 1839 was 15. For a sketch of 
Father Palamorgues see chapter Illustrious and Prominent Dead. 
In 181:3 when the church was enlarged the number of Catholic 
families was about 5(i. " iMoney at that time was so scarce," says 
a member of that church, " tliat only s20 were collected in cash 
to build the addition." The number of Catholics increased very 
slowly until ISSi. In 1849 the stone church was commenced and 
not finished until 1854. 

In 1855 anew stone churcli was built for the Germans in " Mitch- 
ell's addition." Mr. Mitchell donating tiieland. Tins church was 
organized in 1855, and Rev. Michael Flammary placed in cliarge. 
He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Baumgartncr. The present pastor 
is Rev. Mr. Niermann, who has ministered to the charge for many 
years, and who has gathered together a large congregation. A large 
and handsome ciiurch edifice is being erected by the congregation 
in 1862. 

St. 2Iary\s Catholic Church, was organized and the house erect- 
ed in 18G8, by Rev. Maurice Flavin, and dedicated by the bishop of 
the diocese, Rev. John Hennessey, D.D. At this time there were 
150 families connected witii the congregation. Among those partic- 
ipating in the laying of the corner-.stone was Father Palamorgues, 
the pioneer Catiiolic priest in this locality, whose memory is held 
in grateful remembrance by all who knew him. Rev. Maurice Fla- 
vin had charge of the con<rregation until iiis death, which occurred 
May 10, 1872, at whicii time Rev. Miciiael Flavin was appointed to 
tiie ciiarge. The church-edifice is of brick and is very handsomely 
furnished. It was erected at a cost of $25,000. A neat residence 
for the pastor, adjoining, was erected at a cost of $8,0n0. The 
congregation is in a flourisiiing condition, spiritually and other- 
wise, and is entirely out of debt. When the church was erected a 
Sunday-school was organized, which ha.s been in operation to tlie 
present time, undercharge of the Sisters of Mercy. A parish 
school is also under charge of tiiese Sisters. 

Michael Flavin was born in Ireland, April 13, 1841. His pa- 
rents, James and Catherine(llourgan) Flavin, wei'e also of the same 
nativity. Roth are now deceased. lie began his education in Mt. 
Mellary Seminary, and graduated at Carlow Seminary in 1S65. lie 
then came to America and entered Girard (Missouri) College, and 
pursued a theological course and graduated from that institution, 
and was ordained priest in July. 1869. He was then sent as assist- 
ant in the cathedral at Dubuque, where he spent one year. He 



748 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

was then appointed pastor of two churches in Bates and Burrongh 
Counties, Iowa; at the same time had charge of several small 
charo-es. In 1S72, he was sent to Davenport, to take charge of St. 
Mary's Church, where he has since faithfully labored in his Mas- 
ter's cause. 

Patrick -J. Burke, pastor of St. Anthony's Church, was born in 
Tipperary, Ireland, April 2.5, 1854. His parents, John and- Honore 
(Ryan) Burke, also natives of Ireland, and are yet living in the 
" Green Isle." Young Patrick began his education in the common 
parish school, which he continued to attend until 15 years of 
age, vvhen he attended a private school taught by William Loudon 
for two years. He then entered St. Patrick's College in Tipperary, 
County, where he studied the languages for three years. At 20 
he came to America, where he spent a year or two in visiting rela- 
tives in Iowa, and then entered St. .Joseph's College at Dubuque, and 
studied philosophy under Rev. William Dorney one year. From 
Dubuque he went to Montreal, Canada, and entered Grand Semi- 
narv, conducted by the Priests of Supic, and studied theology three 
years. On the 20th of September he was ordained priest by 
Bishop Hennessey, of the diocese of Dubuque, and at once sent to 
take charge of St. Anthony's Church at Davenport. 

St. Marguerite's Church, built in 1856; congregation organized 
October of same year. Original church, 40 .x SO, built by Antoine 
and Margaret Le Claire, who also donated the block of ground on 
which the chnrcli stands. Pastoral residence and Sisters' house 
built by the same, and cemetery known as St. Marguerite's Cem- 
etery, also donated by Mr. and Mrs. Le Claire. First pastor of 
church. Rev. A. Trevis; Rev. II. Cosgrove was appointed assistant 
in 1857, also shortly after was appointed pastor in place of 
Rev. A. Trevis who went to France. Rev. H. Cosgrove has re- 
mained pastor to the present time. In 1865, the church was en- 
larged to its present size. 

The large brick school-house attached to the church was built in 
1869, school having been previously taught in a smaller building 
on the church property. 

The diocese of Dubuque having been divided, its first Bishop 
Rt. Rev. John McMuUen was consecrated July 25, 1881, and St. 
Marguerite's Church chosen as the cathedral. Present oflicers: Rt. 
Rev! John McMullen, Bishop; Very Rev. II. Cosgrove, V. G., Rec- 
tor of cathedral; Rev. A. J. Schulte, Assistant. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school-house erected in Davenport was in 1838. 

The growth of the city for several years prior to 1858 was very 
great, while the accommodations for the instruction of the rising 
generation was very limited. To better meet the wants of the 
city in this direction steps were taken to organize the city into a 
school district and thoi^oughly grade the public schools. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 749 

A meeting ot the electors of the city was hekl in pursuance of 
the provisiuiis of tlie scliool hiw at the coiirt-lionsc, on tlie first 
Monthly in May, 1S58. Tlionias J. Saunders was elected presi- 
dent and Robert E. Barrownian, secretary of the tlio meeting. 
The |)olls were opened tor the election of district ofHcers. which 
resulted iu the election of A. S. Maxwell, President; T. D. Eagal, 
Vice-President ; J. R. Johnson, Secretary ; George H. French, 
Treasurer. These officers, together with a director from each sub- 
district composed the School Board. 

AVitliin the limits of the city and adjacent territory heretofore 
tliere had been six school districts. These remained the same, 
though the number designatiiia: each was changed. J. M. Frizzell 
re])resented No. 1 in the tirst board; W. T. Clark, No. 2;*Ii. Lam- 
bach, No. 3 ; T. H. Codding, No. i ; W. L. Cook, No. 5 ; S. G. 
Mitchell, No. 6. 

At the time of the reorganization of the city schools the country 
was being affected by the financial panic which hcgan the year pre- 
vious, and which extended tliroughout the whole country. This em- 
barrassed the Board of Directors very materially, buttliey entered 
into the work with a zeal and determination to raise the public 
schools to the first position. 

The office of city superintendent of schools was created and A. 
S. Kisseil was elected to that position. The board established an 
intermediate school ])reliminarv to the establishment of a high 
school. 

There were small school buildings in Districts No. 1, 4, 5 and (5, 
and a large stone building in No. 2, on corner Perry and Seventh 
streets, and a large brick building in No. 3, on corner of Sixth and 
Walnut. 

In 1S59 the school law was amended ]iroviding for the election 
of three directors, who in connection with the president, vice- 
president, secretary and treasurer should constitute the School 
Board. At the first election three directors were to be chosen, 
one of whom should hold his office for one year, one for two years, 
and one for three years ; and annually thereafter one director 
should be elected to fill the vacancy of the one whose term would 
e.xpire. At this first election A. S. Maxwell was elected President; 
E. Peck. Vice-President; Thomas J. Saunders. Secretary; George 
II. Frencli, Treasurer; Directors, J. W. Frizzell, one year; Robert 
Means, two years (Mr. Means resigned and J. Grant was elected 
to fill vacancy); Ignatius Langer, tliree years. 



* Resigned, ami John Collins eltcted to till vacancy. 



rso 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



Valuation of property and amount of taxes levied for school 
purposes: 



1869. 
1870. 
1871, 
1872. 
1878. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 
1879. 
1880. 
1881, 



go 






4,458,480 
4,187,330 
3,067,523 
3,9.55,823 
3,956,285 
4,007.337 
4,699,170 
4,640,340 
4,555,890 
4,-590,251 
4,3lS2,127 
4,270,895 
4,435,236 





~ 




a 




a • 


aJU 


^Z 






I^M 




T'^ 


c^ 


'fi '^ 


OC_ 


5 c 


bfjC 








•- O 


03 tZ 


5^ 


H 


Q 


6 


2 





2 


7 


3 


9 


4 


13 


4 


12 


5 


9 


■AVz 


8^ 


3>4 


ti% 


3M 


8i¥ 


Wz 


8% 


2M 


8M 


IM 


10 


2 






U 



6 

4K 



^ w 



3^ 



10 
10 
15 
18 
17 
23 
17 
12 
12 
14 
13 
10 
12 






$44,584.80 
4l,873.:J0, 
59.513.46 
71,224.81 
67,260.59 
92,173.28 
79,891.81 
55,684.08 
54,670,08 
04,263,50 
56.967.65 
42,708.95 
53,102,84 



1869 
1870, 
1871 
1872, 
187'3 
1874, 
1875 
1876, 
1877, 
1878 
1879, 
1880 
1881 



-a 






"S 


=3 a, 






>1 


_ bO 




■a 


o 


lO s 














c 


0) o 


o 




CO 


1 ^ 


a 


bO ffl 


al 


d « 


6 


> 


s 


fe 


iz; 


o 


H 


6,643 


3,436 


1,967 


53 


7,120 


3,556 


2,106 


59 


7,441 


3.697 


2,321 


53 


7,521 


4,019 


2,340 


77 


7,842 


3.991 


2,530 


-80 


8,065 


4,090 


2,727 


83 


8,280 


4,435 


2,905 


88 


8.506 


4,284 


2,924 


91 


8,770 


4.474 


3.139 


92 


8,888 


4,509 


3,270 


94 


9,097 


4,558 


3,354 


96 


9,245 


4,497 


3,268 


95 


9,309 


4,558 


3,176 


93 



•r c; 



$31,925.00 
34,858,88 
42,56300 
47,968.42 
49,636.00 
50,585.79 
52,913.37 
55,794.50 
55,405.15 
57,671.93 
56,021 00 
54.511.25 
53,133.40 



o 



$ 16.23 
16.55 
18.33 
20.. 50 
19.74 
18.54 
18.21 
19.07 
17.64 
17.63 
16.70 
10.70 
16.70 



SCHOOL BUILDINGS. 



The city is now well supplied with cjood buildings, thougli the 
demand is constantly on the increase, as the city increases in popu- 
lation. There are now 12 school buildings, one of which is stone, 
two frame and nine brick. Prior to the year 1866 the city was illy 





) ) 



/t^^^ L^^ 




CITY OF DAVENPORT. 753 

supplied with buildings, and thoaccoiniiiodations at that time were 
itisutticieiit to meet the wants of the pupils who desired to attend. 
Since that time much has lieen done to supply the demand. 

The school buildinojin District No. 1, East Davenport, was erected 
in 1865-'6, and an addition built in lS7-t. It is of brick, having 
several recitation and school-rooms, with the necessary closets and 
halls, and is valued at 83^.000. 

District No. 2 has a large stone building, erected in lS53-'4, 
and dedicated to school purposes, Sept. 30, lS5i, with such cere- 
monies as were suitable for the occasion, including speeches by sev- 
eral leading citizens. An addition was built to it in 1870, making 
it a very large and convenient building, having several recitation 
and school rooms. The property is now valued at $33,000, and is 
situated at the corner of Seventh and Perry streets. 

District No 3 has a brick building situated corner of Sixth and 
Warren streets, erected in 18.o6-'7. Being too small to accommo- 
date the number of pupils desirous of admission, an addition was 
built in 1S70, which added greatly to the convenience of both teach- 
ers and ])upils. The buihiing and grounds are valued at $30,000. 

District No. i has within its limits two buildings, both located 
in the same neighborhood, corner of Main and Locust streets, and 
both of which are ot brick, with a total valuation of 830,000. One 
of the buildings was erected in 1857 and the other in lS65-'6. 

District No. 5 has a fine brick building, located on West Third 
street, which was erected in 1SG7-'S and which, together with the 
grounds, is valued at 84-o,i>0(i. 

District No. 6 has a frame building, erected prior to 1S.5S, and 
which has had two additions made to it, one in 1S66 and the other 
in 1871. The value of the building and grounds is 87,000. 

District No. 7 has also a frame building, erected in 1868, at a 
cost of 82,. 500. 

District No. 8 has a brick building, erected in 1871, at a cost of 
825,000. It is situated corner of Fourth and Ripley streets. 

District No. 10, possesses a good brick building, erected in 1878, 
at a cost of 821,000. 

The old high-school building was erected in 1854, and used for 
some years as a Baptist church. In 1S65 it was purchased of the 
Baptists and remodeled. It is situated at the corner of Si.xtli and 
Main streets. The building and grounds are estimated at 85,0u0. 

The new high-school building, situated on the block bounded 
by Kock Island and Iowa, and Seventh and Eighth streets, is the 
most imposing school edifice in the cit}-. It was erected in 1874 
and together with the grounds is valued at 805,000. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

[From the Davenport Daily Oazttle, Nov. 1, 1877.] 
It is now impossible to fix the precise date at which the first 
effort to establish a public library in the city of Davenport was 
44 



754 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

made, but it is known that, as earlj' as ISoS-'i a few public spirited 
citizens, by donations of books and a few dollars, succeeded in 
getting together what may be termed the nucleus of the present 
library. At about the same time a few mechanics and working 
men also made an effort looking to the establishment of a library 
and reading-room and were partially successful, but were soon ab- 
sorbed by the earlier oi-ganization. No particulars as to the espe- 
cial objects or rules of either of these associations, or of the rooms, 
if any. occupied by their library, can now be ascertained, and the 
subject does not seem to have assumed responsible form until 
early in 1857, when the donation by Geo. B. Sargent, Esq., to the 
Young Men's Library Association of $500, to be used in the 
purchase of books as a contribution toward a public library ac- 
cessible to every respectable resident of the city of Daven- 
port or vicinity, at a charge not exceeding §3 per annum 
was announced. With this impetus, the loung Men's Library 
Association seems to have been quite popular and in flourish- 
ing condition during the next year or two, but the evil days 
came upon it in the general crash of 1857-'59 and in the latter 
year the books and other properties were boxed up and placed in 
storage in the cellar ot what is now the First iS^ational Bank 
building. From this they were however rescued in a few months 
and transferred to suitable rooms on Perry street, corner of Third, 
and again made accessible to the public. At this time the cata- 
logue named about 1,500 volumes. About this time the 
Young Men's Associated Congress, a sort of debating society, 
composed of young attorneys, physicians, etc., had been success- 
fully organized, and after some negotiation as to the details, it was 
decided to place the library in the hands of a union of the two socie- 
ties, under the name of the '• Davenport Library Association,'' on 
the general basis ot the terms of General Sargent's donation. 

During the ensuing 13 years, 1S60 to 1873, the new association 
encountered the usual varying fortunes of life with a down- 
ward tendency, until in the winter of lS73-'74: its condition seemed 
to promise only a speedy dissolution. Just at this crisis it was 
proposed to place the management entirely under the care of a 
board of ladies,and in April, 1874, the following Board of Directors 
was dul}' elected and installed: President, Mrs. A. P. Dillon; 
Vice-President, Mrs. Wm. Renwick; Treasurer, Mrs. W. C. 
Wadsworth; Secretary, Mrs. J. F. Barnard; Corresponding Secre- 
tary, Mrs. G. M. Ballon; Lecture Committee, Mrs. W. F. Peck 
and Mrs. J. T. Lane; Library Committee, Mrs. H. M. Martin, Mrs. 
Lounsbury and Mrs D. S. True. With this new era the library assum- 
ed a more appropriate and influential standing. Duriuff 187l:-'76 
as rapidly as possible new books were purchased and the depart- 
ment of periodical litei'ature largely added to. At the present 
time, November, 1877, the entire number of books contained in 
this library is in the vicinity- of 7,000. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 755 

It only remains to he said tliat the most important event in the 
library's history occurred in July, 1877. Mrs. Clarissa C. Cook at 
this time made public her intention to carry out the wish of her 
deceased husband, the late Hon. Ebenezer Cook, to aid the library. 

Tins aid from ^[rs. Cook subsei^uently tuok the form of erecting 
a suitable building at a cost of i?13,0<lO upon a lot purchased with 
the proceeds of individual donations for that ])urpose, and in May, 
1878, the library was moved into its new home thus permanently 
secured to it, and the rental of the surplus offices and rooms also 
secured to it an income sutKcient to meet the ordinary expenses of 
the institution. In accordance with the stipulations of Mrs. 
Cook's donation, the title and control of the funils and real 
property of the association is vested in a board of nine trustees, 
composed of five ladies and four gentlemen. The management of 
the library proper is, however, controlled by a board of officials an- 
nually elected by the members of the association. The annual 
dues are now set at $2 from members and subscribers and 
he attendance and good influence of the library are constantly 
ncreasins. 



MERCY HOSPITAL. 
BY C. S. WATKINS. 

Among the public and private institutions ot Davcnj^ort there 
is none to which the citizens point with more pride and respect 
than to Mercy Plosjjital. 

The hospital was opened Dee. 8, 1868, under an arrange- 
ment between Scott County and the "Sisters," that the county 
advance s-3,000 (to be used in fitting up the building, then 
vacant, owned by the "Sisters") for five years without in- 
terest. Ten insane pau]>ers were, on the above date, at once 
transferred from the poor house to the new hos])ital, the authori- 
ties guaranteeing that there should constantly be at least that 
number of county patients thus in the care of the Sisters. Award 
for the care and treatment of general cases of illness or accident 
was also establi.siied. The entire control and discipline of the 
hospital was held by the Sisters, though constant ins])ection and 
visitation by the county officials was provided for. From this 
humble beginning the institution has steadily grown, until, a re- 
cent description says, "the present grounds cover 20 acres; 
the buildings are, Firsts the main building, a very large massive 
brick, tour stories high, and about 1.50 x 00 feet : this contains 
the general .sick wards, in which we found about .50 jiatients, all 
seemingly well pleased with their accommcxlations and treatment. 
The chapel, dispensary, dining and reception rooms are also in 



756 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

this building. Second, the building for insane, two stories high 
and about 40 x 60, well provided with slee])ing and bath rooms, 
large halls, etc.; this now has about 90 (insane) inmates. A 
large space out of doors is enclose 1 tor exercise and airing courts. 
Third, another two-storj building, used as a Catholic orphan 
asylum ; this is a branch especially under the care of the Sisters. 
A city and county pest-house is situattd in a secluded outlot 60 
or 80 rods distant from the other buildings. Tliis pest-house 
has all the ap|diances needed to make it especially ada]>ted to its 
purpose, and is undoubtedly as well arranged as any building ot 
this class in any part of tiie country. The remaining buildings 
pertain to the general purposes of the institution, as ice-houses, 
store-houses, etc. The location is adjoining tlie city limits, and 
distant about two miles trora the postoffice and court-house. The 
grounds are well shaded and have abundance of water from wells 
on the premises, neither the public water nor gas system have yet 
extended their mains to the hospital, though annually getting 
nearer to it. The physicians of Davenjjort have been of invaluable 
aid to the liospital from it-i beginning. They immediately or- 
ganized a system of (gratuitous) visitations, which is still main- 
tained, by a board of three ]3hysicians and three surgeons, active, 
and two consulting surgeons. An advanced medical student, se- 
lected by this board, remains at the hospital and has his rooms and 
meals there without charge. I have only to add that from the be- 
ginning the institution has had the entire contidenco of our citi- 
zens, and its wonderful success, wdiich is due to the admirable 
management and personal services of the " Sisters " is a siifficient 
demonstration of the superiorit}' of the system. 



ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 

Wi PROF. W. H. PRATT. 

On the evening of Dec. 14, 1867, four persons met in a small 
real estate agency office in Daven])ort, and agreed and jdedged 
themselves to each other and to the community, that their eftorts, 
feeble as they might be, and must be, should be united and di- 
rected toward the acquirement and dissemination of scientific 
knowledge, and that the limited means at their command should 
be used to the best of their knowledge and ability, to awaken an 
interest in such studies, to unite the influence of those who were 
already interested, to encourage scientific research and scientific 
reading, and to promote the introduction of practical scientific in- 
struction in the public schools. In this attem])t they were merely 
taking the initiatory steps, reljdng upon the co-operation of others 
of equal earnestness and greater ability, who should join in the 
good work and carr^^ it forward. 



ciT^ OF i>avp;ni'ort. 757 

During several years previous tliis matter had been discussed 
from time to time between Mr. Barlei', Alfred Sanders, Mr. Rie])e, 
Prof. D. S. Sheldon, Dr. Parr^', Mr. Titian}- and myself, and per- 
haps some others wliom I do not now recall, with the rather vague 
determination of doing something sometime, and a full conviction 
that sometliing ought to be done by xmited etibrt. 

We had been gradually forming private geological and natural 
history collections, those of Prof. Sheldon being the principal 
ones. ' With a rich tield for study collection of sjiecimens in 
the several branches of natural history; situated in a flourishing 
city, surnninded by a rapidly iiicreaang po])ulation, and at a time 
when a growing interest in scientitic subjects was everywhere man- 
ifested; it seemed as if some more might and ought to be accom 
plished than had been or would be by such scattered and desultory 
action, and there was encouragement in the work already done. 
We were, of course, entirely unaware of tlie rich mine of archreo- 
logical treasures hidden almost at our feet, as scarcely any atten- 
tion had at that time been given to the subject in this region, and 
comparatively little elsewhere. 

Prof. Sheldon had scoured the woods and lields and explored 
the rivers and ponds in a very assiduous and successful search for 
plants, insects and shells, and by example, advice and instruction 
had been gradually and faithfully sowingthe seeds of scientitic prog- 
ress and promoting scientitic culture. Mr. Alfred Sanders had 
during several years made large collections in the same lines, and 
liad then recently retired from business, and determined to devote 
his time largely to scientitic pursuits, and was much engaged in 
the study of systematic geology especially. Mr. Barler had be- 
come an assiduo\is and persevering collector and student. 

Mr. Riejn, always a naturalist in liis tastes and habits, was con- 
stantly linding something new and intei-esting, and leading the 
att'jntion of his pupils and friends in the direction of natural knowl- 
edge, and chiefly through my accpiaintance with him, and tlirougli 
ids influence, my attention was turned that way more than ever 
before. He and I, with sometimes one or two others, and usunlly 
some of our children, spent maiiy a pleasant, and I believe profita- 
ble, day on a ])rivate picnic upon Credit Island, or over at Pock 
River, enjoyed our dinner with fresh liot coffee made on the spot, 
oy the side of a little tire in the woods, even on a chill November 
day, as well as a keen appetite and absence of con\'entionalities 
wfiuld enable us to do. These explorations always resulted in 
some desirable additions to our cabinets, and though often fatigued 
witli our burdens we always returned refreshed in s]nrit and re- 
newed in zeal. Many specimens found on these excursions are now 
in the museum. 

Dr. Parry had long since acquired a higii reputation as a thor- 
f>ughly scientific botanist, and untiring explorer, and remarkably 
successful collector, and Mr. Tiffany was delving among the rocks 
with all the zeal of a new convert. 



758 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Such was about the condition in matters of scientitic research 
here in 1865-'<i0. None of us being very sanguine in our expecta- 
tions of building u]j a society of much strength or rapid growth, it 
was still thought that a scientific club or small association in some 
form might be established, which would afi'ord an opportunity for 
comparison of observations and interchange of ideas, and by unit- 
ing our collections we might form a nucleus for a museum which 
should ultimately becoiue of some general interest and benefit to 
the community, by stimulating research and adding something to 
the sum of human knowledge, and possil)ly, in time, an institution 
which should be creditable to our city. 

The untimely death of Mr. Sanders and the loss of his talent, 
experience and influence before any definite action had been taken, 
was a serious drawback and discouragement, and doubtless some- 
what delayed action in the matter, and Dr. Parry's absence most 
of the time was a further difficulty. But we realized that the forma- 
tion of mere private collections was of comparatively trifling im- 
portance, having very little influence upon the community, and it 
pursued with no higher object, rather encouraging, perhayis, a spirit 
of selfishness or exclusiveness, each being led to work more for his 
own than for the general good. Personal ])roprietorshi]:> is rather 
antagonistic to a liberal public spirit and true interest in the in- 
crease and diflusion of knowledge. 

In the spring of 1867, while spending a few weeks at Ottawa, 
111., I became acquainted with Dr. John Paul and Dr. L. N. 
Dimmock, now of Santa Barbara, Cal., and some other leading 
members of the Ottawa Academy of Natural Science, an institu- 
tion which had then a name but no local iiabitation. They had, 
however, some good working members who had already in tiieir 
locality awakened a fresh interest in scientific subjects, and a pros- 
pect of soon establishing the society in good rooms, and by uniting 
their private collections, which were of consideiable value, making 
a very good beginning in the building up of a museum. By their 
exam])le and advice we were encouraged to attempt something 
more systematic than we had at first thought of venturing. 

Mr. L. T. Eads having become interested in the subject, joined 
in our consultations and offered the use of his real estate office in 
Postoffice Block, southeast corner of Third and Perry streets, for 
our cabinets and meetings, as long as it would answer these ]>ur- 
poses. 

It was probably mainly due to Mr. Barler's energy and enthu- 
siasm tliat decided action was taken at this particular time, and so 
on Satui-day evening, Dec. 7, 1867. Mr. Barler, Mr. Eads and my- 
self met by a]ipointment at Mr. Eads's office to consult upon the 
ways and means, the possibilities and probabilities, and as to what 
we would dare to undertake, thinking that its success might de- 
pend somewhat upon the character of the first movement made. 
We had l)een unable to enlist men of means in the enterprise; we had 
no direct assurances of aid from any source; we knew that in a 



CITY OF DAVENl'OKT. 759 

majority of cases where sucli a project was attempted, the interest 
died out after a short time, and the enterprise failed for want of 
internal onerg}' and persistence, and outside recognition and sup- 
port. We determined to procure a copy of the constitution of the 
Ottawa Academy, and to call a meeting of those interested on the 
next Saturday evening. Wo did not venture to advertise the meet- 
ing, however, fearing tliat too much might be expected at the begin- 
ning, but invited jiersonally those whom we knew to be desirous of 
joining in co-operative work. During the week Dr. Paul ])roiuptly 
complied with my request, and sent us the copy of their constitu- 
tion and by-laws, and on Saturday evening Dec. 14, 1S67, we found 
" present, Messrs. Barler, Eads, Tiffany and Pratt." Mr. Sanders was 
deceased. Dr. Parry absent at the far West, Prof Sheldon in ])oor 
healtJi, and Mr. Eiepe could not attend that evening though he was 
present at the next meeting and regularly thereafter. 

It was then decided to proceed to the organization of an associa- 
tion without further delay, and this was done then and there, by 
the adoption of the form of constitution and b3'-Iaws of the Ottawa 
Academy, and by the election of ofticers for six months. Some em- 
barrassment was experienced in filling up the board of 10 trustees 
required by the constitution, but the full number were chosen, sub- 
ject to the acceptance of the position by those who were not pres- 
ent. They all accepted, however, except one Mr. C. S. Ellis, and 
his place was filled after a reasonable time by the election of Hon. 
John L. Davies. After about six weeks the following encourag- 
ing notices, which I give verhatiin et literatim,, appeared in the 
daily paj)ers, viz., in Gazette, Jan. 24, 1S6S: 

SCIEXTIFIC SOCIETY . 

An organization has just been completed which takes the some- 
what ambitious title of the Davenport Academy of Natural Sci- 
ences. Its object is the collection and dissemination of scientific 
knowledge, and we understand that esjiecial attention will bejiaid 
bj' this society to the geology < if our State. Specimens of the various 
fauna and fiora of the coal formations will be gathered into cabinets, 
which the members will endeavor to make as complete as ]Kissible 
a beginning of which cabinets have been made. Peat will also 
occupy a prominent place in their inquiries for information; in fact, 
all scientific subjects will claim a snare of their attention. We 
\ wish the society prosperity, as well as a long existence. The 
officers are : President, S. Sheldon, ofC^riswold College; Vice- 
President, A. N. Parler ; Secretary, W. II. Pratt; Treasurer, 
L. T. Eads. The Library Association has offered the new society 
a habitation in its njom, we learn. 

The Davenport Democrat, Jan. 23, 1868 : 

DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 

A society bearing the above name has been organized in this 
city for the purpose of disseminating useful knowledge and inves- 



760 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

tigating subjects of a scientific character. The officers of the society 
are at present : President, Prof. D. S. Sheldon, of Griswold 
College ; Vice-President, A. N. Barler ; Secretary, W. H. Pratt ; 
Treasurer, L. T. Eads. In addition to these there is a board of 
10 trustees. The society has one large cabinet filled with natural 
curiosities, and specimens enough to fill another which is now 
beino- constructed. The specimens consist of a large variety of 
river shells — some 75 kinds — mineral productions, geodes fern 
fossils, coal blooms, and various other geological curiosities. 
Also antiquities and rare articles. The headquarters of the society 
are now in Mr. L. T. Eads' office, where the cabinet and its contents 
can be seen. An invitation has been extended by its members to 
share quarters with the Library Association, and it is likely that 
the invitation will be accepted, as more room will be needed as 
soon as the other cabinet is finished. The princi])al object of the 
society is to make geology a specialty, and to that end the coal 
and peat beds are to receive a due share of its attention. The 
gathering of valuable specimens will be continued, and new cabinets 
provided as occasion requires. Donations of curiosities, antiquities, 
books, etc., are res]iecttully solicited. 

AVe are glad to notice that a movement of this kind has been 
inaugurated by our citizens. It is a step taken in the right direction, 
a move worthy of all commendation, and we sincerely hope that 
those who have made the beginning will see the project grow to 
the extent it deserves. Cabinets filled with geological and mineral- 
ogical specimens, gathered for the most part in our own State, 
and open for public inspection, will incite inquiry and promote 
research, and the cause of science must naturall}' prosper when 
its votaries increase in number and intelligence. Success to the 
Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences. 

As soon as possible one case for specimens was procured — the 
old larger case now in the back room — made by one of the first 
members who joined after the organization, and a considerable 
number and variety of specimens, contributed by Messrs. Barler, 
Titfaiiy, Eads, Sheldon, Eiepe and myself. I find in ray diary 
on Jan. 18, 1868: "Carried sjiecimens from home and put 
them up at the Academy all day." Mrs. Alfred Sanders also 
contributed a large collection ot minerals, fossils and rt;cent shells 
which alone occupied the second cabinet case we procured, and 
others soon began to hand in such specimens as they ha])pened to 
have. , 

We were proud ontheoccasionof the receipt of the first donation 
from abroad, which was that ot a collection of crinoids, now in 
our collection, from Mr. Enoch May, of Burlington, Jan. IS, 
1868. These were sent in response to' our notice of his election as 
an honorar}^ member. We were rather free if not hasty in our dis- 
tribution of such "honors " at first while as yet we wei'e receiving 
rather than conferring honor by such connections. Our notifications 
were, however, usually very well received and kindly responded to. 



CITY OF DAVENPOKT. 761 

The first lot of specimens received in response to our proposi 
tionsfor excliange, was a collection of marine shells, sponnjes, etc., 
from the Portland, Me., Xaturul Ilistorv Society. "\\ e still have 
the specimens but hare outlived the institution. 

Our first ap])earance before the public was upon the occasion of 
a lecture delivered before the academy by Prof Hinricks, of the 
Iowa State University, at the German Theater, on the 15th of 
February, 1S68. .on the subject of ''Pantogen; or, the Element 
of Elements."' It was well attended antl well received and we 
"thanked God and took courage." 

Tlie first paper read in academy meeting was on May 1, 1S6S, 
by W. H. Pratt, on "Tlie Relation of the Outer World to Our 
Senses." 

Our meetings were held at Mr. Eads' ofiice until a liberal offer 
was received from the Young Men's Library xVssociation to give 
the use of a portion of its room, 'noi-theast corner of P>rady and 
Second streets, free of rent. The offer was accepted ami I land in 
my diary, March 21, 1S6S: "Began to remove specimens from Mr. 
Eads's office to Library rooms" and the meeting on April 3, 1S6S, 
was the first held there. The old case, being of an odd size and 
form, was left. 

Our first enterprise out of the routine contemplated in the origi- 
nal plan was the purchase from Mr. Tliomas Lighton, of Rock 
Island, of a telescope, made by him, for the sum of sloo, which 
was raised by subscription. The instrument is still with us, in 
good order and has been tlie source of much jileasure and some 
benefit. 

During the summer of 1S69, preparations were made for secur- 
ing ]ihotographs during tlie progress of the total eclipse of the sun, 
which was to oL-cur on the 7th of August. This piroject was carried 
into effect with quite as good result-* as could reasonably have been 
expected with such limited skill and appliances as were at our 
command. Twenty ])retty tair [ihotographs were made. We were 
mucli disa)i])ointed in the failure to obtain a negative during the 
time of totality, not being aware at that time of what we after- 
ward learned, that it was necessarily totally out of the question 
in any case, being simjjly impossible to take one during the short 
time, 63 seconds of totality. 

The meetings were held quite regularly at the library room for 
three years, with an average attendance of about eight members, 
and usually considerable interest was manifested, though some- 
times the meetings were rather thin. For example: On .Tune 2, 
1869, only James Thomjtson and myself were ))resent, but the busi- 
ne-s had to be done or lie over one montli, with ])oor ]irosi)ects of a 
larger meeting next time, as it was difficult to secure a gnod at- 
tendance during the heated term. The constitution prescribed no 
quorum for the transaction of business, and we thought it best to 
proceed and dispf>se ot it at once. Small as was this meeting in 
numbers, yet estimating it by results, it was the great^jst meeting 
the academy ever held. Tlie original minutes read as follows: 



762 HISTOET OF SCOTl' COUNTY. 

EEGULAR MEETING. 

Very few members present. Mr. Thompson was called to the 
chair. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted. Mr. Thomjjson 
reported donation of some glacier scratched by Mr. Fejervary. 
The proposition to amend the by-laws by substituting the last 
Friday for the iirst Wednesday of each month for the date of 
monthly meetings was then taken up and unanimously adopted. 
Miss Dr. Irish having withdrawn her name on account of leaving 
the city, the other names proposed for membership, viz., Mrs. 
Charles E. Putnam, J. D. Putnam, and Henry Hourtillotte were 
then balloted for and unanimously elected. Academy adjourned 
to Friday evening, 25th inst. 

Here the secretary was obliged to "cast the vote of the meet- 
ing" as nobody else was there to vote. We little realized then 
what we had done. We "builded better than we knew." The 
time for meeting then li.xed has never since been changed. Mr. 
Tourtillotte died a year or two after. The other two lived to do 
good work for the academy. J. D. Putnam died in December of 
1881. If it had not been for them the academy would not now be 
what it is. Mrs. Putnam was the Iirst lady elected to regular 
membership. Mrs. M. A. Sanders was the first lady elected as 
honorary member, Jan. 4, 1868, afterward transferred with the 
rest to the list of corresponding members upon a change of the 
constitution, and since become an active regular member. John 
Hume was the tirst regular member elected, Jan. 4, ISOS. 

In the fall of 1872 some changes in the arrangements of the 
library and their time of meeting rendered it inconvenient for us to 
hold our meetings there, and by the kindness of Messrs. Putnam 
& Rogers their commodious law office was our place of meeting 
from TSTov. 29, 1872, until the ne.xt May. On May 30, 1873, the 
regular meeting was held in Dr. Ilazen's office. On July 15, 1873, 
the academy rented a small room in the rear of Mr. Eads' office, 
second story, south side of Third street, next door east of the 
bank, on the southeast corner of Brady and Third, wliich we oc- 
cupied until April 1, 1871, at $8 per month. Tins vvas the first 
rent paid bj' the academy. The room not being ready for occupancy, 
our regular meeting, July 25, was held in Mr. Ends's office, front 
room of same place. Referring again to my diary I find, Mon- 
day', Aug. 1: "Moved the specimens out of Mr. Eads's office into 
our academy room this afternoon. This was the old case and its 
contents which had never been taken from Perr^' street to the 
library. On July 28 I find : '• Worked at the academy room, 
moving the books in and arranging them as before in the cases." 
Our trustees meeting was held there that evening, and the first 
regular meeting there on Aug. 20, by a little kerosene lamp, which 
Some of us may remember. 

March 31, 1871, the diary says: "Commenced carrying our 
academy things to Odd Fellows Building." This room we rented 
from that date at S75 a year. On our removal we brought only the 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 763 

original wide case, two of the regular six-foot cases, three of the 
closed botanical cases, and the old narrow book-case, formerly be- 
longing to the Workiiiofnien's Library Association. All of these 
and twice as many more since added, are now in our west room, 
and all in tliis room— l(i large cases — have been added during the 
three and a half years of our residence. This room was not half 
tilled, more cases were soon needed, and by a special eftbrt, jirinci- 
pally on tiio part of some lady members and I'riends, "a ladies' 
furnishing fund " was raised, which soon provided several cases, 
matting for the floor, curtains, etc. 

At tiie trustees meeting, Sept. 18, 1S7.5, it was decided to rent 
an additional room in the rear of this at $5<i a year, whicli we did 
from Se]U. 1 of that year, and occupied both rooms till they were 
filled to overtlowing. We are compelled to enlarge our borders 
and are hapjn' in the prospect. Several attempts have beei\ made, 
and wi^th at first some apparent prospect of success, to unite the 
academy and other associations of kindred aims and interests in 
an association building, but have each time failed from want of 
funds, as those who possessed the means, without which it could 
not be accomplished, did not step to the front. The failure was, 
possibly, a blessing in disguise to all the parties concerned, as 
each will go on independently, and their several views and inter- 
ests may be less likely to conflict than if more closely connected. 
Tlie first steps for a new building on the lot donated by Mrs. 
Kewcomb began in 1S77. Only a portion of the original plan of 
building has been carried out. Tiiis was erected in 1677, and on 
the first (lay of January, 1S7S, the academy moved in. It is now- 
stronger than ever before, and has the finest collection of mound 
relics in the world. The presidents, since 1S77, have been as fol- 
lows : Dr. Farquason, 1878 ; Mary L. D. Putnam, 1879 ; W. H. 
Pratt, ISSO ; J. 1). Putnam, 1881 ; C. 11. Preston, 1882. 

CLARISSA C. cook's llOJIE FOR THE FRIENDLESS. 

This charity was established under the will of Mrs. Clarissa C. 
Cook, of Davenport. She died in February, 1879, and her will was 
proved in the Circuit Court of Scott Co., Iowa, in June, 1879, 
and J. Wilson Dewey and John F. Dillon nominated as executors 
by the will, qualified as such executors. By the lltli paragraph 
of this will ^Irs. Cook, gave to John F. Dillon, Edward E. Cook, 
Daniel B. Shelley and Ira Cook, $50,iiOO in trust, providing that 
" They siiall cause themselves, with four ladies to be selected by 
themselves, residing in the city of Davenjiort and County of Scott, 
to become incorporated under tiie laws of the State of Iowa * * * * 
under the name and style of 'Clarissa C. Cook's Home for tlie 
Friendless,' the object and purjiose of said corporation being to 
provide a iiome for destitute and indigent females." 

The same paragraph also devised, for same ])ur))ose, 1.5 acres of 
land in the west end of the city of Davenport, directing that the 



764: HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

north five acres of tlie tract should always be used for the pur- 
poses of the home to be erected thereon. The will directed that 
about $-i5, 000 be expended for erecting the building. 

The 50th paragraph of the will provides that one-half of the 
residuary estate of Mrs. Cook should also be taken by the Home. 

On the Irtth of June, 18S0, the trustees and the four ladies 
selected by them, viz.: Mrs. Agnes French, Miss Harriet Rogers, 
Mrs. Mary E. Wing and Mrs. Clarie B. Bills formed a corporation 
as directed. These parties, with Mr. F. H. Griggs as treasurer, 
and ex officio a manager, formed the Board of Managers. The first 
officers were Miss M. E. Wing, President; Mrs. Harriet Rogers, 
"^^ ice-President; D. B. Shelley, Secretary; and F. H. Griggs, Treas- 
urer. 

Some time was required to determine the selection of a plan for 
the building, but finally the plan prepared by E. C. Gardner, 
architect, of Springfield, Mass., was adopted. 

In jilay, ISSl, Hon. John F. Dillon resigned as a manager, and 
N. Fejervai-y, of Davenport, was elected to fill the vacanc}'. 

In June, 1881, the contract for ercQting the building according 
to the plans and specifications of architect E. G. Gardner, was let 
for 819.500. 

Mr. Fejervary, Mr. Shelley and Mrs. Wing were appointed as a 
building committee, and selected Mr. Victor Hunt as superintend- 
ent of the work. 

At the meeting of the board for election of officers in June, 
18S1, the same officers were re-elected, except Mr. Shellej', who 
desired to be relieved from duties of secretary, and E. E. Cook was 
elected as secretary. 

The building is now (March, 1882) well advanced, and will be 
ready for occupancy not later than July, 1882. 

The share of the residuary estate coming to the Home from Mrs. 
Cook's estate is estimated to be worth over .$63,000, in addition to 
the $50,000 and 15 acres of land given by the 11th paragraph of 
the will. 

Rules and regulations for the admission and sjovernment of 
inmates have been adopted by the board, and before the completion 
of the Home will be pul)lished in pamphlet form. One of the orig- 
inal trustees and managers, Mr. Daniel B. Shelley, died on the 21st 
of March, 1883. 

SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 

TJie Independent Order of Odd jpelloios was introduced into 
Davenport in 1847, Davenport Lodge, No. 7, being instituted 
April 23. The charter members of the lodge were James 
Tliorington, S. Schotield, T. V. Blakemore, S. McCormick and V. 
M. Firor. The first officers were James Thorington, N. G.; S. 
McCormick, Y. G.; T. V. Blakemore, R. Sec; V. M. Firor, 



CITY OF DAVKNPOKT. 765 

Treas. Tlie jji-esent officers are John 1>. Lindsay, N. G. ; W. 
D. Strike, V. G. ; W. F. Baiiin<rartiier, Sec; A. J. Weinheinier, 
P. Sec.; John B. Schmidt, Treas. 

State Encampment, No. 3, was institnted April 23, 184S, with 
James Thorins^ton, K. M. Prettyinan, J. II. Morton, T. V. Ehick- 
more, Lewis JIamiitoii, JIarcus Wtstlake. L. J. Center, Jonathan 
Crousda'e, as cliarter inemhurs. Tiic camp now nninhers 57 mem- 
bers, and meetinjjs are iield the second and t'onrth Fiiday in each 
month. Tiie otKcers of tlie present term are James Cozett, C. P.; 
Samuel Mitchell, H. P.; John Scheck, S. W. ; William B. Kerns, 
J. W.; J. T. Temple, T.; T. V. Blackmore, S. 

Scott Loihji', No. 37, was institnted Jau. 13, 1852, by James 
Thorington, D. G. M., with T. V. Blakemore. Jr.. John A. Boyd' 
William IL)waril, William Sim.'^, William H. White, George G. 
Arndt, B. Roberts, A. SmalllicUl and T. V. Blakctnore, Sr., as 
charter members. The lodge now has a membership of 337. Its 
officers are Henry Uiinker, X. G.; H. G. Parrmann. Y. G.; Fred. 
Scliiel, P. S.; II. D. Statmer, Treas.; M. Gold fried rich, E. Sec. 

Herman Encainjnnent is in good condition, with the following 
nametl officers: W. ^\'eidner, C. P.; John C. Branch, 11. P.; 
R. Lange, S. \V. ; A. Schutz, J. W.; R. Rusch, Treas.; M. Goid- 
friedricl], Sci'ibe. 

Scott Rebecca Degree Lodge., No. 2, was institnted Dec. 18 
1S68. It has a membership of 66. Its present officers are: N. 
Mueller, N. G.; Kathrina Lamp, V. G.; M. Goldfriedrich, Sec. 

The Masonic f^/y/t>?' was first introduced into I);ivenport in 1S.*^3, 
by the institution of Davenport Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M. 
This lodge has now had an honorable career of 29 years, and now 
numi)ers 157 meml)ers. Its present officers are : George B. Swan, 
W. M.; Ed. T. Morgan, S. W.; Samuel Porter, J. W. ; Chas. W. 
Decker, Treas.; J, H. Harrison, Sec; Geo. M. Barrette, S. D. ; 
John Annable, .Ir.. J. D.;John W. Rickey, S. S.; Wm. L. Dal- 
zell, Jr., J. S.; Moses Hobbs, J\I. ('.; J. W. Jamison, T. 

Trinity Lodge, No. 208. .1. E. tt" A. M., was chartered June 5, 
1867, and incorparated .Vpril 11, 1S71. It now numbers 88 mem- 
bers, with the following nan^.ed officers : S. II. Plnmmer, W. M. ; 
C. N. Peet, S. W.; W. F. Zimmerman, J. W.; G. P. McClelland, 
Treas.; J. B. Mason, Sec; M. B. Cochran, Chap.; D. F. Povrer, S. 
D.; L. C. Steir, J. D.; N. Frcy, S. S. ; F. Graham, J. S. ; W. F. 
Birchard, II. of C; W. G. Jones. T. 

Tvaternal Lodge, No. 221, A. F. c& A. M., was organized Aug. 
27, 1867, under a dispensation granted by the M. W. Grand Mas- 
ter, Reuben Mickle, dated Aug. 7, 1867. The following were the 
first officers: James T. Lane, W. M.; James Thorington, S. W.; 
Chr. Toerring, J. W.; Frank II. Miller, Treas.; John M. Lyter, 
Sec; Herman Pollock, S. D.; August J. Buck, J. D.; D. C. 
Roundy, S. S.; Wm. Mark Walter, J. S.; John N. Davis, T. On 
June 3, 1868, a charter was granted the lodge from the M. W. 



766 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Grand Lodge of Iowa. The present officers are: Frank W. Angel, 
W. M.; John C. Johannsen, S. W.; Hugh Somers, J. W.; F. W. 
Lerch, Treas. ; E. Weingartner, Sec; J. II. Somers, S. D. ; C. H. 
Moeller, J. D.; W. H. Bolte, S. S.; C. M. Wittig, J. S.; W. G. 
Jones, T. 

J. T. Lane served as AV. M. from 1867 till 1S70, and was suc- 
ceeded by Chr. Toerring, who served one j-ear when F. W. Angel 
was elected and has served to the present time. J. M. Lyter was 
the first secretary and served two years; E. S. Carl was then 
elected and also served two years. H. C. F. Jansen came next and 
served for the same period ; E. Weingartner was then elected in 
1873, and has annually been re-elected. The lodge numbers 78 
members. 

Davenport Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M., was organized jN'ov. 25, 
1856. withH. W. Mitchell, IL P.; Austin Corbin, King, and 0. S. 
McNeil, Scribe. The chapter has always been in good condition 
and now has on its roll 108 members. 

Its present officers are: George R. Marvin, H. P. ; D. B. Shelley, 
King; W. J. Birchard, Scribe; W. C. Warriner, Treas.; M. D. 
Snyder, Sec. ; C. H. Peet, C. H. ; A.^ A. Stearns, P. S. ; Fred 
Lerch, P. A. C. ; J. II. Somers, 3d Veil ; W. F. Zimmerman, 2d 
Veil ; E. Weingartner, 1st Veil ; W. G. Jones, Guard. 

St. Simon of Cyrene Commandery, No. 9, K. T., was chartered 
Sept. 28, 1866. with the following named charter members : C. 
Stewart Ells, W. F. Peck, O. H. Watson, J. Lewis Drew, J. J. 
Dixon, D. S. Watson, George II. Carpenter, J. E. Dixon, A. R. 
Dixon, A. C. Dixon, and W. C. Warriner. Ot this number O. H. 
Watson, J. J. Dixon, J. E. Dixon, A. C. Dixon have been derait- 
ted, and D. S. Watson and George H. Carpenter have died. W. 
F. Peck was the first Commander and George F. Carpenter, Gen- 
eralissimo. The present officers ai-e Jarvis White, Commander ; 
A. R. Dixon, Generalissimo ; R. W. K. White, Capt. Gen.; S. H. 
Plummer, Prelate ; W. C. Warriner, Treas. ; C. J. Brown, Re- 
cordei'. The membership is about 60. 

TUENEB SOCIETY. 



This society was organized Aug. 5, 1852. Christ Mueller was 
the prime mover in its organization. Theodore Guelich was elec- 
ted its first President , Charles Witkoff, Secretary ; Christ Mueller, 
Turnwart ; Louis Hansen, Cassenwart. The society started with 
13 members. During the late civil war several of its members 
went into the army and were killed in battle or died. Since 
the war it has steadily increased in numbers and interest 
until it now has 230 members. About two years after the 
organization of the society, a class for boys and youths up to 
18 years was commenced which now numbers 200. About 
1871 a class for girls was started, which now numbers about 



CITY OF DA.TENVOKT. 767 

80. A ladies class was established in 1880, which numbers 
20 members. The society own their hall, a two-story build- 
ing, 50 -x 75 feet, lower door of which is used for the gym- 
nasium, and the upper Hoor for meetings and library purposes. In 
the hall may be found all tlie apparatus for a complete gymnasium. 
The library contains about 1,400 volumes. The society also own the 
theater buihling on the same lot, 100 x 150 feet. The theater 
proper is 70 x 150, and will seat 1,000 persons. The build- 
ing is leased by parties who are bound by their contract to kee]i a 
good dramatic troupe and give perfurnumces seven months in tlie 
year. The theater is located on the corner of Third and ^Scott 
streets. Tiie property of the society is estimated at §20,000. 

iScott Zo(I(/e, iVb. 2, Legion of Honor, was organized in 
!N[arch, lS7t*, with 50 charter member?. The business and 
objects of this order are to promote fraternity, afford financial 
aid and benefit to the widows, orphans, heirs or devisees of 
deceased members, to assist a brother when sick or needv, in 
such services as his necessities may require. The motto of the 
Order is ''Confidence, Prudence and Honor." The order has 
fiourisiied here, and now numbers 166 members. The present 
• officers are: Jacob Coehring, P.; J. S. Ports, V. P.; C. C. Camj)- 
bell, Pi. Sec; J. II. MaxweU, F. Sec; Wm. Thompson, Trens.; 
George H. Voung and C. II. Schweitzer. U. ; W. II. Ilender, S. 

SteUa C'c^lleghcm, JVo. 55, V. A. S. Fratern'ity, was organized 
Dec 1, 1880. Its first officers were : D.B.Shelley, R. ; J. P/ 
Young, V. K. ; Ed. J. Cameron, S. ; G. E. Maxwell, Q. ; 
JohnjX. Paxton, U. ; Henry Schweitzer, Spec; George E. Hub- 
bell, George E. Gould and J. B. Young, C. ; C. G. Jones, Q. R. 
The object and business of this order is to establish and promote 
sentiments of fraternity, to afford financial aid and benefit to the 
widows, orphans, lieirs or devisees of its deceased members, and 
to give to sick and needy brothers such service and assistance as 
their necessities may require. The order has been quite prosper- 
ous, and now numbers 125 members. The present officers are 
D. B. Shellev, Rector; W. T. Kerr, V. R. ; Edwin D. Cameron, 
S.; W. L. 'Mnrks, Q.; H. Schweitzer, IT. ; Charles A. Frieie, 
Spec: George Gould, W. Gromall, W. M. Harris, C. 

Tlie United Brotherhood of loK-a was organized at Davenport, 
July 9, 1879, its object being to promote fraternity and to afford 
financial aid and benefit to the widows, orphans and heirs, or de- 
visees of deceased members ot the order. D. B. Shelley was the 
first Grand President, and C. C. Campbell, Grand Secretary. 
There are now four lodges in this city — Grand, Davenport, No. 2; 
Gernuinia. Xo. 3; (Vdumbia, No. 4. Tiie membership of the 
order in the city is about 3nn. 

There are two lodges of the order of Knights of Pythias in this 
city. Damon Lodge, No. lu, was instituted June 16, 1871. with the 
following named charter members: — John Ilalev, E. B. Baldwin, 
F. Biilips, C. F. W. Meyer. J. W. Jamison, C. E. Moore, L. S. 



768 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

Johnson, W. G. Jones, J. A. Eeid, E. Woodmansee, P. J. Pur" 
cell, John (Timdaker, J. S. Drake, John Cameron, C. H. Eldridge, 
C. P. McGee, J. T. Temple. L. A. Worth, W. K. McCrellias, 
Adam Miller, W. H. Laniphere, J. Malchau, G. Sehnitger. Its 
first officers were: — John Halev, W. C. ; John Gnndaker, Y. C. ; 
L. S. Johnson, F. S.; W. R. McCrellias, G. ; J. W. Jamison, V. 
P.; E. Woodmansee, E. S.;C. H. Eldridge, B.; J. T. Temple, 
I. S.;C. F. W. Meyer, 0. S. The present officers are:— T. A. 
Kerr, P. C; J. A. Andrews, C. C; G. W. Strong, V. C; John 
Gnndaker, K. of K. & S.; John T. Temple, M. of E.; John 
Cameron, M. of F. ; George Metzger, P.; P. F. Taylor, M. ot 
A.; Ben Eaphell, I. G. ; Andrew Lyman, O. G. Davenport 
Lodge, No. 50, was instituted Jan. 29. ISSO. It is in a nour- 
ishing condition and numbers 81 members. The following named 
comprises the officers in the spring of 1882: P. C, Henry 
Wichelmann; C. C, Theo. Eath; Y. C. , August Sebelin; Prelate, 
John Luetze; M. of F., Fred. Sieh; I. G., Jacob Freimann; O. G. 
William Ramm; K. of K. A: S., Theo. Martens; M. of E., Christ. 
Timm; M. of F., Gust, von Dohren. 

7he United Order of Ancient Temphtrs was instituted May 8, 
1877, and has met with good success, now numbering 78 members. 

U. A. O. OF DEl'IDS. 

Teutonia Grove, No. 9, organized May 26, 1878. First 
officers : Ferdinand Stoteran, P. A. ; Jacob Eolf:^, N. A. ; Crist 
Jaeger, Y. A. ; Leopold Wichelmann, Sec. ; Charlie Jentch, F. 
Sec. ; Ernst Euge, Treas. ; August Pott, A. G. Present officers : 
John J. Peters, P. A. ; Leopold Wichelmann. N. A. ; Henry 
Hass, Y. A. ; Eudolph Hebbeln, Sec. ; John Hehnke, F. Sec. ; 
August Pott, Treas. ; Detlef Hansen, L G. ; John Brand, 0. G. ; 
AVilliam Elilers, Con. Forty members; meets every Friday evening 
at Washington Pai'k Hall, corner Marquette and Leonard streets. 

The DavenjMrt Druid Circle. No. 1, was organizeil in March, 
1881. The officers are : John Speetzen, P. A. D. ; Jfjhn Peters, 
A. D. ; Miss Minna Speetzen, 1st Bard ; Charlie Bebensee, 2d 
Bard; Miss Theresa Langtimm, Sec. ; Miss Johanna Bebensee, 
Treas. ; Miss Minna Pott, L G. ; Miss Flora Levsen, O. G. ; Lui 
Levsen, Conductor ; and Cristine Meyer, Conducterin. The lodge 
numbers about 30 members. They meet tiie last Saturday ex'ening 
in each month at Washington Park Hall, corner of Marquette and 
Leonard streets. 

THE DAVENPORT HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI SOCIETY 

was organized in 1872. the first meeting for that purpose being held 
in the old High School building, cornerof Maine and Sixth streets. 
James De Armond was elected president of the society for one year, 
the number of graduates at that time being about 50. The first 
re-union and banquet of the society was held at the "Newcomb 



X 





f 



Robert -Town SAND- 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 771 

House " OH Thursday evening, June 26, 1873. It was one of the 
most successful and pleasant gatherings ever assembled in this 
city. There appeared to be, and was evident to all. a feeling of 
great cordiality among all who were jjresent, and such a unity of 
thought and a degree of genuine i)leasuro at the re-union of per- 
sons who had been old schoolmates in years gone by, and who 
now are among the most respected residents of this and other 
cities, that the occasion could not but be an agreeable one. The 
society has since that time maintained its annual re-unions and 
festivals except in 1881, and now numbers some 350 members. 
The following is a list of the presidents of the society from 1872 to 
the present time. List of presidents D. H. S. A. : 1872, James M. 
Dearmond ; 1873. Frank S. Ualcli ; 187-1, Wm. M. Middleton, 
M. D. ; ) S75, Edwin G. Sawyer ; 1876, Jacob J. Nagle ; 1877, 
James M. Dearmond , 1878, Charles C. Leslie ; 1879, Charles 
Davison ; 1880, Alfred D. Churchill ; 1881, John M. Dearmond. 

BANKS. 

Li the early years of Davenport there was little need of banks 
or bankers. Money was very scarce, most of the store bills being 
paid in produce, and merchants kept about them what money they 
took in until they went to St. Louis, Cincinnati or Pittsburg to lay 
in stocks. Otherwise it was sent by letter or boat officers. 

In 1847 Cook & Sargent opened a bank of deposit and excliange 
in connection with a general laud agency; this otHce was on tlie cor- 
ner wliere the First National Bank now stands, which elegant edi- 
fice was by that firm built in 1857. As to capital, it amounted to 
but a few thousands. They began on the dawn of improving times 
and did a prosperous business for 10 years, winding up its busi- 
ness in 1S59. Through its branch bank at Florence, Neb., where 
J. M. Parker was partner, they operated a bank of issue, the notes 
of the bank of Florence having considerable circulation. Mr. Cook 
died in Davenport a few years since, also Mr. Sargent, in Ems, 
Germany. 

The second bank started was that of Macklot & Corbin, on the 
northwest corner of Second and Brady streets, in 1852, on a capi- 
tal of $10,000. It was a bank of discount, deposit and excliange, 
and conducted a prosperous business for about 10 \-ears, when Mr. 
Austin C'orbiu witiidrew his capital, and the liank was removed 
to Main street, where it was gradually wound u]) by Louis A. Mack- 
lot, some time before iiis death. Mr. Corbin conducted an office of 
his own until 1863, when he organized the First National Bank of 
Davenport, but removed to New York some four years later and is 
now the head of the Corbin Banking Companj' of New York and 
Boston. 

In 1855 was opened on Main street tlie bank of Yerby ct Bar- 
row, which in the same year became that of Ciiubb Bro., Barrow 
& Co., which continued in business until 1858, when it closed. The 
45 



772 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

same year was opened in same street the bank and land agency ot 
McGregor, Lawes 6c Blakemore. This bank was operated for abont 
nine years. On Main street, also, were the exchange and deposit 
banks of NichoUs ct Campbell and Doolan & Stump in 1857, which 
were subsequently wound up, as were also the banks of Tollman, 
Powers & McLean and Raymond & Co., on Brady street. 

Up to 1858 there had been no banking law in Iowa. That year 
a banking act was passed by the General Assembly, and a branch 
■was established in this city, called the Merchants Branchof the State 
Bank of Towa, with a capital of $50,000. Its first officers were 
Geo. L. Davenport, President; B. B. Woodward, Cashier. Its office 
was on the southeast corner of Main and Second streets. The 
bank did a prosperous business, but in 1805, after having increased 
its capital to $100,000, and erected the banking house now occupied 
by the Davenport National Bank, was merged with the Davenport 
National Bank, which had just organized, with a capital of $100,000, 
and. abandoning its State charter for a national, became the Daven 
port National Bank of to-day. 

The First National Bank was organized ne 27. 1863, with a 
capital of $10i ',000. Its organization papers were the first to be filed 
in Washington under the national banking act, and would have had 
the first charter issued, but for some informality in the papers 
which required them to be returned for correction. This loss of 
time placed it at No. 15 on the list. Its first board of directors 
were Koyal L. Mack, Geo. S. C. Dow, Thos. Scott, J. E. Stevenson, 
Geo. H. French, James Armstong, Frank H. Griggs, John Schmidt, 
Austin Corbin. Its first president was Austin Corbin, who was 
succeeded in the presidency by Ira M. Giflord, Iliram Price, James 
Thompson, Chas. E. Putnam and T. T. Dow. The first cashier 
was Ira M. GifFord who was succeeded by D. C. Porter, Wm. 
H. Price, D. C. Porter, L. G. Gage and John B. Fidlar. 

The following condensed statement shows its financial career: 

STATEMENT JAN. 2, 1804 — RESOURCES. 

Loans and discounts I 08,442 69 

U. S. Bonds 20,960 00 

Cash 1.53,007 46 

Due from banks and U. S. Treasurer. 114,383 68 

Furniture and fixtures 415 34 

Total 1387,809 17 

LIABILITIES. 

Capital stock paid in | 55,210 00 

Undivided profits 3,525 06 

Due U. S. Treasurer 35,005 38 

Deposits 294,068 78 

Total .t387,809 17 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 773 

STATEMENT JAN. 2, 1882— RESOURCES. 

Loans and discounts $529,669 16 

U. S. bonds : 50,000 00 

Banking House 20,000 00 

Cash 137,913 27 

Due from banks and U. S. Treasurer 89,078 21 

Total 1816,660 64 

LIABILITIES. 

Capital stock paid in $100,000 00 

Surplus and undivided profits 100,821 76 

Circulation 4.5,000 00 

Deposits .570,838 88 

Total $816,660 64 

The present directors are Walker Adams, James Thompson, T. 
T. Dow, A. Bnrdick, Henry W. Kerker, L. Scliricker, J. E. Stev- 
enson, L. C. Dessaint, Nat. Frencli, August Stetien, Henry Kolirs. 

The Davenport National Bank was organized as before stated. Its 
capital §200.000. The original directors were Hiram Price, A. J. 
Preston, Lorenzo Schricker, J. H. Berryhill, Eobert Lowrj, C. S. 
Watkins, Geo. L. Davenport, John Owens, Samuel Hirschl. The 
first president was A. J. Preston, who was succeeded by Geo. L. 
Davenport, B. P>. "Woodward and E. S. Ballord. The first vice- 
president was J. n. Berryhill, who was succeeded by E. S. Ballord 
and S. T. Smith. The first cashier wasC. S. Watkins, succeeded 
by B. B. AVoodward and Geo. E. Maxwell. 

The present directors are W. D. Peterson, Geo. PI. French, H. 
Price, L. Schricker, E. S. Ballord, I. H. Sears, W. Eenwick, S. F. 
Smith, John P. Phelps. 

THE CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK 

was organized March Is, 1S6S, and opened with charter No. 1,671 
at southwest corner of Brady and Second streets, with a capital 
of $100,000. Its first directors were L. B. Meyers, Thos. M. Mc- 
Clelland, W. C. Wadsworth, Jona. S. Smith, George E. Wood, D. 
N. Richardson, and George H. Parker. Its first president was 
Moses Kelly, wlio was succeeded by W. C. Wadsworth, C. Stewart 
Ells, and Frank II. Griggs. Its vice-president was J. S. Smith, 
who was succeeded by Robert Krause. Its cashier was A. O. 
Butler, wlio was succeeded by J. C. Conklin, C. Stewart Ells, Hugo 
Schmidt, and E. T. Carl. It was removed to the northwest corner 
Main and Second streets, in 1S72 and its board increased from nine 
to eleven. The subjoined condensed statement shows its financial 
careerfor 1872— 1882: 



774: 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 



FEB. 
RESODRCBS. 

Loans and Discounts ^ 320,604.30 

United States Bonds IIG 000.00 

Furniture 3,600.00 

Premiums 8,070.59 

Due from Banks 35,583.04 

Cash 56,631.37 

$440,478.30 



2, 1872. 

LIABILITIES. 

Capital Stock ■ | 100,000.00 

Surplus 3,000.00 

Undivided Profits 3,093.33 

Circulation 90,000.00 

Deposits 343,784.94 

.$440,478.30 



FEB. 3, 1872. 



Loans and Discounts $ 656,248.56 

United States Bonds 100,000.00 

Due from Banks 258,882.61 

Cash 119,950.16 



$1,135,081.33 



Capital Stock $100,000.00 

Surplus 75,<i00.00 

Undivided Profits 18,.553.43 

Circulation 90,0u0.00 

Deposits 851,527.90 



$1,135,081.33 



Dividends paid to Jan. 1, 1882, f 148,000. 



The present directors arc : T. "W. McClelland, Robert Kranse, 
Otto Albrecht, J. Lorenzen, Nicholas Kuhnen, D. N. Ricliardson, 
W. C. Wadsworth, F. H. Griggs, D. Gould, H. H. Andresen, P. 
T. Koch. 



SAVINGS BANKS. 

The iirst savings bank was organized in Davenport in the begin- 
ning of 1864, the incor|)orators being Austin Corbin, F. H Griggs, 
J. J. Burtis, W. H. Decker, Geo. H. French, D. N. Eichardsou, 
Henry Lischer, Kobert Krause, Daniel Gould, and several others. 
It commenced business carlj in February, in the First National 
Bank Building, with a capital of $100,000, 10 per cent, paid up. 
Its first president was David S. True, and was managed by a Board 
of Control. It grew rapidlj' and in a few years became a very 
wealthy institution, but becoming, through some of its personal 
connections, embroiled in what was known as tlie " First National 
Bank fight," went into liquidation in 1870 and its aflairs wound up 
at great loss. Upon its ruin was started the Davenport Savings 
Bank. 

THE GERMAN SAVINGS BANK 



was organized in March, 1869, with H. II. Andresen, Henry 
Lischer, Louis Wohle, Nicholas Kuhnen, John Lyter, Jens. 
Lorenzen, Daniel Gould and others as incorporators. The ca|)ital 
was $10,000 paid up, and went into active operation Feb. 1, 1869, 
at the northeast corner of Harrison and Second streets. The original 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 775 

board consisted of II. 11. Aiulresen, Ilenrj Lischer, Robert Krause, 
Louis Wohle, John M. Lyter, Daniel Gould, Otto Albrecht, and 
Jens. Lorenzen. Henry Lischer was the first President; L. Wolile, 
Vice-President; H. II. Andresen, Cashier; which officers have 
held their positions without change to this day. The present 
directory is as follows : II. II. Andresen, Henry Lischer, Nicholas 
Kuhnen, Otto Albrecht, Daniel Gould, Jens. Lorenzen, J. M. 
Lyter, Henry Techentin, and L. Wohle. 

THK DAVENPORT SAVINGS BANE. 

The Davenport Savings Bank was organized under the General 
Incorporation Laws of the State, on March 2S, and opened its 
doors for business on April .5, 1870. Its authorized capital was 
$600,00(1 and its paid up capital $l:i,(iOO. The former was subse- 
quently increased to $900,000 and tlie latter to 65i,000. The fol- 
lowing persons constituted its first Board of Trustees, viz. : James 
Grant, Charles E. Putnam, Louis Haller, Henry Kohrs, John 
Schmidr, F. Ochs, E. Sherman, Ira M. Gilford, J. D. Campbell, 
Peter Kerker, and D. N. Richardson. Of these, the four persons 
first named have remained in the board down to the ])resent 
time. 

Upon the inauguration of the savings bank system in the State, 
this bank was the first to re-organize thereunder. Its certificate 
of re-organization bears date Oct. 17, 1874. Under the new 
system the authorized capital of the bank was fixed at $120,000, 
its cash capital remaining as before, $5-1,000. The latter, under 
the requirements of the law, has been increased as the deposits of 
the bank increased, until, at the present time, the paid-up cajtital 
is $90,00n, and the preliminary steps have been taken for its fur- 
ther increase to $120,000, the limit of its authorized capital. 

The following persons constitute its present Board of Trustees, 
viz.: Charles E. Putnam, James Grant, Louis Haller, Henry 
Kohrs, August Steften. William O. Schmidt, J. D. Morrison, S. 
F. Smith and J. J. Richardson. 

Charles E. Putnam has been the president of the bank since 
its organization. Mr. Francis Ochs was its cashier until August, 
1874, when he resigned on account of ill-health. Since that time 
Mr. Richard Smetham has been its cashier, with the exception of 
a brief period, when the position was filled by Charles N. Voss. 
Louis Haller is Vice-President, aiul John B. Meyer, Assistant 
Cashier. 

The career of the bank has been a marked financial success. It 
has furnished not only a valuable investment for the stockholders, 
but a safe and valuable depository for the savings of the people. 

The following table will clearly indicate the successful workings 
of the bank, viz.: 



776 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



DATE 


•S3 
o 


> 

5 . 

a: 

=^ 

< 


January 1st, 1871 

" " 1872 


1 12,000 00 
12,000 00 
18,000 00 
18,000 00 
54,000 00 
54,000 00 
60,000 00 
60,000 00 
60,000 00 
72,000 00 
84,000 00 
90,000 00 


$ 1,200 00 
8,400 00 
1,800 00 

13,140 00 
6,480 00 

12,840 00 
7,200 00 
7,200 00 

19 200 00 


'■ 1873 

" 1874 


" 1875 


" 1876 

" 1877 

" 1878 

" 1879 


" 1880 

" 1881 

" 1882 


9,360 00 
16,080 00 







Total $102,900 00 



Of above dividends, $39,000 were stock dividends and applied 
on capital. Thus, of the present paid-up capital of the bank, 
only $51,000 was paid in cash. 

The steady increase in the deposits of the bank, and the accu- 
mulation of its assets, will be strikingly illustrated by the follow- 
ing annual statements, viz. : 



DATE. 


DEPOSITS. 


ASSETS. 


January 1st, 1871 

" 1872 

" 1873 

" 1874 

" 1875 

•' 1876 

" 1877 

" 1878 

" 1879 


$124,240 26 
259,960 90 
392,264 11 
333,477 06 
400,310 85 
408,095 98 
453,225 53 
431,506 36 
456,338 41 
613,148 08 
664,597 73 
905,-567 18 


•1139,300 56 
276,513 04 
411,303 03 
360,343 45 
460,321 85 
531,239 40 
537,638 48 
498,024 06 
538,397 15 


" 1880 

" 1881 

" " 1882 


693,151 .35 

760,886 04 

1,018,093 33 





Interest at the rate of six percent, per annum, compounded quar- 
terly, was paid on all deposits in the bank up to September, 1S79, 
and since that date, live per cent, per annum for all full calendar 
months has been allowed. Thus, the large aggregate of $243,- 
573.48 has been paid, as interest ou deposits, since the organiza- 
tion of the bank. 

Tlie number of open accounts in bank Jan. 1, 1SS2, was 2,084, 
and the deposit that day, $905,567.18, thus giving an average 
deposit to each account of $434.53. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 777 

MANUFACTORIES. 

MILLING. 

Lumber was amono; the first needs of the settlers. Beams could 
be obtained from tlie forests, but boards were almost a necessity. 
Lumber for doors and sash was brought by boat around from Cin- 
cinnati, but this was only within the means of the few; the many 
must haul in hard-wood logs to the mill and have boards sawn 
with which to finish their cabins. The pineries of the North were 
as yet undeveloped, and the use of steam too ex]iensive to be then 
considered. The first mills were saw-mills run by water. It was 
Capt. Benj. Clark, the first settler in the county, who built the 
first saw-mill — built it at the mouth of Duck Creek, 15 miles up the 
river from his home in Buffalo. He wanted lumber to improve 
his town site, the first to be located, and so got material, secured 
the needful machiner}^ from St. Louis, dammed the then more 
plentiful waters of the creek, and sawed the first lumber made in 
these parts. This was in 1834. The lumber was rafted at tiie mill 
and floated down the Mississippi to Buffalo, wiiile yet there was 
but a cabin or two in Davenport. The mill was a great blessing 
to the community and enabled not a few to siielter tiieir families 
more comfortably. Most of the early houses of Buti:alo were built 
of lumber from this mill. 

Mr. Clark sold the mill to Doolittle, Moss & Co. In 183S the 
firm became Doolittle cfe Bradley, the other partners having been 
bought out by a new comer named Horace Bradley, yet one of the 
most thrifty residents of the county. The mill made some money 
for the new firm; at least, when some seven years later Mr. Bradley 
concluded to go to farming, he had S500 in cash to invest. The 
first mill was abandoned after Mr. Braoley left it, and but a slight 
trace remains. Mr. Doolittle was here but a short time, residing 
principally in the East. 

In 1S3.J Samuel Hedges built a mill on Crow Creek, where that 
stream is crossed by " ^liddle Road." Crow Creek was more of 
a stream then than now, now that farm improvements and removal 
of woodland have sapped its sources. The mill did a fair business 
for some time; but not bringing promised success was abandoned, 
not, however, before tlie despondent owner had suspended his body 
from one of its roughly hewn beams. In 1837 ilr. Hedires at- 
tempted to retrieve his fortunes by ]>utting in a run of stone to 
grind grain; but this also proved a failure. 

In 183S Samuel Parker, a poineer from Pepperell, Mass., invested 
in a five-acre mill site on Duck Creek, back of what is now known 
as Camp McClellan, and taking in Isaac Hawley and William 
Eldridge as partners, the firm built a good saw-mill. That it did 
not prosper was owing to a lack of water and logs, Tliis circum- 
stance led to the abandonment of the enterprise and the demolitioQ 



778 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of the mill in a year or two after its erection. In same year 
Stephen Henley and R. H. Spencer built a small saw-mill at 
month of Crow Creek, but it was of only four years' duration. 

In the same year the Quinn Mill was built at Pleasant City, a 
village that had been started on section 9, Win Held township, 
by John Owens, merchant, and others. Like the village of which 
it was a part, it did business at small profit for a year or two, and 
then disappeared. In 1851 or 1852 Jabez Hitchcock built a wing- 
dam saw-mill at "the Hocks," on the Mississippi, near the present 
"Watkins Place," but the ice"swept the investment into the chan- 
nel of the Mississippi before any great results had been achieved. 

In 1842 Thomas Wood built a grist-mill and distillery on the 
river bank in Davenport, near the lower saw-mill. He ground 
corn for the farmers and distilled corn into whisky. The invest- 
ment was not sufficiently profitable to encourage the enterprise, so 
it ended in a few years. This was the first and, so far as is 
known, the last whisky distillery in Davenport. 

It was 10 years after the date of the last water-power mill that 
the first steam saw-mill was put in operation in this vicinity, to 
saw rafted logs, that by 1848 were being brought fom the Wiscon- 
sin pineries. This mill was built by a Mr. McCarthy, on a river 
site, between Gaines and Warren streets. Mr. McCarthy died in 
the same year, or the next, and a tirm named Rhodes & Perrin 
then operated it; afterward Mead, Smith & Marsh. Finally, in 
1857, it being then the property of James Grant, it was improved 
and worked for a year or two by Grant & Kimball; then stood still 
for several years, went to ruin, and was finally destroyed by fire. 

In 1849 a Mr. Howard erected the lower mill at Davenport, 
which, in a year or two, came into the possession of Alex McGregor, 
who, in 1854, sold them to John M. Cannon, and later into the 
firm of Cannon & French, wliich firm was succeeded by French & 
Davies; then by John L. Da vies & Son, and is now the property 
of Paige. Dixon & Co. Its cut in 1868 amounted to 7,000,000 feet, 
and in 188], 13,000,000. 

In 1849 Strong Burnell built a large saw and planing mill on 
Front street, between Scott and Ripley. In 1851 he took into 
partnership S. S. Gillett and J. H. Lambrite. The firm did a 
large business here and in the pineries until 1858, when' it failed, 
and the mill remained idle until it was started np a year or two 
after by G. K. Barce. who, after a run of a few years, sold it to 
Dessaint & Schricker in 1865. In 1868 tli« firm became Schricker 
& Mueller, and so remains. It cut 5,000,000 feet of lumber in 
1868, and in 1881, 13,000,000 feet. 

In 1850 a mill was built in East Davenport by Robert Christie, 
which was in operation until 1868, when it was purchased by D. 
Stanchfield, who ran it a year or two. It was destroyed by fire in 
1862. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 779 

In 1S54- the mill of Ilenwick it Son was built by tliat firm, and 
has been run b}' them until within a few years past when the tirm 
became Kenwiek, Shaw A: Crossott. The lumber cut at the mill 
in ISoS was 4,000,000 feet, and in 1S81, 14,500,000 feet. 

In 1S56 l^osworth A: Alien erected a mill, corner of Front and 
Warren streets, which was operated by several parties, and de- 
stroyed by tire in 1858. 

In 1867 Lindsay it Phelps built a mill in East Davenport which 
is still run by thai tirni. In ls6S the lumber cut was 2,500,000 feet. 

In 18(jS L. C. Dessaint built a saw-mill in East Davenport 
which began operation in the sjrino; of 1809. Three years later 
he sold it to Price, Horn ley it Kehoe — and two years later Mr. 
Kehoe sold his interest to his partners, and John Hornley and 
Geo. W. Cable leased the mill of the owners. The tirm of Hornley 
(fr Cable was dissolved by the death of the former in 1879, since 
which time is has"been operated by the Cal)le Lumber Company. 
Its cut in 1881 was 12,.325.000 feet. 

There have been two steam saw-mills in Le Claire, one owned 
and run by Alfred Jansen in 1854, and for some years later. It was 
destroyed by tire. The other built in 1856 by Davenport it Eogers 
was an unsuccessful enterprise, and the mill was removed else- 
where. In Le Claire, also, was a wing dam mill, which was later 
turned into a grist-mill, in which capacity it is now operated. 

At Buffalo a steam saw-mill was built in 1854 by Shue Bros. 
It was torn down in 1881 to make way for the track of the South- 
western Railroad. It wasa mill of the smaller class. 

Bread is very much the statt'of life in a new country. Previous 
to 1835 what settlers there were in this county got their milling 
from afar, the nearest gristmill being on Henderson River back 
of Oquaka, 50 miles away; or had their meal and tiour brought up 
from St. Louis. In 1835 a grist-mill was built on Crow Creek 
where it is crossed by the river road to Le Claire. It was the 
enterprise of Llaskell it Davis, 16x18, of hewn logs, one run of 
stones cut from prairie boulders, and a set of bolts. This served a 
purpose in a plain and gritty way until 1838 when it was abandoned 
and the timbers soldtoA. ('. Fulton, who split them into fence 
rails. This was the only grist-mill of its class that we have any rec- 
ord of. 

In 1836 John- H. Sullivan got out material for a steam tiour and 
saw mill that went into operation in Rockingham in 18.37. It was 
a strung building and nin in fhc custom and ship])ing line — aft'ord- 
ing thefarmers a needt d hmne market for their grain. The saw-mill 
part was of small imjiDrtance; it did a good business, running until 
1847 when it was determined fully that Rockingham was to be no 
more a place upon the map. Two years of its time it was run by 
J. M. D. Burrows, which was his first milling experience in this 
county. A part of the maciiinery was bought by John Coleman 



& 



780 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

and used to run his boat the '' Mary C," the first and perhaps the 
last steamer built for river traffic in this county. The frame was 
bought by the late Rev. James Gilruth, with which he built a barn 
on his farm north of this city. 

In 1836 D. C. Eldridge brought some horse-power mills, 
"Gentry's Metallic,'' from Cincinnati, one of which he set up near 
his store on brimstone corner (Front and Ripley), Davenjjort. Tiie 
grinding was done in an imperfect manner, the machine run by as 
many horses as the owner of the grist chose to put on. It is 
related of Ebenezer Cook that grinding a sack of corn with his old 
mare was the work of a full day. Two more of these mills were 
sold bj' Mr. Eldridge to a Prarie du Chien party for a pair of mules 
and a wagon. The former went and drowned themselves in 
the Mississippi, and the latter brought the seller .$30. The 
remaining one was bought by David Miller, who worked it by mill 
power out on the Long Grove road at the Hull farm, with such 
poor success that a pair of boots were taken in satisfaction of the 
purchase price. The first steam fiouring-mill built in Davenport 
went into operation in January, 184S. It was the old " Albion," on 
FroTit street, cornering on Perry, built of brick, 43 x 38, and three 
stories high. It was begun by Ambrose C. Fulton in lS-16, but 
before completion, he sold it to Burrows 6z Prettyman. It was 
enlai'ged and im]jroved by that firm several times, and cost them 
man}- thousand dollars. Its highest capacity was 300 barrels of 
flour daily. It was consumed by fire in 1863, and was not rebuilt. 

Having sold the Albion Mills, Mr. Fulton immediately set about 
building the yEtna Mills, alongside. They are of wood, the principal 
dimensions 57x60, tliree stories, with a engine liouse annex, 50x27 
and three run of stone. The mills were completed and fiour made 
on the 15th day of January, 1848, and this was the first steam-mill 
gristground in Davenport. The time occupied in the erection of this 
mill was five months and twenty -two days. When the excavation 
for foundations was begun, the lumber of which it was to be built 
was gi'ovving in the forest, the stone was yet unquarried, and the 
brick not yet molded. It was considered a ver}' enterjjrising 
feat. On its opening a great banquet was served in the second 
story of the mill b}' tlie appreciative citizens, in which 300 persons 
participated, and on which occasion speeches were made by James 
Grant, and others. Mr. Grant, among other things, stated to the 
assembled multitude that he had but just arrived home from Iowa 
City, where the State Legislature was in session, and tliat that body 
had just granted a charter for a railroad from Davenjjort to 
Council Blufis, which information was received with three hearty 
cheers. More sjjeeches, toasts, and responses followed and the 
first flour-mill was duly dedicated. It cost about §11,000. Mr. 
Fulton operated his mill a year or so, and then leased it to Mack- 
lot, Inslee & Davenport, who used it another, when it came into 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 781 

the hands of the owners of the Albion Mills who swapped the 
machinery with Davenport ct Rogers, of Le Claire, for Credit 
Island. The machinery was atterward used in Swan Mills, Le 
Claire. In 1S53 the ^Etna was demolished to make room for 
Burrows Block. 

In IS-i-i Richard Smetham built a mill at the corner of Ripley 
and Front streets to grind kiln-di-ied corn meal, which he pro])osed 
to ship to the Liverpool market, but the enterprise, as did one or 
two later ones of the same particular character, came to naught. 

In 1853 Davenport & Rogers built the Swan Mills at Le Claire, 
using the machinery taken from the ^Etna Mills, Davenport. 
This mill was afterward run by Terhnne ik Grout, and burned 
down some vears after. 

In 1S53 Mr. Wm. II. Hildreth built the Economy Flour Mills at 
East Davenport. The structure was of stone, the machinery of 
latest improvment — four run of burrs. It was first operated by 
Hildreth ik D.dlam, afterward by George T. Elliot, but, proving "a 
thriftless venture, was finally sold to be converted into a brewery, 
and is now run as such by Messrs Koehler 6c Linge. of Arsenal 
Brewery. This brewery fiim came into possession also of a tlour 
mill built alongside by Squires, Christie A: Iloatli in 18.56, which 
was likewise a financial failure, and changed hands to be used as 
stated. 

In 1855 Spencer & Staflord, two thrifty farmers in Pleasant Val- 
ley township, invested .^12,000 in a large brick flour-mill at Valley 
City. They hauled the coal and most of their grain from Daven- 
port, and liauled the flour back again to Davenport to be shi]iped. 
The mill mined its builders, and afterward was run on lease ; 
finally came into the hands, ot Mr. .Mitchell, of Rock Island, and 
after being run a while and standing idle more or less, it was fi- 
nally' destroyed by fire. 

In 1S56 John Jackson, a well-to-do farmer just north of Daven- 
port, invested several thousand dollars in a flour-mill on his farm. 
It was run by him two or three years, proved a failure, ruined 
Farmer Jackson, and was abandoned. Farmer Nicholas J. Ruseh 
built a flour-mill, driven by wind-power, on his farm six miles out 
of Davenport, on the Dubuque road. It consumed ^8,000 of his 
capital, and after running and idling for seven or eight years be- 
came food for the flames. 

In the same year Green, Gillett&Co. built a flour-mill im Second 
street. Davenjjort, between Scott and Ripley streets, which did 

food for eight years, and then burned down ; and in the same year 
mith's wing-dam saw-mill in Le Claire was ])rovided with flouring 
apparatus. Steam-power has since been added, and it is one of the 
mills of to day. 

In 1S57 Jacob Wever, Jr., built a patent flour-mill on the south- 
west corner of Third and Perry streets which was not a success, 
and the machinery was removed elsewhere. The same year Fredk. 



782 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Hothstein built a steam ilour-mill in Allen's Grove, which prov- 
ing unprolitable, was by him in 1862 removed over to the AVapsie 
in Clinton County, where it is yet run as a proiitable water-power 
mill. Out at Blue Grass, in the same year, M. Donahue, of 
Davenport, built a flour-mill, which he operated at a loss for a few 
years, then removed it to Davenport, by Donahue &: Stribling, 
and afterward became well-known as Johnston's mill; later on it 
was sold to II. P. Beattie who enlai-ged and operated it as the Ex- 
celsior Mills until ls79, when it burned down, and was b}' him re- 
built on an improved plan as the Phceni.x Mills, but soon fell into 
the hands of the Phanix Mill Company, organized by F. II. 
Griggs, E. S. Carl, F. T. Bluuck, Henry Pahl and Robert Krause. 
In August, 1881, when almost ready for business, it was consumed 
by Are, but was again erected larger and with yet flner equipment, 
with latent improved roller machinery, at an expense of §75,000. 
It has a capacity of 400 barrels per day. 

In 18.57 A. Nugent built a brick flour-mill in Le Claire, which 
was operated by difl'erent parties for several years, and then passed 
out of use. 

A grist-mill was built in Princeton in 1859, and was operated by 
Steffle & Penner, but was destroyed by Are some 20 years ago. 

In 1860 J. i^yce & Co. built 'a mill in Fulton's block, " Perry 
street, which was operated but a year or two. 

In 18G2 D. A. Barrows built a mill on the levee cornering on 
Perry street, which proved a failure on his hands. It was after- 
ward run for awhile by several parties, but in 1867 came into the 
hands of J. M. D. Burrows, in whose possession it bui-ned. 

Meredith &: Lockwood built the Davenport City Mills on Front 
street, east of Le Claire street, in 1867, which, after some time, was 
operated by a stock company, but suspended operations in 187^. 

In 1863' J. M. D. Burrows brought in the Allolessa Mill and 
erected it on Fifth and Harrison streets, on the site of a burned 
elevator. It did good business for some years; then burned, and 
was not rebuilt. 

In 1868 Dow, Gilman & Hancock built the Crescent Mills at 
Fourth and Le Claire streets, which are yet in full operation, 
largely increased in capacity since its building. It is a roller- 
mill, costing §60,000, with a capacity of 300 barrels daily. In con- 
nection with this mill is the elevator on Fifth and Shernuin 
streets, with a capacity of 55,000 bushels. 

In 1873 "Winn & Blagrove built a flour-mill on Harrison street, 
above Sixth, which in 1877 came into the hands of Warnebold & 
Wittenberg, which has recently been remodeled into a roller-mill 
at a total cost of $25,000, and has a capacity of about 200 barrels 
per day. 

The Davewport Oat-Meal Mills were introduced in 1879, and 
first occupied the northeast corner of Front and Brady, and oper- 
ated by a stock company with a capital of §50,000. The iirst 



CITY OF nAVKM'ORT. 783 

Board of Directors were: J. II. Mui-phy, President; J. F. O'Con- 
nor, Vice-President; X. C. Martin. Secretary; J. II. Murnliy, J. F. 
O'Connor, S. M. Williams, N. C. Martin, Tiios. Johnson, Directors, 
The mills were burned in 1881, and the old Biirtis House property 
purchased and remodeled for the enterprise. The capital stock 
was all paid up and a new board elected, consisting of F. H. 
Griggs, F. II. Miller, N. Petersen, J. H. Mur])hy and j: F. O'Con- 
nor. It has a capacity of 100 barrels daily. 

The Davenport Woolen Milh were established here in 1S63 by 
Josejih Shields, and were operated with success from tiie start, and 
enlarged from year to year until the proprietor had invested 
$60,00U. They were overtaken by misfortune in 1878, in the sum- 
mer of which year Mr. Shields died, and the establishment fell into 
the hands of the Davenport National Bank, which leased it out to 
Jennings, Brady A: Tearing, and afterward sold it to a stock com- 
pany. The cajntat stock is §40,000. It was the first mill of the 
kind, and the last, that has been operated in the county. 

jRenwick'^ Saw-Mill was built by Renwick & Son in 1854, and 
has been rebuilt and improved several times since. The son, Will- 
iam Renwick, ])urLdiased his father's share in 1859, and the mill 
was conducted by him until the spring of 1875 when it was 
leased to Renwick, Shaw it Crassett; it has been enlarged and 
improved under their uninagement. It was rebuilt and new ma- 
chinery put in. in the winter of 1879-'S0, also new boilers and 
new enjjines put in in the winter of ISSO-'Sl. They get their logs 
mostly from the Chippewa and Black Rivers, and own pine forests, 
whicti they have cut. When the mill was first built it had a ca- 
pacity of 12,001) a day; now has from 110 to 130 thou.-and. They 
employ 160 men in the mill yards and ]ilaning mill. Their annual 
expenses amount to >>8U0, 000, excluding what they pay their wood 
cutters. The mill has been in operation every year but one since 
it was erected. 



DAVENPORT GUIOOSE MANITFAOTUEING COMPANY. 

In tlie tall of 1872 II. G. Weinert had succeeded in producing 
grape sugar out ofcorn starch in sm dl quantities on a cooking stove, 
and laid his results and samples before the Board of Trade who ap- 
pointed R. Krause, N. Kuhnen and Thomas Scott as committee to 
examine into merits, etc. They sent samples of the grape sugar 
to 40 or 50 wine growers, beer brewers and to Prof. Henrickson, 
and all answers came favorable. A conipiny was foi'mcd with a 
capital of .s20,00u bv II. G. AVeinert, F. II". Grigjrs, H. II. An- 
dresen, R. Krause, Otto Albrecht, IT. O. SeitVrt, X. Kuhnen, John 
S. Davis, Geo. L. Davenport, J. II. Murphv,G. Schlegel; buildings 
and machinery were constructed ut\der H. G. Weinert, superin- 
tendent, and after having operated about 15 months the company 



784 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

suspended operation?, having sunk over §15,000. In tlie fall ot 
1874 Mr. L. r. Best, the present superintendent, opened correspond- 
ence representing himself as an expert in the manufacture of grape 
sugar and glucose and offered to invest .§.3,000 if the company 
would furnish the balance of needed capital. A new company was 
formed on a basis of $30,000 and new works constructed. This 
company operated about two years without material success, but 
it satisfied interested parties that it could be made a success, and a 
new building, five-story brick, and new machinery were erected 
and the capital ddubled to §60,000 in the summer of 1876. The 
enterprise now became self-sustaining; was consuming 700 bushels 
corn daily and had accumulated by July, 1877, quite a surplus 
when the works were destroyed by fire, which wiped out nearly all 
accumulations but left the capital intact and paid the old stock- 
holders the first cash dividend of 6i- per cent. The stockholders, 
having great confidence in the gi-owiug demand of the product, at 
once resolved to rebuild on a greatly increased capacity, and 
work was begun immediately clearing away the debris, and in six 
months from the day of the fire the new works were again in oper- 
ation with a daily consume of 2,(100 bnshels of corn. Since then 
until the present time there have been large buildings and im- 
proved machinery added until the full capacity of the works to- 
day amounts to 3,300 bushels corn daily consume. The company 
increased its capital stock to §200,000, on Jan. 1, 1881, and tit 
present employs a capital of over §300,000, and consumed in the 
year 1881 about 700,000 bushels corn. The works consist of four 
and six story brick buildings and have a floor room of 131,000 
square feet, besides corn-crib capacity for 150,000 bushels, and 
give steady employment to 75 hands, besides four teams. office help, 
and about 25 coopers making barrels and kegs. The quantity and 
quality of water being of gi'eat importance the company have sunk 
two artesian wells, one to a depth of 960 feet, which flows about 
300 gallons of water per minute, and a second, now over 1,500 feet 
deep, throwing about 450 gallons of excellent pure water per min- 
ute, and this well when finished is expected to force the water 
through stand pipes to the top of the highest building at the rate 
of 500 gallons per minute. The standard quality of the grape 
sugar, glucose and table sirups, of the Davenport Glucose Manu- 
facturing Company has a wide reputation and is being sold to all 
the principal cities in the United States, and when corn is ruling 
at average price can be successfully exported to Europe and Aus- 
tralia. The works have nine large boiler engines of 250 horse- 
power and consume about 6,000 tons of coal per aimum and 400 
tons of coke. 

MARBLE, COAL, AND LIME WORKS. 

McCosh & Donahue established this business in 1860. The 
marble works are situated at 211 Perry, the lime and coal office at 



e 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 785 

314 East Tliird street. They employ from 15 to 20 men ; tliey make 
lime at Le Claire and East Davenport, beginning the manufacture of 
that article in 18SI. They do an enormous business, the annual 
wholesale and retail sales aggregating $l-it;(,000. They do all kinds 
of marble and granite work. Combined sale of marble, lime, 
cement, and coal. 

BOARD OF TRADE. 

The Board of Trade of the city of Davenport was organized in 
1S67. Its object and aims are to collect and record such local and 
general statistical information relating to commerce and manufact- 
ures as may promote the interest of Daven])ort, and to protect 
and advance the welfare of the commercial and manufacturing and 
all other classes of citizens, to promote the just and equitable prin- 
ciples ia trade, and to establish uniformity in the commercial 
usages of the city. There are two classes of members: one class 
consists of large manufactures, wholesale dealers and large capital- 
ists, who pay the sum of $10 annually. Professional men 
and others not included in the above class pa}' the sum ot $5 
annually. The following are the present officers : A. F. 
Williams, Pres.; F. H. Hancock, First Vice-Pres. ; Geo. P. Mc- 
Clelland, Second Vice-Pres.; L. F. Parker, Sec; W. C. "Wads- 
wortii. Trea?.; Directors: — -A. F. "Williams, Geo. II. French, W. 
C. Wadsworth, W. D. Peterson, J. B. Phelps, W. S. Brown, F: H. 
Hancock. Geo. P. McClelland. S. F. Gilinan, R. Krnse, Fred. Mel- 
chert, and L. F. Parker. 

We copy from the Annual Report of the Board of Trade in this 
city the following statistics, showing the progress of business in 
the different branches of trade up to the close of the year. 

•'The footings in some ot the principal branches of trade, for the 
\ear endine Dec. 31, 1857, show an aggregate in the same of 
§U,4S5,S12'.21. Of this amount §S,539,'71:4.2S have been bank- 
ing and exchange; 82 628,002 57 sales of merchandise; 81,158.000 
sales of grain and provisions ; $353,000 of sales of consign- 
ments and forwarding; 8751,059 manufacturing not estimated 
in sales; $-t50,029 on freight and cartage; 8555,406 39 lumber, 
doors, sash, etc. 

The banking department shows an aggregate of $6,616,737.34 
for exchange, and, 81.923,006.94 for discounts. 

The sales of merchandise, together with the stock on hand, 
show as follows: 

SALES. STOCK. 

.Vgricultural Implements | 25,000 00 $ 12,000 

Baou and Shoes 72,000 00 34,000 

Books, Wall Paper, etc 34,000 00 12,000 

Bakery, Confectionery, etc 8,000 00 3,000 

Clothing 103,700 00 61,000 

Dry Goods 600.002 57 164,500 

Furniture, Mattresses, Carpeting 89,000 00 44,-300 

Groceries 771,!;i00 00 163,000 



786 HISTORY OF SOOTT COUNTY. 

Hardware, Iron and Nails 264,500 00 120.500 

Hals, Caps aad Furs 34,000 60 14,000 

Jewelry, Watches, etc 2".000 00 18,500 

Leather and Saddlery Hardware 87,000 CO 24,200 

Millinery 42000 00 12,700 

Drucs Paints, Oils, etc 70,000 00 35,300 

Queeasware 25,000 00 18,000 

Stoves, House Furnishing, etc, 125,000 00 44,000 

Assorted Merchandise 116,200 00 16,000 

Tobacco and Cigars 59,000 00 14,000 

Wines and Liquors 13,500 00 7,000 

Total Stock on hand $818,700 

Owing to the monetary difficulties, which came upon its so sud- 
denl}' in October there has been a falling off in all branches of 
trade. In no department have the figures been so affected as in 
bankino'. During 60 of the last 90 days, exchange has not been 
procurable at any price, or under any circumstances, except in very 
small sums. Notwithstanding this, our local business has suffered 
far less diminution than was at first apprehended. 

Careful inquiries have developed the fact beyond dispute that, 
during the last few months, we have had important accessions to 
our trade, from various sections of the country hitherto tributary 
to other points. It is presuming very little to say, that the ac- 
quaintances thus formed cannot but result mutually advantageous. 
Whether the first introduction was the result of purely superior 
inducements in stock and prices, which our merchants are ever 
ready to offer, or more directly the effect of the local currency, 
that has been so exclusively the agent of our transactions, is not 
left for decision here, and, indeed, it is no matter; havinggaiued so 
much of a point, it only remains to retain it. 

The high price of exchange has operated more manifestly upon 
the stocks of grocers, in the articles of coffee, sugar and molasses, 
and has maintained the price of these articles, at quotations much 
above the ordinary margin between this and Eastern and Southern 
markets. The indications being favoraVile tor a speedy equaliza 
tion of funds, we may reasonaljly hope for an improvement in these 
articles and a corresponding increase of sales of the same. 

The estimates of grain and provisions exhibit as follows: 

IsTMBEK. VALDE. 

Bushels Wheat 1,019,005 ■ $509,000 

" Barley 34.000 13,600 

Barrels Flour 175,800 879,000 

Tons shipped stufl' 8,640 129,600 

Bushels of Potatoes 20,000 5,000 

" Onions 25,000 .12,000 

Barrels Pork 3,500 52,000 

Tierce Bacon 1,280 33,000 

Of all the wheat received during the comprised period, there 
■were manufactured into flour 879,000 barrels. 



■^ 




cA(T:M^M4yuli££j 





V5vj5(;'- 



^ /-^ (€■ (^^-^yl^ 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 789 

The nuinber of hogs i)acked at this point was 13,000. 

Tlie estimated value of the same after allowing fur the wheat, 
etc. is $1,158,000., 

The commission and forwarding business, with an aggregate 
of $353,000, sliows an advance for freight and ciiarges of $150,000. 

The following list of different branches of manufacture shows 
for: 

Agricultural Implements $4!),000 

Boots ami Shofs 20,000 

Book Binding, Printing, etc 108,000 

Bakeries and Conlectionery 33,000 

Clothing 28,000 

Carriages, Wagons, etc 87,000 

Furniture and Mattresses 07,000 

Plows, Castings and Iron Work 205,130 

Paints, Oils, etc 4,000 

Stove Furnishing, etc, 10,000 

Cooperage 105,130 

Lumber, Sash, etc, 335,154 

Flour, Feed, etc, 957,000 

Hog Product 113,7.50 

Sundrj- Manufactures 32,90!) 

There are few points in the West where the manufacture of flour 
is more largely engaged in. 

The value of this dej)artment alone approximates $1,000,000, 
while tiie brands of the difierent mills enjoy an enviable reputa- 
tion ill foreign markets. 

DAVENPORT PRODUCE EXCHANGE. 

Early in January, 1882, a reorganization of the Board of Trade 
was ettectod, and upon a new basis. The former fees of member- 
ship were $10 per annum. This fee was changed to $10 and 
$5, the latter rate admitting a number who had no intert^st in 
the grain, milling, produce or packing industries. This left, the 
representatives of these industries in the minority, and the Board 
of Trade determined not to furnish mirket reports. 

As the obtaining of miirket rejjorts was one of the principal 
objects of the organization tor the grain, milling, produce and 
packing representatives, they were forced to abandon the Board ot 
Trade and thereupon organized the Davenport Produce I]xchange 
on Jam 23, 18S2. 

Tiiis Exchange has a membership of 52 The membership 
fees are $30 and $15. Total amount sub.scribed to date, $1,135. 

The Exchange receives daily telegraiihic market reports from 
Chicago every 15 minutes, from New York, Milwaidvee, St. 
Louis and Liverpool. The Excliange room is supplied with price 
currents from the prineijial markets, and the leading daily news- 
papers. The officers of the Exchange for 1882 are : Pres. T. T. 
Dow, Vice-Pres., Fred Melchort ; 'Directors, IL P. AVheeler, F. 
H. Hancock, John Kuch, Henry Kohrs, E. Hickman, W. H. 
46 



790 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Decker, J. S. Gilmore ; Arbitration Committtee, B. Glaspell, L. 
Haller, D. B. Sears ; Board of Appeals, Jno. F. i)o\v, Lucas Euhl, 
"W. E. H. Alexander ; Treasurer, S. F. Gilman ; Secretary, F. 
S. Eutherford. 

STREET RAILROADS. 

The city of Davenport has two lines of street railway. The 
first, the Davenport City Eailway Company, was organized in 1867 
and constructed in 1S6S; was known as the Third street line, extend- 
ing east and west the entire length of the city. The first directors 
of this line were A C. Fulton, John L. Swits, Ira M. Gifford, 
Thos. Scott, Joseph Shields, Chas. E. Putnam, B. B. "Woodward, 
H. E. Claussen and James Armstrong; A. C. Fulton, first presi- 
dent. The road is now operated by Mr. Henry Schnitger, who 
holds a 10 years' lease. The other .organization is known as the 
Davenport Central Eailway Co., and was organized and con- 
structed, November, 1870. The street cars began running about 
July, 1871, from the corner of Second and Brady streets to the 
Fair Grounds. Subsequently a branch was built from the corner 
of Fifteenth and Brady streets to Mississippi avenue in East- 
Davenport; also a branch from corner of Grand avenue and Fif- 
teenth street to Oak Dale Cemetery; another from the corner of 
Sixteenth and Brady streets to the Washington Garden, West 
Davenport. The present officers are as follows: James Grant, 
President; George Murry, Yice-Pres. ; S. F. Smith, Treas. ; 0. S. 
McNeil, Sec; Directors, James Grant, D. jST. Eichardson, Geo. 
Murry, Whit. M. Grant, S. F. Smith, E. D. Meyers, O. S. McNeil, 
W. E. Haight, Geo. H. Parker. The road is now operated by 
J. M. Davies, who leased the road for a term of 10 years, be- 
ginning April 1, 1877. 

WATER-WORKS. 

As a city grows, the question of a water supply becomes an im- 
portant one. The city being unable to do anything, Michael and 
Peter Donahue, the former of Davenport and the latter of Cali- 
fornia, undertook the erection of water-works in this city, and 
organized Jan. 1.3, 1873, and took active personal control of 
the whole financial and mechanical details of the enterprise. 
They proceeded at once to the work, and on the first day of Janu- 
ary, 187-1, less than one year after, started the pumps of the 
Davenport Water-Works. These pumps were 17 inches in di- 
ameter, six-feet stroke, and engines 22 inches in diameter, 36-inch 
stroke, with 15 miles of pipe laid down in the streets. There 
are now 22 miles of main, and private consumers are constantly 
increasing. A. H. Sanders says of the works, in a pamphlet 
published in 1874: 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 791 

"The water is better for all ordinary purposes than any other 
whicli has heretofore been used hero. It is taken from the cliannel 
of the Mississippi River, by means of a conduit cut in tlie rock 
under tlie bed of the river, 150 feet from the shore. Tlie expense 
of tlie cofferdam to iiccomplisli this great work to secure perfectly 
pure water, away from the influence of the sewerage of the city, 
was more than the whole cost of water- works at some places. Tiie 
main pipes from the works are 1-i inches In diameter, and the 
farthest point from the works is three miles. The bigiiest jwint 
pumped to is 175 feet, and at tliis height there is always pressure 
sufficient to put out any lire, or throw a flood of water on the high- 
est houses in the locality. 

"Although Davenport has never been devastated by any large 
conflagration, yet the warnings of destructive fires elsewhere had 
suggested ample provisions here as circumstances would admit, to 
prevent such a calamity. Ilaiul engines were superseded by steam 
engines, witli proper supplies of hose, and iiook and ladder car- 
riages, and companies to manage all this machinery, and houses 
for their accommodation. But the deficiency of available water in 
many quarters of the city made this costly apparatus at last only 
partially useful as a protection. The water-works have now ren- 
dered the presence of any of these steam engines entirely unnec- 
essary. With public hydrants at almost every block corner, and 
even extending to the outskirts of the city, it merely requires a 
connection of the hose to have the equivalent of a steam engine 
wherever a hydrant is located. Of these public hydrants, 240 will 
be required by the city, and paid for, by the 1st of next January. 
Davenport is now safe from any extensive conflagration. Many 
tests have been made of this water-power by the application of 
hose without the knowledge of any one interested in or at the 
water- works, and it has been abundantly proved that on theblufls, 
as below, they can throw on top or over, and deluge any building, 
and from a number of streams at once. By an official test at 
nearly the highest point water is pumped, two heavy streams of 
water were thrown l*iO feet. Several fires and the speedy subdu- 
ing of them have already demonstrated that no large fire can ever 
threaten Davenport under our present water arrangements. Hose 
companies are being organized on the bluffs, or in more distant 
parts of the city, for the protection of neighborhoods. The water 
is there in any quantity, and only the availabilities are required 
for its use when necessary in time of danger. Besides the public 
accommodations, and the idea of safety consequent upon the es- 
tablishment of these great water-wjrks, it must have its marked 
influence in reducing insurance. 

" Tiie water-works rates for consumers are reasonable, and can 
form no just subject of complaint. These works have cost over a 
half million of dollars, and, being owned by a private compan}', 
are no tax on the city. It simply pays for its public hydrants for 
fire purposes, just as individuals do for their private use of this 



792 HiSTOEY OF scorr county. 

water-power, and water that is crystal pure is the brightest spring 
water. No city in the West or country has a better supply of 
water for public use, nor through its water-works better protection 
against conflagration." 

FIEST THINGS IN DAVENPORT. 

In the spring of 1837 the first duel '-on record" in Iowa was 
fought between two Winnebago Indians. 

The first marriage in Davenport was William B. Watts and a 
niece of Antoine Le Claire, in 1837. 

The first female born in Davenport was a daughter of D. C. 
Eldridge. 

On the 8th of May, 18-11, the first Territorial Whig Convention 
was held in Davenport. 

The first Fire Department of Davenport was organized the 27th 
of July, 1838, by requiring every man who had a house, to keep two 
fire buckets always in readiness, and to use them. 

The first temperance society was organized by Rev. Asa Turner, 
receiving at its first organization 56 signature:^, Rodolplius Bennett, 
the mayor, being its fir.-t jiresident. The society commenced with 
about 80 members. 

The first flouring mill in Davenport was introduced by D. C. 
Eldridge, being one of '' Getty's Patent Metallic Mills." It was 
somewhat larger than a coffee mill, and its motive jiower was 
horseflesh. 

The flrst Ferrj^ Company was organized in the sjiring of 1837. 

Dr. A. E. Donaldson was the flrst resident physician. 

The flrst hotel was 0])ened by Edward Powers in 1836, on the 
corner of Front and Ripley streets, and was built by Davenport 
and Le Claire, and called the Davenport Hotel. 

James Mackintosh opened the flrst store in 1836. His stock con- 
sisted of a general ;issoitment of dry goods, groceries, hardware, 
provisions, etc., worth about S.^jOOO. He commenced business on 
the corner of Third and Ripley Streets, in a log house. 

The flrst child born in Davenport was a son of L. S. Colton, 
born i^i the fall of 1836. 

The flrst law office in Davenport wns opened by A. McGregor, 
in April, 1836. 

The flrst religious discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Gavitt, 
in the house of D. C. Eldridge. 

The pioneer ball was held in Mr. Le Claire's house, Jan. 8, 1836 ; 
some 40 couples were present. 

In the summer of 1836, Antoine Le Claire was appointed flrst 
postmaster. Postage at that time was 25 cents. The postmaster 
carried the mail across the river in his pockets ; and his ])er- 
eentage for the fir.st three months was 75 cents. 

There were seven houses in tiieold town limits at the close of 
the year 1836. 



CITY OF DAVENl'OKT. 793 

The first brick-yard w.i? constructed and owned by Ilarvey 
Leonard in 1S37. 

Frazer Wilson was tlie first sheriff of Scott County. 

In tlie suninier of 1S37, tlie first brick house was built by D. C. 
Eldridii;e. 

The first Presbyterian organization was completed this year. 

On tlie loth day of August, 18;;s. the first number of the Iowa 
Sun was })ub!ished by Mr. A. Logan. 

In September, 1838. a stock company was formed and built a 
school-lu)use 

The first shoe store was opened in ls41, by L. B. Colamer. 

The lirst butcher's stall <>])ened by Mr. Armitage. 

The first harness shop was o])ened the same year by Jacob 
Sailor. 

The same year R. L. Linibaagh opened a watch-making and 
jewelr}- store. 

The fir.-t Bible society was organized in lSi2. 

The first nork packing was done in l>!-i2, by J. M. D. Burrows. 
Mr. A. C Fulton entered into the business in 1843. 

1850. — In 1850 there were in Davenport twenty-two carpenters, 
nine stone masons, five brick-makers, six bricklayers, ten cabinet- 
makers, five ehair-maker.s, seven wheelwrights, two coach-makers, 
twelve blacksmiths, fifteen coopsrs, five saddle and harness 
makers, one trunk maker, eight boot and shoe makers, three tin 
and cjp]iersmitlis, seven tailors, four engineers, three millers, 
two sawyers, eight draymen, nine teamsters, three butchers, one 
dyer and scourer, one gunsinith, one watch-maker, onejajtanner, 
one turner, one baker, one ujiholsterer, one barber, nine ministers 
of the gospel, four physicians, two lawyers, and, a local writer 
adds, "all are actively and profitably engaged, unless I might 
e.\cept the physicians and lawyers, and work plenty for a few 
more." At the same time there were two news])aj)ers, two steam 
flouring mills, one steam saw-mill, one college, one medical 
college, five schools, three hotels, two billiard rooms, two coffee 
houses, nineteen stores, one public hall, one exchange office, two 
pork houses, one livery stable, one plow factory. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Henry Abel, Constable, 012 West Sixth street, was born Nov. 
3, 1821, at Fort Rendsbnrg, Holstein, Germany. His father, 
Frederick Abel, now deceased, was born in Denmark; his mother, 
Catherine (Eessman) Abel, in Holstein. She is still living at that 
place. 

Our subject came to America and located in Davcnjioi-t in Octo- 
ber, 1855. He went to Knoxville, 111., soon after, and remained 
there one and a half years, then returned to Davenport. Subse- 
(^uently went to Minnesota and was engaged in selling jewelry 
lere until 1857, when he came again to Davenport and opened a 



S 



794 HISTORY OF SCOTl' COUNTY. 

jewelry and watcli establishment on Second, between Harrison and 
Ripley streets. He continued in this business some time, then 
went into the slieriff's otiice with Harvey Leonard, and remained 
there with his successor, James Tliorington, two years, as his 
deputy. In 1860 he was elected constable of Davenjjort town- 
ship for three and a half years. Afterward was employed as 
clerk in the firm of McNear & Jordan, dealers in agricultural im- 
plements, and remained with them one year; was then engaged 
by Wm. F. Russ in the grocery business, for two years; then es- 
tablished a second-hand store in ])artnersliip with Mr. Peterson, 
which continued three years. He was officiating deputy sheriff for 
three years, then received his present appointment of constable, 
and faithfully discharges the duties of his office. He was married 
to Bertha Boege in April, 1853, in Rensburg; her parents are both 
dead. To them have been born 15 children, six living — Fred, 
Henry, Max, Otilie, Rieckey and Agnes. Mr. Abel is an advocate 
of Liberalism. 

John B. AherJe, owner of the bakery at No. UDl '^est Third 
street, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, Jan. 24, 1845, and was 
a son of Andrew and Magdalena(Sniz) Aberle, natives of Witten- 
berg. John attended school until he was 14 years old, then learned 
the baker's trade, and in 1868 came to the United States. He 
landed in Now York, and from there came to Davenport, where 
he worked at his trade until 187"2, when he established a bakery 
of his own. He was married to Margaret Richard. Aj^ril 7, 1872. 
She was born in Columbia, 111. To them have been born four 
children — Anna, Emma, Dorathy, and Josephine . 

Otto Alh'echt, of the firm of Otto Albrecht & Co., dealers in 
tobacco and cigars and manufacturers of the "Rob Roy" and 
"Modoc"' cigai's, 306 West Second street, was born in Holstein, 
Germany, Aug. 18, 1826. Was raised in the city Neustadt, learn- 
ing and working at the cigar trade until 26 years of age, when he 
came to America, landing in New Orleans, June, 1853, and was 
nine weeks at sea in a sail ship. He worked at St. Louis, Mo., at 
his trade, until 1854, when he came to Davenport, and opened a 
cigar store on Second street, between Scott and Western avenues, 
and remained there until 1858, when lie located at his jjresent place, 
306 West Second street, where, in ISSl, he built a fine four-story 
brick building. He carries a full stock of native and imported 
tobaccos and cigars, carrying a stock of .§11,000 or .§12,000, and 
also manufacturing cigars. He was married to Miss Sopjiia Stern- 
berg, May 10, 1856. iShewas born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and 
is a daughter of Cliristian Sternberg; he was a farmer, and settled 
in Scott County in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Albrecht have had a fam- 
ily of 10 children, six living, viz.: Emma, who married Theodore 
Hartz (they live in Davenport), Dora, Robert, Mattie, Otto, Jr., 
and Paul. Mr. Otto Albreclit was a son of Jurgen Albrecht and 
Frederica Malwag. He was a farmer and died in Germany. She 
is still living in Germany. She and husband were members of the 
Lutheran Church and had five children, four living. 



CITT OF DAVENPORT. 795 

The subject of this sketch, Mr. Otto Albrecht, is the oldest to- 
bacco man in the city; is a member of Davenport Masonic Lodge 
No. 37, and in politics a Eei)ublicau, and cast his tirst vote for 
John C. Fremont. 

lVicohla.t Alhrecht, butcher, 1,4-1:0 Leonard street, was born in 
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Oct. 26, 1S53. Plis ])arents were 
George and Christina (Ott) Albrecht. They had three children. 
Nicholas attended school until 15, when he learned the butcher's 
trade until IS, when he came, with his father and brothers, to the 
LTnited States, landed ia New York, then came to Davenport, 
where he has followed the butcher business ever since. He mar- 
ried Miss Anna Stahl May •>, lS7ti. She was born in Schleswig- 
Holstein. Germany, and was a daughter of Michael Stahl. Mr. 
and Mrs. Nicholas Albrecht have had three children, viz.: George, 
Johanna and Metta. Mr. Albreclit is a member of the Druids, 
Turner Society, and Butchers' and Drovers' Union, and in politics 
a Republican, and cast his tirst vote for Hayes. 

II. II. Aiidresen, casiiier of the German Savings Bank, was born 
in Scheiswig-Holstein, Germany, in December, 1826. He was 
there reared and educated, and during the war against Denmark 
was in the military service, from the first battle to the last. He 
came to America as a refugee in the fall of 1S.51, and located first 
in Milwaukee, where he taught school one winter. In the spring 
of 1852 he went to Chicago, and secured employment in the office 
of a land agency ; afterward conducted a real estate business on 
his own account from lS5-i to 1S55. The latter year he came to 
Davenport and engaged in the general mercantile business ; he 
sold out in 1S59, and in 1S60 he was appointed deputy sheriff 
under James Thorington ; he went to Fort Scott, Kan., in 1862 to 
take charge ot a fort settlersiiip under Mr. Thorington's supervis- 
ion ; he returned to Davenport in 1864. In 1865 he started a 
window blind factory, which he ran for a number of years ; mean- 
time, in tlie I'all of 1868, he was elected secretary of the Daven- 
port Fire Insurance Company. During his admiuistrution in this 
institution the concern was successful in restoring former losses, 
and while thus employed, was chief mover in establishing tlie 
German Savings Bank, and tlie two were run in harmony, the 
stockholders in the insurance company becoming stockholders in 
tlie bank. The insurance company was wound up in 1874. For a 
number of years Mr. Andresen had the active sujiervision of the 
thi-ee enterprises, which involved great labor and responsibilities. 
Since that date has liad sole active charge of the bank, which is one 
of the most ably managed financial institutions in the "West, and 
has been exceptionally prosperous. Mr. Andresen was elected 
alderman from the second ward three times, and served in 1859- 
'60, and in ls64 until 1868. While serving in this capacity he 
was elected chairman of the finance committee, and as such insti- 
tuted a system of bookkeeping for the city oftices which is still in 
vogue. Mr. Andresen returned to Europe in 1854 and there mar- 



796 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

ried Mary A. Thompson in May of that year. They have a family 
of two sons and three daughters. The youngest son is a clerk in 
the bank, the other is a farmer in Ida Co., Iowa. In his political 
views Mr. Andresen is Republican. 

Joseph J.WreM>s, Clerk of the District and Circuit Courts of 
Scott County, was born in Providence, E. I., April 12, 
1S33. He is the son of George Andrews, a descendant of Welsh 
stock. The first ancestor, John Andrews, came from Wales to this 
country in 1663, married in Boston and settled in Massachusetts, 
and the five generations, of which Joseph is the last, have alwaj's 
lived in the New England States. His father, George Andrews, 
married Miss Cornelia Augusta Lippitt, of English descent, whose 
ancestors came to this country about the same time as the Andrews. 
They were the parents of six children, all living, of whom Joseph 
is the fourth child. He performed the duties of clerk and book- 
keeper in a large shipping house for five years in Providence; came 
West in 1855 and spent the winter of that 3'ear in Fayette Co., 
Iowa; from there went to Ohio in 1S56; he was there married the 
same year in Noble County, to Elizabeth S. Dunbar. In 1858 they 
moved to Keokuk Co., Iowa. Mr. Andrews enlisted, as captain of 
Co. F, 8th Iowa Inf. in August, 1861, was promoted to Major in 
February, 1862. He was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh, 
on the afternoon of April 6, 1862, by gun shot in the left side of 
the head, back of the ear and penetrating the skull, which ball he 
still carries in the occipital bone. He went to his native State to 
have it extracted, but the surgeons decided that it would be best 
not to undertake it. He for some months lost complete control of 
his equilibrium, could not stand, but would immediately fall to the 
right side; it was for more than a year before he could walk with- 
out the aid of two canes ; he is still troubled in this waj' when 
fatigued. It injured his auditory and optic action. He resigned 
from the army in February, 1863. In 1864 he was elected a mem- 
ber of the Iowa General Assembly from Keokuk County. In 1866 
was elected county clerk of that county; at this time he was 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. In April, 1869, he removed to 
Davenport and engaged in the commission business. In 1876 was 
elected to his present position. His popularity' is shown in the 
fact that he was elected the first time by a majority of only 38 
votes, while his last election shows a majority of 1,946 votes. His 
wife died in 1864 and he was married to Emaline S. Dunbar, a 
sister of liis first wife. By this union have been born six children, 
four sons and two daughters. Mr. Andrews is a charter member 
of A. O. U. W., Lodge 17, charter member of Iowa Legion of 
Honor, Scott Lodge, Xo. 2, also of the American Legion of Honor, 
He is Chancellor Commander of Knights of Pythias, Damon Lodge, 
No. 10, and Post Commander of AucrustWentz Post, No. 1,G. A. R. 

Frank W. Angel, of the firm of'Des Saint & Sons, No. 121 West 
Second street, was born on the 2d of December, 1840, in Goneseo, 
N. Y., and is a son of B. F. and Julia Angel, nee Jones, natives 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 797 

of New York. She died Dec. 25, 1871 ; the father is still living 
in Geneseo N. Y. Frank W. was educated in the place of his 
birth and at (.xeneva N. Y. He was fitted for Yale College, but 
on the appointment of his father as Minister to Sweden by Presi- 
dent Buchanan, he went with him to Europe, and did not attend 
the College. He visited all the principal countries of Europe, 
among them France, spending nine months in the gay cit}'^ of Paris 
Sweden, Germany and England. He returned to America in ISOO, 
and after staying a short time in Geneseo, he went to Fond du Lac 
AVis., where he studied law with his uncle. Judge Flint. In the 
summer of 1861 he went to St. Louis, Alt)., and worked for the 
Adams Express Co. until 1863 when he returned to Geneseo. He 
was in the office of the district attorney there until the fall of 
1864, when he went to Chicago, HI., wiiere he engaged in the 
insurance business until IMarch 7, 1865 when he located in Daven- 
jiort, and was admitted to the bar in May of that year. He ac- 
cejjted a clerkship in the store of McXear & Jordan, and remained 
with them until 1^74. In April, 1875, he entered the employ of 
Des Saint & Xntting. Mr. I\utting retired from the lirm Feb. 1, 
1878 ; since that time Messrs. Des Saint ik Angel have conducted 
the business under the Urm name of Des Saint &, Sons. Mr. An- 
gel was united in marriage with Virginia Des Saint, April 2:^, 1868. 
She was born in St. Louis, Mo. They have two children Corinne 
and Louise. 

Thomas Baker, deceased, was born in England, and was a sf>n ot 
John F. and Ann Baker, natives also of that country. He was 
married there to Ann Faukes, a daughter of Jacob and Hester 
Faukes, of English birth. Of 11 children born of their un- 
ion, eight are living Ann, John, Henry. Elizabeth, Catherine, 
Emily, Alfred and Geoi-ge. In 1856 Mr. Baker came with his 
family to America, and arrived in Da\en]iort May 16 of that 
year. He purchased a farm within one-quarter of a mile of the 
Baker homestead, and engaged in that occu]iation until his death, 
which occurred on the ISth of September, 1880. He was a man 
of great benevolence and tenderness to the need}' and unfortunate. 
He enjoyed during his life the confidence and resi)ect of all who 
knew him. \iy prudent management he had accumulated a com- 
petence, and with a conscience void of offense toward God and 
toward man, and a comfortable assurance of an interest in the 
atonement of his Savior, he was pre])ared to resign his body to 
the dust, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal 
life. 

John Bamhroli, grocer, 922 West Second street, was born in 
Ilolsteiti, German\', JS'ov. 24, 1835. His parents wei"e Clans and 
Margaret (Jacobs) Banderob, of Holstein. After attending school 
until he was 15 years old, John learned the shoemaker's trade. 
When he was 19 years of age he entered the Danish army, and 
was in tiie light infantry, and orderly sergeant five years during 
the war with Denmark. He was taken prisoner at the battle of 



798 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Djpple Forts, and as soon as be was released lie emigrated to 
A-merica, arriving in the spring of 1S6J:. He located at once in 
Davenport, where he learned and worked at the carpenter trade 
five years, then opened a grocery store, and has been engaged in that 
business since. Since 1S77 he has also been interested in the ice 
business with Carsten Christiansen. He was married May 30, 
i860, to Christina Sacharias, born in Jytland. Their union has 
been blessed with two children — Jidius and Clara. Mr. Banderob is 
a member of the German Relief Society. 

Benjamin Barr vc&s, hovn in Huntington Co., Penn., Sept. 19, 
1825, son of Simon and Susanah Barr, natives of Pennsylvania, 
where they married. There were nine children in the family, five 
of whom lived to be adults, viz.: John H., Benjamin, our subject, 
Mar^' Ann, Israel and Margaret J., now Mrs. Banks. The other 
children died in infancy. Simon Barr, the father of the subject of 
this sketch, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1S0.3. He en- 
gaged in farming a number of years in Huntington County and 
then removed to Williamsburg, in the same county, and followed 
the mercantile business until 1S45. In May, 1846, he removed to 
Davenport, and a few months later settled on a farm seven miles 
north of the city, where he remained until 1863, removing then to 
Davenport, where he died in ISTS. He commenced with a few 
hundred dollars on a farm of 160 acres, and by hard work made 
him a fine home. Mrs. Barr is still living. Previous to coming 
to this State they were both members of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church, but there being no organization of that kind here they 
united with the First Presbyterian Church, Eev. Mr. Ander- 
son, pastor. Jolin II. Barr, the eldest son, has several farms in 
this county, and now lives on one near Jersey' Ridge, finely im- 
proved. Israel Barr, the j'oungest son, through tact, energy, and 
economy has acquired fine farms in Scott County. He also lives 
in Jersey Ridge, engaged in raising short-horn stock, and has 
several herds of the best blooded stock. His place is finely im- 
proved with the best buildings, and he has recently added SO acres 
to his already large stock farm. Benj. Barr, our subject, served an 
apprenticeship at the cabinet trade, in "Williamsburg, Penn., from 
1841 to 1S4.5, when he removed to Philadelphia and worked at his 
trade. He was married in 1847 to Miss Anna Dale, daughter of 
Richard Dale, of Monmouthshire, Wales, who sailed to the United 
States when Mrs. Barr was a mere child, and located in Bucks Co., 
Penn. He was a freeholder at the age of 21, and was appointed 
overseer of the poor and constable, holding oflice 21 years. He 
died in 1834. Anna Dale went to Philadelphia and learned the 
millinery business, and had a fine store there. It %vas here she 
met and married Mr. Barr. They have had four children — Francis 
D., Clarence J., Anna M., and Minnie Rose. The latter died Jan. 
17, 1864. July 4, 1849, Mr. Barr removed to Davenport and 
worked a year at his trade with Mr. John Pope. He then started 
the cabinet and undertaking business for himself on the west side 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 790 

of Brady street, between Third and Fourtli, Andrews & Shelly 
building him the best hearse in the city, costing $300. Mr. Barr 
introduced the first metallic coffins from Cincinnati. He continued 
this business till 1857, when lie exchanged his business place with 
David Burrows, for a farm four miles northwest of the city, re- 
moving there and working the farm until 1874. He then returned 
to tiie city for the purpose of giving his children a good education, 
and in 1SS2 removed back to the tarm. Mr. Barr has not led an 
idle life. Starting with small means, through his business and 
farming he has accumulated line farms in the county, and also has 
valuable iiroperty in Daven[)ort, proving what a poor bo}' may do 
by industry and good management. He now lives on a farm four 
miles from the city. Mr. and Mrs. Barr are members of the First 
M. E. Churcli. 

Frederick Bartemeier, son of John and Trazer (Techner) Bar- 
temeier, was born in the western part of Germany, May IS, 1821 . 
His father died in 2843, and his mother in 1847. Frederick re- 
ceived his education in the ])arish school in his native country, and 
early was set to learn the trade of a stone-cutter, which trade he con- 
tinued to work at while in Germany. In the summer of 18-54 he 
sailed to America, and landed at New Orleans, July 7 of that 
year, from which place ho jiroceeded to Davenport, where he worked 
at his trade until 1858, when he moved to St. Louis and engaged 
in the grocery business for one year. He then went to Vicksburg, 
Miss., where he spent three years in the same business. He then 
returned to Daven])ort and emijarked in the grocery trade, in which 
he yet continues in connection with his son. He was married in 
Germany in 1843 to Elizabeth Lange, who was born in Germany, 
Dec. 23, 1823, They have had seven children, three of whom are 
livina, Elizabeth, Frederick, and Wilhelm. The family are German 
Catholics. In politics ilr. Bartemeier is a Democrat. 

JoJui Bartemeier^ merchant tailor, jS'o. 211 West Second street, 
was born in Westphalia, Prussia, Feb. 2, 1827. His parents were 
John and Theresa (Leigner) Bartemeier, of German nativity; he 
died in Westphalia in the spring of 1847. She died on the ocean, 
in 1847, while on her way to America. John came to America, 
iind landed in New Orleans, Jan. 28, 1848. He went to St. Louis, 
Mo., where he engaged in the tailoring business four years, then 
caTue to Davenport. He established a tailor shop ou Brady street, 
and did business there 11 years, when he erected the building 
which he now occupies on Second street. He was married June 1, 
1851, in St. Louis, ]\Io., to Elizabetli Reivs, of Germany. Their 
union has been blessed with eight children, five living — John, 
Mary, Kuneyuiula, Theresa and Johanna. Mr. Bartemeier is a 
member of the Roman Catholic Church. In politics he is a Dem- 
ocrat. 

Henry L. Bavjden, M. D., is a native of Cuba Island, born Dec. 
28,1845. His parents were from London, England; his father, 
Stephen Bawden, was in Cuba in the interests of the Sawanee 



800 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Mining Company, of which he was president at the time of the 
Doctor's birth. He came to America, accompanied by liis parents, 
when four years of age. They lived in Pennsylvania some years 
then came to Scott County, and located near Davenport, where his 
father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which oc- 
curred Oct. 27, 18S1. Dr. Bawden was educated in Griswold Col- 
lege. He read medicine with Dr. A. S. Maxwell in Davenport, 
then attended lectures in Iowa State University, from which he 
graduated March 0, 1873, aTid at once began practice in Davenport. 
He practices according to the princi]>les of the " Rational school;" 
he is the recipient of a large and lucrative practice. He has filled 
the office of coroner of this county since 1876. He was married in 
Davenport, June 28, 1877, to Bella Angel, a native of Peoria, 111. 
Her father was killed at the battle of Shiloh, in the Union army. 
Dr. Bawden spent the years of 1866 and 'G7 on the plains as a 
member of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry. He is a member of the 
Scott County also the Iowa State Medical Society; has been an ac- 
tive member of the local medical society, and as such has prepared 
numerous papers pertaining to subjects relative to diseases and 
practice, some of which have found their way into the medical 
journals of the country. 

Claus Behrens was born in Berg Detinarzeu, Germany, Jan. 16, 
1844, and was a son of Claus Behrens, Sr., and Mary, nee Hoyer. 
Claus, Jr., went to school until his 17th year, then worked on the 
farm in the old country until he was 22 years old, when he came 
to America. He worked in a barber shop in Kew York City 
until 1867, when he located in Davenport. He worked on a farm in 
Davenport township three months, then began speculating in stock, 
and has followed that business since. On May 27, 1868, he mar- 
ried Sophia C. L. Hinrichs, a native of Kensburg, Germany. Her 
parents, Henry and Dora (Martins) Hinrichs, were likewise na- 
tives of Kensburg. They came to Davenport in 1866. Mr. and 
Mrs. Behrens have one child, A. Doretta. JVlr. Behrens owns 
three houses and lots in this city, and a nice farm of 63 acres in 
Rockingham township, which is all under good cultivation and 
thoroughly stocked. In 1880, he went to Germany with his 
family on a visit and returned one year later. 

Beiderheche cfc Miller, wholesale grocers, Nos. 107 and 109 
"West Second street, established this business as a retail gro- 
cery store in 1856. In 1865 it became a wholesale establish- 
ment. They occupy a four-story, live-floor, 150 x 33 feet 
building, with an L" 33 x 75 feet. It is the largest estab- 
lishment of the kind in the city. They handle a complete 
stock ot imported and domestic groceries and provisions and 
do an annual business of §800,''000. Chas. Beiderbecke, the 
senior member of the tirm, was born in "Westphalia, Prussia, 
Germany, July 20, 1836. His father, Henry Beiderbecke, was 
a principal in the schools in Germany and married Sophia Becker, 
by whom he had seven children. He died in October, 1851 ; she died 



CITY OF DAVEXl'ORT. 801 

ill March, 1S52. Cliarles attended scliool and college in Ger- 
many until 1S53, when he came with an uncle to America. He 
located at ludiaiiapulis, Ind., where ho clerked in a grocery store 
some l(t months, and in the postotHce two years. He then clerked 
ia tiie Dubuque, la., postottice until September, 1S5<), when he came 
to Davenport and formed the present partnership with Mr. F. II. 
Miller. He was married to Miss Louisa Pieper in January, 1S59. Siie 
was born in Hamburg, (Tcrmany. They have had seven children, 
four living — Carl, Tilli, Uismark and Luti. ]\Ir. Jieiilerbecke is 
one of Davenport's most prominent business men. 

Frank II. Miller was born in Hanover, Germany, Sept. 4, 1836, 
of Frederick and Elizabeth Miller, natives of Germany. When 
Frank was about seven years old his parents emigrated to the United 
States and located in Cincinnati, O., where his father worked in a 
brewery. Frank attended school until he was 14 years of age, 
when he went into a clothing store with his brother, A. H. Miller. 
After remaining with him four years, he went to Indianapolis, 
Ind., and clerked in a merchant tailoring establishment there until 
1856, when he came to Davenport, la., and formed a ])artnership 
with Mr. Chas. Beiderbecke, which still exists. He was married in 
Cincinnati, to Miss Caroline Busch, Oct. 17, 1861. She is a na- 
tive of Hanover, Germany. By this union there were eight chil- 
dren, six living — Bertha, Louisa, Paulina, Charles, Luella and 
George. Mr. Miller is a ^lason and a memberof Fraternal Lodge, 
No. 221; Davenport Chapter, No. iG, and St. Simon of Seven 
Cominandery, A. O. U. W.; of Lessing Lodge, No. 74-, and Fire- 
man's Liberty, No. 1. Mr. Miller is one of the enterprising and 
representative business men of the city. 

Chttrles II.Bell, a son of John and Chartley( Pierce) Bell, was born 
Nov. 15, 1820, in Berneville, Albany Co., N.Y. Charles remained 
in ills native city attending sciiool until his 15th year, and was 
then engaged in teaching school until he was 18 or 19 years of 
age. He went to Albany and was employed in a grocery store 
there until his marriage to Phebe A. Hilton, Apr. 17, ISoO. She 
w:is born in Ijernevillc, N. Y., of James H. and Elizabeth Hilton, 
nee Bassler, natives of New York. After Mr. and Mrs. Bell were 
marrietl he clerked in a hotel at Albany two years, then went to 
Berneville, where he taught school ami singing school in the winter, 
and during the summer months ran a root-beer man ufactorv, contin- 
uing for seven years. He then came West and located in Rock Island, 
the restaurant business. One year later he came to Davenport 
and conducted a restaurant here until 1805, then established a 
grocery store at his present number, 113n Harrison street, where 
he is the recipient of a growing and pros|ierous trade. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bell have one child, a son, Charles M., born July 4, 1856. 
He is a graduate of the medical department of the Iowa State 
University and is now a practicing physician of this city. He 
was in the Belview Hospital, New York City, one year, then re- 



802 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

turned to Davenport and was appointed assistant physician of the 
Mt. Pleasant Insane Asyhim, by the State, where he remained two 
years, then located in Davenport. The family are members of the 
talvary Baptist Church. 

Richard Bentoti, livery, sale and feed stable, corner Third and 
Rock Island streets, Davenport, was born in Chester Co., Pa., June 
7, 1820; son of Thomas and Mary Benton, who died when Richard 
was a mere child, and who was raised by a friend. When 19 years 
of awe he went to work in a flouring mill in Montgomery Co., Pa., 
where he remained si.x years. Having heard much of the broad prai- 
ries of the West, he, in April, 1842, left Pennsylvania, his objective 
point being Cincinnati, O. Not liking the outlook, he got on 
board of a boat and sailed down the Ohio to St. Louis. Not find- 
ing anything to suit him there came up to Quincy, where he left 
his baggage and started out on foot through Northern Missouri, but 
not findinganything to his hand returned to Quincy; then by boat 
up the river to Stephenson, now Rock Island, 111., and from there 
to Savanna and Mt. Carroll, where he helped build the stone mill. In 
April, 1843, crossed the country to Peoria; thence down the Illi- 
nois to St. Louis, where he was engaged in the milling business for 
six years. In 1849, the time of the gold fever in California, he 
crossed the plains and engaged in mining for a short time, after- 
ward furnishing the mines with produce, etc. He remained in 
California two years, then returned to Montgomery Co., Pa., and 
the following year came to Davenport, where he has remained since. 
In 1854 he built the Scott House, on the corner of Front and Har- 
rison streets. In 1847 he married Margaret High, a daughter of 
Thomas High, of Chester Co., Pa. By this union was four chil- 
dren, three of whom are living — Charles H., Mary and Annie. 

Fritz Bergfeld, a native of Westfahlen, Prussia, was born Nov. 
25, 1832. His parents were Phillip and Marie (Steinbrugge) Berg- 
feld, of Prussian birth. His father died in the fall of 1862, and 
is mother in April, 1867, in Davenport. 

The subject of this memoir left Prussia for this country Sept. 
17, 1853; was at sea eight weeks and two days, and landed in New 
Orleans. From there he went to St. Louis, where he remained until 
Oct. 3, 1856, when he located in this city. He kept bar for Mr. 
Larhman until 1864, then established his pretent business of 
saloon keeper. His marriage to Dorothea Kahler was celelu-ated 
May 26, 1861, in Davenport. She was born in Prussia in January, 
1841. They have had a family of eight children; five are living- 
Amelia, Clara, Fritz, Otto, and Olga. Mr. Bergfeld afiiliates with 
the Democratic party. 

Iritz Bergert, proprietor of Bergert's livery and sale stable, 523 
West Second street, was born near'Kiel, Holstein, Germany, Aug. 
24, 1830, and was a son of Detlif and Dora (Witt) Bergert, natives 
of Holstein. Fritz attended school until he was 16 years old. then 
learned the wagon-maker's trade. He served some IS months in 
the German army, during the war with Denmark. In 1851 he 



CITT OF DAVENPORT. 803 

emigrated to the United States, and came directly to Davenport, 
arriving liere in June of that year. He engaged in steamboating 
on tlie river, teaming and fanning until 1867, when he bought 
his livery stable. He keeps IS or 20 fine horses and a supply of 
buggies and carriages, always on hand. He married Christina — 
daughter of John Krabbenhead. They have eight children, John, 
Dorathy, Theodore, Laura, Herman, Delia, Hulda, and Rudolph. 

./()///; //. Bcrryhill. deceased, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 
July IS, 1S15. His parents removed to Harrisburg, Pa., when he 
was a child three years old. He graduated with high honor from 
Washington College, Washington, Pa., in 1835. Afterward 
studied law with G. W. Harris, wliose father was the founder of 
the city of Harrisburg. Mr. Perryhill was admitted to the bar in 
1S3S, and practiced in the Lower and Supreme Courts of Pennsyl- 
vania until 1S64, when he removed to Davenjiort with his family. 
He met Abraham Lincoln at Harrisburg depot, when he was on 
his way to inauguration. In November, 1S36, he was appointed 
captain of the seventh company of the 9Sth Regular Militia of 
Pennsylvania, ^>y Gov. Ritner, and was made aide-de-camp to Gov. 
Johnston in 18-18, with the rank of lieut. -colonel. He was presi- 
dent of the Atlantic and Ohio Telegraph Company during the late 
war. He was married March 2, 1854, to Miss Caroline Smith, 
born in Pennsylvania, where she was reared and educated. They 
bad nine children; eight survive — Charles J., Caroline, Elizabeth, 
Mary, Rebecca, Anna, John H., Jr., and Harriet. Mr. Berryhill 
was vice-president of the Davenport National Bank several 3'ears, 
and was a prominent member of tiie Episcopal church. He died 
March 30, ISSO. He was kind and benevolent to the poor, and in 
all the phases of a strong moral character he was beyond reproach, 
and deservedly enjoyed the highest esteem of all who knew him. 

Henry Berg, gunsmith, 230 West Third street, was born in Hol- 
stein, Germany, Oct. C, 1S27. He came to St. Louis in 1852, and 
to Davenport in 1S53, and established the gunsmith and shooting- 
iron trade, which he has followed since. He makes and repairs 
guns and keeps all kinds of shooting-irons. He is the recipient 
of a prosperous and growing trade. He was married in 1854 to 
Louise Rush, daughter of e.x-Lieutenant Rush, who died at Vicks- 
burg during the war. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have had nine children, 
six boys and three girls. Einil and Julius assist their father in 
the siiop. Mr. Berg is a member of the Davenport Shooting So- 
ciety. 

Clans Blelenhurg was born iCay 7, 1818, in Holstein, Germany. 
His parents were Henry and Gecha(Wickman) Bielenburg, natives 
also of tiiat country. Mr. Claus Bielenburg left Hamburg for 
America May 1, 1854. He landed in New York after a journey of 
38 days, and from there came direct to Davenport, arriving the 
21st ot June, 1854. In the fall of 1855 he embarked in the butcher 
business and engaged in that occupation until 1866, then turned 
his attention to farming, whicii he has followed since. His mar- 



804 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

riaj^e to Geclia Kohrs took place in Holstein, Germany, July 5, 
18-i3. Their union has been blessed with three children — John, 
Charles and Nicholas. The family are members of the Lutheran 
Church. Mr. Bielenburg votes with theEepublican party. 

Oriii P. Blake, general railroad and steamsliip ticket agent, 
122 West Second street, was born in Washington, Yt., Oct. 12, 
ISiS. His parents were Stephen E. Blake, a descendant of Jasper 
Blake, who came to America in 1560, and Mary A. nee Bacon. 
Orin Blake attended school and assisted on the farm until IS years 
old, when he became self-supporting. He clerked in a hardware 
and tin store, in Boston, Mass., two years, worked in a hotel one 
year, was an officer in the House of Correction two or three years, 
finally locating in Davenport in 1870. He engaged in various 
branches of business in this city and in Chicago for a number of 
years before obtaining his present situation as ticket agent. He 
was married Oct. 23, 1879, to Miss Ella I. Van Evera, of Cedar 
Rapids, Iowa. Her parents were Cornelius Van Evera and Louise, 
nee Sprowl. She is a member of tlie Baptist churcli. He is a 
Mason, and a member ot Minerva Lodge, No. 86, Vermont, and of 
the American Legion of Honor. In politics he is a Republican. 

Morse Boies, undertaker, 318 Perry street, was born in Beaver 
County, Pa., Nov. 22, 1823. He was rearedinthe villiageof New 
Brighton, Pa., until he was 12 years old, when his parents 
moved to Poland, O. There his education was received. In 1855 
lie came to Davenport and worked one year for Israel Hall in his 
furniture office ; afterward obtained employment in the furniture- 
factory for several years. In 1866 he purchased Mr. Hall's un- 
dertaking establisliment and has conducted it since. Keeps a full 
stock of undertaker's goods and does a good business. He was 
married Dec. 29, 1861. to'Margaret V., daughter of James M. Bowl- 
ing, an early settler of Scott County. She was born Sept. 15, 
1838, in Davenport. Mr. and Mrs. Boies have four children, — 
Moi-esa J., Ella C, Warren D. and Lottie M. Mr. Boies has been 
a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1856, and of the A. O. 
U. W. Lodge since its organization. His wife is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal church in Davenport. 

James Madison Bowling, deceased, was a native of the histor- 
ical old town of Winchester, Va.,born Aug. 7, 1807. He was 
reared and educated there. His father, Jeremiah Bowling, being a 
mattress maker, James M. learned that trade when quite small 
and followed it until he came to Davenport, la., in 1835. He em- 
barked in merchandising here and engaged in that business until 
failing health obliged him to discontinue, which was in 1862. 
He was married S'ept. 28, 1837, to Miss Margaret A. Pelter, 
daughter of George Pelter, and a native also of Winchester, Va. 
To them were born 10 children, seven living, — George D., Mary 
v., William H. H. (who was a soldier in the late war and waskill- 
ed at the siege of Atlanta,) Sarah C. Mary C, Jane A., deceMsed, 
Laura E., John C. (was also a soldier in the war and was confined 




^ ^."yJ-CiM^y^^ 



CITY OF UAVENPOET. 807 

three months in Andersonville prison,) James M. E. (deceased,) 
and Susan A. Mr. James W. Bowling died O .t 25, 1865. His has 
been a moral and a temperate life, and he died honored and re- 
spected by liis fellow citizens and mourned deejjly by his family. 

Andrew W. Boicman, M. D., is a native otRock Island County, 
111., born in 1847 ; he is the son of Dr. E. II. Eowman. who 
practiced medicine in Rock Island County many years. The sub- 
lect of this memoir studied medicine with Dr. A. S. Maxwell in 
Davenport. He attended a course of lectures in Micliigan State 
University at Ann Arbor in 187J:'5, and at Rush Medical College, 
Chicago, in 187S. graduating in the spring of that year. He prac- 
ticed a year in Dr. Maxwell's ottice : then a year at Inland, Cedar 
Co.. la., at the exjiiration of which time he returned to Daven- 
port and formed a partnership with Dr. Maxwell, in ISSO, and has 
i-emained in that relation unti' the present time. They Iiave a 
prosperous practice cliietly in the city. He was united in mar- 
riage with Marie M. Ma.xwell, the youngest daughter of Dr. Max- 
well, on Aug. 11, 1S79. He is a member of the Scott County 
Medical Society. 

John C. JBrinich. of the iirm of Rumers <k Branch, dealers in 
stoves. No. 414 West Second street, was born Aug. 9, 1838, in 
Holstein, Germany. Hisparents were Hans J. and Anna C. (Hin- 
ricks) Branch, natives of Germany, but at present residents of 
this city. The family came to America in 1853 and located in 
Sandusky City, Ohio; remained there one year, thence to Daven- 
port, la. Joiin C. enlisted in IStU in the United States Army ; 
and was made a sergeant ; remained in the service until the close 
of the war and wa< then honorably discharged. In 1860 he entered 
the store which he now occu]>ies. where he enjoys a large and 
protitable trade. • He was married to Miniiie Groth in 1867. She 
is a native of Holstein, German}". Her parents are both living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Branch luive liad six children, three living — Ferdi- 
nand, Laura and Aivina. Mr. Branch is a Rej)ublican. 

Hugo (t. Bniunl'tch, teacher of music, 732 ^\ est Fifth street, was 
born in Saxony, Germany. Jan. 16, 1831. His parents, Gustavus 
and Frederick (Miller) Ih-auidick, were natives of Germany, and 
died in Brooklyn, X. Y. He received his primary education in 
Meissen, and began the study of music in 1847, in Dusen. In 
1849, after the closeof the Revolutionary war, he was cajitured and 
sentenced to death, but was afterward pardoned. In 1851 he 
came to America, and, in the fall of 1853, located in Davenport, 
where he has been engaged in teaching music since 1854. He 
was married to Eliza Uchtort, on the 16th of May. 1857. She 
was born in Brema, Geriinvny, and was a daughter of Henry and 
Anna Uchtorf Mr. and Mrs. Braunlick have six children — Anna, 
Henry U., Freda, Emilie, Hugo and Lizzie. _ He is a member ot 
the Harmonia Society, and has met with good' success in his calling 
in this city. 

47 



808 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Christian Brandt, of the lirin of Brandt <fe Techenlin, black- 
smiths and wagon manufacturers, 816 AVest Second street, became a 
member of this tirm in partnersliip with Mr. Techenlin in May, 
1875. They manufacture the West Davenport wagon, spring and 
jobbing wagons and buggies, and warrant all their work. They 
keep a full stock of seasoned goods and wagons always on hand. 
Mr. Brandt was born near Keil, Holstein, Germany, May IS, 1857, 
and was a son of John and Magdalena (Thu) Brandt, natives of 
Germany. Christian attended school until he was 16 years old, 
wlieu he learned the blacksmith's trade. He emigrated to the 
United States, and located in Davenport in the spring of 1S70, 
and worked here at his trade until his present partnership was 
formed. He married July 1, 1878, Miss Minnie Grode, of Hol- 
stein. They have one child — Bertha. Mr. Brandt is a member 
of the German Aid Society, and of the United Brotherhood ot 
Iowa. 

Jacob Brandt, dealer in paper bags and notions, and manufact- 
urer of all kinds of brushes, 917 West Third street, was born in 
Schleswig-IIolstein, Germanj', July 21, 1848, and was a son of 
Jacob and Mary (Kuhrt) Brandt, of Germany. Tiie subject ot 
this memoir received a good education and learned the tanner's 
trade in his native country, and came to the United States in 1868. 
He worked at his trade in Chicago about 28 months, then traveled 
in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois until December, 1870. Prior to 
establishing his present business he worked six and one-half years 
in Fay & Smith's vinegar factory. Married Miss Catharine Frahm 
May 31, 1872. They have had three children, Frieda, Henry and 
Anna. Mr. Brandt is a member of Druids Lodge, !No. 4. He is 
one of our enterprising business men, and has ever made Daven- 
port's interests his own. 

Carl Brann, dentist, northeast corner Second and Ripley streets. 
was born in Tuermgen, Germany, March 14, 1822, and was a son of 
Hem-3' and Frederica (Ileppe) Brann. Carl attended school until 
he was 17 years old, when lie followed the barber's trade some 
time, then began the study of surgery at Leipsig. Studied two 
years, then became assistant surgeon, and remained as such until 
1861, when he came to America. He enlisted in Co. F, 58th 
Reg. of New York Inf. Yols. as a private, and soon after was 
appointed assistant surgeon in the hospital at Richmond, Ya., and 
in August, 1862, returned to his company and was taken prisoner at 
the battle of Bull Run. He was paroled soon after, and honora- 
bly discharged. He followed the barber's trade in Ohio, Pennsyl- 
vania, Dakota and Nebraska, and in 1868 he came to Daven])ort, 
followed his trade until 1876, when he began the study of den- 
tistry under Dr. Knlp. Remained with him four years, when he 
opened an office of. his own. He was married to Amelia Crnys 
Feb. 16.1858. She was born in Prussia, German}'. They have had 
four children three living — Flugo, Anna and Harry. Mr. Brann is a 
member of Davenport Lodge, A. O. U. W., No. 17, and is general 
foreman of this lodge. 



crrr of davenport. 809 

P. M. Bracelin, physician and surnjeonjs a native of Philadel- 
phia, Pa., born in 1840. Ilis father and motlier were born in Ire- 
land, and left there when quite young to try their fortunes in 
America. They resided in Philadelphia until 1S54, when they 
came west and located in Clinton Co., la. Dr. Bracelin read 
medicine in DeWitt, that county, under Dr. A. AV. Morgan. After- 
ward attended the Iowa State University, where he graduated 
from the medical department in 1875. He chose Davenport as the 
scene of his future labors and located there in July following his 
graduation, where he has been actively engaged in practice since. 
He is vice-president of the Scott County Medical Society and is 
the recipient of an extensive and lucrative practice. He was 
united in marriage witli Susan F. Tiernan in 18f!7; she is a native 
of Canada. Their matrimonial life has been blessed with live 
children, three sons and two daughters, tlie latter two deceased. 
In early life Dr. Bracelin engaged in farming until he was 17 
years of age, when he began teaching school, which he followed 
eight years. At the time of his marriaije he was engaged in the 
mercantile business, which he pursued two years, when, losing all 
he had he abandoned it and applied himself in earnest to the pro- 
fession of medicine, with what success has been shown. He is 
examining surgeon for the Catholic Knights of America, also for 
the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association, both of which 
are mutual insurance societies. 

Jolui D. Brochnan, grocer, corner 4th and Marquette streets, was 
born Oct. (>, 1837, in Holstein, Germany. His father, Henry Brock- 
man, was a native also of that country, and died in 1850. His 
wife. Anna, nee Eggers, is living in this cit3'. The subject of this 
biography came to Iowa, and located in Davenport in 186.5. He 
had learned the carpenter's trade in Geriq^ny, and worked at it here 
until einbarkini; in the grocery business, in 183n, at his present 
locality. He was married in August of 186.5, to Hansine Petersen, 
a native of Denmark. They have three sons — Albert, Joiin and 
Hugo. 

Leiois J. Broion, ahstrAct and real estate agent, 203 West Third 
street, was born on a farm in Wayne Co., N. Y., June 10, 1824. 
His father, Elisha Brown, was born in Massachusetts, and married 
Hannah Scott, of Connecticut. Of their nine children, eight lived 
to be adults. Lewis assisted on the farm and attended school until 
he was IS years old, when his father died. He then went to Mish- 
awaka, Ind., and learned the niolder's trade. In 1850 he went to 
Rochester, Ind., and established an iron foundry; remained there 
until January, 1S64, when he went to Des Moines, la., and 
dealt in agricultural implements until 1S6'.>. Spent two years in 
the abstract and real estate business there, then came to Daven- 
port. He was married to Miss Hester A. Granger in May. She 
was born in Wayne Co., X. Y., and was a sister of the late Gen. 
Gordon Granger, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had three 



810 HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

children — Lovilo H., and Ada E. One died in infancy. Mr. 
Brown is a member of A. O. U. W. Pioneer Lodge, No. 2, also of 
the Ancient I. O. O. F. He was educated in the Republican school 
of politics, to which party he still adheres. 

j4/oh£':^ ^/'(/so«, superintendent of the oat-meal mill, was born 
July 23, 1840, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a son of Isaac and 
Jane Bryson, nee Kerr. His father is a native of Washington Co., 
Penn., and is now captain of a boat called the " Bostonia," running 
between Cincinnati and Huntington, West Ya. His mother died 
in Dayton, Ky., in 1856. He was educated chiefly in Ke\\port, 
Ky., and engaged in steamboating when IG years old. His lather 
being a pilot he ran with him a short time, then went as second 
clerk, for about four years, and as first clerk two or three years, 
having charge of three or four boats. In 1866 he engaged in the 
commission and grain business in Cincinnati, and continued in 
that until 1869, when he again followed steamboating on the Up- 
per Mississippi. In 1876 he came to Davenport. He was agent 
for a packet comjian}', and also carried on the commission business 
until August, 1881, when he received his present situation. He 
was married Oct. 21, 1861, to Valeria Wright, of Pomeroy, Ohio. 
They have three children — Elmore, who is in the flour, feed and 
coal business on the corner of 4th and Iowa, Robert and May. Mr. 
Bryson is a member of the Methodist church, and the Davenport 
L.ofH. 

Ileniy Bunlerwds born in Clay Co., Pa., on the 23d day of Oc- 
tober, 1810. When 24 years of age he learned the trade of car))en- 
ter and joiner. In August, 1835, attended an architect school 
evenings and worked through the day, paying one shilling for his 
instructions in building stairs, where he remained about three 
years. He then went to Saginaw, Mich., when he commenced 
working as a jour as stair builder. The following year returned to 
Clarion County .when he embarked in company with G. C. Xewell in 
contracting and building. In 1855 came to Davenport, Iowa, when 
he embarked in his present business. Has done some of the finest 
work in the city, his first job being Griswold College, and is the 
pioneer stair-builder of the county. In 1869 entered into partner- 
ship with Milo Bunker, which has continued up to the present 
time. He was the son of Andrew M. and Sarah Howe Bunker. 
Mr. Milo Bunker married Emma Kellogg, a daunrhter of A. D. 
Kellogg, of Michigan, where she was born in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bunker are members of the M. E. Church. 

The firm of H. & M. Bunker is one of the best in the West in 
this line of business, and we take pleasure in thus commending 
them to the people at large. 

Jlovjard Burt/s, owner and proprietor of the Kimball House, 
was born in the city of New York. He graduated from the Flush- 
ing Institute at Long Island, after which he engaged in various 
branches of business until 1880, when he became proprietor of the 



CITY OF DA^^:NPORT. 811 

Kimball Ilonsc, of Davenport. lie is one of the firm of Blaisdell 
& Burti?, Marble Works, New York City, lie married Miss Mary 
E. Fielding, of New York City. They make Davenport their 
home. 

John MnDowell Burrows, prominent amonjj the citizens who 
have passed the ordeal of a pioneer life in tlu-West, and whose early 
strugtJ^les well deserve a place in the memorials, is the subject of 
this sketch, who was born in New York City, May S, 1814. His 
parents were David and Anna (Mnlford) iiiirrows, natives of Eliza- 
bethtown, New Jersey. The ancestors of both sides came from 
England four generations ago and settled in New Jersey, where 
many of their descendants still remain. At the age of 14- John 
removed with the family to Cincinnati, Ohio. After the usual 
primary education it was resolved by his mother and an uncle, 
Ste])heu IJurrows, that he should become a minister of the gospel; 
with this end in view, he was sent at the age of 17 years to Lane 
Seminary. However, after remaining in that institution two years, 
he became convinced that he lacked several essential elements of 
success in that profession and accordingly abandoned his purpose. 
This closed his educational career and he was sent to learn the trade 
of wood turner, at which he continued until 1S3S. In the spring of 
1830. in company with John Owens, Wm. S. Collins and Mr. Ganet, 
he removed to Davenport, then in the Territory of Wisconsin. Mr. 
Owens and our subject made the trip in a one-horse buggy, and 
after their arrival here bought a claim of SO acres, a part of which 
is still owned by Mr. IJurrows, and upon it his beautiful dwelling 
now stands. They also, as was tiie custom in those days, took each 
of them a claim of 320 acres of prairie land. During the first year 
Mr. Burrows cultivated seven acres of 40-acre homestead, and also 
rented a small tract that had been broken on the Dubuque road, 
near Duck Creek. Here he succeeded in raising a crop, which was 
entirely destroyed by the cattle. With winter approaching the 
prospect looked dreary enough, but his energies and ambition were 
adequate to the emergency. lie began building a storehouse in 
the town, and in the spring of 1840, in partnership with It. M. 
Prettyman, began business as a merchant, in a little frame house 
on Front street, under the firm name of Burrows ct Prettyman. 
In the fall of 1840, there being for the first time a surplus of wheat 
in the county, they purchased aiul shipped wheat to the East, Jlr. 
Burrows buying and shipping the first bushel that ever left tlie 
county. He also bought and packed the first pork that was ever 
sold i:i Davenport. In 1847 the firm began the manufacture of 
flour, which was an undertaking of no ordinary kind in that day, 
and was entered upon with many fears, but with stout hearts. 
They purchased of Mr. A. C. Fulton the largest and mott perfect 
building erected by him and put in machinery, fitted up the most 
complete mill in the West, and for 10 years manufactured 500 
barrels of flour daily. 



812 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

They also conducted the largest pork-packing establishment north 
of St. Louis. In the financial ])anicof 1857-'9 their losses were very 
great. In the disastrous failure of Cook & Sargent, the}' lost 
heavily and were obliged to close business. The following year 
Mr. Burrows commenced anew, and for three years did a profitable 
business, but in 1863 his mill was completely destroyed by fire. 
There was no insurance and he was ouce more penniless. His 
credit, however, was good, and by the aid of friends he built a new 
mill, which he operated successfully for three years, during which 
time he paid the entire cost of its construction, when it also caught 
fire and was reduced to ashes. He is now engaged in the grain 
and commission business. On the 1st of December, 1836, he mar- 
ried Miss Sarah Meeker Gamage, of Cincinnati, O., who died in 
January, 1876, mourned by all who knew her. Of 11 children 
born to them, one is living, Elisha, who is now in business with his 
father. Mr. Burrows has always been a consistent member of the 
Presbyterian church. 

WiUiam Busch, druggist, 307 W. 2d. street, was born in Dav- 
enport, la., Feb. 1, 1855. His parents are Jolin and Louisa 
(Sciiroeder) Busch, of German nativity, and are now residents of 
Davenport, and live at 1138 W. 2d street. Tiie subject of this 
memoir received a college education, in the college of pharmacy at 
Philadelphia, Pa. He was united in marriage with Alwine Ilaak, 
Nov. 30, 1881. He first located in business in this city, on the 
corner of Harrison and 2d streets, in 1879, and moved into his pres- 
ent store about one }ear ago. He does a prosperous business, and 
is one of the energetic business men of the city. In politics he is 
a Republican. Theo. Busch, of the firm of William Busch, is a na- 
tive of Davenport, la., born March 4, 1860. He was educated in 
the schools of Davenport. He worked in the store where he now 
has an interest for three 3'ears, and has been in business about the 
same length of time. He is a strong supporter of the Republican 
party. 

JoJin Cameron, son of Jehu and Susan (McCod) Cameron, of 
Scotlan<l, was born in Edinburgh, that country, Nov. 16, 1S2S. 
John came to this country in 1851. He worked in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
three years, tlien, in 1857 came to Davenport, la. In 1858 he 
went to St. Louis, returning to this city in 18Gn. He engaged in 
the [lainting and ])aper-hanging business, being one the first to 
establish that branch of business in Davenport. He now owns one 
of the finest stores of the kind here, and is located at 512 Brady 
street. He deals exclusively in wall paper, and employs only ex- 
perienced paper-hangers. He was married in North Shields, Eng- 
land, Oct. 12, 1851, to Isabell Thompson,daughterof Thomas Thomp- 
son. They have three children — Charles, who is in partnership with 
liis father, Richard T. and John Lochiel. Mr. Cameron is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. and K. P. Lodges, Red Cross. In politics he 
is a Democrat. 



CUT OF DAVENPORT. 813 

William S. Cameron, the leading dealer in hats, caps and gents 
furnishing goods, No. 127 EastTliird street, was horn in Sclienec- 
tady, N. Y., Ft-h. 22. 1831, and was a son of William and Sarah 
(McMillan) Cameron, natives of that State. lie attended school 
until he was IC years old, then clerked in Albany and New York 
City until 1856, when he established a store of his own in "White 
Plains, N. Y. In July, 1S69, he came West and located in Daven- 
port, and engaged in the jiresent business. He occupies a build- 
ing 22.x 75 feet, three stories high, and carries a full and complete 
line of imported and domestic goods, lie was married June 
9, 1852, to Miss Sarah M. Snell, of New Y'ork City. They have 
had three children, two living — Edward I. and Charles F., both in 
business with their father. Mr. Cameron is a member of Daven-. 
port Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of the Iowa L. of H., of Stella Col- 
legium Y. A. S., and of the Masonic Aid Society of Iowa. In 
politics be is a Republican. 

J<imes H. Camp, of the firm of Davis & Camp, was born in 
Middlesex Co., Conn., May oi. 1S2S. lie attended school in Mid- 
dletown. Conn., until 1835, when his father, Ileth F. Camp, 
moved to Washington City. In 1837 the family moved to Penn- 
sylvania and settled in Indiana Countv', in the pine forests. James 
went to reside with his (rrandtather Bates in \%\%, in Durliam, 
Conn. He attended school there during the summer sessions four 
years, tlien returned to the old homestead in Pennsylvania; his 
father was killed in the spring of 1849. James H. Camp became 
a resident of Daveu])ort in 1S57. He established a livery stable 
iiere which he conducted until 1859. He then engaged in the 
grocery trade, on the corner of Fifth and Brady, two years, when 
the present partnership with J. W. Davis, in the marble business, 
was formed. The firm has met with good success, and their an- 
nual sales amount to slO,()00. Mr. Camp was married Fob. 8, 
1858, to Mar}' J. Woodcock. They have live children — Laura M., 
who is teaching in the normal school here (she graduated in 1878), 
Walter L., Mabel II., Anna Gertie and Howard Frank. 

Dr. Alonzo W. Cantioell has been actively connected with the 
medical profession of Scott County over 13 years, having come to 
Davenport on a prospecting trip, in January, 1860, and located here 
in practice three months later. Dr. Cantwell was born in Mansfield, 
Ohio, in 18-41 ; was there educated, and re.ad medicine. He gradu- 
ated from Michigan State University, from the medical de])art- 
ment, in March, 1869. He came immediately to Davenport and 
opened an office for practice. He was in the office with L^r. Ma.x- 
well for three years. He formed a partnership with Dr. J. J. 
Tomson in 187>>. which continued two years ; since that time he 
has practiced alone, and has a remunerative practice. He was 
married in Davenport in 1872 to Miss Mattie Dalzell, born in 
Philadelphia, Pa., but reared in this county. Dr. Cantwell was 
city physician from 1872 to 1877, during which time, 1873, Daven- 
port was scourged with cholera, there being about 4ii0 cases, 85 



814 HISTORY OF scorr comfTY. 

of which resulted fatally. The Doctor has been ph^-sician of the 
Board of Health for six yeai's in succession ; lie was a delegate to 
the American Public Health Association to Xew Orleans in ISSO, 
and also to the same body in 18S1, which convened in Savannah, 
Ga. In 1877 he was elected president of the Scott County Medi- 
cal Society. He is vice-president of the Hospital Board of Physi- 
cians of Mercy Hospital. He has acted as treasurer of the Iowa 
and Illinois Central District Medical Associations for 10 years. 
He is a member of the Iowa State Medical Society and the 
American Medical Association. He served in the Board of City 
Alderman from the Fourth Ward in 1SS<)-'1 and lSSl-'2. 

J. Henry Carmichael, druggist, corner Brady and loth streets, 
was born in Davenport, la., Aug. 28, 1855, and is a son of B. F. 
and Elizabeth Carmichael, ?!ee EUicott; the former built the M. M., 
now the C, R. I. & P. R. R.; he died April 5, 1857. She resides 
in Davenport. The subject of this record received a common- 
school education in Davenport, and attended the School of Phar- 
macy in Philadelphia, Pa.; he worked in a drug store in that place. 
In 1878 he embarked in the drug business in Clinton and remained 
there until 18S0, when he returned to Davenport, where he has pros- 
ecuted the same business, and in May, 18S1, moved into his pres- 
ent store at corner loth and Brady. He has met with good success 
and has a steadily increasing trade. He was married Oct. 8, 1S78, 
in this city to Miss Jessie B. Fream. They have one child, Eula 
E., born July 19, 1879. In politics Mr. Carmichael is a Repub- 
lican. 

B. F. C'ai'michael, M. D., is a native of Corning, jS^. T., born in 
1851. His parents were B. F. and Elizabeth Carmichael. nee Elli- 
cott, natives of Pennsylvania. B. F. Carmichael, Sr., was a rail- 
road contractor and built the C, R. I. vfe P. R. R., and was in that 
day the heaviest contractor in this country. He built many Eastern 
railroads and constructed the tunnel under the mountains opposite 
West Point, JST. Y. He died in 1857 or '58 Dr. Carmichael at- 
tended Griswold College, also the Iowa State University, from the 
medical department of which he graduated in the class of 1873. 
He went to Europe immediately afterward and visited the hospi- 
tals of England, Ireland, France and German}', and took a regular 
course of medical lectures in Berlin, studying under Prof. Langen- 
beck, Surgeon General in the Prussian army and surgeon to King 
William. -In the latter part of 1875 he returned to the United 
States and located in Davenport, practicing in partnership with 
W. F. Peck until 1880, when he located at his present number, 
113 West Third street. He makes surgery a specialty. The Doc- 
tor is unmarried. His mother, four brotiiers and two sisters are 
residents of Davenport. Two of his brothers are lawyers and one 
a druggist. 

Daniel Carroll, driver for Petersen & Sons, was born in Par- 
sonstown. County Kine:, Ireland, Xov. 18, 1832. His parents were 
James and Margaret (Kenney) Carroll, natives of Ireland. Daniel 



CITT OF DAVENPORT. 815 

attended seliool until lie was 16 years old, then worked on his 
tatlier's fiirni luitil IS-47, when he eame to America. lie worked 
in a wholesale store in New York City three years, then came to 
Davenport, where he has resided since. He was married in Ire- 
land to Miss Joi)anna O'Kette, in Jannary. 1847. Their union has 
been blessed with nine children, six living — Henry, Katy, Mary, 
Nellie, Fannie and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll are members 
of the St. Anthony's Parish Clmrcli. He is a member of the 
Catholic Protective Association, and in politics is a Democrat. 

Daniel ChurchUI was born in Richtield, Olsego Co., ]^. 1., 
Jan. 1'2, 1814, and was a son of Seldon and Mary Churchill, nee 
Duel ; his father was a native of Connecticut; his mother if Mas- 
sachusetts. They settled in 1790 in Otsego Co, N. Y., where 
they resided until their death. The mother died in 1818 ; his 
father in 1864. The subject of this memoir received his primary 
education in the common schools of his native county, and at- 
tended the academy at Utica, N. Y., two terms. Afterward en- 
gaged in farming. In 1848 he came to Scott Co., Iowa, anil 
bought and improved 6,000 acres of land. He returned to New 
York Nov. 2, 1851. and was there married ro Mary Elmina Hull, 
who was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1828. Soon alter their 
marriage the}' returned to Scott Co., Iowa, where they have since 
resided, and where he has been engaged in improving farms. In 
1863 he moved to the city of Davenport, and is now managing his 
farms, which consist of 640 acres of lan<l. Mr. and Mrs. Churchill 
have had two children— Seldon A., who was a graduate of the 
Iowa State Agiicultural College, subsequently took up the study 
of medicine, and graduated in the medical department of the Iowa 
State University. He practiced his profession in Davenport a 
number of years, and two years of the time was city ])hysician. 
Then removed to Firt Sill. Indian Ty., where he whs emiiloycd 
by the Government until his death, which occurred Alarch 6, 1879; 
and Alfred D, now a resident of New York City, is a graduate of 
the school of mines at Columbia College, N. Y., and is a teacher 
of the same in New York Cit\'. Mr. Cluirchill, was formerly a 
Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party became 
identified with them. 

Hubert E. C'litrenbach^ grocer, dealer in sta])le and fancy 
groceries, and sole agent tor the North German L. Loyd S. S. 
Comp;my, and agent for the Walcott Iowa Creamery, • northeast 
corner 6th aiul Harrison .-treets, was born in the city e)f llueck- 
eswagen, Prussia, Germany, Feb. 22, 1827. His parents were 
Raphael and Catharina i Ringel) Clarenbach, of German nativity. 
He was a merchant and died at Sheboygan. Wis., in 1^73; 
she died in Geiniany, Nov. 21, 1853. Hubert E. remained with 
his father in the mercantile business until he was 20 years old, 
then clerked in manufacturing establishments, and in wholesale 
dry-goods stores in various parts of Germany until 28 years old, 
when he came to the United States. He left Germany Dec. 29, 



816 HISTOKV OF SCOTT COUXTV. 

1853, and lanled in New Vork City, May 14. 1S54. They had 
three terrible storms during tlie journey. From New York he 
went to St. Louis, Mo., and was salesman in a wholesale grocery 
store imtil January, 1S57, then went to Jefterson City, Mo., and 
established a retail grocery store there. His marriage tf> Maria 
D. Meyer occurred Feb. 12, 1S57. She was born in Oldenburg, 
Germany. Her fathur, John F. Meyer, came to America in 1S48; 
he made three trips to Germany where he died in Bevensen, 
Hanover, in November, ISSl ; his wife died in 18*38, in St. Louis; 
Mo. In September, 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Ciarenbacli removed to 
liC Claire, la., where he opened a grocery store and resided there 
until March, 1863, when he came to Davenport. He was engaged 
successively in the grain business, as partner in the tlrm of Richter, 
Henseler and Co., Davenport Plow Manufactory, in the insurance 
business, assessor of the city of Davenport, and located in his 
present business Nov. 1, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Ciarenbacli cele- 
brated their silver wedding on the 12th of February, 1882. They 
have one child, Hedwig, born Nov. 12, 1857. Mr. C. owns a nice 
residence on Main street. No. 714, wliere he resides. 

t. G. Clamen, architect, 207 W. 3d street, is a native of 
Schleswig, Germany, born Feb. 7, 1848. He learned the art of 
architecture in his native country. In 1869 he came to Scott Co., 
la., and located in Davenport, embarking in business f u- himself in 
1870. He does all kinds of work of the fiuest descri]>rion. He 
made the draft plan for the Kimball House, also for many of the 
finest business blocks and dwellings in this city. He does a very 
extensive and profitable business. His marriage with Miss J. 
Lischer occurred in November, 1873. They have three children — 
Etta, Olga and Rudolph. Mr. Clausen is alderman of the 2d 
Ward. 

John Cleland, dentist, dental rooms, 127 East 3ii street, 'was 
born in Perry Co., Pa., Nov. 26, 1827. He was a son of James 
and Jane (Sutch) Cleland, who had 11 childi-en. John was the 
eldest. He attended school until 20, then studied medicine with Dr. 
A. Valershong at. New Columbia, Pa., three ytars; tlien attended 
the Dental College of S. S. AVhite, at Philadelphia, Pa. He prac- 
ticed medicine and dentistry first at New Bloomtield, Pa., then at 
Monmouth, 111., and Keithsburg, 111., where he remained until 
1868, then located at Andalusia, 111., where he followed the practice 
of medicine and dentistry until Aug. 1, 1881, when he located in 
Davenport. Dr. Cleland married Miss Eliza J. Brown, of Penn- 
sylvania ; she was a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Brown. 
Mr. and Mrs. Cleland have four children, viz. : Anna, who married 
Aaron Eby ; they reside on theii- farm in Audubon Co., Iowa. 
Cora married Joseph Tof, and they reside at E.xira, Iowa. Kate 
married Polo llichards; they reside in Andalusia, 111., and Will- 
iam married Emma Richards, and they also reside at Andalusia, 
111. Dr. Cleland is one of the leading dentists and representative 
itizens of Davenport, and in politics a Republican. 



CITY OF DAVEXPORT. 817 

I:.lh/ia E. CoofswAS: born in Northampton Co., N. C, Oct. 15, 
lSl-1. Ue was left an orphan in his int'iincv and was reared by a 
Mrs. Wiman until 1'2 years old. She was a distant relative of 
Daniel Boone. Mr. Coats never attended school in his life, but 
was educated thoroughly in the school of hard work. In 1839 he 
came to Scott County and located in Rockingham, then the county 
seat, lie entered 80 acres in Bufl'alo township, now owns 1<>0 acres 
there. lie removed to the city of Davenport in March, 18S1. lie 
was married Jan. 5. 1837, to Slary Se.xton. They have had eight 
children — James M., Charlotte A., John L., Emily J., Mary, Kicli- 
ard W., Elisha and Eliza L. All have now left the shelter of the 
home roof and are settled in homes of their own. Mr. Coats is 
now enjoying the substantial results of a successful life, after a long 
period of ])atient toil and untiring energy, these conjoined with 
prudence and good management have produced the usual result — 
success. 

Georffe ConkJin., owner of the Atlantic Hotel, J20, 422, and 424 
Perry street, was born in Prague, Austria, Aug. 10. 184.5. He came 
to America with his parents, Jacob and Kate (Yock) Conklin, 
when he was nine years old. Tiiey settled at Corona, on Long Isl- 
and, N. Y. George received an education at that ])lace. end worked 
in a china factory at Hunter's Point, until Jul}-, 18G7. w-hen he 
came to Davenport. He worked in the Chicago, Rock Island lV: 
Pacific sho])s si.x years, then opened a restaurant at the corner of 
Fifth and Perry streets, which he conducted five years, then sold 
it, and built the Atlantic Hotel. He operated this liotel until Octo- 
ber 188], w)»en he rented it and retired from active life. He was 
married Aug. 4, 1800, to l\Iary. daughter ol Frank and Mary 
Ploner, natives of Austria. Mr. and Mrs. Conklin had one child, 
George, wlio died in 1878. They are members of St. Anthony's 
Parish Catholic Church. He is a Demucrat. 

Taahle Cornets, tailor at the dye-works, 223 Perry street, was 
born in Sciileswig Ilulstein. Germany, Sept. 24, 1832. His pa- 
rents were Peter and Eliza Cornels nee Claussen. Jacob attended 
school until he was 10 years old, when lie learned the tailor's trade, 
and in ls.53 lie emigrated to the United States, landing at Kcw 
Orleans, where he remained until the s])ring of 1S.">4, when became 
to Daven]iort. Si.x months later lie went to Moline, 111., and 
worked at iiis trade there until February, 1864, when he enlisted in 
Company G, 47th Illinois Infantry, and remained in the service 
until the close of the war. He then returned to Moline. and in the 
spring oi 1873 came to Davenport, where he has followed his trade 
since. He was married to Miss Eliza Buck, in April, 1872. She 
was born in Sciileswig, Germany, and was a daugliter of Charles 
Buck, of that place. Tiiree children have been born of this union — 
Willie, Emil and xVngeniau. Mr. Cornets is a member of K. P., 
Davenport Lodge, No. 30, and United Brotlierhood of Iowa, Lodge 
No. 2. 



818 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Theodore Cramer, pianist, was born of Valentine and Elizabeth 
Cramer, at Christiania, tlie capital of Xorway, in the year 1S4S. lie 
left the gyninasiuni and was about to enter the university with a 
view of studying philology. He suddenly abandoned the literary 
career for which his parents had destined him and devoted himself 
to the study of music. lie took lessons of Newport and Ursin, two 
well-known graduates of the conservator^' at Berlin, at the age of 
16. He did not put into practice his knowledge of music until his 
arrival in this country in his 18th year. He made a sliort sta3- in 
Chicago, 111., where he associated himself with Henry Le Clure, 
the celebrated violinist. As Chicago contained an abundance of 
pianists of the highest standing he resolved to go farther west- 
ward. Having heard Davenport highl}' spoken of as a musical 
city he came here, and his success as a teacher of music has ex- 
ceeded his most sanguine expectations. He is thoroughly educated 
in the art and is an excellent teacher. His mother and sister 
reside with him at No. 726 Main street. 

Robert S. Davis, grocer, 330 Locust street, was born in Golden 
Grove, Kings Co., Ireland, Dec. 26, 1824-, and was a son of Thomas 
and Sarah E. ( Milten ) Davis, of Irish nationality. Robert S. left 
school when he was 12 j-ears old, and clerked in a dry goods and 
grocery store until 1850, when he immigrated to the United States. 
He went to Philadelphia, where he was superintendent of one of 
the piers belonging to the P. & R. R. R. Co., shipping coal to 
nearly all parts of the world. In 1S56 he left there and went to 
Elizabethport, N. J., and engaged in the same business there two 
years, then returned to Ireland and engaged in the gjocery busi- 
ness at Bray and at Dalkey. He remained there until 1S6G, when 
he came again to America, and was engaged with t])e Central R. 
R. Co. of Elizabethport, N. J., as car-record clerk five years, then 
traveled for a wholesale grocery house in Philadelphia four years, 
and at tiie expiration of that time he came to Davenport, where he 
has engaged in the grocery business since He was married to 
Mary A. Owens, in Bra}', Ireland, Sept. 8, 1862. She was born 
in County Carleybridge, "Wexford, Ireland. Five children have 
been born by tJiis union — Thomas J., Frederic G., Anna L. and 
William H. Sarah E. died Nov. 29, 1879. Mr. Davis is a Mason 
and a member of Richmond Lodge, Pa., No. 230, and was Master 
of this lodge. He has ti-aveled quite extensively, and has visited 
all the principal cities of England, Ireland, Wales and the United 
States. 

Claus Delfs, a natii'e of Holstein, Germany, was born Dec. 
23, 1828. His father, Claus Delfs, was born at that place and died 
therein 1S76; his mother, Katharine (Gripp) Delfs, died in Hol- 
stein in 1880. Claus Delfj:, Jr. , left his German home for America 
April 1, 1851, arriving in New York Apr. 18 of that year. He 
immediately located in Davenport, where he has since been en- 
gaged in plastering. He was married to Henrietta Eggers Oct. 
18, 1854, in this city. To them have been born seven children, 



CITY OF UAVENPORT. 819 

two surviving — Mamie and Luira. Mr. and Mrs. Dolt's are tiiem- 
bers of the Lutheran church, and he votes witii the Kejjublican 
])arty. Mr. Dell's served in the German ariu}' two and one-half 
years. 

Edwo'd II'. D/,'X»), of the tinn of Paige, Dixon A: Co., among 
the most extensive lumber dealers in this city, was born Sept. 
11, 1S33, in Cornwall, Ontario, and is a son of James E. and 
Margaret Dixon, ttee Poapst, of Cornwall, Ontario. Edward was 
educated in the common schools of his native place. He worked 
in his father's dry-goods store and saw and grist mill until he was 
16 years old. when his father sold out. He then worked on the 
river during the summer seasons and worked in a dry-goods store 
in the winter, until he was 21 years of age, when he formed a 

E^rtnership with his father in the grain and produce business, in 
ondon, Ontario. At the expiration of a year, his father disposed 
of his stock to liim and he conducted the business alone for seven 
years. He spent two years in the mercantile business in Bar- 
aboo. Wis. He engaged in the wholesale and retail dry-goods 
business here under the firm name of J. Dixon & Sons, which 
continued five years. He then entered into the employ of 
U. N. Roberts & Co., and remained with them one year. 
Then embarked in the lumber business with J. L. Davies 
(fe Son, i-emainiiig with them until the close of their business. 
He again entered the employ of U. N. Roberts & Co., and while 
with them the jtresent firm of Paige, Dixon & Co. was contem- 
])lat.!d and organized on the purchase of the mill pro])erty of the 
estate of John L. Davies. Tliey have an immense trade and are 
one of the most enterprising and energetic business firms of 
Davenport. Mr. Dixon was married July 15, 1856, to Miss Eliz- 
abeth McDongall, a native of E'linburgh, Scotland. They have 
six children — Emma, Charles, Lillie, Maggie, Ida and Harry. Mr. 
Dixon was educated in the R',!])nblican school of politics and still 
adheres to that ])arty. In religious profession he is a Presbyte- 
rian. 

Alonso P. Doe, of tlie firm of Br3'ant& Doe, Nos. 207 and 209 
Brady street, was born March 25, 1837 in Cumberland Co., Maine. 
His father, Charles D,»e, died in September, 1873, in Maine. 
Mother Chai'lotte (Hennetfi Doe resides with her son Alonso in this 
city. The subject of this sketch came to D.ivenjjort in 1866 and 
began business in the store he now occupies, and with his present 
partner, Mr. Bryant. He was married to Julia M. Bryant in June, 
18(54, in Windsor, Maine. To them liave been born two children — 
Edith B. and Alice M. In politics Mr. Doe is independent, voting 
alwavs fir the best man. 

Michael Donahue, manufacturer of steam engines, mill (rearing. 
Corn mills, etc., and ]iresident of the Daven]>ortAVater- Works, Front 
and Scott streets, was born in (rliisgow, Scotland, Feb. 9, 1817, and 
was a son of Peter and Ma y Dunahue, natives of Ireland. Michael 
came to this country in 1S30, and worked in foundries in various 



820 HISTORY OF SCOTT COrNTT. 

cities of the East some time, then went South and worked on 
steamboats. In 1846 he enlisted in the Mexican war, in Co. A, 
First Reg., Ohio Vols., and remained in the service one year; then 
built a foundry for the Government attlie mouth of the Rio Grande, 
and sta3'ed there doinw Government work and repairing steamboats 
until the close of the war. He then started overland with a party 
to California; was nearly two years making the journey; had to 
fight their way through, arriving at their destination in 1849. He 
built the first foundry and melted the first iron in that part of the 
country. In 1S54 he-came to Davenport. la., and bought the foun- 
dry he now owns. In 1872 or '73 Mr. Donaliue and his brother 
Peter built the Davenport AVater- Works, of which Michael is now 
president. Peter Donahue resides in S:in Francisco, Cal.; owns 
the San Francisco & Pacific R. R., also a line of boats. Our subject 
married Miss Ester A. Alexander. Tiiey have two children — 
Mamie and James, attendants of the Georgetown College. Mr. 
Donahue has been mayor of Davenjjort two years. He was nius- 
ered into the service of the Mexican war at Camp Washington, 
Cincinnati, and was the first volunteer to enlist. Everything he 
possesses has been accumulated by his own untiring energy, andho 
is justly entitled to the appellation of a self-made man. 

John Donaliue. son of John Donahue. Sr., was born in Alleghany 
Co., Pa., Apr. 26, 1836. He was reared and educated in Pittsburg, 
Pa. He went to Burlington, la., in 1855 and there learned the 
marble cutter's trade. In 1858 he returned to Pittsburg and 
worked at his trade there until 1860, when he came to Davenport and 
established the present partnership with Mr. McCosh. Mr. Dona- 
hue was married in November, 1863, to Lizzie Sprague, of Ohio. 
They have one son, Milton. Mr. Donahue is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity and of the ^Northwestern Masonic Aid Asso- 
ciation of Chicago. 

F. W. Downs, Superintendent of the Daven])ort School Fur- 
niture Co., 113 East Front street, was born in ,New Haven, Conn. 
Dec. 31, 1845. His parents were Willis and Martha (Sperry) 
Downs, natives of Connecticut. The former was born in October, 
1819, in Mt. Carmel, that State, and is a machinist by trade. In 
1849 he went to California and remained two years, tlien returned 
to New Haven. In 1866 be became a resident of the city of Dav- 
enport, where he engaged in the undertaker's business until the 
fall of 1868, when he helped to remodel the steamer " Iowa City," 
and afterward bought her, and the day after purchasing her she 
sank. She was raised and used as a raft- boat on the river after- 
ward. In 1876 Mr. Downs bought the Forrest Block, between 
Third and Fourth strfets, on Perry, which he still owns. In May, 
1880, he bought the Davenport School Furniture Factory in com- 
pany with S. A. Jennings, which is still under their management. 
They occupy a building four stories high, 150x20 feet, and manu- 
facture all the latest improved school and church furniture, employ- 
ing from 16 to 20 skilled workmen. F. W. Downs, the subject ot 



CITY OF DAVEXPORT. 821 

this sketch, learned the machinist's trade, and worked at that until 
June, 1808, when he worked as pilot and engineer on liis father's 
boat, '-Iowa City." From 1871 to May, 1880, he worked at the fur- 
niture trade, then received his present situation as superintendent 
of tlie furniture tHCtory. lie was married to Mary L. Shannon 
May 2<i, 1870. She was born in Pliiladelphia, Pa., and is a daugh- 
ter of Joseph Shannon, a farmer in Muscatine Co., Iowa. 

Jolin L. Drext\ land commissioner C, E. I. (fe P. R'y., Daven- 
port, Iowa, was born in London, England, Dec. 6, 181:6. He was 
a son of John C. and Anna (Black) Drew. He was a native ot 
Wales and she of Englanil. They were members of the Congre- 
gational and Episcojial cliurches and had a family of 13 children, 
tliree sons and three daughter- living. The family came to the 
U. S. in 1850, landed in New Orleans, La., and then came to Rock- 
ingham, Scott Co., Iowa, where they remnined one year, then came 
to Davenport. The father returned to England in 1858, and the 
mother and children, except John L., returned to England in 1859. 
John L. attended the Iowa College until 15. when he became teller 
in the Cook it Sargent I'ank. where he remained four years. lie 
then studied law with Cook A: 1 )rury two years when he was ad- 
mitted to the bar. He then became partner with Cook ife Drury 
for two years, and in 1808 he became chief clerk of the C, R. 1. 
& P. Ry. Land Dept. for three years, when he was appointed to liis 
present ]iosition as chief land commissioner ot this company. He 
was married to Miss Sarah Barnetr, of St. Louis, Mo., A]iril 21, 
1873. She was a daughter of George I. Barnett, an architect of 
St. Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Drew have had live children, viz. : 
George J., Anna L., Alexander C, Dorotlia B. and Katherine 
H. Mrs. Drew is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Drew 
is a 32d Deg. Mason, a member of Trinity Lodge R. A. M., K. 
T. Commandery and Rf)yal Arch Chapter. In politics he is a Dem- 
ocrat and a strong su]iporter of that party. He is one of Daven- 
port's enterprising representative men and has been identified 
with Scott County since May, 1850. 

James C. Duncan was born near Pittsburg, Pa., Dec. 4, 1810. 
His parents were James and Jane Duncan, nee AVilson. He early 
developed a taste tor mathematics, and at the early age of seven 
years had mastered the '• Western Calculator," a primary arithmetic. 
He then took up *• Davies Elementary Algebra." which he finished 
at nine years of age. A portion of the time he had a teacher, but 
most of the time had to study out the problems for himself When 
he was 15 j-ears old hi.s father moved to Le Claire, township, and set- 
tled upon a farm. James iiere took up the studies of geometry and 
surveying under W. G. Scott. He also bought and shipped stock 
on Ills own account, and was soon able to purchase a farm in But- 
ler, township. On May, 28, 1^02, he was married to Nancy J., 
daughter of James and Mary J. McConnell. Eight children have 
been born of this union — Ella, Evander II., Violet J., Katie J., 
Dicke}', Charles and Mabel. Mr. Duncan enlisted Aug. 15. 1862, 



822 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

in Company G., 20tli Iowa Infantry. Participated in tlie battle 
ofNewtonia, Prairie Grove, siege of Yieksbiirg — present at the 
surrender, Julv 4, 1S63. He was taken witli the measles at New 
tenia, and was sick for about 20 months. He was in the last 
chari;e of Fort Blakely, and was discharged at Clinton, Iowa, July 
25, iS65. He at once returned to his farm in Butler, township, where 
lie I'emained eight years, then moved into the city of Davenport. 
He dealt iu stock here until 1876, when he entered the Business 
College as a student, remaining until April, 1877. He then en- 
gaged as bookkeeper for McCosh & Doi'.ahue six months, and at 
the close of this engagement, entered the Business College as a 
teacher of mathematics, a position he still retains, lie is a man 
of the highest mental endowments and superior intellectual culture. 

Theo. JD. Eagal was born Sept. 26, 1S23, in Pittsburg. Pa., 
and was the youngest of five children of John and Eleanor (Pope) 
Eagal, natives also of Pennsylvania: the former died in 18.56, the 
latter in 1874, in Davenport. Theo. D. Eagal received his ])rimary 
education at home, and a few month's attendance at a select school, 
but is mostly self-educated. In 1833, at the age of 10 years, he 
went to work in the office of the Pittsburg Gazette, one of the 
oldest papers in Pennsylvania. His first experience at night work 
was on the animal message of President Jackson. In 1837 he quit 
the printing business, and learned the watch-maker's trade. In 
1839 he moved to Wheeling, "W. A'^a., and was there married, March 
23, 1843, to Eliza Ann Stout, a native of that city. They have had 
eight children, six living — Joseph Pojie, Melzar Jefferson, Rachel 
Lindsa}' (now Mrs. Watson), Ada Vernon (now Mrs. Graham), Theo- 
dore D., Jr., Nellie Morley. In the spring of 1845^ the family 
removed to St. Louis, Mo., where they i-esided one year, then went 
to Alton, 111., where Mr. Eagal, purchased the Democrat Bannei\ 
and continued tojKiblishit under that name until February, 1847, 
when, owing to his family having been atllicted with ague since their 
residence in Alton, they removed to Davenport, Iowa, where they 
have since resided. 

Monroe Ebi, of the firm of Eiii & Newman, commission mer- 
chants, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1842. His parents 
were Levi and Susan Ebi, natives of Ohio, where they both died in 
the year 1850. Monroe enlisted in the 19th Ohio Regiment, from 
Canton, O., as a private; was promoted to the rank ot 1st lieuten- 
ant. He was wounded at Lovejoy station in 1862; was discharged 
at Nashville, Tenn., having served three years. He engaged in 
the sewing-machine business in Eddieville, Iowa, two years, then 
went to Cedar Rapids, and remained there until 1869, when he 
located in Davenport. He traveled for Rolf, Cock tt Co., dealers 
in agricultural implements, until 1873, when he went into the 
commission business with Henry Tilden. Six months later he 
formed a partnership with Rowe & Newman, in the same business, 
under tiie firm uameot Ebi, Rowe »fe Newman. Mr. Rowe, left the 
firm in 1875, and since that time Ebi & Newman have conducted 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 825 

the business. Mr. Ebi was married in Davenport, Dec. 25, 1866, 
to Frances M. lloft', a native ot Canton, Oiiio. Her father is dead, 
and lier niotlicr resides in Daven]iort. Mr. and Mri;. El)i have two 
children — Albert R. and lladen. Mrs. Ebi and children are mem- 
bers of tlie C)ongregationai church. In politics lie is a Tvei)ublican. 

Dedrlch W. S. Eckhirdt is a native of llolstcin, Germany, born 
Sept. IS, 1835. He was a son of Dedrich and Anna Eckhardt, 
HC6 Fett, of German birth. The subject of this bios;raphy sailed 
from Hamburg on May 2. 1854, and landed in New York on June 
1(> of that year. He went to Davenport and went to work at his 
trade of butchering. In the fall of 1854 he commenced business 
for himself. He was united in marriage with Frances Schmelzle 
on tiie 16th of August, 1858, in Davenport. Of their six children 
the following are living: Anna, Augusta, Charles, and Otto. Mr. 
Eckhardt is Kepnblican in politics, and one of the substantial men 
of the city. 

Charles EcJchardt, salesman for Schricker & Mueller, lumber 
dealers and owners of the sa^v-mill, corner 2d and Scott streets, 
was born in Holstein, Germany, July 31, 1821, and was a son of 
D. and Anna (^Vett) Eckhardt, natives of Germany, where they 
died. Charles emigrated to the United States in June. 1849, and 
went to Wisconsin, where he remained 6 months, then spent 1^ 
years in St. Louis.Mo., coming to Davenport, at the expiration of that 
time. He worked at the carpenter''s trade until 1856, then farmed 
until 1859, when he again commenced working at his trade. In 
1862 he accepted a situation as salesman in the store of Frencii & 
Davis and remained in their employ until 1868. From 1868 to 
1878, he engaged in the grocery business, on West 2d street. 
Since that time has held his present situation. He was married 
in this city, March 14, 1853, to Christina Greve. of Holstein, Ger- 
many. They have had nine children, five living — Gustav, Charles, 
George, Louis and Anna. In jiolitics Mr. E. is a Republican. 

Timm iLcJcmann, a son of Claus and Abel (Johnson) Eekmann, 
natives of Holstein, German 3% where oursubi'ect was also born Jan. 
30, 1829. He emigrated to the United States in April, 1852, and 
landed in iS'ew York after a journey of 49 days. In July of that 
3'ear he came to Daven])ort, remained here a short time, tlien went 
to Clinton, Iowa, where he engaged as a farm laborer a short time. 
He returned to this city and worked in a brick-yard for Ilarvej' 
Leonard and Louis Holbert a number of years. lie has been en- 
gaged in the grocery and hardware business in the store which he 
now occupies. No. 901 West 3d street, for the past 13 years, anil 
does a thriving business. He was married July 6, 1S57. in Daven- 
iiort, to AViebke Kuehl. They have had two children, one living, 
George. Mr. Eekmann is a Rejniblican. 

Col. Ilenr)/ Egherf, of the firm iA Egbert, Fidlar & Chambers, 

printers, binders, and blank-book manufacturers, 317 and 319 Brady 

street, was born in Newcastle, Delaware. Dee. 22, 18:i6. Ills 

parents were Christian and Elizabeth (Austin) Egbert. He was a 

4S 



826 HisTOKT OF scorr county. 

native of Amsterdam, Holland, and came alone to America when 
14; he followed the sea and became captain of ships. She was a na- 
tive of Delaware. They had six children. Col. H. attended school 
until 15, when he engaged in the grocery trade at Philadelphia, Pa., 
until 1847, then ran a saw-mill on Hocking River, seven miles trom 
Logan, Ohio, until 1S56, when he came to Scott Co., Iowa; he 
bought and ran a farm in Cleona township, until Aug. 14,1861, when 
he enlisted in Co. C, Second Iowa Cavalry, as iirst sergeant, and 
seven days after was elected captain of iiis company; was wounded 
at the battle of Farmington. Miss., — a piece of shell struck him in 
the left thigh. He returned home for 40 days, when he joined his 
regiment. He was in all the battles of his regiment, until May, 1863, 
when, owing to wounds and illness returned home. In 1864 he 
again went into tlie field as lieut. -colonel of 44th Iowa Infantry, 
and Marcli 1, 1865, was appointed provost-marshal nf the Second 
District of Iowa, and he closed up the provost-marshal business of 
the entire State, receiving his iinal discharge from the service Jan. 
1, 1866. The Colonel then " turned his sword into a plow-share" 
and returned to his farm. In the fall of 1869 he was elected 
county treasurer and held that ottice four year.s and since then 
he has been engaged in the printing, binding and blank-book busi 
ness. In the fall of 1879 he was elected Republican Representa- 
tive to the Iowa Legishxture. Colonel Egbert married Miss Eliza- 
beth G. Sudlow, Mav 12, 1850. She was born in X. Y. Her parents 
were Richard and Hannah Sudlow. . Mr. and Mrs. CijI. Egbert are 
members of the First M. E. Church. He is a Mason and member of 
Davenport Lodge. No. 37, A.F. efe A.M., A.O.U.W. Lodge, Xo. 17, 
and in politics he is a strong supporter of the Republican party. He 
is one of Davenport's Representative men and has been identified 
with Scott County since 1856. 

D. C. Eldridge. — Among the early settlers ol Scott County, and 
the successful men of Iowa, may fairly be placed the name of D. C. 
Eldridge. He was born in Woodbury, X. J., Aug. 3, 1801. His 
parents Josiali and Sarah Eldridge, nee Middleton, were natives of 
New Jersey. They removed to Haddonfield, that State, when D. 
C. was about eight years old. He here learned the brick layer and 
plasterer's trade, and was married to Miss Rachel Brown. Jan. 8, 
1823. In May, 1825, Mr. Eldridge moved to Rochester, N. Y., 
where his wife died in 1827, having been the mother of three chil- 
dren. His second nuxrriage occurred in Cincinnati, O., Nov. 4, 
1829, to Miss Rebecca Lippincott. She was born in New Jersey, 
and was a daughter of Micajah and Sarah (Roberts) Lippincott, 
natives of that State. Of their seven children, two are living — ■ 
Charles H. and Micajah L. InlS35 Mr. Eldridge went to Galena, 
111., and in the fall of 18o6 he opened a store, where the city of 
Davenport now stands. In 1837 he was appointed postmaster 
here, and May 3 of that year his daughter, Sarah E., was born, be- 
ing the first female white child born in Davenport. Mr. Eldridge 
remained in the postoffice until 1852, being out during Pope's ad- 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 827 

ministration, when he rpsis'ned the ofKce. He has followed the 
drug, grocery and dry -goods business since his residence here; also 
farine<l two seasons in this townsiiip. and is at present engaged in 
tiie insurance business. In religious sentiment Mr. Eldridge and 
wife are Christians, and have been members of that church over 50 
years. Mr. Ehlridge is one of the oldest settlers of Scott County, 
and was present when the second treaty of the Keokuk reserve was 
made in Sei)t., 1836. He lias built 3-Hiouses in this city, and has 
lived in all of them. He is the oldest Odd Fellow in Iowa, and be- 
came a member of Kensington Lodge, No. 5. at Philadelphia, Pa., 
May 9. 182s. 

■Jacob M. hhlr'idgp, land and loan agent, 21ii Brady street, was 
born in lladdontield, N. J., Nov. 20, 1824, and is a descendant of 
Scotch ancestry. His parents were D. C. Eldridge and Rachel, 
nee Brown; his mother died when he was four years old, and he 
then went to live with his grandmother. He became self-sup- 
porting at the age of 13, iind followed teaming until he was 19, 
when he sold his team and traveled one winter, visiting Washing- 
ton and called on President John Tyler. He engaged in the 
grain business in Camden, X. 1'., one year, then started for the 
XVest, and landed at Rock Island. Dec. 23, 1S45. aftera journey of 
two months hard travel from Philadelphia. The ne.\t day he came 
toDaven])ort, then a cit}' of 500 inhabitants, where his father had 
re-ided since 1830. He concluded to make this city his hone, and 
entered land three miles northeast <>f Davenport, pa)*iig$1.25 an 
acre for it, and sold it for 8125 in 1872, realizing 10,()i)() per cent, 
on the investment. On Feb. 12, 1846, he ivturned tn Philadelphia, 
settled up his business there and came back to Davenport on Nov . 
20, of that year. Pie was married June 1. 1848, to Miss Mary 
Woodward, of Burlington, N. J., who died in December, 1849. 
On June, 25, 1851, he married Miss ilary Williams, of Newark, 
N. J. Her parents were C. C. Williams ami Eliza nee Miller, 
natives of New Jersey. Of eight childreti born ot this union, six 
are living — Lizzie, Kate. Frank, Minnie, Jennie and George. Mr. 
Eldridge is a member of Scott Division, No. 1, Sons of Temper- 
ance, and the oldest member except one in the State of Iowa, 
having been a member since Nov. 16, 1847. In politics he is 
rather indc]>endent. but wa* formerly a Republican, being a dele- 
gate to the convention at Iowa City in 1856, at the organization of 
the Republican ])arty. Was also a delegat^e from Iowa to Cincin- 
nati, to the convention that nominated Horace Greeley. He built 
and owns most of I'21dridge, Iowa, the town having been named 
for him, as is Eldridge I'own, Dakota, Ter., where he is interested 
in the Davenport farm of 3,000 acres. He owns about 10,000 
acres of land in Iowa, Nebraska and Dakota, and has 53 tenants 
in Davenport, and a tine residence at 1,530 Farnam street. He 
has always been foremost in ever)' work that would conduce to the 
prosi)erity and improvement of Davenport, and merits and receives 
the esteem and confidence ot his fellow-citizens. 



828 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Micajah L. Eldridge, real estate and loan ao'ent, 210 Brady 
street, was born in Davenport, Aug. 22, 1845, and was a son of 
D. C. and llebecca (Lip])incott) Eldridge, residents <jf tliis city. 
Micajah attended school until he was IS years old, then accepted a 
situation as clerk in the postoffice; subsequently engaged in his 
present business. In 1874 he started the Davenport Times, a 
weekly newspaper devoted to the interests of workinjmen. After 
conducting it successfully fir two years, he disposed of it. After. 
ward engaged in the job jirinting business with protit for a yeai', 
meantime carrying on his real estate business. He was married 
to Miss Maggie Berry, Oct. 17, 1865. She was born in Harris- 
burg. Pa. To them have been born eight children, six living — D. 
Challep, Sadie, Anna, May, Bennie and Willie. They are mem- 
bers of the Christian church. In politics Mr. Eldridge is a Repub- 
lican. 

Peter Eyer, plumber and gas-fitter, 512 "West Second street, was 
a son of George Eyer and Jacobin, nee linger, and was born in 
Baj-er, Prussia, Germany, May 20, 1857. When Peter was 12 
years old he came with his grandmother. Mrs Unger, to America. 
The}' located in New York City, where Peter attended schojl until 
he was 14 years old, wlicn he learned tlie plumber and gas-fitter's 
trade, and in 1874 he moved to Rock Island. One year later l>e 
came to Davenport wiiere, in 1876, he established a plumber and 
gas-litter's shop, and at present is located at the ab')ve numbnr 
where he is'Prepared to fill all orders in his line of business. He 
was married Feb. 12, 1881, to Miss Hannah Looft, of this city, 
and a daughter of Peter and Margaretta (Ilaak) Looft. Mr. Eyer 
is a member of the Schutzen and Druids societies, and is one of 
our enterprising business men. 

Frederick C. Fahrenhrug, dealer in paints, oils, glass, putty, 
varnishes, brushes, etc., corner of Third and Harrison streets, was 
born in Falereu, Holstein, Germany, Nov. 30, 1847. His parents 
were Jochen and Wilhelmena (Strohbeen) Fahrenkrng. They had 
two children, both living. Frederick C, wiien two or three years 
of age, emigrated with his parents to America, landed in New 
Orleans, La., thence to Davenport, Iowa, arriving here in 1850. 
He attended school and learned the cigar-maker's trade, until 15 
when he went with his mother to San Francisco, Cal., whei'e he 
learned the painter's trade, which he followed seven and a-half 
years in San Francisco, then retured to Davenport and worked at 
his trade until 1877, wlien he opened his present paint and oil 
store at southwest corner Third and Harrison streets, where he 
carries a full stock of paints, glass, putty, varnishes, etc. He mar- 
ried Miss Frederica Krnse, Dec. 11, 1S72. She was born in New 
York; her parents were Christopher and Ma.ia (Miller) Kruse. 
Mr. and Mrs. Fahrenkrng have had five childre?i, four living, viz.: 
John F. W., Lilly, Mamie and Frederica. Mr. Fahrenkrng is a 
member of the United Brotherhood, of Iowa, and Turner Society. 
He his one of Davenport's enterprising business men and has been 
identified with it since 1S50. In politics he is Independent. 



CITT OF DAVENPORT. 829 

Edwin I'liy^ wliolesrile dealer in paper baijs. flour sacks, wood 
ami willow ware, groceries, sundries, etc., Hit Brady street, estab- 
lished this l)usiness in 1867, as Fay h Smith; but in August, 1878, 
the tirin was burned out. Since that time Mr. Fay has conducted 
the business alone. lie was born in Jlilan, Erie Co., O., Dec. 1.5, 
1830, and was a son of Lyman Fay and Clara Louise nee Kellogg, 
a relative of Clara Louise Kellogg, of musical fame. Lyman Fay 
was a physician in early life, but in later years a merchant, con- 
tractor and builder. Edwin attended the Milan schools until 17 
years of ago, when lie embarked in the mercantile business in New 
London. O. He followed this branch of business in Ashland, O., 
two years, and in Rock Island, III., one year. lie became a resi- 
dent ot Davenjiort in 1^54. and has here won for himself a name, 
as a man of e.xcellent business qualifications and unimpeachable 
integritv. lie was marrieil in April, 1858, to Elizabeth R., daugh- 
ter of Capt. Daniel Putnam, a relative of Gen. Putnam, of Revc- 
Intionary fame. ^Mr. and Mrs. Fay have had four children — EvaC, 
Ilattie E.. George E., and John P.. who died in infancy. In religious 
profession Mrs. Fav is anEpiscopalian. Mr. Fav is a member of 
Trinity Lodge, A. F. A: A. M., No. ■_>(»8. 

Peter Fedderstii^ proprietor Washington Park, corner Marquette 
and Leonard streets, was born on the I5th of December, 1828, in 
Ilolstein, Germanv, and was a son of Peter and Katherine Fedder- 
sen, natives of Germany, where tliey both died. The subject of 
this memoir cmiifrated to the United States in 1857, and located 
at once in Davenport. lie worked as farm laborer two years, then 
engaged in farming for himself nine years in Liberty township, 
this county. Failing iiealth obliged him to give up the arduous 
duties of farm life, and lie returned to Davenport. He lived a 
retired life 12 years, then bought the Washington Park propert3', 
and has had charge of it since, llis marriage with Dorothea .Tube 
ocurred Nov. 9. 1859. in Liberty township. She was horn in llol- 
stein, Germany. They have had three children — Katharine, Peter 
and Mary. The family are members of the Lutheran church. 

John B. tidUtr, cashier of the Frst National Bank, Davenport, 
was born in Jacksontown, Licking Co., Ohio, .\Iay l(i, 1839. He 
was a son of Samuel P. antl and Maria M. ( Moore) Fidlar, he of 
Pennsylvania and she of Ghio. They were members of the M. E. 
ciiurch and hail a family of four sons and two daughters. John B., 
tlie snlvject of this sketch, attended school until 14 in Licking Co., 
Oiiio, when his parents moved to Delaware, Ohio, lie attended 
the Ohio Wesleyan University two years, then followed the house 
and sign painter's trade three year.-!, when he was employed as 
American Express agent at Burlington, Iowa, until the outbreak- 
ing of the war, when in August. 1802, he enlisted as a private in 
Company D, 25th Io«'a Infantry Volunteers. Was promoted from 
private on up to captain; was in the battle at Arkansas Post, 
Vicksbnrg, Jackson, Miss., luka, Cherokee Station, and some 30 
engagements of his regiment; was wounded in the forearm with 



830 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

a musket ball, and laid in the hospital at luka three months; was 
mustered out at Washington, D. C, at the close of the war. He 
then returned to his position as express agent at Burlington, Iowa, 
until 1S7<'), when he was apijointed a position in the First National 
Bank in Davenport, and in 1S7S was appointed liis present position 
as cashier of this bank. Mr. Fidlar was married to Miss Louisa 
Harper, Sept. 16, 1868. She was born at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 
and was a daughter of W. AV. Harper and Mary A. ( Lunbeck ) 
Harper. Mr. and Mrs. John B. Fidlar have one child, viz.: AVillie 
Fidlar. Mrs. Fidlar is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Fidlar is a Mason and member of Trinity Lodi^e, xso. 208, Dav- 
enport Chapter, No. 16, E. A. M., and A.'O. U.W. Lodge, No. 17, 
and is a charter member of this lodge. Is a member of lio^'al 
Arcanum Sumner Council. 511, V. A. S. Fraternity, Stella Col- 
legium, and in politics a Republican, and is one of Davenport's 
enterprising representative men, and has been identified with this 
city since 1S70. 

Bernard O. Finger^ money-order clerk, postoffice department, 
Davenport, was born in Covington, Ky., Oct. 25, 1854-, and is a son 
of Bernard Finger, Sr., Police Magistrate and Justice of the Peace 
of Davenport township, and Margaret, nee Arndt. They came to 
Davenport when Bernard, Jr., was about two years old. He gradu- 
ated from No. 5 grammar school and was a pupil in the high 
school two terms. A7hen he was 16 years old he went to Pine 
River, near AVarsaw, AVis., and measured lumber for John L. 
Davies^fe Son two seasons, when he received his present appoint- 
ment of money -order clerk, at Davenport. He has held this 
position nine years, and has ever been faithful in the discharge of 
his duties, and given universal satisfaction. He is an active mem- 
ber of the Davenport Boat Clnb, and politically is a Repiiblicm. 

B'-rnard Fiiujcr, Justice of the Peace and Police Alagistrate of 
the cit}- of Davenport, was born in Prussia, Germany, Aug. 27, 
1824, and was a son of Francis and Jdliamia (Eleon) Finger, na- 
tives of Germany. He came to the United States in 1848, and 
went to St. Louis, Mo., where he soon obtained employment as 
clerk in a dry -goods store. In 18.49 he left St. Louis for'^AViscon- 
sin, and in partnersliij) with a counti-yman of liis embarked in 
the mercantile business in Megnon. He remained there until 
1852; then spent a short time in Beardstown, III., and in Cincin- 
nati, O., locating in Davenport, in 1846. In January, 1863, he was 
appointed by Governor Yates as first lieutenant in the 16th Cav. 
Regimental Commissary. He -acted as post adjutant at Camp 
Butler five months; then went with the regiment to Cumberland 
Gap, Tenn., and soon afterward was appointed post commissary at 
Tazewell, Tenn. In February, 1864, the regiment was ordered to 
Mt. Pleasant, Ky., there reorganized and prepared for the Geor- 
gia campaign. Mr. Finger was appointed brigade commissary 
on the staii of Col. E. AV". Crittenden, and in ALiy was attached 
to Gen. L. Stoueman's cavalry corps and sent to Georgia, and re- 



CITV OF DAVENPOKT. 831 

mained witli the command until the surrender of Athinta. Ho was 
tlien attached to Gen. Wilson's cavahy corps, .against llixid, at the 
siege of Nashville. Durino^ this time was also made quarter- 
master of the regiment, and in one night in tiiis campaign was 
promoted from regimental to brigade commissary, and 15 min- 
utes later was appointed division commissary of Gen. Johnson's 
stall. At tlie close of the war he returned to Davenport. He 
resumed liis position as bookkeei>er at French it Davies' and 
renuained with them until 1SG9. He engaged in the grocery busi- 
ness two years; was then elected Davenport City and township 
assessor, and re-elected to this office every year until 1S76, when 
he was elected to his present office of justice of tlie peace. 
In 1881 he was elected police magistrate, lie was married April 
8. lSo2, to Margaret, daughter of J'. L. Arndt. They have had nine 
children, eight living: P.ernard, money order clerk at the Daven- 
port ]iosti»ffice; Rudolph, a civil engineer in Dakota; Eugene, asst. 
dejiuty clerk of the County Court; Thecla, engaged in school teach- 
ing; Gustavus, Julia, Johanna N. and Edgar. Johanna, the 
oldest child, now deceased, was ap])ointed, by Mr. Russell, money 
order clerk, a position she held two and a half years, when her 
health failed, and she died soon after. Mr. Finger has been a 
member of the Rej)ublican party since its organization. 

Ilohert Fleming is a native of Ireland, born in the county of 
Tyrone in 1S06. He is tlie sou of John and Rebecca Fleming, 
both natives of the same country. Mrs. Fleming's maiden name 
was Navilie. Tlie parents of Robert came to America in 1818, 
and located in Pickaway Plains, O., where they subsequently died. 
Robert did not come to this ci)niitry until 1831, when he was 25 
years of ago. He also located in Pickaway Plains, but only re- 
miined tiiore a year and a half, when he moved to Lockburn, 
Franklin Co., in the same State, where he followed his trade of 
baker, which he learned in the old country, for about six years. 
Desiring a change he visited Qnincy and Springfield, 111., Burling- 
ton, la., and other places, and finally located in Davenport in 
1838. He brought with him to this place a large amount of Hour, 
witii the intention of engaging in the bakery trade. He only 
made one lot of bread, and then concluded to dispose of his flour 
and engage in other business. At this time flour was a scarce arti- 
cle, and he refused to sell but a limited amount to each family. 
When one applied to him tor fldur, he first asked him how many 
were in his family, and would then only sell him a certain number 
of pounds for each individual. It mattered not whether the appli- 
cant had the money or not, he let him have the flour. He says 
that lie never lost the amount due him but from one man, the indi- 
vidual denying that he received the amount of flour stated. Mr. 
Fleming kept no record, and only knew the amount due him by 
the number in the family, and as the j^arty questioned tlie correct- 
ness of his bill, he told him he could keep it all. When Mr. 
Fleming disposed of his flour he purchased a piece of land is 



832 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Davenport township, wliere he engaged in farming a few years, 
then sold out and moved to Wapello Co., la., whei-e he re- 
mained two years, engaged in farming. While in Wapello he 
married the widow of his brother James, in 1S57. Mrs. Flem- 
ing was born in Franklin Co., 0. Two children were born 
unto them — James R., born in 1858; Henry, born in 1859, 
and dying in infanc}'. Mrs. Fleming had five children by 
her first husband, four of whom are now living. Mr. Fleming 
was compelled to take back his farm in Davenport township, and 
therefore sold his farm in Wapello County and moved back. He 
remained on the farm some years and then moved to the city. 
Mrs. Fleming died in 187S. 

John Foley, grocer, 1614 Harrison street, was born in County 
Leitrim, Ireland, May 15, 1850, of Jolm and Ann (Cramer) Foley, 
natives also of that place. The subject of this memoir was reared 
on a farm in Ireland and emigrated to the United States in 1868. 
He went to New Haven, Conn., and worked in the carpenter 
shops of the jS[. H. & N. H. H. R. for two years; traveled for 
them four years, then went to Chicago, 111., and took a contract 
for building sewers for two years. He conducted a coal and wood 
yard three years, then came to Davenport and established his pres- 
ent business and has met with good success in his line of trade, 
and carries a complete stock of staple and fancj' groceries. He 
was married to one of his own country women, Margaret Flynn, 
June 6, 1878. She was a daughter of James and Margaret 
(Rourke) Flynn. Mr. and Mrs. Foley have one child — Mary A. 
Mr. Foley was formerly a member of A. O. H. and at present is 
a member of the Irish Land League. 

John Forrest. Among the early settlers of Davenport, in the 
year 1837, when on the site of the present large city was but a 
small village with few inhabitants, may be found tlie name of John 
Forrest, now one of Davenport's affinent citizens, enjoying the 
memories of the past, as well as the substantial results of a success- 
ful life, after a long period of patient toil, firm perseverance, but 
restless activity of thought. These, conjoined with prudence and 
good management, added to quickness of perception and prompti- 
tude of action, have produced tlie usual result — success. 

Jolm Forrest was born in the town of Russia, Herkimer Co., 
jNew York, on the 14th of July. 1807. His parents were natives 
of Ireland and were among the first settlers upon what was known 
as the '' royal grant," where they lived to an advanced age, dying 
within a few months of each otlier. Young Forrest commenced 
life as a farm boy, assisting on his fatlier's tarm, and was reared 
to habits of economy and industry, which were of great aid to him 
in after life. He received a common-school education, and after 
attaining his majority accepted a situation as clerk in a store, re- 
maining as such two years, then going into the mercantile business 
for himself, which he followed successfully until 1S37, when, being 
drawn bythe current then prevailing, he startedWest, and in October, 



CITY OF DAVENI'OKT. 833 

1837, lie started I'oi Davenport with Iiis faiiiil}', ami alter six weeks 
of hard travel via Erie canal. Lake Erie, Ohio canal, Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi River?, arrived in Davetiiwrt on the -ith of December, 
1837. Duriin; the time thoy were in Uiirliiii^ton the Territorial Leg- 
islature of Wisconsin was in session, and the representatives of this 
county, without his application or knowlcdi;e. had a justice's com- 
mission from Henry Dodge, then governor of Wisconsin Territory, 
made out, and sent to him soon after his arrival. Cxovernment 
lands not having been offered for sale, there was much litigation 
about claims which could only be settled in a justice's court with 
12 jurymen. This involved great costs and much excitement. 
This office he held by appointment ami elecition until June, 1845, 
when he was appointed postmaster, which office he held four years. 
]y[r. Fori'est has tilled many offices of trust. He was alderman of 
his ward for several terms and for one term held the office of mayor 
in the absence of the mayor elect, General Sargent. 

lie was very active in the question of the contested county seat, 
and it was due perhaps more to him than any other man that it 
was conceded to Davenport. Li the election before the last a 
majority of 20 votes was for Rockingham. He and his friends 
succeeded in getting the supervisors of Dubuque County, to whom 
the returns were made, to delay the canvass and entry of record 
until they could satisfy them of the fraud on the part of Rocking- 
ham in conducting the elections. They were given three days in 
which to come from Dul)U([ue and return there again with the tes- 
timony. Mr. Eorrcst started out through tlie countr}', and as he 
found a party wiioiiad voted against tluin illegally he. as a justice, 
at once took his deposition, and within the time specified succeeded 
in obtaining the affidavits of a sufficient number to cast the vote in 
favor of Davenport, and the commissioners so recorded it. 

Mr. F. and his young wife made great sacrifices in leaving home, 
friends and society, and coining to the wilds of the far AVest to find 
themselves surrounded with savage Lidians, who were dissatisfied 
and restless, resulting from the then recenc Llack Hawk war. The 
few white settlers then on tlie west bank of the Mississippi River 
were in momentary and constant danger of being destroyed by 
these bloodthirsty savages. After years of hardships and privation, 
immigration began and society soon followed. Lnprovements com- 
menced in which Mr. F. took active interest, putting up sevei'al build- 
ings, among which were the brick block, corner Third and Brady 
street.', in 1849. occupied as a metlical college for some years, when 
they moved to Keokuk, where they now are. The most valuable im- 
provements were the large brick block corner ot Third and Perry 
streets, and finally the elegant and substantial brick block, corner 
of Fourth and Brady streets, which is an oriuunent to the city and a 
credit and a monument to himself, erected A. D. 1877, at a cost of 
about S20,000. He was married on tiie 28th of March, 1.^35, to Miss 
Annie E. McMasters. of Russia, New York, a lady of high attain- 
ments. Family consists of wife and four children now living. The 



83i HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

two oldest, John G. and Eugenia R.,were born in the State of New 
York, the latter being but three months old when coming "West. 
George W. and "Willie II. were born in Iowa. Charles 11. was 
born June 17, 1S49, and died Oct. 31, 1S4-9, at the age of four 
and one-half months. Joim G. and George W. are married and now 
living in Clinton, Iowa. Willie H. is married and now living in 
Kansas City, Mo. Eugenia R. was married to the Hon. David S. 
True, Oct. 3, 18.59, who died after a protracted illness. April 23, 
1S73. Mr. True was for many years before his death of the firm 
of Davison & True, leading and successful attorneys of this city. 
Mr. True was a man of acknowledged ability, and universally 
adniired and respected by all who had the pleasure of his acquaint- 
ance, and a model and indulgent husband. Mrs. True was married 
the second time to Prof. Noyes B. Miner, a gentleman of high 
literary attainments, on Dec. 30, 1878. They are now making 
the tour of Europe. The family home is one of the finest man- 
sions in the city, situated on an elevation overlooking the fatlier 
of waters and the cities of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline, 111. 

Mr. Forrest and wife were members of the Methodist church, 
having joined that faith more than 40 years ago. He is also a 
staunch member of the Sons of Temperance, and was one of the 
originators of the order in Iowa. He was educated in the Democratic 
school of politics, to which party he still adheres, and is an earnest 
advocate for reform. Mr. Forrest is a self-made man. Com- 
mencing life in straightened circumstances, he has, by his own 
indomitable energy and perseverance, made for himself a fortune, 
meriting and receiving confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens. 

Matt/mis Jfrahin, owner and proprietor of the Davenport City 
Brewery, 518 and 532 Harrison street, was born in Schleswig- 
Holstein, Germany, Aug. 9, 1821, son of Jurgen and Katrina 
Frahm, natives of Holstein, and the parents of 15 children. Mat- 
thias remained on his tatlier's farm until 21 years of age ; he then 
worked at the cooper's trade and in the brewery business. He 
served 16 months in the German army. In 1848 he came to Amer- 
ica; landed in New York, thence to Davenport in May, 1850. 
He worked on a farm six months, then in a cooper shop here IS 
months. In 1850 he began to build the brewery which he now 
operates. It is the largest brewery in the city and has a capacity 
of 14,000 barrels. They manufacture their own malt. In 18S1 
they made 1,000 barrels. Mr. Frahm was married in October, 
1850, to Katrina Milot, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Frahm 
have had four children, one living, Henry, who is foreman of the 
brewery. He started with two and a half barrels a day and now 
makes 80. He has all the latest brewing and drying apparatus. 

Z. trench^ M. D., 118 East Third street, was born in Broome Co., 
N". Y., on the 2d day of February, 1832. His parents were Eben- 
ezer S. and Anna French, nee Seward, his father a native of 
Massachnsetts, his mother of New York. He attended school, and 
assisted on his father's farm and in the saw-mill until he was 15 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 885 

.years old, wlieii he attended the Binghamton Academy three years, 
and in tlie spring of 1859 he began the stndy of medicine nnder 
bis uncle S. II. French, at Lisle, N. Y. He graduated at Berk- 
shire Medical College, Tittsfield. Mass.. in 1S53. He practiced in 
Lisle, N.Y., and Hyde Park. Pa., until the fall of ISOLwhen became 
West and located at Ananiosa, Iowa. In the fall of ls62, he en- 
listed as surgeon in the 31st Regiment ot Iowa Infantry, and 
remained in the service until July, 1863, when lie resigned on 
account pf sickness and returned to Anamosa. In March, 1865, 
he located in Davenport, which has been his home since, and where 
he has met with good success as a ]-)ractitioner, standing at the 
head of his profession. He has been thrice married ; first in May, 
1856, to Mary I>rockway. His second marriage was in 1864, to Miss 
Ellen L. Cook, daughter of Judge AVm. L. Cook. They hail one 
child — Nellie. Mrs. Ellen French died in December, ls'66, and in 
May, 1868, Dr. French was married to Miss Agnes Norval. who was 
born in England and came to Iowa at the age of 15. He has been 
a member of the Ma.sonic fraternity for the past .25 j-ears. Also a 
inemberof A. O. U. W., Daven])ort Lodge, No. 17. and of Iowa 
and Illinois Central District Medical Society and of the Iowa State 
Medical Societ}'. He lias been examining surgeon for ]iensions 
since 1863, and is president of the board in Davenport. Also a 
member of Scott County Medical Society. 

Ambrose C. Fulton. — We have before us a vast nunil)er of 
journals and documents connected with the ever active life of Am- 
brose C. Fulton, a descendant of one the P'ulton brothers, who came 
to this country from Ireland in 1747, one of whom was the father of 
Robert Fulton, who was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1765, and 
invented and set afloat on the Hudson, in 1807, the steamboat 
"Clermont," the first successful steamboat ever launched. The 
ancestors of his mother, Esther Cowperthwaite, came from England 
to the new world in 1682. 

Tiie subject of our sketch was born in Chester Co.. Pa., in 1811. 
He worked on the farm of his parents until 1827, when he went to 
Philadelphia and acted as errand boy and assistant for an extensive 
builder. In 1831, with a small capital earned by himself, he sailed 
for a cruise on the coast of the Atlantic, and in the same year set- 
tled in New Orleans, and embarked in the commerce of Jamaica, 
Sicily, and Cuba for two years, in which he was very successful. 
After this he entered the building business, and erected a large 
number ot the public and private edifices now in New Orleans 
During his minority- he was on the stage for a short period in 
Pliiladeljihia and New Orleans, and some years thereafter was one 
of the company ofownersof the Arch St. Theater of Piiiladelphia. He 
pro8]iered in all his undertakings, and was able to purchase and pay 
$11,000 for New Orleans city jiroperty in 1^36. and had a reserve 
of several thousand dollars on hand which at that period was con- 
sidered a large sum of money. During 1835, Santa Anna, Dictator 
of Mexico, imprisoned witiiin the dungeons of the capital the repre- 



f36 HISTORY OF SCOTT COrNTT. 

sentatives of the tlien Mexican State of Texas, and issued his pro- 
nuncianiento requiring all Americans to leave Texas under pain of 
death. He increased his army and marched forth to enforce his de- 
cree. Mr. Fulton, though quite a young man at the time, called 
upon the friends of oppressed Texas, through the press, to join him 
and inarch to the rescue. The immediate result was that a volun- 
teer corps of over 300 young men was formed, which was tiie main 
force at the victorious battle of the mission, and the storming and 
capture of the fortified town cd'Baxar, which caused the withdrawal 
of all Mexican troops from the State, and ended the campaign of 
1S35; which act eventually gave us Texas and California, and 
changed the destwiy of this Union. 

In July, 18i2, Mr. Fulton moved to Davenport, Iowa, bringing 
with him a large stock of goods, and a few years thereafter he 
opentd a branch store at (ralena. 111., with chy -goods which he 
removed from a store that he had owned several 3'ears in Phila- 
delpliia. In October, 1842, he built, andfreighted with agricultural 
products for the New Orleans market, the first flat-boat that ever 
cleared from the port of Davenport. This year, 184:2, Messrs. 
Fulton, Bennett and Lambert dammed the Wapsipinecon River in 
Buchanan County, and erected a tlour-mill. 

In the winter of 1842 and spring of 1843 he made a preliminary 
survey between Davenport and the Cedar River, near Rochester, 
with a view of working up a railroad, and also m'^de a survey of 
the Mississippi River above Davenport, took soundings to ascertain 
the depth of water and the formation of the bottom and banks, and 
the practicability of erecting a bridge, and laid the facts before a 
meeting id' the citizens of Davenport in 1S43, and published a re- 
port of liis survey in a Philadelphia journal in 1845. In 1842 he 
conceived the practicability of leading the waters of the Mississip- 
pi along the Iowa shore and creating a water-power ; purchased 
several miles of canal grounds and one of the islands in the river ; 
took levels and made surveys at a cost of several thousand dollars. 
The work was then abandoned as too heavy for a single individual. 

Previous to 1848 Davenport had no llour-mill. A metting was 
called to devise ways and means to secure one. Mr. Fulton pro- 
posed to furnish one-half of the capital to build and operate a first- 
class merchant flouring mill provided the citizens would furnish 
the other one-half. They declined, as the}' considered the under- 
taking too great and hazardous. He resolved alone to put a mill 
in operation, and immediately purchased the ground and erected a 
large brick structure. After ^11 was ready for the machinery he 
sold the mill to be completed by the purchasers. The citizens 
and farmers expressed great sorrow that he had sold the mill, and 
called on him by a committee to express their feelings. He re- 
plied, " Get the owner of the adjacent ground to sell me at a fair 
value, and I will erect another steam mill and operate it." 
"When shall we say to tlie owner you will commence work?" 
"Tell him I will commence to-morrow morning." The ground 



CITY OF D.VVJiNl'ORT. 837 

was i>ur;lia-eil and I'uuiulation work cDininencud the next morning, 
and a $12.U00 mill erected and pu' in operation three days before 
tlie tirst 11)111 was run. The citizens assembled on that da}-, Jan. 
15, 1848, and gave within the mill a complimentarj' dinner to Mr. 
Fulton and his employes, accompanied with toasts and well- 
wishes. 

In 184D he called a meeting of the citizens ot Davenjiort to take 
action toward the construe ion ot a railroad between Rock Island 
and LaSalle. in Illinois. Subscriptions were opened, and lie not 
only subscribed to^the stock to the extent of his ability, but at the 
onset almost alone and unaided held meetings in the towns, villages 
and country sclu)ol-houses of Iowa and Illinois. Finally the masses 
ot the ])eople embarked in the undertaking of its full comi)letion 
to Chicago. The citizens of Iowa desired to have the raili'oad line 
e.xtended west thr lUgh the State. To accomplish thi-; it was pro- 
posed to memorialize Congress for a grant of land. To work up a 
line and' circulate those memorials in a sparsely settled country re- 
quired time and money. Mr. Fulton, as ever, came to the rescue, 
and spent many months holding meetings through the State, and 
visiting farmers at their homes. lie iiaid his own expenses, and 
in due time his exertions were crowned with success, but, instead 
of a grant tor one railroad, three obtained a like favor, " many 
reaping wlicjhad not sown," and the bridge that he called the atten- 
tion of his neighbors to in 18i3, and the world to in 1845, was 
erected. In 184!) and 1850 Mr. Fulton wrote for an Eastern jour- 
nal a series of articles on Iowa, respecting her climate, soil and 
productions, which attracted the attention of the Eastern people 
and was instrumental in bringing into Iowa a large number of 
thrifty settlers who are now residing with ns. 

Previous to 1854 the city ot Davcn])ort did iiot])osscss a suitable 
cemetery. Mr. I'^uUon proj^osed to a few citizens to unite and pur- 
clia<e a tract ot land tor cemetery purposes. The proposition was 
sanctioned, and he was a]>pointed to select a site and enter into 
contracts, which he did ; at this point the others declined the risk. 
He individually fultilled his contracts, ))aid for 72 acres of land, 
teaced and laid it out with three miles of cirri ige drive and nine 
miles of walks. ]ilanted 500 evergreen and other trees, and many 
costly tombs now mark the resting place of the departed. He 
still conducts Pine Hill. 

Mr. Fulton was elected and served as county commissioner for 
Scott Count}', and when tlie Democrats were in the ascendency he 
was twice nominated and ran as a Whig for the Lower House of the 
Genersil Assembly of Iowa, and was defeated by a small inaj >rity. 

Ill 1854 he was elected to the Iowa Senate by the Anti-Slavery 
Whigs by a large majority. He took the responsibility and or- 
ganized that body, fter one week's dead-lock, by voting for a 
Democratas president of the Senate. He also disobeyed the almost 
unanimous petition and request of his constituents by being in- 



838 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

stniineutal in seiidincr lion. James Harlan to the United States 
Senate. In 1857 he was elected a life member of the Xorthwestern 
Freedmen's Aid Commission. 

During the Rebellion he furnished the war department with mil- 
itary maps of New Orleans and adjacent country, embracing Fort 
Jackson, tlie Mississippi River, lakes, canals, timber and swamp 
lands, depth of water and nature of the bottom, public roads and 
bridges, for which he received the personal thanks of Simon Cam- 
eron, then Secretary of War. He also furnished the then Mt. Ida 
College building in Daveiiport as a barracks for 'an Iowa regiment, 
and as a hospital, through which the property sustained great dam- 
age, and he received no compensation. He is without doubt the 
only man in Iowa, and perhaps in the Union, who quartered a regi- 
ment at his own individual cost. 

The journals before us witness that Mr. Fulton has not lived for 
self alone. In one good act he gave city lots for four cliurches; in 
an other instance, on the 10th of October, 1849, when the delegates 
from various States and cities assembled at Davenport in conven- 
tion to take action in respect to the improvement of the rapids of 
the Mississippi, he furnished the entire delegation with a splendid 
dinner at the Le Claire House at his own cost. 

He built without any compensation the first wagon bridge over 
Duck Creek, west of the Dubuque road, and elevated the roadways 
to connect with the bridge, and also the first bridge of note and road- 
ways in Cleoua Township. In 1865 he was in the grain and com- 
mission business in Chicago, and a member of the Ijoard of Trade. 
In 1867 he, through the press, advocated building a horse railroad, 
visited Philadelphia at his own expense to ol)tain facts and consult 
contractors, organized a home company, solicited stock, and was 
instrumental in the construction of a street car line east and west 
through the city. During the same year, 1867, he proposed to a 
neighbor, Mr. L. F. Parker, to join him and view the country 
northward for a railroad line to connect Davenport with St. Paul. 
The view was taken and considered favorably. In ISCS he drew 
up a stock subscription list which he headed with 85i000, went 
upon the street and after mnch labor obtained many thousand more. 
All action then ceased until 1869, when the mass of the people came 
forward and carried the work to completion. He was one of the 
original workers and stockholders of the New Orleans and Daven- 
port gas works. He erected for himself in New Orleans nine 
buildings and 37 in Iowa, all above the average class, and put 2,000 
acres of land under cultivation. 

His advantages of an early education were quite limited. It 
embraced but a few winters at a country school. But to use his 
expression, he picked up some useful knowledge during the eve- 
nings of five years in the sky chamber of a kitchen in New Orleans, 
where he alternately read history, law, medical works, allopathic 
and homeopathic, attended a few medical lectures, and studied en- 
gineering. That he gained some knowledge his published reports 



crn- OF PAVENPORT. 839 

and estiinates'iiiade under appointment of the Citizens' Association, 
to hi-iny the St. Piinl Railroad into the city, bear witness, and the 
court records and reports of New Orleans and Iowa, show tliat he 
to a limited extent has been a very successful practitioner. lie was 
one of the corporators of the Homeopathic Medical College of Phil- 
adelphia, and in January, 1S50, in connection witli Drs. Sanford 
and Richards, who with others were then conducting the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons at Davenport, undertook to estab- 
lish an allopathic medical college in Davenport. With this view, 
Mr. Fulton negotiated with the bishop of Dubuque for the purchase 
of the grounds and building then known as the Nunnery, on Third 
street, east of Perry street, and since converted into the Ackley 
House. Mr. Fnlton had drawn plans for remodeling the Nunnery, 
and posted them at the postofiice, when an indii^nant people de- 
clared that a medical college should not be established in Daven- 
port. The plans were destroyed, and even a grave in the city 
cemetery opened to see if the corpse was removed, and the medical 
faculty abandoned Davenport and located at Keokuk. 

I'red GenzJ'tnger merchant, located at the corner of Bridge avenue 
and Front street, was born in Peru, La Salle Co., III., Nov. 2J:, 
lS5-t. His parents were Anton, (now deceased), and Barbara G. 
Genzlinger of German nativity. Fred was educated at Peru and 
Davenport, and has been engaged in the mercantile business in 
the latter ])lace for some time. In religious sentiment he is a Con- 
gregationalist. He was educated in the Republican school of ])o!i- 
tics and still adheres to that part}'. 

Edwirnl 11. GifFord. proprietor of the Tricity laundry, 116 West 
Third street, bought this laundry of Geo. W. Fisher in May, 18SU. 
Under Mr. Gilford's management the laundry has been greatly im- 
proved, liavingput in the latest and best improvements foi-doingtirst 
class work. He employs Inexperienced women all the time. He was 
born in Muscatine, Iowa, April 7, 1S61, and was a son of E. H. 
and Nancy A. Gilford, natives of Illinois, and the parents of two 
children, W. D. Giftord, of the firm of Gifford, Sheels & Co., rope, 
twine and cordage manufacturers. Rock Island, 111., and the sub- 
ject of this sketch, who married Miss Nettie M. Roinidy, July 1, 
18S0. She was born in Wisconsin, and was a daughter of P. W. 
and Jane A. Romidy, natives of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford 
have one child Annie V. Mr. G. is one of our enterprising young 
business men, and is on the high road to success. 

Moritz Goldfriederich of the firm of Goldfriederich ik Thelman, 
spring wagon manufacturers, 312 Harrison .street, became one of 
the proprietors of this business in 1876. The factory was estab- 
lished in 1869, and since 1876 has been operated by its present 
owners. The}' occupy a two-story building, 80 x 25 feet, and have 
a blacksmith, trimming, varnisii, and paint sliop, and carry a 
complete line of bnggv wheels, springs, etc., and do all kinds of 
repairing. Moritz Goldfriederich was born in Saxtmy, Germany, 
June 23, 1S2U, and was a son of Benjamin J. and Christiana S. (Eck- 



840 HisTOEr OF scorr county. 

liardt)Goldti'iedei-ich. Moritz learned the wagon-maker's trade in 
liis native conntr}', and ciiue to America in 1849. He went to 
"Wisconsin, thence to Cliicago, St. Louis and Cincinnati, kicating 
ill Davenport in 1S55. Previous to entering into his present busi- 
ness he worked 12 j-ears for Woeber & Bros. He was married 
July 27, 185-3, to Mary Wiedegen, of Hess, Germany. They have 
had 12 children, 6 living— Emily (now Mrs. August Kaine), Emma, 
Anna, Johnnie, Odelia and Caroline. Mr. Goldfriederich is a mem- 
ber of Scott Lodge, L O. O. F., No. 37. 

Carl Thelman was born in Hanover, Germany, March 5, 1833, 
and was a son ofJolin A. and Charlotte (Reck) Thelman. Carl 
came to the United States in 1865. He located in Le Claire, Scott 
Co., where he remained one year, then came to Davenport. 
He married Augusta Wohler in Germany, Nov. 10, 1859. To 
tliem have been b:irn eight children, five living — August, Louis, 
Charles, Harry and Oscar. 

Peter Goldschmidf, resident of 420 West Second street, is a na- 
tive of Schleswig, Germany, born Feb. 18, 1824, son of John and 
Elsie (Oye) Goldschmidt, of German birth. They both died in 
Davenport, the former in 1853 and the la'ter On Jnne 13, 1875. 
Peter left liis home in Germany for America in 1850, but returned 
in 1851. He came to America the second time and located in 
Davenport, July 2, 1852. He obtained employment as cabinet- 
maker in the store of Mr. Ben Barr for 11 months, then went into 
business for himself In 1867 he entered his present store, where 
he is engaged in the undertaker and furniture business. His 
marriage with Eliza Henridesen occurred Apr. 18, 1852. She was 
born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Goldschmidt have been blessed 
with 10 children, five living — Henry, Laura, Edward, Alfred and 
Otto. Mr. Goldschmidt affiliates with the Republican party. 

Henry (?00i% grocer, 14U1 Harrison street, was born Aug. 24, 
18.26, in Holstein, Germany, and was a son of Henry and "Wilbke, 
Goos, natives of German}-, where they both died, the former in 
1827, the latter in 1873. The subject of this memoii- came to 
America and located in Davenport, Apr. 28, 1856. He engaged in 
vari'ius branches of business, a few years, and was then enijiloyed 
by Mr. Gould in the furniture business, and remained with him 17 
years. He conducted a furniture store in Diirand, Iowa, one year, 
then returned to Davenport, and in 1878 engaged in the grocery 
business, which he has followed since. He has a thriving trade 
and carries a complete stock of goods. He was united in mar- 
riage with Elizabeth Kuhr, March 8, 1853, in Holstein, where siic 
was born. Thev have had four children, three living — Henrv, 
born Nov. 20, 1858; William, July 22, 1861, and Emina. March 
14, 1867. Mr. Goos is a member of the Lutheran church. Politi- 
cally is a Republican. 

Hans Goos, dealer in sand and cord wood, corner Front and 
Main streets, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Feb. 4, 
1824 ; his parents were Hans S. and Margaret (Schmidt) Goos. 





\ 



lV3 



yh^^J^ 



CITY OF DAVENI'ORT. S4.3 

Hans, the subject of tliis sketch, was the only child; ho attended 
school until 10, tlieii farmed and worked at the stone-cutter's trade 
and served five years in the war between Sclileswi^llolstein, and 
Denmark, from 'iS to '51. In the fall of 18.3)5 he came alo:)o to 
the Unitetl States ; was 35 da^-s at sea; laniied in New York City, 
and came direct to Davenport, Iowa, arrivinjr here December, 
1S53. lie workeu at liis trade of stone-cutting one year; since then 
he lias been boating on the Mississippi River. lie is half owner 
of the "Lone Star" steamer and also owns several flat-boats. He 
was married t<.> Miss Tiene Meyer, June, 1858. The fruit of this 
marriai^e was five children, two livin<^, viz.: Miss Emma and 
Amelia. The mother died in 1869. In August, 1871, Mr. Goes 
married Miss Louisa Long; slie was born in Germany. Mr. and 
Mrs. Goos have had one son. viz., Hans Goes, Jr. Mr. Hans 
Goos, Sr., is one of Davenport's representative men, and has been 
identified with this city since December, 1853. Mr. Goos owns a 
nice residence on Seventh and Gains street, where he and family 
reside. 

Wm. W. Grant, M.D., was born in Russell Co., Ala., in 1846, 
where his boyhood days were spent. In 1867 he went to Enfield, 
Halifax Co., N. C, for the purjiose of reading medicine; after re- 
maining there one year he went to Philadelphia and matriculated in 
Jeflerson Medical College; he spent one lecture season there, then 
went to New York, and after attending lectures at Brooklyn and 
Bellville Colleges which were all conducted by the same corps of 
professors, he graduated with the degree of M. D. in the fall of 
1868, from the Long Island ^Medical College, Brooklyn. Upon 
completing liis course lie went to Nebraska and located in Dakota 
City. In 1871 he removed to Davenport, wliere he has since been 
a devotee of medicine and surgery; he is acknowledged as one of 
the leaders in his profession in Scott County, and has a ver\- ex- 
tensive practice. The Docter is a member of Scott County Medical 
Society, Iowa State Medical Association, Iowa and Illinois Central 
District Association and the American Medical Association, and 
has tilled several official chairs in them; has been president of the 
first and third named societies. Dr. Grant married Addie ^loseley, 
born in Franklin, Tenn., .were married in October. 1878. His 
fatlier. Dr. McDonough Grant, was a native of Raleigh, N. C; lie 
was a brother ot Judge James Grant, of Davenport, and died in 
1881; his widow resides with her children in this city. Dr. Grant 
is the eldest son and third child; five of their six cliildt-en reside in 
Scott County. 

Gough B. Grant, )iro])rietor of tlie St. James and Newcomb 
House hotels, Davenport., was born near Montgomery, Ala., Oct. 
5, 1852. He was a son of Gough W. Grant, a native of North 
Carolina, who at an early age enlisted in the United States Navy, 
and was promoted to first lieutenant. He resigned his commission 
in 1845 and returned to North Carolina, where he married Miss 
Fannie Pierce. He soon after removed to Montgomery, Ala., 
49 



844 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

where he afterward practiced medicine. He and ivit'e had three 
sons. Gough B., the subject of this sketch, when 12 or 13 removed 
with his parent's to Georgia, where lie attended school and college 
until 21. He then taught school at Chalybeate Springs three years. 
In 1877 he came to Davenport, Iowa, and was private secretary 
for his uncle, Judge Grant, three years, when he became projirietor 
of the St. James Hotel. This excellent hotel is three stories high 
and fronts on Main and Brady streets. It is most pleasantly situ- 
ated near the banks of the Mississippi River, aliording a grand 
view of this noble stream as well as Rock Island, 111., on the op- 
posite shore. The St. James Hotel is fitted up in first-class order. 
It has 50 finely furnished sleeping-rooms with elegrant parlors, 
reception and dining rooms, also fine sample rooms. The kitchens, 
pastry and dining rooms are models for neatness and the very best 
cooks and waiters are employed. The entire building is heated by 
the latest improved steam apparatus, and is the model hotel of the 
city. It is the commercial man's home as well as the favorite re- 
sort for the best ot all classes. The gentlemanly proprietor, Mr. 
Gough B. Grant, prides himself on his attention to the comfort of 
his guests. He is a true gentleman and is respected by all, and is 
one of Davenport's enterprising representative men. 

t.,H. Griggs, born at Brookline, Mass., Nov. 14, 1S34. Came 
to Davenport April, 1855. Was for several years engaged in the 
business of printing and publishing, as a member of the firms of 
Luse & Griggs, and Griggs, Watson & Day. Was elected president 
of the Citizens' National Bank, in October, 1872, since which time 
he has been out of active business. 

D. Orupe, proprietor ot the Davenport Boilerl Works, 317 East 
2d street, was born in the State of Penus3dvauia, Feb. 5, 1845, and 
is of Scotch and German descent. His parents, Phillip and Har- 
riet Grupe, nee McGrail, were natives also of that State. When he 
was quite young his parents removed to Des Moines Co., Iowa 
and located near Burlington, where his mother died. His father 
then moved into the city of Burlington, where he attended school 
until 14 years of age, when liis father died, and he was compelled 
to make a living for himself. He worked in a furniture store until 
Dec. 1, 1S63, when he enlisted in Company G, 25th Iowa Infantry 
Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was in the 
battles and engagements of Sherman, and with him in his famous 
march to the sea. On the march to Washington lie was transferred 
to Company E, 9th Iowa Veteran Infantry Volunteers, and was 
mustered out at Louisville, Ky. He then returned to Burlington 
where he remained seven years, learning the boiler maker's-trade. 
He established a shop of his own in Des Moines, and engaged in 
business there until July, 1881, when he located in Davenport, and 
opened his present works on Second street. He emp'.oj-s only ex- 
perienced workmen, and is prepared to do first-class work. On 
Aug. 12, 1874, he married Miss Jennie Miller, of New York. Three 
children have been born to them — Flora L., John P. and Carv F. 



CITY OF da^t;nport. 845 

Mr. Grnpe is a Mason and a inftinher of Capital Lodo^e. No. 110, 
at l)es Moines, also K. P., Friendship Lodge, No. 11, at Burling- 
ton, and G. A. R. 

Marx Glide was born Aug. 4. 1S35, in Holstein, Germany, son 
of I lans and Margaret ( Loot't ) Gude, nati\es also of that place. 
Mar.x sailed from Hamburg July i, 1S57, for America, and came 
direct to Davenport, where lie worked at the carpenter's trade about 
four years, then eugaged'^in farming for 16 years in Butler Town- 
ship; since that time has conducted a saloon and boarding liouse, at 
No. 431 West Second street. He was married to Doris Parbs, 
Sept. 15, 1862, in Butler Township. Her mother is dead, but her 
fatiier is still living and resides in Butler Township. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gude have had 11 children, eight living. Henry, born Jan. 31, 
1863; Lena. Jan. 7, 1865; Gustav. Sept. 2n, 1866; Julius, Nov. 5, 
1868; Metha, Oct. 20, 1870; Emiel, Nov. 14. 1872; Ferdinand, May 
19, 1876, and Charles, Oct, 15. 1878. The family are members of 
the Lutheran church. Mr. Gude is a Republican. • 

Jacob GitJdner was born in Bavaria, Aug. 2, 1831, and is a son 
of John and Susan i^Bakei') Gnldner, natives also of that country, 
whore they died. -Jacob left his native countr}- for America in 
18.")1, and landed in New York. From there he went to Erie, Pa., 
and remained until January, 1853, when he came to Davenport. 
Since his arrival here he has been engineer in saw-mills, and at 
present is acting in that capacity in the saw-mill of Sehaker & 
Miller. He was married in Erie, Pa,, Aug. 7, 1852, to Anna 
Maria Stepick. To them have been born nine children — Mary, 
John, Edward, George, Frederick, Jacob, Anna, Martha and 
Hugo. Mr. (Tuldner is a member ofthe Catholic church, his 
family ofthe Lutheran. 

John Gund<ikei\ foreman for T. W. McClelland ct Co., sash, 
door and blind manufactory, was born in Lancaster, Pa., Dec. 8, 
1833. His parents, George and Mary (Tundakei*, nee Kuhns. 
were likewise natives of that State. He attended school and 
learned the carpcTiter's trade in Lancaster, and in 1855 started for 
the West, and located in Davenjtort, April 3d of that year. He 
followed his trade here until 1850, when he went to St. Louis; 
remained there until 1861, when he went to Philadelphia, Pa. 
Six months later he returned to Davenport. He worked three 
months at Camp McClelland, building barracks for the soldiers. 
then obtained his present situation as foreman for T. AY. McClel- 
land it Co. On Aug. 30. 1862, he was married to Miss Margai'et 
Mullen, of Providence. R. I. Of nine children born to them, 
eight are living — Mary E. a graduate of the high school, and a 
teacher in the Second Ward school; Anna, who married Edward 
Tressler, Feb, 15, 1882; Carrie, Laura, John, Fannie, Mattie and 
Walter. Mr. Gundaker is a member of 1. O. O. F., Lodge No. 7, 
State Encampment, No. 3, and is Past Grand Master of tlie State, 
and Past (Trand Representative ofthe Grand Lodge ofthe United 
States, and Past Grand Patriarch of the State, and K. of R. »fe 



846 BISTORT OF SOOTT COUNTY. 

S., of K. P., Damon Lodge, Xo. 10. Pie was toreman of the first 
hose company of the first fire department of the city and State. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

tred Haak, owner of the cigar manufactory, 1110 7tli street, 
was born Aug. ti, 1815, in Holstein, Germany, and is a son of Carr- 
ten and L. (Ostendnrff) Haak, natives of Germany. The family 
came to Davenport, la., in 1S5S, where the mother died in May, 
1878. The father still resides here. Fred attended school in this 
city two years, then learned the cigar-maker's trade, and worked for 
different parties until 1869, when he began in business for himself, 
on 4th street. In 1870, he built the factory which he now con- 
ducts, at No. 1110 7th street, with a viewof running a larger force. 
He employs 6(i men, and manufactures 2,000,000 cigars annually, 
which are sold principally in Iowa and Illinois. He enlisted Jan. 
15, 1864, in the army and served one year; was in the battle of 
Mobile, Ala. He was married in Davenport, Nov. 22, 1867, to 
Ca'roline Kuhrdt, of Pommesn, Prussia; her mother died in Canada 
in 1852; her father resided with Mr. and Mrs. Haak. They have 
five children — Wilemena, Pauline, John. Richard and Teckda. In 
politics Mr. Haak is a Republican. 

Israel Hall is a native of Halifax, Vt., and was born on the 11th 
of Seotember, 1813. His father was a native of Connecticut, 
where" his grandfather and great-grandfather also resided. His 
parents owned a small farm, and were in very njoderate circum- 
stances. Israel received about five months' schuoling during the 
year in early life, and assisted his father the remainder of the time; 
when he was 11 years old his mother died, and his father after- 
ward married again. He remained on the farm until 1830, and at 
that time was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade at Guil- 
ford, Vt. His employer, however, soon afterward failed, and young 
Hall went next to work for a Mr. Gregor}', a fine mechanic, with 
whom he remained one year. He continued at his trade with dif- 
ferent builders until 1835, when he engaged in business for him- 
self. During the financial revulsion that swept over the country 
during the year 1837, he lost most of his previous earnings. In 
1887 lie married Miss Rachel Brown, a native of Baltimore, Md. Mr. 
Hall had long had a desire to remove to the West; accordingly April 
8, he started arriving in Davenport April 30, 1838. His family came in 
the fall of the same year. There were then a few scattered hamlets and 
not many residents in the place, and one can hardly realize the prog- 
ress that has been working while it has developed into the metrcip- 
olis of Iowa, with its 25,000 inhabitants. Soon after his arrival 
here Mr. Hall found employment with Mr. Asa Green; and sub- 
sequently located his home and place of business on the ground 
still owned b^' him on Brady street. Here he steadily pursued his 
vocation, helping by every means in his power to build up, and 
advance the interests of his adopted home. At the earnest solici- 
tations of friends and citizens he began the business of under- 
taking, keeping up with the demands of the times, so that in this 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. SJr7 

line D.iveiiport w.is lut at uU bjhiiid h3r sister cities of the Eist. 
In 1866 havingaecnrei a competency, he discontinued his business, 
and retired to more private lite, content to give room tor others and 
live in tiie enjoyment of what lie had accumulated. H'i owns a fine 
block on' Brady street, besides farms and other lands in the West, 
to which he lias given his attention during the last 10 years. From 
its organization, Mr. Hall has been a leading member of the Scott 
County Pioneer Settlers' Association. He was its president in 
18(37, and since 18f>9 has been treasurer of the same. He has also 
been connected with the OakDale Cemetery Company since its 
organization and is now its secretary. He h is always been an out- 
spoken triend of temperance, and in religious sentiment is a Method- 
ist, having united with that church in 1832. He has never sought, or 
even desired political honors; preferring the quiet and peace of his 
legitimate business to the turmoil and excitement of political strife. 
A brief history of the career of his son, George F. Hall, will be 
found succeeding this sketch. 

Lieutenant George F. HaU. Among the noble men whom Iowa 
furnished in the late civil war, none fought more bravely or made 
for himself a more honorable record tlian he, a brief histoi'y of 
whose life we give below. A native of Brattleboro, Yt., he was 
born on the lith of February, 1838, the son of Israel Hall and Rachel 
nee Brown. In 1839 his parents removed to the West, and settled 
at D.iveiiport, Iowa, and there among the pioneer settlers of Scott 
County he passed his youth and grew to manhood. At the o])en- 
ing of the war of the Rebellion his ])atriotism became thoroughly 
aroused, ani he determined to enter the army. Accordingly he 
enlisted as a private in Company C, of the famous Second Iowa 
Infantry. Upon the organization of the company he became ser- 
geant, and served with unusual vigor and credit beyond the full 
term of his enlistment, lie was pnjmoted from time to time for 
meritorious services, and closed his military career as first lieuten- 
ant and acting ordnance officer on the staff of General Sweeney, 
second division, left wing, Sixteenth Army Corps. As a soldier he 
was loyal, patient and brave, and for the noble service which be 
rendered well deserves a place on Iowa's roll of honor. After the 
close of his service in the *army, Lieutenant Hall returned to his 
home with health seriously imjiaired by hardshi)is which he had 
undergone. With a view of recruiting his strength he made a trip 
to California, were he jiirtially recovered. Turning his steps home- 
ward, he on the way received injuries which cut short his da3's. 
In jumping from the ocean steamer to go on shore he fell from 
the effects of which an abscess formed in the right side, proving un- 
expectedly fatal soon after his arrival home. He died on Friday 
morning, April 0, 1860. The funeral cortege was largely com- 
posed of old settlers. 

Jens Hansen, manufacturer of furniture and dealer in sewing 
machines, etc., 1522 West Locust street, was born Apr. 22, 1842, 
in Schlebwig-llolstein, Germany. His parents, Jens and Christiana 



848 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Hansen, were born in Holstein, where they died. Jens Hansen, 
Jr., emigrated tu America in May, 1869, and located at once in 
Davenport, Iowa. Having learned the carpenter's and cabinet- 
maker's trade in his native country, he obtained employment at 
that until 1873, when he went into bnsiness for himself at his 
present number. On the ISth of August, 1S71, he was married to 
Eleonre Tenneson, a native of Schleswig, Germany. Of their live 
children, four are living — Jennie Catharine, Jens Carl, Anna and 
Eleonre. Mr. Hansen is a member of the United Brotherhood of 
Iowa. 

Peter B. Harding, dealer in grain and agricultural implements, 
corner Second and Harrison streets, was born in Holstein, Ger- 
many, Feb. 23, 1820. His parents were John C. and Margarett 
(Dircks) Harding, natives of German}^ where the former died at 
the age of S3 years. She still resides there. The subject of this 
memoir emigrated to the United States in 1850, and came at once 
to Davenport. He embarked in the dry-goods and 'grocery busi- 
ness. Afterward went into the grain business, being the first to 
establish business in that line in Iowa. He located at his present 
number in 1851, where he handles all kinds of farming im])le- 
ments and deals in grain. He was married in Davenport in the 
spring of 1851, to Caroline Hanssen, a native of Holstein, Ger- 
many. Her parents are both dead. Mr. and Mrs. Harding have 
had six children — Hans, Herman, John, Frank, Minnie (nuw the 
wife of A. Rosch, and lives five miles from this city), and Lena, 
who married A. Emeis, druggist, on Third and Perrj' streets. 
Mr. Harding and family are members of the Lutheran church. 

Daniel H. Harfivell was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 13., 
1838, and is a son of George Hartwell, of that place. He was 
reared on a farm and educated at Greenwich, Washington Co., N. 
Y. In 1861 he went to Ionia, Mich., thence to Davenport in 1862, 
and embarked in the real estate and insurance business, which he 
still follows. He was State agent for the Mutual Benefit Insur- 
ance Co., of Newark, N. J., for 12 years, fur the State of Iowa. 
The present firm of Hartwell & Bernis was established two years 
ago. Mr. Bernis was formerly superii Jandent of the cit}' schools. 
The subject of this sketch was married in 1863 to Jennie Harvey. 
They have two children — Daniel H., Jr., and Orville H. Mr. Hart- 
well is a member of the Masonic order and other societies. Has 
taken 32 degrees in Scottish Rite. He is secretary of the Daven- 
port Building, Loan and Savings Association. 

Henri/ Hass, grain dealer, was born in Holstein, Germany, May 
15, 1835. In 1855 he left his home and came to tlae States, coming 
in a sailing vessel, being nine weeks and three days making the 
voyage. Landed in New York, thence to Davenport. In early 
life worked as a miller for a couple of years. His father being a 
carpenter and joiner he learned that trade, which he followed after 
coming to this county. Mr. Hass is the pioneer grain dealer in 
Davenport. In 1861 he married Maggie Toms. She was born in 



CITY OF DAVENPOET. 849 

Holstein. By this union tliere were seven children, five of whom 
are liviiiij, four sons and one dauj^hter, viz.: Kudol]th, Clara, Hugo, 
Alfred and Otto. Wiien ^[r. Ilasscaine to this country he borrowed 
$4(1 to come with, and when he hmded liad hut $2.50 in his pocket. 
But instead of sitting down went to work.'and the end of the tirst 
year after arrivinj^had paid liis debt of $40 and luid some money be- 
sides. A[r. JIass is now one of tlie well-to-do business men of Dav- 
enport. He is a member of the I. (). (). F., Turner and Siiooting 
Societies. Mrs. Ilass died Oct. 14, 18S1, leaving a family of five 
ciiiltlren and husband to mourn her loss. 

E (hoard Ilainl'm Hazeii, M. D., was born Ai)ril 12, lS34,'iii 
Elyria, Lorain Co., O. His fatiier, Edward Hazen, was a native 
of the State of New York, and an autbor of considerable merit. He 
wrote a "Technology of Professions and Trades" which was ])ublished 
by the Harpers and is still named in their catalogue, also several 
valuable school books w'hich were extensively used in the Eastern 
States. He died in his SOt'i year. His mother, also a native of 
^ew York, is a woman of rare mental energy, fine powers of con- 
ception and observation, exalted Christian principle, and highly* es- 
teemed in the various relations of life. She is still living with her 
oidy son, the subject of this sketcli. Tlie Doctor is one of 10 
children, and obtained his rudimentary education in the schools of 
Baltimore and Xew York cities, where his parents resided during 
his boyhood. In his home training special attention was given to 
cultivating habits of observation, to strengthening powers of con- 
centration and to develo])ing a strong, self-reliant character. This 
early discipline, without doubt, exerted an influence in his choice 
of a profession. In 18.59 he began the study of medicine at the 
Michigan State Cniversit}'. The same careful study, painstaking 
investigation, methodical tabulation of acquired knowledge, char- 
acterized the initiatory course of study that has marked and i-en- 
dered successful the efforts of later years. The interruption caused 
by the war of the Hebellion protracted the time necessary to com- 
plete a course in medicine, to the spring of 1866, at which time he 
graduated from the Medical Department of Wooster University, 
Cleveland, O. In obedience to his country's call, he enlisted in 
tlie Union ranks of the 2d Michigan Infantry in May, 1861. He 
was in the battle of Bull Run, July, 1861. After spending one 
year in the volunteer service, he was discharged to accept an ap- 
pointment as hospital stew-ard in tiie regular army. He served in 
this capacity for three years, in the hospitals of Alexandria, Va. 
This fluid furnished ample scope for the exercise of his peculiar 
ability to organize and systematize labori Here he enjoyed flne 
opportunity for improvement in the line of his cliosen profession, 
by assisting the various surgeons connected with the hospitals. 
During the last year of his service he was engaged in preparing a 
history of the surgical cases at Alexandria, for the " iledical and 
Surgical History of the Rebellion." After receiving his di]iloma, 
he entered upon the general practice of medicine in Bufl'alo, N. Y., 



850 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

where he remained one j-ear. In 1867 he cliose Davenport, la., 
as liis future home, and the great West as his field of professional 
labor. He continued in general practice for eight years, and then 
decided to make a specialty of the treatment of diseases of the eye, 
ear and throat. To fit himself as thoroughly as possible for the 
special work, he spent several winters in the hos])ltals of !New 
York, Philadelphia and Boston, under the best instruction to be 
secured in these cities. In pursuance of the same object he visited 
England and France in 1872, and in the hospitals of London and 
Paris witnessed surgical operations by the best medical talent of 
the Old World. He gathered much valuable information botii by 
study and observation while abroad; and since his return has real- 
ized the benefit of his investigation in the steady growth of pro- 
fessional reputation, and in a reasonably lucrative practice. From 
1870 to 1874 Dr. Ilazen was a lecturer on ophthalmology and 
otology in the medical department of the Iowa State University. 
•In 1875 he rented and fitted up as a private infirnaary the prop- 
erty known as the John P. Cook mansion, in Davenport, la. This 
venture proving successful, in the autumn of 1879 he bought the 
suburban residence of Judge Dillon, to which ])leasant retreat he 
moved both infirmary and home, but he continues to spend ]iart of 
each day at his oflice in the central part of the city. Dr. Hazen is 
the inventor of a new and useful instrument called "Hazen's 
Douche and Inhaler" for the treatment of the raucous membrane 
of the air passages. The profession wherever introduced recognize 
its utility in combining in one instrument many of the require- 
ments which physicians who treat those diseases have hitherto 
found only in the use of a large assortment of other appliances. 
Dr. Hazen is a member of the American Medical Association, the 
International Ophthalmological Congress, the International Oto- 
logical Congress, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Iowa and 
Illinois District Medical Society, and the Scott County Medical 
Society, and lias held im]iortant official positions in most of them. 
The Doctor has been an active member ot the various associations 
of the city, whose aims are to jirumote the social and educational 
interests. He is a member of the Masonic order, having taken the 
Chapter degrees. He was married in 1874 to Miss Sallie Free- 
man, a native of Fairfield Co.. 0., and at the time of their mar- 
riage a teacher in the Davenjjort High School. They have four 
cliildren, viz.: Auzella M., Edward B., Laura T. and CliarlesAl. 
Hazen. 

Otto Ilelhig is a native of Saxony, Germany, born March 22, 
1835. His parents, Christ and Mary Helbig, nee Wather. were 
natives of Saxony, and are now deceased. Otto came to the United 
States in 1862, and came immediately to Davenport, Iowa. He 
learned the butcher's trade and has followed it since. He went 
into business for himself in June, 1865, and is at present located 
at the corner of Fourth and Iowa. He does a good business. On 
June 13, 1865, he was married in Davenport to Sophia Gerhart, of 



CITY OF DAVENrORT. 851 

Pennsylvania. TTer ])arents reside in Clinton Connt>\ this State. 
His wife died having been the mother of ?ix children, three living — 
Delia, Otto and Agnes, lie was again married March 2i', ISSl, to 
Caroline Schwitzer. They have one child. Mr. llolbig is a mem- 
ber of A. O. U. W. Lodge, 2so. 17, of Davenport. 

John E. Henry, Mayor of Davenport, came to Scott County in 
June, 1855. lie was born in Chenango County and reared in 
Rochester, N. Y. His father, Dr. John D. Henry, was a native of 
Connecticut, and was a practicing ])hysician in Rochester until his 
death, some years ago. After attending the Rocliester schools 
John E. Henry attended Oneida Institute at Whitestown, N. Y. 
He had a taste for mathematics which led him into the study of 
civil engineering. In 1S30 lie started out as one of the party to 
make surveys and estimates for the enlargement of the Erie Canal. 
He was employed nearly four years as engineer on the surveys and 
construction of the Croton Aqueduct during its building, from 
1837 to 1840. In March, 1847, he liad charge of the work of con- 
structing the Hudson River R. R. In the spring of 1851 lie 
came to Chicago a* a resident engineer in charge of a division of 
the C. & R. 1. R. R., in making surveys; and in the latter part of 
the summer of 1851 he was transferred under Messrs. Slieffield and 
Fammun to LaPorte in charge of the construction of the Northern 
Indiana R. R. He took charge of tlie construction ot tlie C. vfc R. 
I. R. R., also of a division of the Union Pacific, and of the Kansas 
branch under two dift'erent corajianies. He tlien became a member 
of the contracting firm of Reynolds, Saul])augh <k Co., who con- 
structed the bridge, also the tunnel a)>proach for the Illinois Cen- 
tral Co., the company owning a lialf interest in the Ijridge. His 
company did some work for the C, B. & Q. The last work they 
did in contracting was to build 150 miles of the International R. R. 
in Texas. Since tliat time he has devoted his attention to operat- 
ing railways; is now holding the position of receiver for the old 
Davenport & St. Paul Railway. The road has been sold, hut he 
has not been released, the court holding that he must be retained 
iintil the litigation b3' the creditors ceases. Mr. Henry was elected 
mayor in 1863, being nominated without his knowledge, and was 
re-elected in the spring of If^Sl. He has always been a Republi- 
can since the birth of that party. He served as deputy U. S. mar- 
shal the first year of the war for this jiart of Iowa, previous to the 
organization of the provost marshal service. He was married in 
Peekskill, X. Y., in 1819, to Annie M. Howard. They have had si.x 
children, three living, viz.: J. Howard, who is a partner in the law 
firm of Coffin & Henry, of Davenport; Charles A., railroading in 
the employ of the Union Pacific Co., in Blackfoot, Idaho; and Geo. 
F. , ])racticing law in Des Moines, in the firm of Berryhill & 
Henry. Mr. Henry and family are members of the Episcopal 
church, and he is senior warden of Trinity Ciiurcli. 



852 HISTORY OF sccrr county. 

Henry H. HUJ^i, freight and ticket agent for the C, R. I. & P. 
Ry., was born in Springliekl, Mass.. Nov. 23, 1834. His parents 
were Henry and Sophia (Franklin) Hills, the former from Connec- 
ticut and the latter from Massachusetts. They were members of 
the M. E. church. They had two children — Henry H., the sub- 
ject of this sketcii, and Geo F., cashier of the State Bank of Hart- 
ford, Conn. Henry H. attended the High School in Springlield 
until 16 years of age. He then went to Worcester, Mass., and 
engaged with what was then called the Mor^e Telegraph Com- 
pany, for one year. He was employed as operator for this eom- 
Eany at Boston and New York City until 1856, when he came to 
•avenport. He soon after went to St. Louis, where he was em- 
ployed by the Pacific Railway of Missouri nearly a year, when he 
returned to Davenport to accept a position as clerk in the freight 
office of the C, R. I. & P. railroad, where he has since remained, 
having tilled tiie position of freiglit agent and other positions for 
a quarter of a c?ntury. He was appointed to his present position 
as agent some IS years ago. When Mr. Hills iirst began to work 
for the C, R. I. & P. Ry., it was called the Mississippi & Mis- 
souri R. R., and was only in operation from Daven]:>ort to Ionia 
City and Muscatine, Iowa. Mr. Hills married Miss Fannie Dick- 
man, of Boston, Mass., Sepf. 27, 1858. She was a daughter of 
Constantine and Pauline (Field) Dickman. natives of Maine. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hills attend the Unitarian churcli, and he leans to 
the Swedenborgian faith. In politics he is a Douglas Democrat. 
He is one of Davenport's enterprising, representative business 
men, and where he has resided since January, 1857. Mi-. Hills is 
one of the oldest employes of the C, R. I. A: P. Ry. His father, 
Hervey Hills, wa? born in 18()3 He cime to Davenport from 
Springfield, Mass., in 1855. and engaged in the stove trade until 
1870, when he retired from business. He then spent his time in 
Hartford, Conn., and Davenport, Iowa, until his death at Hart- 
ford, Aug. 25, 1881. His wife died in Davenport, May 25, 
1880. They were high-minded, noble-hearted, Christian people, 
respected and loved by all who knew them. 

Frank iS. Hastings was born in Mendon, Mass., June 2S, 1844. 
His father, Setli Hastings, was a native also of that place. Frank 
S. was educated at Milford, Mass., where his parents moved when 
he was quite small. He began to learn the art of photography 
when 16 years old. He served in the late war one year in Com- 
pany 19, Mass. undetached company, was on garrison duty all the 
time. In 1871 he came to Scott County and located in Daveny)ort. 
He worked at his trade for different parties two years, when the 
present firm of Hastings, White & Fisher was formed. They have 
met with good success and do a first-class business. Mr. Hastings 
was married Dec. 15, 1872, to Miss Nellie Olmstead. Tliey have 
two children — Frederick and Harry. Mr. Hastings is a member of 
the A. F. & A. M., and also taken up to 32d degree. In 1871 was 
raised to the degree of Knight Templar at Fall River, Mass., and 
in ISSO passed to the Scottish Rite in Davenport. 



CITi' OF DAVKNPOKT* 853 

Claus Hill was born in Holstein, German}', June 17, 1837. He 
is the son of Jolin and Anna (Able) Hill. His father died in ISGi 
and his mother in 18S0. Claus was raised on a farm and educated 
in the common schools. He came to Davenport via New York in 
1854 and liireil out as a farm band, and worked as such several 
years. He then bought a farm of SO acres, and subsequently added 
to it 160 acres, and continued to hirm 10 years. He then rented 
the farm and came to the city, where he has since continued to re- 
side. In 1SG4 he was united in marriage with Catherine Schuma- 
ker, daughter of John and Minnie (Kruse) Sehumaker, who came 
to America in 18,58. Mr. Hill is in politics a thorough Republican. 

John Hill was born in Greenville, Mercer Co., Pa., Sept. 14, 1838. 
Hewas a son of Adam and Anna (Pollock) Hill, likewise natives of 
the Keystone State. John Hill received his primary education in 
the district schools of Pennsylvania, and after coming to Davenjiort 
in 1S51 entered the Commercial Collcije from which he graduated. 
His mother died in Pennsylvania in 1850, and in 1853 his father 
came to Iowa, and for some years engaged in farming, and at pres- 
ent resides with his son, John. Tiie latter engaged in the real 
estate business in this city for about 20 years, then established liv- 
ery, feed and sale st.iblcs at 209 West Third Street, which he still 
Conducts. His establishment is one of the finest in the city, run- 
ning from 25 to 35 horses, 12 single buggies and si.\ double car- 
riages. He resides at No. 1 Clinton Place. 

John HiU^ proprietor of Turner Hall and manager of the Dav- 
enport Stadt Theater, was born in Prussia, Germany, April 25, 
1840, and was a sonof Ccmrad Hill, a Government inspector, and 
Margaret, nee Ditzenberger. John Hill came to this country in 
1854. and in December of that year located in Davenport. He 
learned the cabinet-maker's trade here, and in 1858 he went to 
Muscatine and followed his trade until 1861, when he enlisted in 
Company C, First U. S. Lancers; remained with that regiment 
nine months, then returned to Muscatine. Here-enlisted in Aug, 
\%^-l^ in Company C, 35th Iowa Infantry Volunteers, as sergeant. 
Hewas taken prisoner at Jackson, iliss., July 11, 1863. He then 
suffered the horrors of Libby, Bell Island and Andersonville pris- 
ons until the close of the war. ^\''hile in Andersonville prison he 
was taken sick with scurvy, and was taken to a place they called a 
hospital to die. The hospital was a piece of land fenced in, with 
the bare ground for cots, and tent flies drawn over a stick of wood 
for tents. When Mr. Hill was taken tiiere he had to lie outside 
of one of the so-called tents eight or ten hours, waiting for a man 
to die in order to get his place. At the close of the war he returned 
to Davenjiort, and in IstlO he took charge of Turner Hall and 
Stadt Theater, of which he has the entire management. He was 
married April 6, 1867, to Mary Kaehler, a native of Holstein, Ger- 
inany. They have live children — Charles, Hugo, Ludorwicka, 
Otto and Paula. Mr. Hill is a Mason, and a niember of Fraternal 
Lodge, '^K>. 227, and A. O. U. W.; Lessing Lodge, No. 37; of the 



854 HI|TOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Druids; United Brotherhood of Iowa; Turner Schutzen, Meniia- 
choir, Thalia, and Haraionia Societies. Mr. Hill has traveled e.xten- 
sively and has been in ever}' State in the Union except California 

John J. Hoersch was born in the Kingdom of Wurteniburg- 
He left his home and Gerraanj^ in the year lSi9, at the age of 
22 years. He emb irked at tlie city of Havre de Grace, France, 
for America. After a voyage of 37 days he landed at tlie 
city of New York ; staying there a couple of weeks he went 
to the State of Ohio, where he worked for nearly two years. In 
the year 18.51 he started for Iowa; landed at D tvenport in the 
month of April, 18.51. In a short time after liis arrival he 
bought land in Blue Grass township, wJiich he imj^roved. In the 
year 1S52 he was married. His wife was also a native of the 
Kingdom of Wurtemburg. He improved half a dozen farms in 
Scott County, most of them he sold after he had improved them. 
In the year 1861 he retired from farming, took up his habitation in 
the city of Daven])ort, where he has resided since. 

John Hoist was born in Hamburg, Germany, in the year 1816, 
on the 11th of ApriL In his 11th year he commenced going to 
sea. He went to Enghuid, from there to t!ie West Indies, 
Calcutta, from there to Liverpool, from there to Glasgow, 
Scotland, from there to New Orleans, from thereto Cork, Ireland, 
then to Liverpool, .-md t!ien to the Sandwich Islands, Honolulu, 
and then again to Liverpool, then to Valparaiso, Chili, then to 
Greenwich, Scotland, where the ship was found to be unseawor- 
thy and was laid u]> for repiir. In the meantime he worked in 
the sugar refinery, and when his ship was repaired they sailed for 
Liverpool, from there to New Orleans, where lie wis taken sick 
witnafever; having no friends he was taken to the hospital, 
where he remained until better and joined the Louisiana volunteers 
under General Taylor, to light the Florida Indi ms. He returned 
t'l New Orleans, worked in a store, and in lSl-0 he married Miss 
Mary Downey, of Barnslow, Ireland. In 1813 they, with their 
two children, took a trip to Hamburg, his old home, to visit his 
parents. They remained three months, came back again to New- 
Orleans and remained there until the spring of 18i5, when he 
came north to Davenport, bouglit a farm in Clinton Count}', Iowa, 
stayed until 181:6 when the Mexican war broke out. He enlisted 
as a teamster, went to New Orleans, from there to Texas, 
from there to Camargo, Mexico, where he got his team and 
hauled pi'ovisions to Monterey, back and forward, until the 21st 
and 22d of February, when they fought the battle of Buena "Vista. 
After the battle they were ordered down to Camargo. He was 
attacked by the Mexican Lancers who killed 100 teamsters out of 2-50 
and burii-'d their wagons. He then went to Camargo and then home 
to Davenport. He stayed a month and then went to Vera Cruz, 
Mexico, took sick with fever, in two weeks got better and went 
with 700 teams to the City of Mexico; remained there till peace 
was declared when he came home, sold his farm and came to 
Davenport, where lie clerked for Christy & "Wells till the spring 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 855 

of 1850. IIo then tonk a tvip across the plains with Win. banis, 
leaving his wife and four children in Davenport till iSo'2, when 
he sent for them. They started to New Orleans, taking her 
brother along with them. They started the 2otli of May, taking 
passage on the steamer "Cresent City" to Havana to meet a Xew 
York steamer there. On arriving his wife died ; her brother then 
took the children to Panama, it taking them two weeks. On ar- 
riving there the brother took the fever and died. l>efore he died 
he gave the oldest little ^irl, Louisa, §S00 that had been left by 
her mother. Three of the children then took sick with the Pan- 
ama fever and during this time every one took money and paid 
himself. They st 13'ed there four weeks but finally arrived safely 
in San Francisco. In 18.53 ^Ir. Hoist's youngest son, Charles, 
died, and he remained in California till 18.54, when he started for 
Davenport with his three children. lie was married again in 
1854 to Mrs. Mary Martin, who had two sons, James and Charles. 
In September of the same year the cho'era broke out, Mr. Hoist 
losing his two sons, James 11 years and John 9 years, in about a 
week. In 1855 a daughter was born to them and named Mary C. 
Hoist. Mr Ilo'st was dealing in real estate at that time. In 
1857 the panic came and he lost nearly everything but his home- 
stead, which he mortgaged. In 1861 he bought in Davei)])ort 12 
acres of land at $50 an acre, and scdd it for SlOO an acre, that 
giving him a start again. Then his wife took sick with a cancer 
and in 1S(>2 the 1st. of August she died. His daughter, Louisa, mar- 
ried in November the same year and in the next year she died. 
Mr. Hoist being sick at the time and hardly able to attend the 
funeral. He then kept a grocery store tor a short time, then (juit 
the business and commenced speculating in real estate. Then in 
1866 he was married to Selena C. Richardson-Prendergast, and for 
the last 15 years has lived a retired life. In his youth he was reared 
a Lutheran, but of late years has become a Methodist. He is fond 
of reading of the ocean and lives of sea-faring men, and is inter- 
ested in all new discoveries. His library consists of books and 
curiosities from all parts of the world. 

Henry IFoht. tine wood, ivory and horn turner, at iMcClelland's, 
304 to 314 Main street, also owner of the Eddie House saloo;!, 
East Davenport, was b(n-n at Lenbeck, Germany, March 22, 1840. 
His parents were Peter and Mary (Parbz) Hoist. He attended 
school until he was 14 years old, when he learned the trade of 
fancy wood, ivory, and horn turning, and in 1866 he came to 
America, locating in Davenport on June 11 of that year. He 
engaged in business for himself two j-ears, and made the first 
bungs for beer fawcets, and the first crocpiet balls in Davenjiort. He 
worked for various firms in the city three years, then sjient nine years 
in a furniture factory at Oeneseo, 111., then returned to Davenport, 
and has worked at McClelland's since. He was married to Dora 
Hoist, likewise a native of Germany, May 19, 1865. To them six 



856 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

cliildren have been born — Mary, Emma, Freddie, Lena, Henry and 
Maude. Mr. Hoist is a member of I. O. O. F. and A. O. IJ. W. 
Lodges and of tlie Turner Societ}-. In politics he is a Democrat. 

George TI. Irifsh, grocer, 1508 Brady street, was born on a farm 
in Franklin Co. , New York, July 24, 1814. He was a son ot Enoch 
and Nancy (Perkins) Irish, natives of Vermont and members of the 
M. E. church. George lived on the farm with his father until 22 
years of age, when he went to Lower Canada, some 90 miles from 
Quebec, and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, when he re- 
turned to the old homestead in New York, and married Miss Em- 
ily Graves, Oct. 1, 1838. She was born in Vermont and was a 
daughter of Barnabus Graves and Abigal. nee Goth, natives of Con- 
necticut. After his marriage Mr. Irish lived five or six years in 
New York, then went to Wisconsin and farmed one year in Wash- 
ington County, when he moved to West Bend, Wis., and kept the 
Travelers Home hotel until 1S65, then traded his hotel tor a store, 
and one year after sold out and came to Davenport, where he has 
since been engaged in the grocery trade. He and wife had three 
children, all now dead. His daughter, Dr. Delila S. Irish, died 
in May, 1878. She was for many years a practicing physician of 
Davenport and a member of the Scott County Medical Society. 
Mr. Irish carries a stock of groceries and provisions, and has been 
a grocer in Davenj^ort since I860. In ]3olitics he is a Democrat. 

J. H. ./rte^«- was born in Schleswig, Germany, Dec. 22, 1S2S, 
and was a son of Hans C. and Henriette (Hoet) Jaeger, who were 
born and died in Germany. The subject of this memoir emigrated 
to the United States, and located in Davenport in 1856. He did 
laboring work for about 10 years, then embarked in the grocerj- 
business at 1221 West Third street, his present number. He was 
married in January, 1857, to Margaret Eggiels, who died Aug. 
2. 1859. He was married the second time to Annie Deltimer, nee 
Westphaul, in November, 1860. She had one child by her former 
marriage, Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger have had three children — 
Henry, Meta and Clara. Mr. Jaeger is a Republican in politics. 

Samuel A. Jeninngs, general manager of the Davenport woolen 
Mills, was born on the 25th of September, 1828, in Ballston, 
Saratoga Co., N. Y. , and was a son of Samuel and Jane Jennings, 
likewise natives of New York. At the age of 18 he was appren- 
ticed to the carpenter's trade, and after serving his apprenticeship 
he came to Davenport. He traveled for Haight A: Sears five 
years, then purchased an interest in the firm, which he held until 
January, 1878, when he disposed of his share, and formed a partner 
ship with R. S. Price, E. W. Brady and Franklin Fearing, for 
the ]nirpose of establishing the Davenport Woolen Mills E. W. 
Brady and Franklin Fearing withdrew from the firm, at the ex- 
piration of one year, and Mr. Jennings and Mr. Price conducted 
the business one year. The mill was then idle until February, 
188 1, when the Davenport Woolen Mill Co. was organized by the 
following named gentlemen and others : Hiram Price, Pres. ; J. 



CITY OK i)a\i;nimkt. 857 

B. Plielps, Sec. and Treas. ; S. A. Jennings, Gen. Man. ; tlie 
Board of Directors is as follows : Ilirani Price, J. B. Phelps, S. A. 
Jennings, W. D. Petersen, W. O. Bennett, Lorenzo Scliricker and 
Wni. Renwick. The coni|)any employ a force ot 55 men, and 
sell their goods chiefly in Iowa and Illinois. 

John C Jolumnsen, grocer, (512 West Third street, was born iu 
Schleswig, Germany, Apr. 23, 1S39, and was a son ot Hans P. 
and Anna Johannsen. John attended school until he was IG years 
old, then tollowed the grocery business until lS<i8, when he came 
to .Vnierica, locating immediately in Davenjxirt, where he has 
followed the grocery and drv-gootls business since. He opened 
his present store on West Third street, Dec. 1, 1S73. He carries 
a !Sil,50'> stock of goods, and does a good business. H,e was 
married Apr. 17, 1S65, to Katrina Klalin. She was born in Hol- 
stein, Germany, Apr. 17, 184u. Eight children have been born 
to them — Natalie, Olga, Hugo, Otto, Amanda, John, Ameda and 
Oarl. He is a Mason, and a niember of Fraternal Lodge, Xo. 221, 
A. F. A. M.; Lessing Lodge, No. 74, A. O. U. W., and was first 
past master of this lodge. In politics he is a Pepublican. 

Wi'llufm Joiieji, irvocer, 422 and 424 Brad}' street, was born in the 
city of Frederick, Maryland, Dec. 11, 1S20. lie was a son of 
Andrew and Maria iSchuman') Jones, both natives of Maryland, a 
member of the Lutheran church and had a family of eiglit chil- 
•dren, four living. When eight years of age AVilliam Jones' father 
<Iied. He then lived with his mother until 12 years of age, wlienhe 
went to learn tiie cabinet-maker's trade with his brother-in-law, where 
lie remained Ave years, then worked at Middleton two years, then 
two years at Baltimore, where he finished his trade; he then 
superintended his brother in-law"s cabinet business two years, when 
he went into business for himself in Baltimore, and in 1855 was 
hurned nut ami lost all he had. He went to Chicago and clerked 
in tiie wholesale furniture for Burton, 217 and 219 Lake street, 
tintil 1*57.- He then returned to his old home in Frederick, Md., 
and engaged in the turnitnre business one year and conducted a 
grocery store until 1863, when he went to La Salle, 111., a short 
time, when he came to Davenport, la, arriving here July 28, 
lSfi4; soon after opened a confectionery store on Perry street. Four 
months after began to clerk for Hess i*c Stern, clothiers, in the 
Metropolitan Block, and six months after bought out E. M. Green, 
in same block he now is in, and where in 1867 he built liis present 
store, at 424 Brady street. He carries a full line of provisions and 
groceries and is one of the leading grocers of the city. He is vice- 
president of the Grocer's Protective Association of Davenport. 
He was married to Miss Elizabeth Burkhart, at Frederick. Md., 
Aug. !), 1852. She was born in Maryland and was a dangiiter of 
Jcdtu and Elizabeth (Woodward) Burkiiart, natives of Maryland 
and members of the M. E. church, and had seven children, three 
Jiving. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have four children, viz.: Lilly C, 
CJiarles W. A., J. Edward A. and J. R. Xeil Jones. Mr. Wm. 



858 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Jones is a Mason and a member of Davenport Lodsje, A. F. &A. M., 
No. 37, and of Pioneer Lodge, A. O. U. W., No. 2, and a member 
of Iowa Legion of Honor. In politics is a Republican, and his family 
is of English, Scotch and Welsh descent. 

Henry Karwath, dealei in boots and shoes. No. 1210 Harrison 
street, was born in Bilin, I'ohemia, Nov. 1, 1839, and was a son of 
John and Theresa (Weiderraan) Karwath, natives of Bohemia. 
The subject of this record came to Amei'ica in 1855. He went to 
Baraboo, Wis., where he remained about two j'ears, then ran on 
the river until the spring of 1859, when he came to Davenport. He 
engaged in farming until 1862, then enlisted in the U. S. army, 
as a private and was promoted to sergeant. He served three years 
and WAS honorably discharged at Clinton, la. He returned to 
Davenport and engaged in farming one year, then embarked in tlie 
boot and shoe bnsiness, which he still follows. He was married in 
Davenport, July 22, 1867, to Julia A. Belken, who was born in this 
city, March 5, 1845. Her parents were John Henry and Sevilia 
(Bomberg) Belken. He was a native of Fichdendorf, Westphalia, 
Germany, and died Sept. 15, 1853, in Davenport. She was 
born in Cobnrg, Gotha, Saxony, and is now a resident of Scott 
County, and the wife of Albert Brugman. Mr. and Mrs. Karwath 
have had five children, two living — Louis Henry, born Aug. 1, 1868, 
and Julia Anna, born Sept. ■!, 1873. Mr. Karwath is a member of 
the Roman Catholic church, and in politics is a Republican. 

Capt. John Kaufinann was born in Baden, Germany, Dec. 15, 
1833. His parents was John and Elizabeth Kaufmann. who were 
married in Baden, where 12 children were born, eight sons and 
four daughters. The subject oftliis sketch was reared on a farm and 
received a common-school education in his native country. At 
the age of 20 he came to the United States, landed in New 
York and ])roceeded to Long Island, where he worked a short 
time. From there he went to Burlington, la., and in 1857 came 
to Davenport. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the 12th Mo. 
Vol. Inf., not being able to get into an Iowa regiment, and their 
first engagement was at Pea Ridge, under Gen. Curtis; then at 
Haines Bluff, Arkansas Post (where they captured 5,000 prisoners, 
the fir^t of whom were brought to Rock Island); then at the 
battle of Greenville, and then back to Vicksburg's siege, in which 
he was shot thj-ough the chest, while on a charge. Tiirough 
meritorious conduct and bravery he rose from a private to the cap- 
taincy of his company. Oct. 19, 1863, he married Mary A. Schiss- 
ler. By this union there are si.x children, viz.: Eddie, Ida, John, 
Annie, Tillie and Julius. The Captain has held several local of- 
fices of trust, in the gifts of the people; was elected four times as 
city marshal, also elected justice of the peace. 

Mrs. Dr. Keck was born in Wooster, Wayne Co., O., and was a 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Illgenfritz, 7iee Harie. She was 
married to John C. Keck, of Allentown, Pa.. Jan. 6, 1857. Six 
children were born of this union, viz.: Bella, wife of W. R. H. 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 861 

Alexander, an attorney of Davenport; Lotta, Florence, Maggie and 
William T. In tlic years that Mrs. Dr. Keck lias devoted to her 
profession, she i\as proven herself eminently worth}' of her high 
calling, and has achieved a success and prominence as a physician 
that entitles her to mure tiian a passing notice in our work. She 
began tlie practice of medicine some 18 years ago, and her success 
as a physician is indeed most wonderful, as hundreds of her patients 
who have been permanently cured can and do testify. !S!»e is an 
earnest Christian woman, and has won the afiectious of all classes. 
She is frank, generous and kind-hearted, and is respected and 
honored by all, not alone for her professional attainments, but 
for her many noble qualities of mind and heart. Mrs. Dr. Keck 
belongs to the Eclectic school of medicine, and at her home office 
and infirmary, No. 611 Brady street, has founded an institution for 
the cure of all chronic diseases, that is unsurpassed by any similar 
infirmary in the country. It is pleasantly situated on an eminence 
over-looking the broad Mississippi River, afibrding a magnificent 
view. Without doubt it is one of the finest situations in the city. 
The building was erected by the late Jolin P. Cook, who spared 
no expense in its constrnction. When Mrs. Keck purchased it, she 
with a liberal display of money transformed it into a mammoth, 
home-like, i>alace hotel. It is magiiifieenlly furnished throughout. 
The decoration, painting and graining of the entire buikliug are 
from the masterly hand of Tlmmas S. Hamilton, of Wooster, O., 
who came expressly to execute this work. The arrangements for 
an abundance of sunlight — that great dispensarj' of health — the 
perfect ventilation of all the rooms, for the comfort and conven- 
ience of the invalid is unsurpassed in the United States. The suc- 
cess of the infirmary is another and stronger evidence of the vast 
value to the world of ^Mrs. Dr. Keek's treatment of all chronic 
diseases. In addition to her infirmary in Davenpcirt, she has 
branch offices at Peoria, Bloomington, and Quincy, 111., and Min- 
neapolis, Minn. Tliese offices are in charge of capable and experi- 
enced assistants, and are visited every two months by Mrs. Dr. 
Keck. She is to-day treating from 12,000 to 15,000 patients, from all 
parts of the country, and is constantly receiving testimonials from 
grateful patients who have been cured b}' her. She also treats 
patients by mail, sending medicine to any part of the United 
States. One secret of her success is that she and her husband 
manufacture at their own laboratory all their medicine, and conse- 
qnentlj' know them to be good. 

Charles H. Kent, real estate and land agent, was born in Che- 
shire Co., N. II., JVtarch 21, 1824, son of Asa Kent, also of that 
place. He was reared on a fai-m and educated in the common 
schools, and by his own personal aj)plication to study. h\ 18-1.5 
he went to Fitchburg, Mass.. and accepted a situation as clerk in his 
brother's, Henr}- Kent's cotton manufactory, who is now treasurer 
of the Exeter J.Ianufactory Co., and was one of the 12 New England 
delegate manufacturers to attend the great ex-position at Atlanta, 
50 



862 HisTORT OF scorr county. 

Ga., in 1881. Chas. H. went to Nashua, N. II., in 1S49 and 
clerked there until 18.50, then went to Lawrence, Mass.. where he 
engaged in the same business until his removal to Davenport in 
1857. He engaged in the real estate business here, which he still 
follows. The Cook & Sargent property, which belongs to Boston 
parties, fell into his hands and he has had charge of the business 
since. He was sanitarv agent for the soldiers during the war, and 
collected money for the United States Sanitary Commissions. 
Mr. Kent is the author of two ver_\ valuable works, <Mie is "Kent's 
New Commentaries for Young Men," the other, " Kent's New 
Commentaries for Young Women." Thelirst appeared in 1880 
and sold very rapidly; has been sold in every State and Territory 
in the United States. The latter came out in 1881, and has re- 
ceived the highest testimonials from leading journals. Mr. Kent 
was married Dec. 27, 1858, to Hattie C. Peaslee, of Haverhill, 
Mass. They have two children — Ella, a graduate of tiie New 
England Conservatory of Music at Boston, and Charles F., who 
clerks at Emeis' drug store in this city. Mr. Kent was instrumen- 
tal in the building of the Spring street chapel. East Davenport, 
and at the dedication it was cbristeued "Kent Chapel," having 
been Superintendent of the Sunday-school seven years. He also 
donated the lot for the North Davenport Mission Chapel corner of 
Locust and Grand aveiiue. 

yranh Kesslei\ chief of police of the city of Davenport, is a na- 
tive of Wallenstadt, Switzerland, l)orn July 26, 1810. His father, 
Frank X. Kessler. was a contractor and builder, and died July 29, 
1851; his wife, Mary A. (Gabriel) Kessler, died Oct. 25, 1881. 
Frank emigrated with his parents to America when he was 
about four years old. The}- located in Divenport, la. In April, 
1861, Mr. Kessler enlisted in Company B, Second Iowa Infantry 
Volunteers as a private, and was promoted to second sergeant. 
Participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, 
Corinth, luka, and various other engagements. He was dis- 
charged at the expiration of his time in Sept. 1864, and re-enlisted 
in Company I. 11th Iowa Infantry Volunteers, and remained until 
the close of the war. Upon leaving the service he came to Daven- 
port and was married April 25, 1866, to Miss Jennie Propst, a na- 
tive of Virginia. Tliis union has been blessed with six children, 
of whom Chiirles, Eddie and Mamie, are living. Mr. Kessler is a 
member of Iowa G. A. R. and of the First Ward Hose Company 
since 1871. He was one of the charter members of the Rescue 
Engine and Hose Company, beginning as torch boy and finally 
occupying the position of second assistant foreman. He has been 
a faithful member uf the Davenport police force 11 years, and for 
the pa-t five years ha^ been chief of police. Has held the offices 
of deputy city marshal, health inspector and other positions of 
trust. He has been a resident of Davenport since 1845. 

James S. King, dealer in house-furnishing goods, 221 Perry 
street, was born in Boston, England, Dec. 11, 1S54. He became 
self supporting at 12 years of age, having attended school prior to 



CITY OF DAVEM'ORT. 863 

that time, and worked at gardening until he was 20 years old; then 
worked in a hotel in the city of London until Sept. 1, 1S74, when 
he emigrated to the United States, and landed at Kew York; thence 
to Maquoketa, Iowa, where he worked at tlie boot and shoe trade 
some 15 months; then came to Da%'enport. He worked at the 
Burtis House, and put in all his leisure hours in \vorking at the 
boot and shoe trade. After working some time at the hotel and 
his trade he opened a saloon, which he conducted until March, 
187S, when he established his present business. He keeps a com- 
plete stock of goods always on hand, and has a steadily increasing 
trade. He was married to Anna il. Jones, May 26, 1S79. She 
was born in the State of Illinois. They have one child — Earl J. 
Mr. King is emphatically a self-made man, as he came to Dav- 
enport in limited circumstances and lias by close application to 
business and fair dealing accumulated a comfortable competence. 

Otto Kircher, deceased, was born in Carlsrnhe, Baden, Ger- 
many, July 1, lSi2, son of Carl and Wilhemina Kircher, natives of 
Germany. He was educated in the schools of Frankfurt, Germany, 
and in company with a younger brother emigrated to America 
about the year 1864. He located first in Chicago, traveling for the 
jewelry house of Mr. Kromberg. In October, 1SC7, he came to 
D.ivenport, and the following year, in jiartnersliip with Mr. Goos, 
opened a jewelry store in the Xewcomb House Block. Mr. Goos 
was a man of sterling business qualifications, and, aided by the in- 
domitable energy of Mr. Kircher, the firm succeeded beyond their 
most sanguine expectations. In 1875, Mr. Kircher, wishing to 
pav a visit to his parents and friends in Germany, embarked on the 
ill-fated steamer '• Schiller," and perished in the wreck of that 
vessel near the Sicilly Islands, May 7, 1875. Mr. K. was married 
Dec. 31, 1S71, to Miss Tillie Steinhilher, daughter of Ezekiel Stein- 
hilher, of Blue Grass township. The}- had two children — Minnie 
and Otie ; the first of whom died in 1877. Two years subsequent 
to the sad death of Mr. Kircher, Mr. Goos was taken away, and ^Irs. 
Kircher, with commendable spirit and energy, has continued the 
business, and to-day has one of the largest and best-fitted jewelry 
e5tal)lishment8 in Davenport, located at the corner of Brady and 
Third streets. 

Hejiry Klindt, of the firm of J. Lage & Co., brewers, corner 
Fifth and Desota streets, was born Oct. 12, 1839, in Holstine, Ger- 
many. His parents wereThies and Wiebke Klindt, native of Hol- 
stine, wherehedied in 184S; shediedin Davenportin 1878. Henry 
Klindt came to Davenport in 1855; he engaged in farming two 
vears, teamed two years, then took a trip to i^ew Orleans. He en- 
listed in the U. S. arm}* at St. Louis and served nearly two years as 
private, receiving his discharge in April, 1863. He returned to 
D.ivenport, and again engaged in teaming until 1868. when he en- 
gaged in theflourand feed business which he followed until becoming 
a partner in liis present business, in 1878. He was married in 
Davenport, on May 10, 1863, to Catherine Schnoor. They have 



864 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

one child, George, born on Jan. 10, 1864-. In politics, Mr. Klindt is 
a Democrat. 

Peter Klo2)penburg, dealer in dry goods and groceries, 1634 West 
Locust street, was born in Holstine, German}', Jan. 4, 1839, and 
was a son ot'Steffen and Gerchen Kloppenburg, of that place. His 
mother died in Holstine; his father still resides there. In 1S71 
Peter Kloppenbnrgleft his native country for America. He landed 
in JNew York, where he remained one yeai-, then located in Daven- 
port. He worked about four months in a lumber yard, then ob- 
tained a situation in a grocery store, which he retained until going 
into business for himself. He carries a complete stock of goods, 
and has a steadily increasing trade. 

Ohas. F. Knappe, grocer, 322 Harrison street, was born in 
Halle, Prussia, Germany, Sept. 27, ]S33. He was a son of Philo 
and Wilhelmena (Buschbeck) Knappe, natives of Prussia, Ger- 
many. Charles was 14 when his father died. He attended school 
until 18 years of age when he went in a sailing vessel to New Or- 
leans; was 93 days at sea. Soon after his arrival he went to Pio 
Janeiro, South America, and worked in a drug store as clerk nine 
months; then went to Bahia S. A. and soon after came to St. Louis, 
Mo., and worked as draughtsman and machinist, and ran on the 
Mississippi River as engineer until May, 1861, when he enlisted 
in Co. D, 2d Mo. Vol. Inf., for three months, then reinlisted as 2d 
lieutenant in Co. E, 2d Mo. Vol. Inf., and was promoted to 
Major. He was in the battles ot Booneville, Mo., Wilson Creek 
Mo., Pea Ridge, Ark., Perryville, Ky., "Stone River," Tenn., 
and Chicanoga, Ga. Was mustered out at St. Louis, November, 
1864. He then came to Davenport, Iowa, and was salesman in a 
lumber yard for Des Saint & Schricker five months; then traveled 
for Beiderbecke & Miller, wholesale grocers in Davenport, until fall 
1880, when he went into business for himself and opened a grocery 
store, and at present is located at 322 Harrison street, where he 
carries a full line of groceries, provisions, staple and fancy goods, 
and is one of the enterprising grocers of Davenport. He was 
married to MissjMargot Knighton, May, 1S56; she was born in St. 
Louis, Mo. The fruit of this marriage was four children, one living, 
viz. : Richard C. Knappe, studying civil engineering at Berlin, 
Germany. Mrs. Knappe died in 1860, and October, 1863, Mr. 
Knappe married Katrina Weinbrenner, a native of Wurtemberg, 
Germany. Mr. Knappe is a member of Masonic Fraternal Lodge, 
A. F. & A. M., JSTo. 231, Davenport — and in politics. Independent. 
■ Louis JToell, grocer, 225 Harrison street, was born in Oldenburg, 
Germany, Apr. 10, 1836. He was a son of William andKatherine 
Koell, natives of Germany. Louis went to sea when he was 15 
years of age and came to New York, arriving in 1852. He then 
shipped on a navy vessel bound for the East Indies and led a sea-far 
ing life until 1869, when he went to Winona, Minn., and worked 
there in a saw-mill 18 months; then went to Green Bay, Wis., and 
remained there nine months. Afterward came to Davenport, 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 866 

and located at his present place of business, in tiie grocery trade 
where he carries a full stock, worth $S<)0. He was married to 
Katrina Homann, Jan. 23, 1S72. She was horn in Germany and 
was a daughter of lleury Ilomann. Mr. and Mrs. Koell have one 
adopted child. Anna Koell. The subject of tins record is a member 
of the K. P. Lodge, No. 50 ; Davenport Druids Lodge, No. 4; 
and the Shooting society of Davenport. Mr. Koell was on board 
the ship " Kesident " when it made its first entrance into the Japan, 
port, in 1856, that vessel being among the first permitted to enter 
that port. He has sailed aroutid the world, and lias made six trips 
to the West Indies. 

Robert Krause, wholesale and retail dealer in cloths, trimmings, 
gents' furnishing goods and clothing, 125 and 127 East Second 
street, established his present business Aug. 15, 1854, in partner- 
ship with his brother, William Krause, under the firm name of W. 
& R. Krause, and remained as such until the spring of 1858, when 
Wm. Krause withdrew from the firm; since that time Robert has 
conducted the business alone. He occu|Mes two three-story build- 
ings, 40 X 150 feet deep, with basements, and carries a full line of im- 
ported and domestic goods. Mr. Krause was horn Nov. 13, 1834, 
in the village of Walkenricd, at the foot of the Hartz Mountain, in 
Brunswick, Germany. He emigrated to America with his parents 
in 1848, and settled in the State of Ohio. Mr. Robert Krause came 
to Davenport in May, 1852, where he clerked in a grocery store two 
years, and in a clothing house 15 months, then went into business 
"for himself He was married January 1, 1860, to Louisa, eldest 
daughter of Ezekiel Steinhilber, and native of Wheeling, \^a. 
They have two daughters — Glara L. and Emilie Y. 

Henrij Krohn, dyer at the Steam Dye Works, 223 Perry street, 
is a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, born Sept. 6, 1852, of 
John and Elizabeth Krohn, of German birth. Henry received an 
education, and learned the dyer's trade in Germany, and emigrated 
to the United States in September, 1871. He went to Chicago, 
where he worked at his trade until the fall of 1876, when he came 
to Davenport and obtained employment at the dye works, where he 
still remains. He was married to ^[iss Elizabetli Philebahr, March 
22, 1879. She was born in Rock Island, 111., and wa.s a daughter 
of Peter and Bertha (Schlemmer) Philebahr. Mr. and Mrs. Krohn 
have one child, Anna. He is a member of K. P., Davenport Lodge, 
No. 50, and in politics is a Democrat. 

Nichohis Kuh)ien is a native of Rhenish Prussia (Germany), 
having been born in Treves, on the IDth of May, 1828, where he 
received a substantial education. At the age of 18 he came to 
the United States, and followed his trade of cigar-maker in dif- 
ferent places for several years, coming to Davenport in June, 1854, 
which city has since been his home. He brought with him a mis- 
cellaneous stock purchased in St. Louis with the few hundred 
dollars lie had saved from his small earnings, and on his arrival 
opened an unpretending retail tobacconist store, supplying it with 



866 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

cigars of his own make. A few years later his thrift and popular- 
ity made it necessary to obtain more commodious quarters in a 
better street. Continued prosperity soon led him to open a factory 
for the wholesale business, and in four years after his arrival took 
rank among the leading business houses of the city, which position 
he has steadily maintained, now being at the head of tlie tobacco 
business in the State, occupying with his store and manufactory 
one of the largest business buildings in the city, employing large 
numbers of operatives, and finding a market in most of the States 
and Territories of the Northwest. 

The successful career of Nicholas Kuhnen marks him as a man 
of superior business qualifications. The same principle of exact 
honesty which made him friends in the beginning, has been most 
carefully maintained through his years of growth and prosperity. 
Thorough discipline in every department, exact honesty in every 
relation uf life, has given a commercial and social position that is 
to be valued beyond all price. 

In November, 1S61, Mr. Kuhnen was united in marriage with 
Miss Mar}' Alexander, of New York, the fruit of which iiappy 
union was one son, Nicholas V. Kuhnen, born Sept. 1,1862, who 
is already largely sharing the business burdens of the house with 
his father; and three daughters — Mary M., Esther Annie. and Alice 
Louise, all of whom were born in Davenport. 

Though enjoying the esteem and confidence of the best business 
and social circles, and the benevolent orders of which he has long 
been a useful member, he has ever abstained from public prefer- 
ment, accepting positions in the council and educational boards of 
the city only as a matter of duty to the public, which all good citi- 
zens should be willing to share. As a member of bank boards, or 
the incumbent of any position of public or private trust, he has 
made a record which his family and friends may ever regard with 
just pride. A happy home, a well-managed business, the society 
of friends, and an unblemished reputation — these are the objects 
he has sought for and nobly achieved. 

William O. Kulj), the leading dentist of Davenport, was born 
on the 19th of September, 1836, in Wadsworth, O., and was a 
son of Joseph and Sarah Kulp, nee Overholt, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. William had an innate love for the medical profession, 
and at an eariy age determined that that should be his life work. 
Accordingly he worked at various branches of business merely to 
gain a livelihood while completing liis medical studies. In Oc- 
tober, 1859, he located in Muscatine, la., and formed a partnership 
with H. G. Hall, a prominent dentist of that place. This partner- 
ship continued until 1861, wlien Dr. Hall retired and Dr. Kulp 
practiced alone in Muscatine until 1871, when he came to Daven- 
port, and is now located at 1 l-f West Third street. He was mar- 
ried on May 26, 1862, to Miss Mary A. Jones, of New York City. 
She was the daughter of the Rev. D. E. Jones, deceased, and 
Dorcas, wee Letts. Of five children born of this union four areliv- 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 867 

ing, Kate R., Lizzie B., J<>sej)li K., and Zella M. Dr. Kulp is a 
a member oftlie lowaL. ot'K., Scott Lodge, No. 2, also A. O. U. 
W., No. 17. Tlirough his efforts the Iowa Dental Association was 
organized in 1863. He is known to dentists as the father of the 
Iowa State Dental Society. In ls(i7 he was called to the chair of 
operative dentistry in the Missouri Dental College, filling tiie chair 
one winter, when, owing to the illness of his family, he returned to 
Muscatine. He has been a member of the American Dental As- 
sociation since 186-1. Dr. Kulp is well and favorably known to 
the public as a skillful and reliable dentist. 

Ilennj Lamp, President of the West Davenport Furniture Cum- 
pany, locatedjon Warren, between Fifth and Sixth streets, was 
born Sept. 4.*lsl:6, in Ilolstein, Kiel, Germany, and is a son of 
John Lamp, also of that place; his parents reside in (Terniany. 
Henry received a college education at the University ot Kiel. 
When he was 15 years old he entered the School of Mechanics, 
where nothing is taught except the lorraation and nses of machin- 
ery; remained there two and one-half years; afterward served an 
apprenticeship to a machinist. In 18i!6 he emigrated to America 
and came direct to Davenport. He worked in Donahue's machine 
shop one year, then spent f mr years at engineering. Subse- 
quently purchased an interest in his present business, the Daven- 
port Furniture Company. They employ 65 men and do an enor- 
mous business, selling furniture in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and 
Nebraska. Mr. Lamp married Miss Katie Luett. She was horn 
on the CTOvernment Island in 1848. He served as alderman of his 
ward one term, and in politics is a Democrat. 

Valentine Zaux, grocer, llnl, W. Sixth street, was born Oct. 6, 
1826, in Herxheim Sandau, Rheinpfalz Province, Germany. Flis 
parents were Francis Jacob and Margaret Laux, natives of Ger- 
many, where they both died, he in 1812, and she in 1860. Val- 
entine Laux came to this country in 184-7, and went to Cincinnati, 
where he remained imtil the summer of 1856, when he came to 
Davenpiirt. He was em))loyed in the printing otHce of Richard- 
son Bros., editors of the Democrat, as pi-essman; remained with 
them three years; was then engaged on the Gazette start V■^ years. 
Subsequently he engaged in his present business as grocer. He 
was married in Hamilton Co., Ohio, on the lOthof Janunry, 1852, to 
Elizabeth Kress. She was born in Rheinpfalz, Bavarian Prov- 
ince, Germany. They have nine children — Teresa, Maggie, Caro- 
line, William. Rosa, Mary, Charles. Flora and Harry. In i^nlitics 
Mr. Laux is a Rejniblicaii. 

JaJias Lehrkiml, brewer, corner Second and Taylor streets, was 
born in Ilaspe, Prussia. Dec. 25, 1842. His father, Carl Leiirkind, 
was a native of that ])lace and died there in 1865; his wife. Bertha, 
nee Schumann, was born in Iserlohn. Prussia, and died in Haspe 
in 1847. Julius Lehrkind came to America in 1863 and remained 
until 1865, when he returned to Germany, coining again to 
America in 1866. He worked in a brewery in Philadelphia, Pa., 



868 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

one year and a half; tlien he spent some time in traveling, locat- 
ing in Davenpart in 1S6S. He at once engaged in the brewery 
business, at his present location. Second and Taylor streets. Pre- 
vious to coming to Davenport, he kept a brewery in Black Hawk, 
Scott Co., 10 years. Pie was married in Le Claire, la., March 
1, 1871, to Emilie Lambaek. Her parents rei^ide in this city. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lehrkind have had live children — Julius, Waltei", 
Carl, Bertha and Emilie. 

Hiirveij Leonard^ ex-Sheriff of Scott Connty, was first elected 
to office in 18-47, and held it continuously until ISCO; then there 
was an interval of 12 years during which he was out of office. 
He was again elected and took charge of the office in January, 
1872, and has filled the office by reelection until January, 1882, 
making a total of 22 years and five months that he has served in 
the capacity of sheriff. Upon his refusal to run for it longer, his 
son Natlianiel was elected in the fall of 1881. and assumed the 
duties of the office Jan. 1, 1882. Mr. Harve3' Leonard was born 
in Warren Co., O., Nov. 20, 1812. His parents were James 
Leonard, a Penusylvanian, and Jane (Biggs) Leonard, a native of 
Virginia. To them were born seven children, of whom three sons 
and one daughter are living. Harvey Leonard was the first born 
child. His parents moved to Dearborn Co., Ind., when he was a 
small lad. He remained there until he was 16 years of age, when he 
went to St. Clair Co., 111., and tiiere prosecuted his trade of brick- 
maker and mason; the former trade he was master of at that 
early age. After remaining there nine years, he came to Daven- 
port, Iowa, in the spring of 1837. At that time there were but 
three cabins on the ground composing the present site of tlie city. 
At the present time there are but three persons living who preceded 
him in the city, viz.: D. C. Eldridge, Wm. L. Cook and Win. Van 
Tyle. Heat once engaged in manufacture of brick, of which he made 
the first ever used in Davenport, and carrying on mason uork, 
taking contracts for erecting buildings. In August, 1838, he 
erected the first brick building in tiie city, which still stands on 
the northeast corner of Main and Third streets. He pursued his 
trade until 1856, when the duties of liis oflice became so onerous 
that he was compelled to abandon it, and devote his time to official 
labors; during the interim of 12 years that he was out of office, he 
assumed the business of brick-making. Mr. Leonard was married 
in St. Clair Co., 111., in 1835, to Pelagil Boughnou; she is of 
French descent, and was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1811:. Eleven 
children blessed this union, viz.: James M., Charles H (deceased), 
Nathaniel, who was for several years deputy slierift" and is now 
sheriff) Pelagic Jane, (now the wife of John J. Ryan, and resides 
in Larimer Co., Col.) Samuel Fletcher, Louise (who died in youth) 
George J., John H., Agnes (now deceased), Laurel S., Leonard. 
The living children are all residents of Scott County, save the one 
daugliter; they were all born in Davenport except James M., who 
was born in St. Claire Co.. III. Mr. Leonard lias been a member 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 869 

of the Old Settlers' Association since its organization, ami lias 
served as its president. Politically he is a Democrat and has al- 
ways been elected against a liepublican majority in the county; 
he was first elected much against his wish. Mr. Leonard made the 
first brick for and built the court-house in lS'i2. In that year he 
was elected mayor of the citN- of Davenport. 

JVat/ianiel Leonard, Sherifi' o1t Scott Co., Iowa, was born in the 
city of Davenport, on March 21, 1843. His father, Harvey Leonard, 
was born in Lebanon Co., O., and settled in Scott County in the 
spring of 1836; he married Pelagil Boughnou, by whom he had 
11 children. Nathaniel was the third son; he attended school un- 
til he was IS years old when ho went to the Rocky Mountains and 
engaged in mining and prospecting until 1S6S, and at that time 
returned to Davenport. lie followed brick-making here until 1873, 
when he was appointed deputy sherift", and held that position until 
October 1881, when he received his present appointment. He was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Mary E. Albrecht, of Louisa Co., la., 
on April 7, 1871. They have three children — Edward, Willie and 
Bessie. Mr. Leonard is a niember of Druids Lodge, No. 10. In 
political views he is a Democrat. 

0/ia-s. M. Leonard, foreman C. II. I. & P. Railway car shops, 
was born in Randolph, Mass., March 12, 1840. lie was a son of 
M. M. and ilercy J. (Jenny) Leonard. They iiad a family of four 
children, three sons and one daughter. Chas. M. was the eldest 
son, and when nine years of age moved with his parents tn Wey- 
mouth, Mass., where he attended the common and high schools 
until 18, g.-adnating.Iune, 1858. He then worked in a planing-mill 
until April 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, 11th Massachu- 
setts Infantry Volunteers, and remained in the service three years, 
when he located at La Salle, III., and followed the trade of mill- 
wrisht until September, 1S66. He then worked in C, R. I. & P. 
Railway car shops at Chicago, 111., until October, 1871; when he 
went ro Trenton, Mo., where he had charge of the company's shops 
until March, 1S74, when he took charge of the same company's 
cjir shops at Davenport. Mr. Leonard married Miss Anna E. 
Miller, Nov. 30, 1870. She was born in Catskill, N. Y.; her pa- 
rents were Joel E. and Eunice Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are 
both members of the Calvary Baptist Church in Davenport. Mr. 
Leonard is a Mason and a member of Davenport Lodge, A. F. «fe 
A. M., No. 37. and in politics he is a Republican. He has worked 
for the C, R. I. & P. Railway since September, 1866. 

A. J. tfe F. W. Lerch, dealers in stoves and tinware, 120 West 
Third street, established this business in 1867, on a small capital. 
By fair dealing and steady application to business, they have 
placed themselves at the head in their line of business in Daven- 
port. They own and occupy a large three-story buihliug 25 -k 123 
feet, with a basement. An elevator connects the rio>rs, and on 
the whole it is one of the finest business buildings in the city. A. 



870 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

J. & F. "W. Lerch were born in Munders, Hanover, Germany, tlie 
former on Oct. 23. 1843, the latter Feb. 11, 1839. Their parents 
were Henry Lercli and Johanna, nee Rumpf, natives of Hanover. 
They attended scliool in Germany until they were 14 years old 
when they learned the tinner's trade and followed that business 
until tliey came to America. F. W. came in 1855, and landed at 
New York, Dec. 22, of that year. Previous to coming to Daven- 
port, he worked in Pittsbnr;:, Pa., seven years, and at Watertown 
Arsenal, near Boston, Mass.; near San Francisco, Cal., and in 1865 
went to Rock Island. Ill , where he worked at the Arsenal until 
1867, then came to Davenport and formed a partnership with his 
brother, which still continues. He married Regina Schweizer, 
born in Williamsport, N. Y., April 6, 1871. They have four chil- 
dren — Willie, Otto, Clara and August. He is a Mason and a mem- 
ber of Fraternal Lodge, No. 221; Davenport Chapter, No. 16, St. 
Simon of Cyreus, N(v. 9; K. F. ; Nobles of Mystic Shrine; is a 32d 
degree member of the A. A. S. M. and Iowa L. of H. ; of the 
Northwestern Masonic Association of Chicago, and Freemason 
Mutual Aid Association, of Preston, Iowa. A. J. ].,erch came to 
America in 1865, and worked at liis trade in Pittsburg until 1866 
when he came to Davenport, and one year later formed his present 
partnership. He married Helena Schhipp, of Burlington, Iowa, 
Oct. 5, 1874. They have three children — Oscar, Gustaf and Meta. 
He is a member of the Turners Society. 

Charles LessJie, son of Edward and Grace (Watson) Lesslie, 
was born June 17, 1811. at Dundee, Scotland, of which jilacc his 
parents were also natives. His father, a stationer and druggist, 
emigrated with his famih' to Canada about 1822 (some mem- 
ber of it had preceded him ), and settled in the town of Dundas, 
Wentworth Co., where he engaged in general merchandising, having 
branch stores under the management of the elder sons at York { now 
Toronto ) and Kingston, carrying on an e.xtensive business. The 
Canadian rebellion of 1837 and the political turbulence which suc- 
ceeded it gave rise to a general desire for immigration ; and his 
elder brother, James, having in 1838 visited the Territory of Iowa 
as one of the commissioners of the Canadian Emigration Society, 
and selected the village of Davenport as a promising site for a 
colony. Mr. Chas. Lesslie the following year moved to that place, 
where he has since resided, and at once established himself as a 
merchant, in which business he was successful, and from which he 
retired in 1857. He was married in June, 1845, to Orina AV. San- 
ford, the daughter of a Davenport merchant, a true-hearted and 
refined Christain woman. They had six children, one living, Charlie 
C. He became a citizen of the United States the same year. In 
1848 he was elected township school inspector, and represented his 
ward as alderman that year, a position which he again tilled in 1850. 
Was immediately' nominated for mayor about this time, but declined 
to act. Though not a politician, he took an active part in the 
temperance reform of that period, and was an officer of the first 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 871 

temperance society organized in Iowa, and was also a tirin friend of 
the anti slavery cause. He was one of the charter members of the 
Davenport Board of Trade, and its first president ; and in 1857-'58 
was treasurer of the Ilawkeye [usurance Company. In 1860 he 
was elected a director of the State Bank of Iowa, and retained a 
position upon the board for several years after that institution was 
re-organized as the Davenport National Bank. Soon after iiis ar- 
rival in Davenport, he united with the Disciples of Christ, and 
has been an active member of that denomination, serving that 
church for many years in the capacity of elder, trustee and chor- 
ister, and has also taken part in the management of the missionary 
and State work of that body. 

II. P. Lewis, principal of the Davenport High School, is a na- 
tive of Claremont, N. II., born July 28, lS-t9, of George G. Lewis 
and Adeline, nee Labaree, the former a native of New Hampshire, 
and she of Vermont. The subject of this memoir assisted on his 
father's farm anil attended the district schools until his 21st 3'ear, 
when he entered Dartmouth College, and graduated from that in- 
stitution in June, 1S74. He spent two years in Derry, N. II., as 
principal of the Pinkerton Academy, then came West, and located 
in Davenport in 1876. Previous to receiving his present appoint- 
ment, he was principal of School No. 2, for two years. He has 
four assistants, and the course is very thorough, consisting of the 
studies of Latin, Greek, mental and moral philosophy, chemistry, 
astronomy, zoology, botany, gliysiology, algebra, geometry, trip- 
onometry, political economy, english litrature, rhetoric and physi- 
cal geography. The enrollment is 2i0 pupils, and the average 
attendance 2(i0. They liave a classical course of four years, and an 
English course of three years. Mr. Lewis is one of our representative 
men, and takes an interest in everything pertaiTiing to the educa- 
tional advancement of Davenport 

D.R. LiJIihridge, pro]irietor and principal of the Bryant & 
Stratton Business College, nortiiwest corner Brady and Second 
streets, was born in Wellington, Conn., Feb. 9,1839. His parents 
were Amos and Mary (Piccan) Lillibridge, natives of Connecticut. 
They were members of the Baptist church and iiad a family of six 
children. D. P., was the third son. lie attended school and worked 
on his fatlier'S farm until 16, when he began teaching country 
schools, and learned tlie machinist's trade; when 19 he finished the 
machinist's trade; be then had charge ollladly Co. 's machine shops 
at Holyokc, Mass., one year. In July, 1861, enlisted in the 11th 
Rhode Island Keg., Co. B, Inf., for nine montJis ; he then went to 
Providence, R. I., and attended the business college six months; 
has taught in the Brytuit ct Stratton schools ever since. In 
1873 he located in Davenport, Iowa, and bought the business 
college here, which he still owns. lie married Miss Marie D. 
Walters, Dec. 24, 1867; her parents were William and Ann I. 
(Lamphier) Walters. Mr. and Mrs. Lillibridge are members of 
the Episcopal church, and have had four children, two living, viz. : 



872 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Nannie and May Lillibridge. Mr. Lillibridge emploj-s 11 
teacliers in the college, and teaches bookkeeping, commercial 
arithmetic, commercial law, business and ornamental penmanship, 
phonography, telegraphy, and English branches, Mr. Lillebridge 
is a Mason and a member of Davenport Lodge, No. 37, Iowa 
Legion of Honor, and the V. A. S. Fraternity. 

Otis B. Lip2ntt, was born in Noble Co., Ohio, Oct. 11, JSJ:7. 
He was the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Dunbar) Lippitt. His 
father was born in Ohio, and mother in Massachusetts. His 
father died Oct. 12, 1853, in Noble Co., Ohio, and in May, 1856, 
his mother again married, Joseph Andrews being her second 
husband. Li the fall of 1858, when Otis was 11 years old, they 
moved to Keokuk Co., Iowa, and resided on a farm. In June, 
1859, Otis went to Khode Island, and remained until October, when 
he returned liome and remained until May, 1862. He went 
back to Rhode Island, remaining till the fall of 1863, when he 
returned to Iowa. In April, 186i, he went to Denmark to attend 
school. In June, while he was still at school, his mother died, and 
his stepfather sold oat and went back to Ohio. Otis R. went back 
to Denmark and attended school another year. He came to 
Davenport in the fiill of 1865, and clerked for Sickels & Preston, 
in the hardware business, and continued to clerk for them till June, 
1S66. Was in Keokuk county during the summer, and in the fall of 
1806 came to Davenport and attended Griswold College one yeai*. 
After wiiich he went to Keokuk County and served as deputy clerk 
for one year. Then came to Davenport and attended Griswold 
College a year and a half. In the summer of 1869 went to Provi- 
dence, R. I. He was married in October, 1870, to Adella C. 
Conaro, at Denmark, Iowa, She was a daughter ot James and 
Emily (Montgomery) Conaro, who now reside in Lee Co., Iowa. 
Mr. Lijipitt spent part of the winter in Denmark and worked on his 
farm during the following summer. In tlie fall of 1871 went to 
work for Griggs, Watson & Day, and stayed with them over a year. 
Moved to Sigourney in 1873, and in August of the same year went 
to Burlington as bookkeeper for Lange & Van Meter, wholesale 
music house, and returned to Davenport in 1876. He then spent 
one year as commercial traveler for Egbert, Fiddler & Chambers. 
He was appointed deputy clerk in 1879, which position he still 
holds. He is the father of live children, four ot whom are now 
living, three boys and one girl, his daughter dying in 1873. Mr. 
Lippitt is a Republican in politics. 

Auguste iV. Littlg is a native of Spichren, France, and was born 
on the 2J:th of November, 1818. His parents, Peter and Mary 
(Blaser) Littig, were born in the same place, the former in 1794. 
He died in Davenport in 1881. She died in New Orleans in 1836. 
In 1836 the subject of this memoir came to the United States, and 
landed in New Orleans, where he remained one year, then went to 
Rock Island, 111. Having learned the cabinet maker's trade in 
Paris, France, where he was reared, he followed his trade and 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 873 

worked at tlie brewery business in Rock Island until 1854, when 
he removed to Comanche, Iowa, and engaj^ed in the brewery and 
milling bvisiness there until 186G, and at that time came to Daven- 
])ort. From 1S06 to 1877 he conducted a brewery on the corner 
of Filth and Iowa streets, which is now owned by J- Lage & Co., 
since that time has lived a retired lii'e. lie was married June 14-, 
1840, to Mary E. Rilling, who was born in Prussia, Dec. 18, 
1822. Her father died in Iowa in 1838; her mother in Rock Isl- 
and County, in March, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Littig have had 12 
children, nine living — John A., now residing in New Mexico; Uer- 
austan M., resides in Illinois; Caroline, now Mrs. Phillip Tricch- 
ler; Matilda, married John L. Evers; Amanda, married Detrick 
Metzger; Jennette, now Mrs. Andrew Littig; Fannie, Margaret, 
and Henriette. In politics Mr. Littig is a Democrat. 

Jens Lorenz6)i, wholesale and retail dealer in crockery, 223 West 
Third street, was born in Schlesvvig, Germany, April 0, 1833. His 
father was Theodore Lorenzen, a native also of that country. The 
subject of this memoir came to the United States and located in 
Chicago, 111., in 1854. He clerked there until 1856, when he 
came to Davenport. In 1857 he embarked in the retail business, 
on a small capital; his trade has increased until he does an annual 
business of 8100,000. He employs four men as commtn-cial travel- 
ers and nine in tlie house. He buys goods in England, France, 
and Germany. Buys his glassware from the fact)ries in America. 
He has been director of the Citizens National and German Savings 
Banks, since their organization. Has been city school treasurer for 
the past eight years. 

Phillip J. Louer, grocer, 1302 Harrison street, was born in 
Lauderbauch, Pavaria. Germany, June 28, 1828. His father, Peter 
Louer, canac with his family to the United States when our subject 
was four years old. Peter Louer died of yellow fever in New 
Orleans, in the winter of 1832 ; his wife died in St. Louis soon 
after. Phillip was there adopted by a family of Kentuckj' peojjle, 
with whom he lived until he was 18 years old. lie attended school 
one and a half years in St. Louis, then went the overland route 
with mule teams to California, with the first large party that went 
from that county. There were 140 men, 50 of wliom died with 
cholera on the way there. The journey occupied 151 days, or five 
months; could now be made in five days. After a sojourn of 11 
months in California, the party returned by way of the Isthmus of 
Panama. When about half way across the isthmus two of the partj% 
one an Iowa man, the other, Mr. Ford, of Peoria, lagged behind 
the rest, and were attacked by robbers. The man from Iowa had 
one thumb cut off, and was robbed of $S00. At the ne.xt stopping 
]ilace a subscrijition was taken up for them, each man giving $60 
to help pay the unfortunate men's way home. Mr. Louer returned 
to St. Louis where he worked at the brick-layer's trade until 1852, 
when he came to Davenport. He was married in Galena, 111., to 
Mrs. Agnes A. Gildae, Aug. 10, 1852. She was a daughter of John 



874 HISTORY OF scorr countt. 

and Eliza ( Kaufman ) Ta^vlor, and was born near Syracuse, N. T. 
Mr. and Mrs. Louer resided in this city two j'ears after their mar- 
riage, then removed to L'j Claire, where they lived three years; 
thence to a farm nine miles from Davenport. In 186i Mr. Louer 
disposed of his farm and came to tliis city, and bought the property 
where he has his present grocery store. He carries a fall stock- of 
staple and fancy groceries. Mrs. Lau3r is a member of the Catholic 
Church. 

lioberi Zomy's ^vea,t - gvundi'-dthei; Col. Ale.xander Loury, was 
born in the North ot Ireland, in December, 1723, and came to 
America with his father, Lazarus Loury, in the year 1729, and 
settled in Donegal Township, Lancaster Co., Peun. Col. Alex- 
ander Loury was elected a member of the Legislature, in 1775, and 
of the Senate in 1776. Was elected a member of the convention 
that formed the first constitution of Pennsylvania ; and commanded 
the Lancaster County militia in the battle of Brandywine. His 
grandfather, Lazarus Loury, was born in Donegal Township, Lan- 
caster Co., Penn., and moved to Frankstown Township, Blair Co., 
Penn., about 17S0, when he purchased some 700 acres of land 
between Frankstown and Ilollidaysburg. He died in 1S13, leaving 11 
children, four sons and seven daughters. The names of the boys 
were: Alexander, John Fleming, Lazarus and Robert. His father, 
Alexander Loury, was born in Djnegal Township, Lancaster Co., 
Penn., on the 22d day of December. 1786. He married Miss 
Margretta Bouslougli, in 1806. He died on the -ith day of August, 
1854, at Yellow Springs, Blair Co., Penn. His mother was born 
near Hagerstown, Md., on the 3d day of November, 1785. She 
died at l.ellow Springs, in March, 1852. Robert Loury was born 
on the 2d daj' of November, 1816, near HoUidaysburg, Blair Co., 
Penn. Received a common-school education. Married Miss Eliza- 
beth Heilen McGhee, at Dayton, Ohio, on the ith day of October, 
1847. In August, 1848, he was appointed by Gov. "William F., 
Johnston, of Pennsylvania, aide-de-camp to the governor, with the 
rank of lieutenant-colonel in the militia, of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania. On the 11th day of May, 1853, he moved with his 
family to Davenport, Iowa. In April, 1864, he was elected mayor 
of Davenport, having received 946 majoritj'. Nov. 8, 1864, 
he was elected to the State Senate of Iowa. AVas elected a delegate 
to the National Republican Convention that assembled in Chicago, 
Ma}' 20, 1868, and nominated General Grant for President and 
Schuyler Colfax, for Vice-President. At the October election, 1869, 
he was again elected to the Senate of Iowa, from Scott County. At 
the session of the Senate in January, 1872, was elected president 
pro tern, of the Senate, was chairman of the Committee on Rail- 
roads. In October, 1871, was appointed by President Grant, 
LInited States centennial commissioner for the State of Iowa. The 
United States Centennial Commission met at Independance Hall, 
Philadelphia. At their first meeting, on the 4th day of March, 
1872, he was elected vice president of the commission. The com- 



CITY OF DAVENPOET. 875. 

mission was in executive session fur some years. He never 
missed a session of the commission. 

Morton L. Marks, of tlie tirm of Van Pattan & Marks, whole- 
sale grocers, 119, 121 and 123 East Second street, was born in Onon- 
daga, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1S39, and is a son of Enoch 
and Margaret (Welton) Marks, natives of Hartford, Conn. Tlie 
former was snperintendent of the Onondaga Salt Springs, in the 
years 1847 and '4S. They are now residents of Oak Park, 111. 
Morton L. attended and taught a school in Onondaga Cannty, until 
he was 21 years old. He studied law in the village of Caramilus. 
N^. Y., six months, then in July, 1861, enlisted in the l-22d New York 
Inf. Vols., Co. H, as a private. He was elected by this company 
as first lieutenant, and served one year; he was then appointed 
captain of Co. B, the same regiment, and remained with thena 
until tiie close of tlie war. Wiiile in the service he ])articipated in 
all tiie various engagements of his regiment. Among them were 
tlie battles of Antietam, two battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, 
Wilderness, Gold Harbor, Petersburg, then drove Gen. Early out 
of Washington, and went with Siieridan up the Shenandoah Valley 
and engaged in the battles of Winchester and Mine Run. After- 
ward went to Petersburg and was in the battle which resulted in 
the surrender uf Richmond. He was mustered out at Washington, 
D. C. In March, 186*5, he came to Davenport, where he remained 
a short time. He traveled over Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, and 
the western part of Iowa, where he bought cattle one year. In 
March, 1867, returned to Davenport and formed a partnershij) with 
J. P. Van Pattan, in the grocery business, which still continues. 
Mr. Marks was married Jan. 20, 1869, to Miss Ilellen A. Sanders, 
of D.uibury, Conn. Her father, J. P. Sanders, is an attorney 
and Past Grand Sire in I. O. O. F., and resides at Yonkers, N. Y. 
His wife, Elvina Marks, nee Ferguson, is a native of New York. 
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Marks have had four children — Louis M., 
Ciiarles R., Margaret A. and James S., who died in November, 
1877. Mr. Marks is a member of A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 17. 
and V. A. S., and Iowa L. of II. He has held the office of alder- 
man of the Fourth Ward two years and in politics is a Republican. 

Hiram C. Marsh, busincbs manager of the Davenport Oazette, 
has been a member of the Gazette company, since lS71-'72; a 
])ortion of the time as superintendent of the mechanical depart- 
ment and since as business manager. He is a native of Tompkins 
Co., N. \ ., born in 1^36. He learned the printei-'s trade, chiefly 
at Saratoga Springs, where he lived eight years. In 1861 he went 
to Buffalo; was there during the war. In 1866 he returned to 
Tompkins County and pnblished the Groton Journal till 1872, 
when he came West and became one of the firm, jniblishing the 
Davenport Gazette. He has been identified with the printing 
business since he was 13 years of age. He received his education 
in a New York academy. He was married near Buffalo, N. Y., in 
1859, to Sarah Bedell, a native of Vermont. They have one son and 
one daughter, grown to maturity. 



876 HISTORY OF SCOT:r COUNTY. 

John L. Mason, proprietor of the carriage works, 119 and 121 
E. Fourth St., established this factory in partnership with Mr. 
Evens, in February, 186S. Since October, 1S81, Mr. Mason has 
been sole owner. He occu])ies two brick buildings, one 30x80, 
three stories high, with an elevator, and one 26x160, and two 
stories in height. Also have warerooms under the Kimball House. 
He manufactures a full line of fine carriages, phaetons, buggies, 
and makes a specialty of tine wagons. The subject of this memoir 
was born in Bowmanville, Ontario. Canada, July 14, 1844, and 
was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Mason, nee Sweet, natives of 
England. John L. lo?ated in Davenport in January, 1866, where 
he has since resided. He was married Sept. 26, 1866, to Maria M. 
Colman, of Portsmouth, England. They have had four children 
— Charles F., Webster L, Marian E. and Wesley R., who died in 
infancy. Mr. Mason is a merabi'r of A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 17, 
and in politics is a Republican. 

Augustus I'. Mast was born in Brunswick, Germany, Oct. 1, 
1819. His parents were Erhardt Mast and Caroline, nee Rust, 
both Germans. They emigrated to America in 1833, going tirst to 
Wheeling, West Virginia, where our subject was employed on the 
river boats until 1849. In that year he removed to Davenport. 
In 1849 he engaged in the general merchandise business, which 
he followed until 1853, when he was appointed postmaster of 
Davenport under President Pierce, and was reappointed by 
Buchanan in 1857. At the close of his second term, in 1861, he 
was elected to the office of county recorder and treasurer, and 
served two years. He engaged in 1864 with L. B. Meyer, in the 
cigar and tobacco business, and remained with him 13 years. In 
1879 he commenced Ijusiness for himself, opening a cigar and 
tobacco store at 222 Brady St., where he has been very successful. 
Mr. Mast was married in 1846, to Miss Johanna Witt, a native of 
Germany. They have eight children, as follows: Amelin, now 
married and living in Leadville; Ferdinand, bookkeeper; Chas. 
Albert, teller and assistant cashier of the Davenport National 
Bank; Frank P., with Beidebecke & Miller; Julia, who resides 
with her parents; Willie H., bookkeeper in the land department. 
Rock Island Railroad; Clarence, printer; and Lee B., in the tele- 
graph office. Mr. Mast has been a life-long Democrat. 

Henry II. Matlock, manager of the Western Telephone Com- 
pany, corner of Second and Brady streets, was born near Charles- 
ton, N. C, Aug. 30, 1840, and was a son of George W. and Mary 
A. (Spencer) Matlock, of Pennsylvania. Henry attended school 
until lie was IS years old, when he learned telegraphing, and be- 
came chief operator of 'the U. S. Telegraph Company in 1864, at 
Chicago, 111. In 1S65 he came to Davenport as manager of the 
Western Telegraph Company, and held that position until July 1, 
1881, when he resigned to take his ])resent position. In Novem- 
ber, 1881, he was appointed assistant general superintendent for 
the Western Telephone Co., of the Iowa division, a position he still 







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CITY OF DAVXNTORT. 879 

retains. He was married to Miss Mary R. Kelly at South Bend, 
Ind.. Dec. -t, 1867. She was born in Burlington, N. J., of William 
and Eliza Kelly. Mr. and Mrs. Matlock have one child, Robert 
C. Mr. Matlock is a Mason and a member of Trinity Lodge, No. 208, 
and the Davenport Consistory, Scottish Rite, No. 3. TheTelephone 
Company of Davenport have 2S3 instruments in use. This system 
includes Rock Island, Moline and Milan, and for the four towns 
use tOO instruments. Mr. Matlock organized this telephone sys- 
tem in August, 1679, commencing with 40 stations. 

I\ J. McBrlde, grocer, 222 East Third street, Davenport, was 
born in County Fermaugh, Ireland, March 17, 1S54, and was a son 
of John and Margaret (judged McBride, of Ireland. The former 
is a carpenter and resides in Davcn])ort. The latter died in August, 
1S78. The subject of this sketch emigrated to America with his 
brother Peter when he was 12 years old, and came at once to Dav- 
enport and joined his parents, who had been here since 1856. He 
attended school two years, spent one year at the carpenter's trade, 
then accepted a situation in the grocery store of Mr. Ed. Grace, at- 
tending night school. lie remained in this store some 13 years. 
In 1^78 heestablished hispresent business at 222 East Third street, 
where he does a good business and carries a full and complete stock 
of goods. He was married March 31, 1879, to Miss Aggie Quinn, 
daughter of R. S. and Johanna (Lanndrigan) Quinn, natives of Ire- 
land, and early settlers of Scott County. Mr. and Mrs. McBride 
have had two children — Agatha J. and Maggie, who died Aug. 15, 
1881. In politics Mr. McBride is a Democrat, and cast his vote for 
Tilden. 

James K.McOosh, son of Robert McCosh, was born in Pittsburg, 
Pa., in April, 1837. He learned the marble-cutter's trade when 
quite young, and has followed it since. In 1860 he located in Dav- 
enport, la., and embarked in the marble business with a small cap- 
ital, which has been increased until it is now estimated by the 
thousands. He was married in 1862 to Ann E. Phillips. They have 
had six children, five living — Margaret. Mary. Everett, Lillie and a 
girl unnamed. Mr. McCosh was alderman two years and is a mem- 
ber of the Legion of Honor. 

Miss Jennie McCoioen. M.D.. has been identified witli the regular 
profession in Davenport since July, 1880. She is a native of War- 
ren Co., Ohio, and was born June 15, 1845. Her parents were 
Dr. John and Maria McCowen,of Ohio. Her father was of Scotch 
Presbyterian ancestry, and her motlier of Quaker origin. Miss 
McCowen was educated as a teacher, in the Southwestern Normal 
School, at Lebanon, Ohio, and taught school 12 years, beginning at 
16 years of age. She had an innate love for the medical profes- 
sion, and having access to her father's library, read medicine from 
her childhood, and pursued the study, notwithstanding much 
opposition. In 1872 she discontinued teaching and began special 
preparation for entering the profession; in 1873 entered the medical 
department of the Iowa State University, and after taking the full 
51 



880 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUXTY. 

three vears' course, graduated with the dej^ree of il. D., carrying 
off tlie first prize for iier thesis. She immediately was offered the 
position of assistant physician at tlie State Hospital for the Insane 
at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, which was accepted, and tlie duties im- 
mediately entered upon. She tilled that pDsition three years. Upon 
retiring from the institution she spent the intervening time in re- 
cuperation and travel, openingan office in Davenport in July, 1880. 
Her success has far exceeded her anticipations. She has a fine 
practice in Davenport, Rock Island, and Moline. She is secretary 
of the Scott County Medical Society; is a member of the Social 
Science Association of Illinois, and the National Association for 
the Advancement of Women, and the jSTational Association to Pre- 
vent Insanity. Her parents are both deceased. 

Mrs. Dr. McO'msJi/, proprietress of the Turkish and Yapor 
Bath Parlors, at 501, 503 and 505 Brady. These parlors were hrst 
opened in 1874:. In January, 1881, Mrs. Dr. McGiusly purchased 
them, and she has given them a thoi'ough overhauling and greatly 
improved them by adding the very latest and best batiis, 
including the Turkish, electric, sulphur, sea salt, hemlock, 
eucaleptis, and the plain vapor baths. This establishment has 
IS nicely furnished rooms, with an apartment exclusively for 
ladies. These baths are most valuable, and this is the only com- 
plete establishment of this kind west of Chicago. Mrs. Dr. 
McGinsly was born in Pennsylvania: she was a daughter of Dr. 
J. C. McDonald and Mary (Fultz) McDonald. Mrs. Dr. McGinsly 
began the study of medicine in 1865, and graduated from the 
Boston Medical University in 1809, where she also studied the 
magnetic and botanical branches. She first jjraeticed 18 months 
at Sandwich Islands; has since practiced in New York City, Pitts- 
burg, Pa., and St. Louis, Mo., from where she removed to Daven- 
port. Her experience as a physician has gained for her the 
confidence of all, and her bath parlors are one of the attractions of 
the city. Mrs. Dr. McGinsly has in addition to her bath parlors her 
house ifor boarding patients at 513 Brady St.. where she treats all 
chronic diseases, making a specialty of kidney diseases, rheumatism 
and neuralsria. 

Oilhert McKown, deceased, was born in Berkeley Co., Ya., May 
3, 1787, of Scotch-Irish descent. Here he was educated and 
lived until 21 j'ears old. He then came into possession of his 
father's estate, and vrent to Pittsburg, Pa., and opened a dry- 
goods store, in which business he remained 25 years. In 1835 he 
removed to Cincinnati, where he was employed in the wholesale 
house of Griffin A: Lucky. Five years later he removed to Daven- 
port and started a general merchandise store in a small frame 
building, where the St. James Hotel now stands. Afterward he 
moved to the corner of Front and Brady streets, where he failed 
in business. He died Oct. 14., 1861, in the 7'ith year of his age. 
Mr. McKown was twice married, each time in Pittsburg. His 
first wife was Esther Bracken, by whom he had three children — 



CITY OF DAVENl'OET. 881 

Mary Jane, Joseph G. and Gilbert B., all living. Three years 
after his wife's death he married Ann Marie Skelton, of Phila- 
delphia, who is still living, at the advanced age of SO years. The 
result of this union way 13 children, only two of whom are 
now living — David P. and Hannah P., now Mrs. Dalzell. Mr. 
McKown was a member of the Presbyterian church, and polit- 
ically a Democrat, and a strong supporter ot the Union during 
the Kebellion. 

Parker W. MoMamis, member of the State Legislature ot 
Iowa, was born in Newark, Delaware, June 21, 1842. His father, 
James McManus, was born at the same place, and married 
March 10, 1S31, on Long Island, to Sarah Whittlesey, a native of 
MA-stic, Conn., her grandfather having been one of the original 
proprietors of the town. They were the parents of three sons 
and four daughters. Mr. McAIanus, Sr., was a stone-cutter and 
stone-mason; he built the princi])al stone-works on Fort Hamilton, 
Long Island. He was a heavy railroad contractor in the East. 
He came to the West in 1S1:3, brought his fairiih- out in 1814, and 
on March 10 arrived in Davenport. Upon locating here he turned 
his attention to farming and bought the farm where Mr. Parker 
McManus now resides. He was engaged in the mercantile 
business some time, which he closed out in 1S57 and retired irom 
active business life, having previously accumulated an estate 
of from §50,000 to S75,(K)0. He was elected a member of the 
first State Legislature of Iowa, and obtained the charter for Iowa 
College, of which he was one of the founders, one of its first 
trustees, and its first treasurer, and was a trustee at the time of 
his death, in 1879. The nomination and election came to him un- 
sought. The subject of this sketch was educated in Iowa College, 
and spent two years at Amherst College, Mass. He enlisted in 
the army in October, 1861; at the age of It* he was elected tirst 
lieutenant of Co. E, 27tli Mass. Inf., and at the battle of Iloanoke 
Island he commanded the company. He was adjutant of the 
regiment when captured on May 16, 1864, at the battle of Fort 
Darling, or Drury's Blutt; he was at once incarcerated in Libby 
prison; was subsequently moved from one prison to another, as 
was deemed necessary by the rebels, and on Nov. 29 he escajied 
from Columbia, S. C, and in comjiany with two comrades traveled 
200 miles, consuming 17 days, reaching our gunboat at Wenyaw 
Bay on Dec. 15. He had been commissioned captain, June 4, 
1864. Having served live months more than his term of enlist- 
ment, he was mustered out of service Feb. 11, 1865, and returned 
to Davenport. After taking a course in Pittsbui-g Commercial 
College, he spent a season farming. In lst;7 he went out 
on the plains and operated with his uncle, William McMantis, 
who was a contractor on the Union Pacitic II. R. In 1879 he 
returned to this city, and has since been engaged in agricultural 

f)nrsuits. He has always been a pronounced Kepublican, but based 
lis action upon principle, and is not a radical jiartisan. In the 



882 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

fall of 1881 he was elected to the Iowa General Assembly, without 
opposition on the part of the Democracy. Mr. McManns married 
Flora N. Meek, March 9, 1876. She was born in Lexington, Mo. 
Thev have a family of three sons, viz.: James M.. Parker W., and 
William G. His mother and one sister reside with him. 

tred Melchert, dealer in agricultural implements, Nos. 705, 707 
709,711, 713 and 71.5 Harrison street, was born in Frederickstown, 
Md., Jan. 28, 1840, and was a son of John and Mary Ann Melchert, 
natives of Germany, and now I'esidents of Davenport. Fred re- 
ceived his education in Lockhaven, Pa., and in Davenport. He 
enlisted from Scott County in 1861, in the United States army, and 
served during the whole war. He was taken prisoner at Fayette- 
ville. Ark., and after 10 days of suffering succeeded in making 
his escape. He was six weeks in the Boston Mountains, and dur- 
ing that time suffered all pangs of hunger and fatigue. He was 
mustered out at Clinton, la., in 1865, and at once returned to Dav- 
enport. He engaged in shipping cattle until 1867, wlion he began 
traveling for Reapers & Mumers, and remained with them until 
1869; when he embarked in his present business. On the 6th of 
November, 1866, he was married to Eebecca Jane Creswell, of 
Pennsylvania. They have one child, Minnie. Mr. Melchert is a 
member of the Masonic K. T.. Nobles of Domestic Shrine. He is 
vice-president of the Board of Trade, also of the Board of Produce. 
He is a director in the Davenport Plow Company. 

Riv. James G. Merrill, Pastor of the Edwards Congregational 
Church, was born in Montague. Mass., Aug. 20, 1840, son of Rev. 
James H. and Lucia W. Merrill, nee Griswold. Mr. Merrill at- 
tended Phillips Academy of Andover, and Amlierst College, grad- 
uating from the latter in 1863. He graduated in tlieology at the 
Theological Setninary of Andover in 1866. He was ordained at 
Mound City, Kansas, in January of 1866, where he remained until 
called to Topeka First Congregational Church in 1869. Soon after 
he was appointed superintendent of missions for Kansas, for about 
two years. He has had charge of his church here since January, 
1872. He was married Oct. 11, 1866, to Louisa W. Boutwefl, 
daughter of George Boutwell, deceased, of Andover, Mass. To them 
were born four children — Lucia G., Oliver B., Mary Perley and 
William F. 

John B. Meyer, teller of Davenport Savings Bank, was born in 
the city of St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 11, 1852. His parents were 
Francis E. and Augusta (Bade) Meyer, who had a family of four 
children, two living, viz.: Charles, cashier of the First National 
Bank. Davenport, and John B., the subject of this sketch. The 
family came to Buffalo, Scott Co., Iowa, in 1856, when John 
was but four years of age; when nine j'ears of age the family 
moved to Davenport, where he attended school until 14. He then 
worked for different parties until the fall of 1880, when he was ap- 
pointed to his present position as teller in the Davenport Savings 
Bank. He married Miss Anna Eckhard, May 12, 1880; she was 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 883 

born in Davenport, and was a davigliter of D. Eckliard. Mr. John 
Me3'er is a member of Harnionia and Scbutzen Societies of Daven- 
port, and in politics a Republican, and a representative man of 
Davenport, where be has lived since four years of age. 

F . Albert Mield)/, carpenter, 314 W. Fifth St., was born in Ber- 
lin, Prussia, April 21, 182S. His ]iarents. Martin and Catherine 
(Sanderis) Miekly, were natives of Derlin, where he died in 1878; 
she still resides there. The subject of this sketch emigrated to this 
countr}' in 1852, and landed in Xew York after a journey of seven 
weeks. He spent a year in Chicago, 111., and Michigan, and came 
to Davenport in the fall of 1853. He worked at his triide for Mr. 
Squire, now deceased, si.\ months, then went into business for him- 
self. He has had good success in his business, and has built some 
of the finest residences in Davenport. He was married on the ISth 
of March, 1862, to Sophie Brugnian, a native of Preslan, Prussia, 
Their union has been blessed with six children — Theodore, Adolpli, 
Louis, Bertha, Augusta and Agnes. In politics, Mr. Miekly is a 
Kepublican. 

Clinton U. Miller, photographer, 225 Brady St., was born in 
Clinton Co., N. Y., June 21. 1839; son of Abraham Miller, of 
Long Island. Clinton was reared on a farm and educated at Platts- 
burg, N. Y. He came to Scott County in 1876 and established a 
photographic gallery in Davenport. He does a large business and 
makes any kind of pictures. He employs three men to work for 
him. He was married June 29, 1856, to Eunice J. Hodgkins. 
This union was blessed witli live children, one living, Nathan H., 
who is in partnershi)) with his father in the photograph business. 

Capt. Samxtel Mitchell was born in Sciota Co., O., Oct. 19, 
1812, son of David and Mary Stockham, who were among the 
early settlers of Sciota County. The land was surveyed by Gen. 
Massy, his father assisting and received a tract of land for his pay. 
He was the tirst to open \\\\ the salt mines of that section. He 
was a prouiinent man in his district, being elected to the Legis- 
lature IS times; was a personal friend ot Gen. Harrison, 
Thomas Cowen, Sr., Henry Clay, going all the way from Ohio to 
hear him make a speech. The subject of this sketch was reared 
on a farm and received a limited education. When 22 years of 
age he left his home in Ohio on horseback and crossed the broad 
prairies of Illinois; came to Albany, Whiteside Co.. 111., where 
he bought pro])erty and embarked in the lumber and mercantile 
business, and at the time <>f the tornado, which swept over that 
place in 1860 and swept away all he had accumulated. From 
there moved to Daven])ort. He married Mary Work in Marshall 
Co., 111., by whom there was one son, James H., a graduate at 
Mt. Carroll Seminary, and at present employed by the X. W. R. 
R. Co., at Chicago. ' IVlrs. Mitchell died about 1841. He again 
married Eveline Howard: she was born in Xorwieh, A't., Xov. 15, 
1819. By this union there are four children living — ^Eveline B., 
wife of N. W. Woodford, of Davenport; Charles IL, now a rising 



884 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

young lawyer of Chicago, and a graduate at the law department 
of the State University; Linnie R., and Mary, now the wifeot J. F. 
Clark, of Davenport. The Captain has been engaged more or less 
in river traffic, having command of several boats. James H. en- 
listed in the 27th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the 
close of the war, being in the service uearh' four years. 

John I . MoelJer, paper box manufactory, 325 and 327 West 
Second St., engaged in this business June 20, ISSl. The factory 
was first established by Mr. Fay, who owned it until 1874, when 
Mr. H. F. Moeller purchased it and conducted it until Mr. J. F. 
Moeller bought him out on June 20, ISSl. He manufactures 
paper boxes of every description, and is always prepared to fill 
orders promptly. The factory has been greatly im])roved under 
his management; have all the improved machinery for doing first- 
class work. He employs 16 girls. Mr. Moeller was born July 23, 
1845, in Schleswig, Germany, and was a son of Wulf and Wihel- 
mina Moeller, natives ot Germany. John learned the brick-layer's 
trade and attended school in his native country until he was 19 
years old, when he came with his brother to the United States. 
He spent three years in Calhoun Co., Mich., and in 1868 located 
in Davenport. He worked for Knostman & Peterson, in the 
furniture factory, where he learned turning, and in the box factory 
until he became projirietor of that business in ISSl. He was mar- 
ried Oct. 27, 1871, to Mary Harder, a native of Germany. They 
have had five children — Minnie M., Henry, Tillie, Hannah and 
Hugo. Mr. Moeller is a member of I. O. O. F., Scott Co. Lodge, 
No. 37, of the United Brotherhood of Iowa, and K. P., Davenport 
Lodge, No. 60. In politics lie is a Democrat. 

Daniel Moore was born in tlie city of Leicester, Leicestershire, 
England, Sept. 25, 1819, and was a son of Ricliard and Elizabeth 
Moore, nee Smith, both natives of England, where they died. 
Daniel attended school in his native country until his tenth year, 
when in May, 1830, lie emigrated to America. Landing in Phila- 
delphia, Pa., on the sixth day of July, 1830, with an older brother, 
Charles, who returned to England two years after, and is living 
there yet. His other brother, Geoi-ge then lived in Manayunk, 
Pa., but in the fall of the same year, 1830, concluded to move to 
Cincinnati, O., and they gave Daniel his choice, to stay in Phila- 
delphia or go to the West, and his choice was the latter. They 
crossed the Alleghany Mountains by teams to Pittsburg;, Pa., then 
down the Ohio River in a skiif, as far as Letart Falls, and from 
there to Cincinnati in a flat boat. He there agreed with Mr. 
Thomas Graham to learn the trade of baker, with whom he stayed 
until June, 1834. He then engaged in steam-boating until the 
fall of 1838, and made two trips from St. Louis to Prairie du 
Chien, Wis., in the fall of 1835. He quit the river in the fall of 
1838, and again resumed his trade in Sc. Louis, Mo., where he was 
married on Jan. 21, 1840, to Miss Ellen Reilly Ayers, who waa 
born in the city of New York and came to St. Louis in 1837. They 
have had five children — Robert P., Edwin O., Charles E., Eliza- 



CITA' OF DAVENPORT. 885 

beth and Horace S. Edwiu (). died in 1847, and Elizabeth died 
in 1S76. Ill October, 1841, they moved to Stephenson (now Rock 
Island) and started the baking business, but meeting with poor 
success they moved over the river to Davenport on Sept. 9, 1842, 
and have lived here ever since. From 1842 to 1851, he was the 
onl}- baker and butcher carrying on business in Davenport. In 
1851 he gave up the butchering and continued the baking until 
February, 1S73, when he sold out and retired from the business. 
During the war he furnished bread for the soldiers under Govern- 
ment cuntract, and he fed the first company of soldiers that ar- 
rived here, and the last company that was mustered out of service 
after the war was over. In 1S73 he turned his attention to selling 
a patent bake-oven which he had invented for burning soft coal, 
and which met with a good sale. Soon after the organization of the 
Old Settlers' Society, he became a member, and has held the office 
of president of that association since the fall of 1881. In 1856 he 
was burned out, which was the direct cause of organizing the fire 
department of Davenport. He was one of the leading spirits in 
that organization, and was elected foreman of the hand engine 
" Witch." Two of his sons are members of the department at the 
present time. He also belonged to Scott Division, No. 1, Sons of 
Temperance, from 1851 to 1877, when he joined the United Order 
of Ancient Templars, and is still a member of the order. He was 
an old-time Whig from 1840 until the extinction of that party, 
since which time he has acted with the Republican party, until the 
last few years. Now he votes for principles more than party. 
Mr. Moore is a self-made man, and in spite of several reverses he 
has, by his own indomitable energy and perseverance, surniounted 
nearly all obstacles, and has made for himself a good name, merit- 
ing and receiving the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens. 
A. Moi'itz, wholesale and retail dealer in clothing and gents' 
furnishing goods, 105 West Second street, established this business 
in 1870 in company with L. Loenstein. Since 1871 Mr. Moritz has 
conducted this business alone. He occupies a building, 25 x 85 
feet, four stories in height, with a basement. His retail department 
is on the first floor; the wholesale on the second, third and fourth 
floors. He carries a full and complete line of domestic and im- 
ported goods, employs three traveling salesmen, and does aa 
annual business of $175,000. Mr. Moritz was born nearFrankford, 
Hessen, Germany, Dec. 19, 1846. When he was IS years old, he emi- 
grated to the United States, and landed in New York City, where 
he clerked until 1867, when he came to Davenport, and clerked 
here until 1870, when he established his present business. He was 
married April 11, 1869. to Miss Caroline Hamburger, of Frankford, 
Germany. Of six children born to them, four are living — Harry, Sid- 
ney, Mamie and Jesse. ^Ir.Moritz is aMason and ^[ember of Fraternal 
Lodge, No. 221; Davenport Chapter, R. A. M., No. 16, and of I, U. 
B. II, Lodge No. 174. He is one of the leading business-men of 



886 HISTORY OF SCO'IT COUNTY. 

Davenport and has the largest and oulv exclusive wholesale clothing 
house in the citj". 

Dr. James B. Morgan was born in Eric Co., Pa., Juh- 6, 1S;?9, 
son of James Ji. Morgan, of England, who came to the United States 
when 18 years old. He was a sailor, and died when our subject 
was quite young. His mother was again married and the family 
moved to JDelaware Co., Iowa, in the fall of 184.5. James E. enlisted 
at Dubuque in Co., I, First Iowa Inf., under Captain Frank J. 
Herrou, afterward major-general. Dr. Morgan served as private 
for three months, then enlisted as orderly sergeant in Co. K, 12th 
Iowa Inf., for three years, and was then promoted to first lieutenant 
and served as such until the close of the war. He participated in 
nearly all the principal battles of the West. Before entering the 
service, he had decided to study medicine and while in the army he 
learned a great deal about surgery by observation. In tlie fall of 
1866 he began his professional career by attending lectures at 
Rush Medical College in Chicago. He was induced by Prof. 
Lackey, demonstrator of anatomy at that college, to pursue den- 
tistry instead of surgery. In April. 1S77, he came to Davenport, 
as delegate from Post 71, Hopkinton, Iowa, to the permanent organ- 
ization of the Grand Army of the Republic of Iowa, and made 
arrangements while here to study dentistry in the ofSce of Dr. 
Miner. The following fall he entered Philadelphia Dental College, 
graduating from there as D. D. S. in February, 1S7S. He re- 
turned to tliis city, and in June, 1879, purchased the ofiice of Dr. 
Gunckle, and has been actively engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession sinc3. He has all the latest appliances in dentistry and has 
met with flattering success as a practitioner. Dr. Morgan was the 
originator of the U. O. A. T. in Iowa, and is a zealous worker for 
that order, of which he is Past Templar of Templar Ko. 1, and is 
also Adjutant, Post No. 1, G. A. R. He was married to Miss Min- 
nie Ilariis of Sas Harbor, Long Island, A'. Y., Sept. 28, 1871. 

Mossviaii c£" VoUmer. commercial printers and manufacturers of 
all kinds of rubber stamps, 131 and 1.3.3 East Third street. The 
Rubber Stamp Manufactory was established in 1867, and incorpo- 
rated in 1879, as the T. S. Buck tt Co. Rubber Stamp Manufacturing 
Company. On Aug. 20 Mr. Vollmer became half owner, and in 
1881 Mr. Mossman purchased Buck's interest, and they added the 
I'ob printing department, where they are prepared to do all kinds 
of commercial printing. Albert L. Mossman came to Daven]>ort in 
1852, and served an ap])renticesliip in the Gazette office, learning 
the various branches of the printing business, including press work 
and job printing, and was afterward manager for the Democrat 
job rooms 18 years, until March 10, 1881, when he purchased the 
interest of T. S. Buck in the Rubber Stamp Manufactory. Mr. 
Mossman married Miss Amanda Campbell of Mercer Co.. Peun., 
in 1861. The fruit of this marriage is three children, viz. : 
Wm. C, Linnie ■ and Roy Mossman. Mr. Albert L. Mossman, 
joined the Y. M. C. A. of this city some 15 years ago; and in March, 
1881, was elected president of this .association. He and wile are 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 887 

members of the Ciilvarv I'aptist Church, of which he is deacon. 
He lias been superintemlent of the Nortli Daven])ort Mission Sun- 
day-school ei<);ht years, and a member of tlie Iowa Legion of Honor. 

Henry Vvllmer was born in Uiemen, Germany, Bee. 27, 1837. 
His parents weie John and.Margaret (Kraul) Vollmer, who brought 
him to America in 18-41, when four years of age; landed in ]^ew 
Orleans, then wont to St. Louis, Mo., where Henry attended school 
until 13, when he learned the printer's trade with Llill it McKee, 
of the Missouri Deruocrat. In ISGl i\[r. Vollmer came to Daven- 
port, where he worked as superintendent of the German Der Dem- 
ocrat paper, until 1870, when he established his present business, 
and in 1881 formed a ])artnership with Mr. Mossman. Mr. Voll- 
mer married Miss Dorathea Phunbeck Aug. 15, 1863. The fruit 
of tiiis marriage is seven children, of whom are living, — Emil, 
Henry, Charles, Dora and Agnes. Mr. Vollmer is a member of 
Davenport Lodge Xo. 17, A. 0. U. W. 

Christ Mueller, of the tirm of Schricker ifc Mueller, came to Dav- 
enport in June, 1852. and in the spring of 185-1 engaged in the 
lumber business on a salar\-. Previous to this he had been en- 
gaged in the manufacture of vinegar, but on April 1, 185-4, his 
factory was totally destroyed by tire. He lost everytliing, comjiell- 
ing him t > go to work as a laborer. From 1855 he was a partner 
in erecting a tlouring mill in Alliance, Iowa, whicii they ran two 
years, when, the enter]irise proving unprofitable, he returned to tlie 
lumber business, as s desman and manager for a tirm in Daven- 
port, continuing until 1863, then speculated in grain until 1868, in 
which he was very successful. March 1, 1868, he bought an in- 
terest in his present business, and became a member of the above- 
named firm. The com]>any buys logs and timber, which they manu- 
facture into Inmbt-r and shingles, and also run a saw and jdaning 
mill. They do an enormfms business, having handled over 13,ii00,- 
000 feet of lumber in 188 L They own a stern-wheel steamboat which 
is used in rafting, on which 15 men are employed. Their entire 
force numbers 125 hands. Mr. Mueller was born in Germany in 
1823. in Holstein. He was in the Scheleswick-Holstein rebel 
army, in which service he received three wounds in 1848. He 
landed in America in June, 1852. He was united in marriage in 
June, 1854, in this city with E])lielia Claussen, daughter of H. K. 
Claussen, a ))rominent lawyer of Davenport, and at one time a 
member of the State Senate of Iowa. They have one daughter and 
four sons, the (ddest of whom, Frank W., is bookkeeper for the 
firm. Mr. J[ueiler was the original prime mover in orgnnizing 
the Turners Society, and was 25 years one of its leading officers; 
has tilled the ]irincipal chairs in the organization. He is also a 
member of the Schuetzenveen Shar]i-Shooters' Association. 

William Mullen, m;\ni\%er ^OT the celebrated "Gennine Singer 
Company," office 326 Brady St., was born in Winnebago, Wis., 
Jan. 26, 1855. His parents were Charles and Mary (Fox) 
Mullen, natives of Ireland and Canada. They had a family of 



888 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

seven sons. William, the subject of this sketch, attended school 
until 10 veai'S of age, when his father died, and at that early age he 
struck out to make his own living. He drove team and worked for 
farmers until 15. when he learned iron and wood bridge building, 
which business he followed until 1872, wlien he came West, ife 
worked here at Davenport, Iowa, on the Government bridge. as draw- 
tender, two years. lie then worked at bridge-building for the C, 
R. I. & P. R'y until 1880, when he began to work for the Singer 
Co., and received his present appointment as manager of the Co.'s 
office here September, 1881. This office is the oldest sewing 
machine office in the city, and was established here in 1S6T, and 
thousands of the "Genuine Singer" sewing machines have been 
sold each year since that time, and this house justly deserves the 
good name it has alwa^vs had. The Singer machine is widely 
known, and is a favorite with all for simplicity and splendid work. 
The history of the Singer machine is known by all, and these 
machines are sold all over the United States as well as in Europe. 
Mr. William Mullen, manager for the Davenpoit tiffice, warrants 
every machine he sells. He married Miss Ella Mullen, April 21, 
1873. She was born in Davenport, Iowa ; she was a daughter of 
William and Ella (O'Neil) Mullen, who settled in Scott Couiityin 
1837 or 'S. Mr. and Mrs. William Mullen, subject of this sketch, 
have had three children, viz. : William, Jr., Robert, and George 
Mullen. Mr. Mullen is a member of the Catholic Total Abste- 
nence of America, and in politics he is a Greenbacker. 

Thomas Murray, Connty Surveyor and City Engineer of Daven- 
port, was elected surveyor in the fall of 1867, and took charge of 
the duties of the office in January, 1S68; was appointed city 
eno;ineer in the spring of the same year, and still holds both offices. 
He is of Scotch nativity, born in 1845. His father, Charles Mur- 
ray, married Miss Barbary Murray, and they emigrated to the 
United States in 1855, and located in Scott Co., Iowa, and are now 
residents of Davenport. They have a family of eight cliildren. 
Thomas Murray attended the schools of this city, and having a 
taste for mathematics, naturallv turned his attention to surveying. 
He is a Mason, a member of lodge, chapter and commandery. He 
was united in marriage in 1880 to Eva Daniels, a native ot Scott 
County. 

George Murray was born in Scotland, in March, ISIO. He 
came to the United States in 1828, and located in Pennsylvania, in 
the contracting business, and built the Alleghany & Portage R. 
R., Pottsville R. R.. a portion of the Pennsylvania Central, the 
canal on Sandy and P>eaver Rivers, Ohio, and the Iron Mountain 
Road in Missouri. In 185-1 he came to Iowa and bought a farm 
near Davenport, bringing his family the following spring. In 1875 
they moved into the city. His marriage to Esther Croj'le occurred 
in iS33. They had nine children, three living, — James. William 
and Mary E. One son, Thomas, died in the war, a member of the 
20th la. Infantry. Mrs. Esther Murray died and Mr. Murray was 



CITY OF DiVENPOKT. 889 

again married in 185-1-, to Mrs. Harriet Morgan, '?iee Wilson. Mr. 
Murray is member of tlie Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Murray of tlie 
Presbyterian cliurch. 

John J. OUhamen, M. D., is a native of llolstein, Germany, 
born June 6, 1817, son of Jolin D. Olsliausen, of ilanover, Ger- 
many. Dr. Olsliausen was educated in the Gymnasium of Kd-nigs- 
berg, a Latin school, and graduateil from the medical dejiartment 
of tlie University of Kiel in 1847. He emigrated to America in the 
same year and located in the practice of medicine in St. Louis, Mo., 
remaining there until the fall of 1854, when lie came to Davenport, 
Li. He has been tlie recipient of a large and successful practice here, 
among both the American and German people. He was married 
in St. Louis in 1848, to Margaret E. She])man, of German birth, 
wiio came to St. Louis, Mo., witii her ]nirents in 1837. Dr. 
and Mrs. Olsliausen liad eight children, four living — Zoe, wife of 
Dr. i>ernliardy,of Rock Island; Theodore, now married, is salesman 
for the Crescent Mills; Juliana and Walter. Dr. Olsliausen made a 
tour through North and South America, from 1833 to '41. He is 
a member of the United States ^ledical Society and the Academy 
of Science. Has been a member of the School Board for the past 12 
or 15 years. 

Thomas G' Shamjhnessy, grocer. 029 Harrison street, is a native 
of Countv Galway, Ireland, born Dec. 15, 1834. He was a son of Ed- 
wai'd and Helen O'Sliaughnessy, n^e Wade, of Irish birth. When 
Thomas wa> abnut 13 years of age his parents started for America. 
While on the way his father died and was buried at sea Dec. 28, 
1847. Tlie remainder of the family landed at New Orleans and 
from there went to Madison, Ind., where Thomas worked in a brick- 
yard until 1854, when the family came to Davenport. Thomas still 
continued in the same business iiere until 1868. He then opened 
a grocery store and has been engaged in that business since, and is 
now located at the above address, where he carries a full line of 
groceries and staple goods. He was married to Julia Byrne. .June 
15, !8()3. She was born in County Wicklow, Ireland and was a 
daughter of Peter and Mary Byrne natives also of that country. To 
Mr. and Mrs. O'Shaughnessv have been born five children — Marv A., 
John E., Jospph P. and Ellen. Michael B. died Aug. 15, 1871. 
Mrs. Julia O'Shau^hnessy died Dec. 25, 1873. Mr. O'Shaughnessy 
married tor his second wife Katy. daughter of Patrick and Eliza 
(Dunn I O'Shanirlinessy, Feb. 2, 1876, and by her has had three chil- 
dren — Thomas P., Michael P., who died Dec. 12, 1878, and Joseph. 
In connection with his grocery store Mr. O'Shaughnessy has a 
wholesale flour, feed and grain store, and is one of the enterpris- 
ing business men of the city. He is a member of the Irish 
National Laml League. The family belong to the St. Anthony's 
Parish Catholic Church. 

Geoi'fjeOtt was bi)ni in Prussia, Germany, May 1,1827. His 
parents died when he was nine years old. He received an education in 
Prussia, and came to the United States in 1854; located in Pough- 



890 HISTOKY OF SCO'n' COUNTY. 

keepsie, JS". Y., where he engaged in house-painting li years, tlien 
came to Davenport. lu 1857 he went to St. Louis, Mo., returning 
to Davenport in ISGO, and established his present business of sash, 
dooi' and blind manufactory. lie began without any capital, ex- 
cept an honest name and an untiring energy; these conjoined with 
prudence and good management have jjroduced the usual result — 
success. He now carries a capital stock of 875,000, besides doing 
an annual business of $260,000 in real estate, wiiich is steadily in- 
creasing. He was married in February, 1849, to Regina Korus. 
They had two children — George and Lucy, both now married. 
Mrs. Regina Ott died and he was again married in 1S65, to Louise 
Gosch. 

Qustav Overdiech, now deceased, was born in the year 1818, in 
the Province of Holstein, Germany, and was a son of Ludariuo and 
Dora Overdieck, of German nativity. Mr. Gustav Overdieck fol- 
lowed a mercantile life in his native country, until 1848, and at 
that time he emigrated to America, and located in Scott Co., Iowa, 
where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 
1854, in Davenport. He was married in 1854 to Elise Anderson, 
who was born in Holstein, German}', and came to this country in 
1848. Of five children born to them, four are living — Hattie, 
Lotta, Ellen and Allen. Mr. Overdieck was a member of the 
Lutheran churcli, and a sincere Ciiristian. 

Shnon Bailey Paige was born in Wentworth, X. H., Aug. 26, 
3824. His father, James K. Paige, was of English descent, and 
his mother, Ann Maria Rarasa}', of Scotch origin. Our subject 
was bi'ought up a farmer, and attended the district-school winters, 
receiving material aid in his instructions from his mother. He 
alsf attended a private school several terms, and closed his studies 
in Plymouth Academy in 3 844. In the fell of that year he went 
to Lowell, Mass., and worked during his three years' stay in two 
extensive banking establishments. In company with Mr. Cochran 
he embai'ked in the grocery trade, which he followed several years. 
From 1852 to 1855 lie was deputy sherifi of Middlesex County. 
The next jQ&i; in partnership with his brother, he bought out an ex- 
tensive lumbering and general merchandise business at Oshkosh, 
Wis. This partnership still exists, being one of the oldest firms in 
Oslikosli. Our subject was an indefatigable worker for the busi- 
ness interests of his Western home, and was instrumental in in- 
corporating the Oshkosh & Mississippi River Railroad, being 
elected a director at the first meeting of the organization, and 
treasurer of the company at the first meeting of the directors. In 
1872, Mr. Paige's health being somewhat impaired, he closed out 
his merchandising business and traveled extensively, visiting 
nearly every state in the Union. He also made a trip to Europe, 
traveling over the continent three times, and visiting the Holy 
Land, Syria, Turkey, Greece and islands of the Mediterranean, 
Cyprus, Malta, Sicily. Corfu, etc., closing his travels with a trip 
around the world. On his return he again applied himself to 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 891 

business, going extensively into the logging trade with liis brotlier, 
purchasing §287,000 worth of pine lands, mill pnipertj-, etc. In 
Februar}', IS81, the tirni of Paige, Dixon it Co. was formed, and 
a ]nirchase made of the extensive mill in this city formerly owned 
by John L. Davies. The magnitude of their business is indicated 
by the trial balance from their books, Nov. 30, being §22(1, 845. 48. 
Mr. Paige is a lover of gooti horses, and is the owner of a dozen 
or so, possessing the best strains of Ingh-bred trotting blood in the 
country. Politically he is a Re])ublican. Is a Mason of the 32d 
degree. He was married in 1848, in Lowell, to Miss Leaty Gush- 
ing Bean. They have luid no cliildren. Mrs. Paige met with a 
tragic death in the burning of the I5cckwith House, which occurred 
in December, 1880. This was a crushing blow to a kind and 
artectionate husband, as they had never been separated but a few 
weeks at a time during their long and happy married life of nearly 
33 years. 

James Monroe Parher, retired, was born inMeshoppen, Luzerne 
Co. (now "Wyoming Co.), Penn., May 20, 1824. His father and 
mother, Jonathan and Xaonii (Titus) Parker, were natives of 
Rutland Co., Vermont, and moved to Canada in an early day, 
where they remained five years. They then returned to Vermont, 
and soon after removed to Meshoppen, Penn., where his father 
engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, continuing until 
1836, when he gave up the business and took charge of Dr. Rose's 
business in the selection and sale of wool and shecji, controlling 
the same for two years. He then went to Philadelphia and was 
appointed to take charge of the surveys of the Bingham estate, a 
large tract of wild land in Northern Pennsylvania, with head- 
quarters at Condersport, Potter Co., Penn., managing the same 
until the year 1842, when he ren^oved to Davenport, Iowa, his 
family baring preceded him. at which place he remained until his 
death. The subject of this sketch received only a common-school 
education in Pennsylvania, and worked in the woolen-mill with 
his father up to 1836. He then came "West with his mother and 
two sisters, locating in Davenport, where his two brothers had set- 
tled two years previously. He was but 14 years old at that time. 
His iirst work in Davenport was for the iirm of Davenport & 
"Watts, clerking in a store, where he remained one year. He then 
clerked for J. N. Macklot, corner Main and Fnmt streets, and for 
Lewis A. ifacklot, corner Main and Second streets, for three years, 
alter which he took charge of a stock of goods for Henr}- A. Taylor. 
He next went to Camden, 111., and associated hiniselt with A. K. 
Pliilleo, where they carried on general merchandise for three 
years. He then went to Rock Island and engaged with L. M. 
Webber for a year in the dry-goods business, after which he re- 
turned to Davenport and entered the bank of Cook & Sargent as 
cashier, remaining until 1853, at which time they started a branch 
bank in Rtick Island, in which he was admitted as a partner. In 
1856 they disposed of this bank to Mitchell it Cable, and he then 



892 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

■went to Florence, JS'eb., -where they opened the "Bank of Flor- 
ence," and an exchange business in name of Cook, Sargent & 
Parker, our subject being cashier and general manager of the con- 
cern. He continued with the bank until 1S60, when they wound 
up business. He then purchased land and commenced farming, 
adjoining the town. He was tirst married in 1853, to J. Zerlina 
"Wing, born in Albany, J<. Y., July 16, 1836, daughter ot D. S. 
and Saiah (Heath) Wing. Their family consisted of three children 
— William Frederick, born in Rock Island, 111., Aug. 2, 1854; 
James Monroe. Jr., born in Florence, Keb., jVov. 20, 1859. and 
Josephine Talbot, born May 11, 1865, in the same place. Mrs. 
Parker died April 17. 1869. at his farm residence at Florence, Neb. 
On returning to Davenport soon after, he was appointed receiver 
ot the Davenport Savings Institution, and was engaged a year and 
a half in winding up its business. Dec. 6, 1871. he married 
his present wife, Mrs. Ella (Wingi Taylor, who was born Ma}' Jl, 
1S32, dauariiter of Abraham and Abigail ( BaruMrdi Wing, of Glen 
Falls, N. Y. Four years ot their married lite were spent u]Jon the 
farm in Nebraska and in traveling, making a trip to Europe dur- 
ing the time, and returning to Davenport after the Centennial 
Exposition, in the fall of 1876, where they now reside. Mr. Parker 
commenced life for himself when only 1-1 years of age, andhisper^ 
severance, industry and economy during the early ,years, enabled 
him Inter in lite to make and enjoy four trips to Europe with his 
family, and still has the satisfaction of owning several thousand 
acres of land in Iowa and Nebraska, bes des city property, and en- 
joying a pleasant liome in Davenport. He was formerly a AVhig, 
but on the organization of the Pepublican party bacame identified 
with and still belongs to same. His two sons reside at Florence, 
and carry on his large faim near Omaha, Neb. 

ISamuel Parlee?', retired, was born in Middlesex Co., Mass., 
June 23, ISOO. His father, Levi Parker, was a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionary war, and a lieutenant under Oen. Washington. His 
mother, Abigail (Pool) Parker, was a member of the Presbyterian 
church. They were natives of Massachusetts. Samuel attended 
school and worked at the blacksmith's trade until he was 18 years 
old, then followed peddling dry goods and tin ware through the 
Eastern States, until 1830 or 1831, when he went into the auction 
business. He kept a store at Troy and Rochester, N. Y., La 
Porte, Ind., and Aug. 8, 1838, he located in Davenport Township. 
He bought a claim in this township, which he cultivated about 
eight years, and also acted as auctioneer of the county; then moved 
into Davenport, where he followed auctioneering until 1870 or '71, 
since which time he has lived retired. He has been twice mar- 
ried, tirst in 1830 to Mrs. Yan Scou, who died in 1860, having 
been the mother of one child, now deceased. His second marriage 
occurred Oct. 9, 1862, to Mrs. Yiolette Igelberger. 7iee Kiddler. 
Mr. Parker was for many years a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge 
of Davenport. He owns two houses and lots in Davenport, one on 



CITY OF DAVKNPORT. S93 

Fourteenth street, the other on Sixth and Le Claire, where lie re- 
sides, lie has always been iJentitied with the Democratic party, 
having east his lirst ballot for old Ilickor}' Jackson. He is now iu 
his S2d year, and has been a resident of this city since 1838. 

Geortje W. Parker, retired farmer, was born in Sherbrook, 
LowL-r Canada, Jan. 5, 1S13, and is the son of an honored sire, 
Jonathnn. and Xaonii (Tittus) Parker, who were natives of Ver- 
mont, and both born in the year 1780. Soon after their marriage 
they moved to Canada, and there resided five years, when they 
went back to Vermont, and from there moved to Meshoppen, 
Liizern, Count}', now Wyoming, Penn., where they lived for 15 
years, wlien they moved to Silver Lake, Susquehanna Co., 
Penn., where his father engaged in the manufacture of woolen 
goods, which he followed \\\> to 183(1, after wliich he took charge 
of the Bingham est ite and had charge u]) to 184:1!. The subject of 
this sketch was educated iu the common schools mostly; attended 
the academy of Wilkes Barre, Penu., nearly two terms. He worked 
with his father in the woolen-mills up to 15 years of age, after 
which he worked on a farm and rafting on the river up to 22 \ ears 
of age, and in June. 183<>, came to Davenport, Iowa, most of which 
he tooted it, an! hired out on a farm until Aug. 30, 1836. He then 
followed wood-chopping up to Feb. 1,1837, in the Galena bottoms. 
In the s]mng of 1837 he hired out to D. C. Eldridge, then Le 
Claire, after which he took a contract carr^'ing mail for his brother 
from Davenport to Dubuque, which he continued up to March, 
1838, when he again hired out to D. C. Eldridge, and followed 
working on a farm u]i to February, 1839. He bought a claim for 
$150. with money lie had saved from time to time, and commenced 
farming, where he resided up to tlie fall of 1880. He continued 
to add to liis farm until he owned 320 acres. He was married 
in 1841 to Hanna Heller, who was born in Ohio in 1822, and 
raised a family of nine'children, eight of whom are now living, 
viz.: Caroline S., Geo. T., Clara C, James W., Mary, Ella and 
Sar.di; one deceased, Linda X. He moved to Davenport in the 
tall of 1880, and now resides at Xo. 1451 Ainswortl. street. 
Mr. and Mrs. Parker were among the early settlers of the 
county, and have lived to see many changes since their first com- 
ing. In the days of the Whigs Mr. Parker was a Whig, and on 
the organization of the Republican party he became identified with 
that party. In 1859 he was elected to "the Legislature, and served 
in that capacity three successive terms; was one of the justices 
of the ])eace tor two years, and county commissioner for three 
years, and a man who has been honored and respected by his 
fellow countrymen for many years. He now is somewhat re- 
tired from the busy cares of life, and living 'on what he had accu- 
mulated in an early day. 

Uerman Peters, b.'irber and hairdresser, 227 W. 2d street, was 
born in Holstein, Germany, March 4, 1834, of Luetz and Sophia 
(Wieburg) Peters. Herman received an education, and learned 



894 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

the barber's trade in liis native country, and in 1S24 emigrated 
to America. He Ian led in New York City, May 27 of that year, 
and worked at his tade tliere until June 1, 1855, when he came 
West and located in Davenporc on the 1st of July. In 1S56 he 
opened a shop of his own, which he now has fitted up in iirst- 
class style, and employs three assistants. He was married to 
Miss Jenette Thoeming, May 15, 1S57. She was born in Schles- 
wig-Holstein, and was a daughter of William Thoeming, who 
came to Scott County in 185.3. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have 10 
children, seven living — William, Helena, Amelia, Harry, Jenette, 
Louisa and Emma. William works in the sliop with his father. 
Mr. Peters is a member of K. P., Damon Lodge No. 10, and 
Mnenachoir and Schutzen societies. He is one of our represen- 
tative business men and one of the oldest barbers in Davenport. 

L. W. Petersen^ dealer in carpets, wall paper, window shad es, 
oil cloths, etc.. No. 212 W. 2d street, was born in the city of Tou- 
dern-Schleswig, Germany, Nov. 24 1827, and was a son of A. and 
Mary Petersen, nee Horluck. He attended the public school and 
college until he was 16 years old, then learned the merchant's 
trade. In 1S4S he joined the Holstein army, and served three 
years. In 1853, he came to the United States and went to Chi- 
cago, 111., where he clerked in a wholesale house until November, 
1855, when lie came to Davenport and established his present 
business. He was married to Miss Annette Hoepfner. July 24, 
1858. She was boru in the city of Kiel, Germany. To them 
have been born four children, Ella, Harold P., Lavinius W., 
and Hertha. In politics he is a Republican. 

John H. C. Petersen, of the firm of J. H. C. Petersen & Sons, 
whelesale and retail dealers in dry goods, 217, 217^, 219 and 221 
West Second street, established this business in 1871, as a retail 
store, and soon after engaged in the wholesale trade. They carry 
a full line of imported and domestic goods, and occupy a building 
73.K150 feet, using three ground floors for their retail goods, the 
second and third floors for the wholesale ; also occupy a duplicate 
wholesale department, 42 x 150 feet, three stories high and con- 
taining 29,300 square feet of floor-room. They are the leading dry 
goods merchants of Davenport, and have a branch house at 
Geaeseo, 111., and one at Clinton, la. Tiieir motto is, "One price 
and that the lowest. " The subject of this sketch was born in 
Schleswig, Germany, April 8, 1821, and was a son ot John and 
Christianna ( Sternhagen ) Petersen. John, Jr., attended school 
until lie was 16, then served a five-years apprenticeship in the dry- 
goods trade; afterward clerked eight years, then went into busi- 
ness for himself. In 1860 he came with his family to America, 
and located in Scott County. He farmed in Hickory Grove 
Township. In 1864 he went into the general merchandising busi- 
ness with a partner and continued until 1871, when he established 
his present business with his sons. He married Elizabeth Hansen, 
April 13, 1847. They have had 10 children, six living— Max D., 



[ 

\ 
CITY OF DAVENPORT. 897 

William D. ami Henry F. (members of the firm ) Frederics, Agnes 
and Marw 

Jritz Postel, wholesale and retail dealer in domestic and im- 
ported wines, 427'. Second street, Davenport, was born in iiurg, 
in Suder-Dithmarchen, Uolstein, Germany, May 4, 1848. He was 
a son of Andrew and Eliza ( Ilusmann ) Postel, natives of Holstein, 
Germany. lie was a collector and police mivgistrate. lie and 
wite are still livin<>; in Keil. Holstein, Germany, are members of 
the Lutheran cliurch, and had a family of 10 children, seven living. 
Fritz Wiis emplo3'ed as overseer of a large estate until 20 years ot 
age, then served one year as volunteer in the German army. Then 
returned to his position as overseer until the German-France war 
came, when he enlisted as a soldier in this war and remained in it 
to its close. The spring of 1S72, he came to the United States, 
landed at New York City, and soon after came to Davenport, and 
followed farming six years; then opened his wholesale and retail 
liquor store, at 427 West Second street, where he carries a full 
line of domestic and imported wines. He was married to Miss 
Eliza Looft, December, 1879. She was born in Holstein, Germany, 
and was a daugliter of Peter and Margarelta ( Ilaak ) Looft natives 
of Holstein. Mr. Fritz Postel is a member of Druids, Davenport 
Lodge. No. 4. 

Rudolph Priestei\ wholesale manufacturer of tobacco and cigars, 
403 W. Second St., became sole proprietor of this establishment in 
1877; for two years prior to that time the business had been con- 
ducted by Rammelsberg <k Priester. The subject of this memoir 
was born March 2, lS4t), in Oldenbcrg, Germany, and was a son 
of Carl and Eliese (Uenthien) Priester, ot German birth. Rudolph 
attendeil school in his native country until he was 11 years old, 
when he came with his parents to America, and located in Daven- 
port, la., in August, 18.57. lie worked on his lathers farm in 
Wintield Township until he was 24 years old, when he was employed 
as bookkeeper for Miller & Priester in a cigar-box manufactory 
in Davenport, and remained with them until 1874, when he went 
into biisiness for himself His marriage with iliss Louisa Sehlegel, 
of Davenport, occurred Oct. 29, 1873. Their union has been 
blessed with four children — Rudolph J., Clara, Ferdinand and 
Otto. Mr. Priester is a member of the German Lodge, A. O. L^. 
W., No. 5; of I. O. O. F., Scott Lodge, No. 27; of K. P., Damon 
Lodge, No. 5; and of Druids, No. 4. He was elected to the 
office of city treasurer tour terms. In politics is a Democrat. 

Peter Raurh, baker for Mr. John Aberle, 1404 W. Third St., 
was born in Hansen, Province of Payern, Germany, Feb. 18, 1859. 
He was a son of Michael and Barbara (Eirich) Ranch, natives of 
that place. Peter attended school until his 14th year, then assisted 
his father on the farm until ho was 18 years old, when he came to 
the United States. He worked on a farm in Hudson Co., N. J., 
two years, then came to Iowa. He obtained employment on a 
farm near Clinton, where he remained until February, 1880, when 
02 



898 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

lie came to Davenport and began to work for Mr. Aberle. He is 
an enterprisins; young man. 

Kensyl Reading, eon of Aslier and ^Margaret (Wolverton) Read- 
ing, was born May 3, 1815, in Huntington Co., N. J. His parents 
were both natives of tlie same State. His father was a farmer, 
and died in 1864. His mother yet resides on the old homestead 
at the advanced age of 96. Kensyl was educated in the common 
seliools of his native county, and assisted his father on the farm 
until 18 years of age, when he began working at the carpenter's 

trade in , where he remained one year, after 

which he went to Cincinnati, O., and from there to Niles, Mich., 
remaining about one year in each place, working at his trade. He 
tlien, in 1836, went to New York, and in July of tliat year en- 
listed in the Second Regiment, U. S. Dragoons. He was iu the 
recruiting service until December, 1836, when he was sent south 
with his regiment, remaining there till the expiration of his term 
of enlistment, which was for three years. He was mustered out 
as orderly sergeant. Returning to New Jersey, he engaged in 
farming until 1844. In 1841 he united in marriage with Hannah 
Risler, also a native of Huntington (Jo., N. J., who was born in 
1822. In the spring of 1844 Mr. and Mrs. Reading moved to Scott 
County, and purchased a farm of 120 acres of land, three and a 
half miles northeast of the city of Davenport. Five children were 
born unto them, four of whom are now living — Augustus, ]\Iar- 
garet, now Mrs. Brewer; Adeline, now Mrs. M. H. Hurd; John. 
The deceased one was named Ella. Mr. Reading has never served 
on a jury, never had a law-.^uit, and was never a witness in any 
suit in his life. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but on 
the organization of the Republican party, he united his fortunes 
with it, and has wince been an earnest advocate of its principles. 
He is a member of the M. E. church. 

James A. Reid, M. D., Eclectic physician, was born in Madi- 
son Co., Ky., in 1830, and was reared chiefly in Rando!]ih Co., 
Missouri, at which place and Iowa his education was principall}^ 
received. He read medicine in this city with Dr. M. D. Hick- 
man, now deceased. He graduated from Eclectic Medical College, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1855. He first located in Mo- 
line, 111., and remained there until September, 1857, then came to 
Davenport, Iowa. He was married in 1862 to Annie E. Berry, a 
native ot Ilarrisburg. Pa., but at the time of their marriage a resi- 
dent of Rock Island. They have two children — Clifton A., aged 
18 years, who is now in Griswold College, and Annie Lillian, aged 
15 years. Upon coming to Davenport Dr. Reid prosecuted a large 
and successful pi'actice until 1869, when he traveled extensively in 
Eastern cities for his health, practicing some in the meantime. He 
spent the summer of 1871 in Chicago, and lost heavily during the 
great fire of October, that year. He lost a medical library and 
surgical instruments worth $3,700 in that fire ; having his office 
burned at East Madison street, where it was at that time. Since 



CITV OF DAVENPOKT. 899 

1872 lie has been actively engaged in practice in Davenport. lie 
is a member of the Iowa State Eclectic Medical Society; has served 
as its vice-president two years: was elected president in Jnne, 
18S1. lie is also a member of the United States National Eclec- 
tic Medical Association. lie read a ])aper on vaccination as a pre- 
ventive of small-pox, before the State Society at its last meeting; 
also read a paper before the National Association at its last meet- 
ing. The year previons he read a paper on the '' Progress of Med- 
ical Science" before the State Society, and the year prior on 
"Sanitary Science." 

Henry lie/'s, jeweler and watchmaker, 208 West Second street, 
was born in Hamburg, Germany, May 19, 1831, and is a son of 
John II. and Lena (Safk) Reis, of that country. He attended 
school until his ICthyear, when he learned the trade of jeweler 
and watchmaker, which he followed in Germany until December, 
1866, when he emigrated to America, lie landed in New York and 
came at once to Davenport, arriving in January, 1807. He estab- 
lished a jewelry and watch-maker's shop, and is at present located at 
the above number, and is prepared to do all kinds of work in that 
line. He was married A])ril 24, 1S73, to Miss Sophia Schaffer. 
Her father, John N. Schatfer, was a cabinet-maker in Hamburg, 
Germany, where she was born. Mr. and Mrs. Reis have had two 
children — Lena and Martha. Mr. Reis affiliates with the Republi- 
can i>arty. 

William Remricl; one of Davenport's most prominent business 
men, was born in Liverpool, England, June 24, 1829, and is the 
son of James Renwiek aiid Elizabeth, nee Lockerbie, both natives 
of Scotland and descendants of the old Covenanters. AVilliam 
received his early education in England, and later, after the re- 
moval of his father's family to Iowa, in 184(), he attended the 
Iowa College. In 1850 he engaged in the grain and commission 
business with his father under the firm name of Renwiek & Son. 
In 1852, in connection with their other business, the firm began 
dealing in and manufacturing lumber, and in 1855, selling their 
interest in other business, they devoted their time and cajiital ex- 
clusively to the lumber trade. His father returning in lS59, he 
conducted the business on his own account until 1875, when the 
firm of Renwiek, Shaw & Crassett was formed. Mr. Renwiek 
has been ver}^ successful in his business, and nmch of his success 
may be attributed to his perseverance and energy, even under 
adverse circumstances. In religious views lie is a Presbyterian, 
and has been trustee of that church a number of years. He was 
president of the Board of Trade thrtc ye irs, and is an owner in and 
director of the Davenport City Street Railway Co He was the 
first agent of the American, also of the United States Express 
Companies in Davenjwrt. He is a member of the Scott Co. Ag- 
ricultural Society, in which he is much interested, having been a 
member for 22 years. Mr. Renwiek has travek-d extensively 
over the continent of Europe, and being an observing man has 



900 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

gained a large fund of valuable information. He possesses much 
taste for tlie'iine arts, and has recently added some hne paintings 
from the masters to his tine collection. He was married on the 
21st of March, 185.5, to Miss Cynthia Seymour, of Davenport, 
Iowa. Personally, Mr. lienwick has rare qualities, and by his 
upright course of life has made for himself an honorable reputa- 
tion. None excel him in unseltisli devotion and unswerving 
fidelity to the worthy recipients of his confidence. 

James Renwick is a native of Scotland, and was born April G, 
1805. In 1826 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Newell 
Lockerbie, who was born in Scotland in 1802. Two decades of their 
married life they spent in the old country, when the desire to 
better their fortunes and ]3rovide for their children took pos- 
session of their minds, and accordingly, in 1816, they came to 
America and located in Davenport. Here Mr. Eenwack at once 
engaged in the business of planing and sawing lumber, which 
business he followed for 27 years, when he retired in favor of his 
sou. Mr. and Mrs. Kenwiek are the parents of four children — 
William, Elizabeth, Margaret and Eebecca. In politics Mr. Een- 
wick is a Republican. 

Adelhert Riepe, druggist. No. 403 West 2d street, was born in 
Baltimore, Md., Oct. 11, 1855, and is a son of William and 
Louisa (Possner) Riepe. The former was born in Westphalia, 
Prussia, Nov. 16, 1816 ; the latter in Saxoria, March 14, 1832. 
The}' are now i-esidents of Davenport. Adelbert came with his 
parents to this city in 1858, and received an education liere. He 
lias been in the drug business since October, 1878. He has a 
steadily increasing trade. 

Traiigott Richier cB Co., 323 and 325 W. Second St., wholesale 
and retail furriers and jobbers in hats, caps, gloves and straw goods, 
is the only firm in this branch of business in the city. Tlie busi- 
ness was established by Mr. Pichter in 1867, and July 1, 1881, Mr. 
George Franck was taken into partnership. They occupy two 
buildings, one being 150 x 55 feet, two stories in height, and a 
basement; the other, 150 x 25 feet, three stories in height, and a 
basement. They carry a complete stock of imported and domestic 
goods, and make a specialty of ladies' and gents' furs ; employ 
three traveling salesmen and sell goods in eight different States. 
They do an immense business, and are classed with the most 
prominent and substantial business men of the State. Trangott 
Eichter was born in Prussia. Germany, INtaj' 9, 1844, aud was a 
son of Henry and Caroline (Wolf) Eichter, natives of Prussia. 
Ti'angott learned the furrier's trade in his native country and came 
to the United States when he was 20 years of age. He worked at 
his trade in New York six months, then obtained employment in 
a carriage shop at Dixon, 111. After earning about $75 he went to 
Chicago and invested in furs, and established a store in Geneseo, 
111. He remained there tliree years and made 84,000. He came 
to Davenport and purchased Julius Koch's stock of furs, etc., and 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 901 

soon after jnircliased his present store. He was married Jan. 26, 
1879, to Miss Minnie Brandt, of Davenport. Tliey have two 
children — Eddie and Walter. Mr. Ricliter is a member of the K. 
P., German Lodge, No. 10, of the Ilarmonia Society and the 
Sclintzen Society. 

George Francl- was born in Frankford, (Termany, Oct. 4, lS14r, 
and is ii son of Henry and Mary Franck, natives of Germany. 
Mr. George Franck learned the furrier's trade in the old country, 
and came to the United States when 21 years old. lie worked at 
his trade two years, and traveled tor a New York house 12 years; 
then came to Davenport and formed his present jiartnership with 
Mr. Richter. He married jNIiss Tillie Sonne in ISGS, a native of 
Staten Island. They have had six children — Charles, Louisa, 
William, Anna and George. Gustafdiedin ISTn. Mr. Franck 
is a member of the Entliomologieal and Beethoven Societies ot 
New York, and the Ilarmonia Society of Davenport. 

U. N. lioherfs, deceased, was born in Ruabon, Wales, Oct. 30, 
18-41. He came to the United States with his parents in 1849, and 
settled in Neenah, Wis. His father died in 1S.59, and he and his 
mother struggled hard to provide for the family. Tlie subject of 
this record had an innate love for books and study, and being de- 
prived of tiiose superior advantages so dear to a student, he applied 
himself diligently to develop a naturally- fine mind and a superior 
intellectual ai)ility. In this way he acquired much solid informa- 
tion, which was of much value to him in after years. He became 
a resident of Davenport, March 4, 1866, and engaged in the sash 
and door manufactory, in Forrest Block, on Perry St., with a 
capital of $672. He was very successful. In 1869 he lost every, 
thing in a fire, but began anew and again amassed a fortune. He 
was a liberal supporter of the clunvh and all benevolent institu- 
tions. He was very active in the Y. M.C. A., and was its president 
at the time of his death. He was a truly gond man and public- 
spirited citizen. He was married in South Bend, Ind., on June 
17, 1868, to Julia Roraback, a native of Hudson. N. Y., born in 
1836. They had two children — Edward C, and Horace G. Mrs. 
Roberts is a sister of U. N. Roraback. of the firm of U. N. Roberts 
& Co. 

Thomas Rohlnson, retired farmer, 821 East Fourteenth street, 
Davenport, was born on a farm, where Martinsljurg, Pa., now is. 
March 16, 1806. His pai'ents, Thomas and Jane \ Ackersou ) Rob- 
inson, died, leaving him an orphan at 12 years of age, to make his 
own way in the world. AVhen he was 17 years old he learned the 
stone-mason's trade, and followed that until April 5, 1844, when 
he came to Scott County and bought a farm in Davenport Town- 
ship, on Jersey Ridge. He was one of the first three men who 
broke prairie on that ridge. In April, 1877, he sold his farm and 
moved into Davenport, where he bought a nice residence on East 
Fourteenth street. He was married Aug. 15, 1839, to Miss Sarah 
B. J. Blake, of Bedford Co., Penn. Their union has been blessed 



902 raSTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

with 12 children, 9 living— Thomas M., George W.. Samnel B. , 
Mary E., "Wilson P., Ella, M. B., Charley D. and Minnie. Mr. 
Robinson is a member of I. O. O. F., Davenport Lodge, No. 7. He. 
was educated in the Democratic school of politics, and has always 
adhered to that party. lie cast his first ballot for Old Hickory 
Jackson. 

Ferdinand Roddewig, importer and jobberin wines and liquors, 
413 and 415 Harrison street, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, 
Germany, June 26, 1828. He was a son of Frederick and Charlotte 
Boddewig, natives of Germany, who was clerk of the court in the 
city of Biedefield, Prussia, Germany. He was a member of the 
Lutheran church, and she of the Catholic church. They had eight 
children, five living. Ferdinand lived with his father, attending 
High School until he was 15 years of age. Then clerked in a whole- 
sale linen store until 20 years of age, when he came alone to 
America; was 64 days cotning from Bremen; landed at New 
Orleans, November, 1848. He worked here 18 months, and learned 
the cigar trade. Then went to St. Louis, Mo., and worked until 
January, 1851, when he opened a cigar manufactory, and in 1853, 
he returned to Germany, and visited his parents. Some months 
after he went to Sheboygan, Wis., and married Miss Metta H. 
Koehler, Nov. 26, 1853. She was born in Biedfeld, German}', and 
was a daughter of Ferdinand and Ernestena Koehler, natives of 
Germany. After his marriage Mr. Roddewig went to St. Louis 
and ran his cigar factory until 1855, when he came to Davenport, 
Iowa, and opened a grocery and liquor store, where he now is, at 
413 and 415 Harrison street; and in 1869 he opened his whole- 
sale liquor store, his present business, where he carries a full line 
of the finest native and imported wines and liquors, and is the oldest 
wholesale liquor man in the city. He and wife had four children, 
viz.: Lena, Paul, Peter E. and Ferdinand, Jr. Mrs. lloddeu-ig died 
Sept. 2, 1875, and was buried in Davenport. Mr. Roddewig is 
a member of the Turner Society, Harmonia Society', and of the 
Shooters' Association; in politics, Independent, and is one of the 
representative men of Davenport, having been here since 1855. 

M. J. SoJdfs, Treasurer of Scott County, was elected to this 
position in the fall of 1873, and entered upon the duties of his ofiice 
Jan. 1, 1874, and has been elected four times continuously. He 
is of German nativity, born in 1816, and was educated in the Gnn- 
noznim and a seminary of his native country. He emigrated to 
the United States in 1847, and came directly to Davenport, and has 
been a resident of Scott County over one-third of a century. On his 
arrival here heat once engaged in agricultural pursuits which he 
continued with some interruptions until he was elected to his pres- 
ent office. He has been identified with the Republican party since 
its organization and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. He 
was elected as representative from Scott County to the Iowa General 
Assembly, and has held the ofiice eight years successively. Upon 
retiring from that position he was immediately elected to his present 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 903 

office. Mr. Rohlts was married in Germany in 1840 to Miss Eliza 
Rode; tliey are tiie parents of live children, all residing in Iowa. 
His son, Rudolph Rohlts, is his depntv in the treasurer's office. 
Mr. Rohlls is a member of the Davenport Turner Society, and is 
vice-president of the Turner's District Society, composed of the 
societies of that order in Iowa. lie is an Odd Fellow and a mem- 
ber of Davenport Lodge, No. 37. During his connection with the 
Legislature he served with many of the men who have since helped 
to shai)e the political history of Iowa. He was one of the pioneer 
Germans who settled in Scott County and helped to lay the foun- 
dation for the lartre German settlement made here since. 

Isaac liotJischild, the leading clothier and merchant tailor of 
Davenport, located at Nos. 10"J and 104 Bi-ady street, was born in 
Mordstetten, Wittenberg. Genmuiy, Dec. 6, 1844, of Moses E. 
and Augusta ^^Ettlinger) Rothschild, natives of Germany. Isaac 
Rothschild learned the tailor's trade in his native country, and 
came to America when IS years old. He landed in New York, and 
from there came to Davenport, arriving May 22, 1863, with 50 
cents in his pocket, as a nest-egg for a fortune. He worked for 
his board for the first three months, but made $50 extra by putting 
strips on othcers' suits for the soldiers. After tiie expiration of the 
three months his employer ottered him S:i5 a month, which he ac- 
cepted and remained with him four years. Then went to Terre 
Haute, Ind., and controlled L. Rothschild's store for him during 
a nine months' visit in Europe. He returned to Davenport and 
clerked for his brother, E. Rothschild, one year, then went into 

Eartnership with him, under the ti<'in name of E. Rothschild & 
iro. In 1S7S he purchased his brother's share and now conducts 
the business alone. He occupies a double store fronting on Bi-ady 
and Second streets, and has what few stores, in much larger cities 
than Davenport, do not possess, and that is an exact duplicate on 
tlie upper floors of his stock on the first floor. He keeps first-class 
cutters, and goods from almost every country in the world. He gives 
employment to 40 men. He has just contracted for an enlarge- 
ment of his already mammoth establishment. In a word, ^Ir 
Rothschild is one of Davenport's most enterprising business men. 
Commencing in limited circumstances, he has by honest dealing 
and close application to work placed himself at the head as a 
clothier and merchant tailor. He was married Feb. 5, 1871, to 
Rosa Auerbach, daughter of Abraham and Panlen Anerbach, and 
a niece of the poet, I'erthuld Von Auerbach, of Germany. Their 
union has been blessed with live children — Jemiie, Ida, Hannie, 
Fannie and Maudie. Mr. Rothschild is a Mason and a member 
of Trinity Lodge, No. 208, from Blue Lodge to the Davenport 
Capital Lodge, No. 16. He is a member of Davenport I. O. O. F., 
Lodge No. 7, and of the State, No. 3, Encampment; of State Lodge 
No. 3, A. O. U. W; of the Mutual Brotherhood of Iowa; of the 
V. A. S. L. of H.; of the I. O. B. B.; the Davenport Boat Club; 
the Academy of Science; and the .American Legion of Honor, 
Davenport Council, No. 718. 



90i HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Balthasa Eiich, brickmaker, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., July 24, 
1828. He was a son of Jost and Elizabeth Rucb, nee Gilniore, 
the former a nativu of Switzerland,' the latter of Georgetown, Ta. 
They were the parents of 11 cliildren. The subject of this sketch 
attended school in Pittsburg until 1S4S, when he engaged in boat- 
ing coal on the Ohio Iliver. In 1849 he went to Cincinnati, O., 
and worked in a brick-yard there one year. In 1850 went overland 
to California, where he mined ibur years. In 1854 he came to Dav- 
enjiort, remained a short time, then returned to liis home in Pitts- 
burg and was there married to Amanda J. AV^eaver, Oct. 2 J, 1854. 
Slie was born in that city and was a daughter of Adam and Han- 
nah (Fouer) Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. liuch went to Pock Island in 
1855, and soon after came to Davenport, wiiere they have since re- 
sided. He was engaged in the pork-packing and brick-making 
business until 1877, since then has manufactured brick exclusively'. 
Mrs. Amanda Ruch died Oct. 28, 1858, having been the mother of 
three children, all deceased. Mr. Ruch married fur his second wife 
India J. Johnson, March 12, 1860; her parents were James R. and 
Rebecca Johnson, natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Ruch have 
one child. Lizzie Ruch. Mr. Ruch owns a nice residence at 130 
West Twelfch street; he manufactures 1,000,000 bricks annually. 

Chas H. RuepJce, of the firm of Ruepke, Schmidt & Co., man- 
ufacturers of all kinds of crackers and biscuits, northwest corner 4tli 
and Iowa, established ibis branch of business July 1, 1874, as 
Ruepke ct Schwai-ting. Nine monrhs later Mr. Hugo Schmidt 
was taken in as a partner; he was killed July 23, 1878, by tlie ele- 
vator falling on him. In April, 1876, Mr. Jacob Wirtz became a 
partner. The factory has midergone a complete change since its 
organization and now has the finest and latest impro\ed machinery. 
They have the Ruger's patent mi.xei-, brakes and cutting machines, 
and Hall's patent revolving oven. They have two ovens and two sets 
of machinery. The double run was put u]) in 1880 by Roth & 
McMahon, owing to their being unable to fill their orders. They 
consume 90 barrels of flour per day. The building is 42 by 150 feet 
deep, two stories in height and a basement. Each floor is con- 
nected by a steam elevator. They have a 15 horse-power engine, 
andgi\eem})loynient to35 men. They ship goods to seven different 
States, manufacture 50 varieties of crackers and biscuits and have 
liad an unprecedented success in their butter wafers. The factory 
is the largest one of the kind in the State, and their trade is enor- 
mous. Chas. H. Ruepke was born in Hanover, Prussia, Germany, 
Jan. 9, 1842, and was a son of Christian and Julia (Langkop) 
Ruepke. In 184G Charles came with his parents to America, landed 
in New Orleins, and si.v niotiths later moved io St. Louis, Mo. 
Charles attended school and clerked in a clothing store there until 
his 19th year when the family came to Davenport, arriving here 
in the spring of 1864. Charles clerked in a grocery store here un- 
til 1867, when he established a store of his own. He continued in 
the grocei'y business until 1874, when he embarked in his present 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 905 

business. lie was married July 9, 18C5, to Florentine Witle, of 
MecklenV)Urtr,Gernian3-. They have four children — Edmund. Arthur, 
Alvin and Otille. Mr. Kuepke is a Mason and a member of Fra- 
ternal Lodge, A. F. i A. M.,No. 221: of the K. T., St. Simon of 
Cyrine, No. 9; of the Turner's Society, and the Davenport Schuetzen 
Society. 

Ignatz Sauer, retired, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 6, 
1828, and was a son of Joiin H. and Bosalia Sauer, nee Maidhof. 
Ignatz was educated and learned the blacksmith's trade in Germany 
and in 1853 he emiirrated to tiie United States, lie spent tiiree 
months in Buffalo. N. Y., then came to Davenport. He worked 
in the Davenport and Le Claire foundry two years: in the Daven- 
))ort Plow Works ten years; in the Buford's Plow Works, at Rock 
Island, three years: then opened a shop of his own, which he 
operated until 1873, when he retired from business, having secured 
a comfortable competency, content to give room for others. He 
was married May 14, 1S.55, to Theresa Proestler, a native of Ba- 
varia, Germany. Their union has been blessed with four children 
— Alloys, Joseph, Peterand Theresa. 

James Henri/ Schmeder, of the firm of Schroeder & Brandt, 
grocers, 1401 West Third street, was born Dec. 22, 1831, and is a 
Son of Henry and Margaret ( Schultzj Schroeder, he died in Ilolstein 
in 1S72, she in 18S0. The subject of this sketch came to this 
country in April, 18.57, and located in Davenport. He worked at 
various branches of business here two years, then obtained a clerk- 
ship in a general store at Le Claire, which he retained three years, 
then returned to Davenport. He clerked for Biederbecke& Miller, 
grocers, until 1868, when he established his present partnership 
with Mr. Brandt under the firm name of Schroeder & Brandt. 
They do a good business. Mr. Schroeder was married in the fall 
of 1862, in Le Claire, to Elizabeth Schwein, a native of Bavaria. Ger- 
many. Ij}- this union there has been eight children, six living — 
Henry, Jennie, Hugo, Laura, John and Emilie. Mr. Schroeder is 
a member of the Lutheran church. 

Lorenzo Schricker, of the firm of Schricker & Mueller, owners of 
the planing-mill, was born on the 25th of November, 1825, in Ger- 
many, and was a son of Christian and Eva Schricker, natives of Ger- 
juany. He was educated in the Polytechnic School of Nnreml)urg, 
and served a four years' apprenticeship in the dry-goods business 
at that place. Subsequently was engaged as book keeper for a Hail- 
road Co. at $12 a month, and wiien he was only 19 years old he 
took a contract to build a railroad. In the spring of 184S he emi- 
grated to America, and engaged in the confectionery Inisiness in 
Cincinnati, until the fall of that year, then went to St. Louis, where 
he purchased a stock of dry goods, and remained there in that busi- 
ness until 1849, when he went back to German}' for his mother, 
leaving liis father in charge of his store. In the fall of 1850 he 
came to Davenport, where he engaged in the mercantile business 
until 1856, when he engaged in the private banking business, and 



906 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

was agent for steamers between the United States and Europe. In 
1858 he was elected city treasurer, being one of the first Republi- 
cans elected to office in the county. He served in that capacity 
two years, refusing a re-election, and meantime carrying on his 
other business. In 1863 he bought the saw-mill property with L. 
C. Dessaint and continued with him five years, then bought him out 
and took Mr. Christian Mueller into partnership with him. In 
1871 Mr. Schricker helped organize the Mississippi Logging Co.^ 
and was the first president of that company, but with his mill busi- 
ness this was more than he could attend to; accordingly he resigned 
after serving two years. He has held the office of vice-president of 
the State Bank of Iowa, Merchants' branch, which was afterward 
changed into the Davenport National Bank, of which he is at pres- 
ent director. lie is vice-president of the First ]Sational Bank 
of this city, and is a director of tlie First National Bank of Chip- 
pewa, "Wis. He is the father of five children — William, Latins, 
Richard, Selma and Ottilie. 

John B. Schmidt was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg. 
Germany, Jan. 6, 18.34, and obtained an education in the common 
schools there. In ISSi he emigrated to this country' and located in 
Newark, N. J., where he remained until 1S55, when he came to 
Davenport, stayed six months, then returned to Newark. In 185", 
he came again to Davenport, and has resided here since. He worked 
at the butcher's trade for J. Bruhm and A. P. tfe D. Kelly for six 
years, then establislied a siiop of his own. He now owns the build- 
ing which he occupies, situated at 220 East Third street. Has a 
prospei'ous aiuJ steadily increasing trade. He supplies the Kimball, 
Acklc}' and Howard Houses and Schmidt's Hotel with all their 
fresh meat, and has the latest improved refrigerator for keeping 
meat in warm weather. He was married in 1863 to Amala Back. 
They have tiiree children — Mina, Emma and John. Mr. Schmidt 
is a member of I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. Lodges, of the Fire 
Carapany and the Butchers' Societv. 

Joh7i H. Schuett^ grocer, 332 West Second street, was born in 
Schleswig-IIolstein, Germany, March 10, 18-lrO. His parents were 
Detlif and Louisa Schuett, «(=e Zimmerman. John attended school 
until he was 16 years old, then learned the grocery, crockery and 
hardware trade in Echenfarde, Holstein, where he remained four 
years, then clerked in the city of Ilaide three years. He spent 
eight years in Kiel, as bookkeeper, then came to the United 
States, and located in Davenport, la. He clerked for diffei-ent 
parties some time, then purchased the grocery, crockery and glass- 
ware stock of Jake Malchan, and is still engaged in that business, 
at the above number. He carries a full and complete line of goods, 
and has a thriving trade. He is a member of the Turner Society, 
and in politics is a Republican. 

Henry Sc}mitgei\ lessee of the Davenport Cit\' Railway, was born 
in Mineral Point, Wis., July 10, 1851, and is a son of Gustavus 
Schnitger, who was born in Prussia and emigrated to tlie United 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 907 

States in 1850. He went to Mineral Point, Wis., and engaged in 
farming there nntil 1854, when ho moved to Scott County, and 
farmed in Davenport Township until the breaking out of the war. 
lie enlisted as second lientenaut of Company E, 2(i Iowa Cavalry. 
He re-enlisted in 1861-. as veteran, and was mustered out as first 
major of the regiment lie was the first man on Ishmd No. 10 
when it was taken. Two years after Ins return to Davenport he 
was elected sheriff of Scott County, and served two terms in suc- 
cession. In the spring of 1878 he was ap})ointed United States 
marshal of W\-oming Territory, and still holds that office, his 
youngest son being deptity United States marshal of that Terri- 
tory. The subject of this memoir received an education in the 
conmion schools and business college of Davenport, lli^ was ap- 
pointed superintendent of the n ad he is now lessee of, in 1870, and 
March 1 of the following year he leased the road for a term of 10 
years. During the time his father held the office of sheriff, Henry 
acted as his dcfaUy. 

Herman Schiceizer, Sr., grocer, corner of Fourth and Iowa 
streets, was born in Wurtemberg, Crtrmanj', Feb. '20,1816. He 
learned the tinner's trade, and was married there t<> Clara Ivuhrler, 
Jan. 20, 1852. She was born in Darmstadt, Germany. Mr. and 
Mrs. Scliweizer came to America in 1852, landing in New York 
on March 25 of that year. They remained in New York nearly 
a year, then moved to Alton. Ill, where he opened a stove and 
tin store. In 18fi5 they removed to Davenport, la. He conducted 
a hotel here eight years, also a restaurant and ice cream saloon. 
In 1871 he embarked in the grocery business, and has continued 
in it since. He carries a full and complete stock of goods, and 
has a growing trade. Mi-, and Mrs. Schweizer have iiad three 
children — Herman Jr., who was born in Alton, 111., March 0, 1856. 
He clerked in grocery stores until August, 1878, when he went 
into that branch of business for himself at his present number, 
322 East Second street, where he carries a full line of groceries 
and staple goods. He was married to Louisa Blum Aug. 28, 1879. 
She was born in DavcMi]K)rt, of Tiudolph and Christ'na (^Weinburg) 
Blum, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Herman Schweizer, 
Jr., had one child. Archibald, who died Sept. 7, 1881. Mr. 
Schweizer is a member of the Iowa L. of II., the American L. of H., 
V. A. S. Fraternity, of Turners' Association, the Grocers' Protec- 
tive Assof-iation. and the IJrotherhood of Iowa. Caroline Schweizer 
married Otto Helbig. ai:d Kagina married Fred W. Lerch. 

Alcrander Scoi(l.lci\i'orem;\\\ of the oat-meal mills, Davenport, was 
born ill County Ayrshire, Scotland, on the 10th day of Ai)ril, 18-13, 
son of John and Margaret Osborne Sconller, natives of Scotland. 
His father was by trade a miller, and Alex was reared in the busi- 
ness. In 1872 he left his n:itive country and came to the U. S. and 
located at Cedar Rapids, Iowa., where he was employed by Stewart 
^ Douglass in the uat-iiieal mills of that city for nearly four years, 
and while engaged there invented a patent for cutting oat meal, 



908 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

patented, Oct. 28, 1ST9, now being used in the Diamond Mills, of 
Davenport, the company having exclusive right for eiglit years of 
the patent. In -May, 18(31, the mill was burned out and Mr. Scoul- 
ler drew the plans and put in the machinery, in many cases de- 
vising many improvements. April 17, 1874, married Mary Orr. 
She was born in Canada. The fruit of this marriage is two chil- 
dren — -Maggie B. and Annie O. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of 
the Presbyterian church, of Davenport. 

Avffust Sebelien, proprietor of the Iowa State Steam and Dye 
Cleansing Works and Repairing Establishment, 223 Perry street, 
was born in Schleswig Ilolstein, Germany, Dec. 13, 1S34, and was 
a son of Henry and Doraetta Sebelien, ?(e<; Peterson. August was 
educated and learned the dyer's trade in his native countr}-, and in 
1865 he came to America. He located in Davenport, where he 
worked in the Davenport Woolen Mills seven years ; then estab- 
lished his present business. He was married to Miss Aretta 
Widerspecher, Jan 2, 1869. She was born at Suhl, Germany. 
They have had three children — Albert, August, Jr., and Hugo. 
Mr."^ Sebelien is a member of I. O. O. F., Scott Lodge, No. 37; 
State Encampment, No. 3; A. O. U. W., Germania Lodge, No. 
5; K. P., Davenport Lodge, No. 50; and of the Iowa Brotherhood. 

Rev. William O. Shand was born June 3, 1810. at Dundee, 
Scotland. He was the youngest son of Thomas and Mary Ann 
( Ayres ) Shand. His father was a native of Dundee, Scotland, and 
his mother of London, England. His parents resided in Scotland, 
and were members of the grand old historical Covenanter church. 
William G. and his older brotiier, Alexander, were both intended 
by their parents for the ministry, a position regarded as one of the 
highest honors by Christains of simple and earnest faith. They 
both graduated from the University ot St. Andrews, one of the most 
renowned of Scotland's educational institutions, and the scene of 
many stirring events during the reformation under Knox. William 
then attended for three years the divinity school sustained by the 
Association Synod, and presided over by the eminent divines, Drs. 
Balme and Duncan, who testified to the lidelity and success attend- 
ing him in his studies. In the tall of 1836 he emigrated to Amer- 
ica, and located in Pittsburg, Penn., where he spent much time 
in teaching and in private study. This, indeed, was the pleasure 
of his life. Not being gifted in conversation, his mind loved to 
hold converse with those whose tlioughts have been the beacon 
light of the age. In 1851 he attetided the Western Theological 
Seminary, and on the 20th of October, 1852, was licensed by the 
Presbytery of Blairsville, Penn., to preach the gospel. He then 
visited the West and labored for two years, and then returned to 
Pennsylvania, where he received call to a chui'ch within the bounds 
of Blairsville Presbytery, and was installed, and labored until busi- 
ness of importance again called him West to Davenport, where he 
labored for many j-ears in the cause of his Master. He was 
married Oct. 26, 1865, to Margarett McKee, who was born in Ire- 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 909 

land, in 1831. After their marriage in Pittsburg, Penn., they 
made a visit to Scotland, England, and Ireland, returning to Dav- 
enport in 1866. He died in April, 1S6S. Though not gifted with 
brilliant powers of orator^', Mr. Shand had few equals in solid 
literary and tliGological attainments. For several years previous to 
his death he suftered from bronchial ditiiculty so as to be unable to 
preach. His last illness was not long, but afforded him sufficient 
time to settle all his affairs and meet death with a calm resignation 
to God's will, and unshaken faith in the Lord Jesus. 

Llenezer Sherman, son of Ebenezer and Mary ( Storm) Sherman 
natives of New York, was born in Duchess Co., N.Y.,but was reared 
in Orange Co., N. Y., where his parents moved after his birth, and 
where his father died in his S4th year, and his mother in her 82d. 
At 17, young Ebenezer borrowed 8400 of his mother, and made 
a partial jiayment on a farm of ItiO acres, which he purchased for 
$22 per acre. In due time he ])aid for his farm, re-paid the bor- 
rowed money, and on this farm spent 29 years, accumulating in 
that time a fortune of §80,000. He then sold out and came to Dav- 
enport, and entered 12,000 aeres'of land in Northern Iowa, besides, 
iiis purchases in Scott County. Soon after coming here lie engaged 
in banking, bnt abandoned it after a trial of si.x montlis. Mr. 
Sherman married Charlotte Thompson, in Orange Co., N. Y., by 
whom he had two children — Mary, now Mrs. Trotter; Helen I., 
now Mrs. Charles Frost. The marriage tie was dissolved, and Mr. 
Sherman, in 1877, united in marriage with Lucinda Nichols, a 
native of Wisconsin, born in 1852. They now reside in the city 
of Davenport. 

Adam Sieverf, grain dealer, 816 W. 6th St., was born May 24, 
1819, in the Dukedom of Ilei'tzog, Germany. His father and 
mother both died in Germany, leaving him an orphan at the age 
of nine years. In 1853 he emigrated to the United States, and 
went to Pittsburg, Pa., where he remained about two months, then 
came to Davenport, arriving Ajiril 17, 1853. He worked as a 
laborer for 10 years, then began buying grain for other ]iarties, and 
is still engaged in that business. He was married in his native 
country in March, 1842, to Minnie Law. Her parents came to 
Davenport in 1848; her father died here in 1873, mother in 1881. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sievert have had nine children, two of wiioin are 
living — Henry W. ai\d Minnie, now the wife of Win. Bolte, of 
Davenport. 

Henri/ Sievert was born in Davenport, March 24, 1S56. He 
learned the butcher's trade here, and worked for different parties 
until 1881, when he established a shop of his own at the corner of 
6th and Marquette Sts. He engaged in the same business in St. 
Jo, Mo., two years before locating permanently in Daveni)ort. 

Smith ib Stearns Paint Company, manufacturers of i'eady-mixed 
railroad and paste paints, primers, colors in oil and japan, and also 
makers of dry colors, chemically pure chrome yellow, chrome greens, 
new im])lement red, the great substitute for English and American 



910 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

vermilion, readj-mixed paints for immediate application in 
house, barn, bridge, and car painting. The above firm make 
quality their motto in manufacturing all of the above-named goods, 
believing thai while it is more difRcult to promote the sale of goods 
that seem high to the consumer at first, that their policy will 
eventually win — always give the consumer the purest goods at the 
smallest possible margin. They make a specialty of goods for the 
use of manufacturers and agricultural implements. Mr. William 
C. Smith, the secretary and treasurer of the company, manages the 
firm's business here, while Mr. William P. Stearns, president, 
manages the business of the company in Monroe, Wis. They 
liave removed from the old factory on Perry street to the com- 
modious Smith building at 124 and 126 Front street, where they 
liave a large, roomy building, well adapted for their business. 
Tbey have fitted the building up with the latest improved machinery, 
and this factory is in point of convenience and manufacturing 
facilities second to none in this country. Tlie new factory contains 
tliree stories and a large, roomy basement, steam elevator, and all 
the machinerj' so placed that from the time the paint is placed in 
tlie mixing tubs on the upper floor until it is put up in cans and 
barrels on the first floor, it is manipulated entirely by machinery, 
thus saving a large amount of labor, and making the mixing and 
grinding more complete, a feature possessed by only one or two 
firms in this country. This factory is one of the leading features of 
Davenport, and the citizens may well feel proud to have suclian 
enterprise in their midst. Tliese gentlemen are shijiping large 
quantities of goods to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas 
and JMebraska, and some points in Missouri. It is their desire, if 
they ai-e properly protected by the railroad managers, to make this 
the great paint manufactory of the West and Southwest. In addition 
to tlie paint factory at Davenp )rt they own the wholesale house of 
Stearns & Smith at Monroe, Wis., which is a great distributing 
point for Northern and Southern Wisconsin. Mr. Smith was born 
in St. Louis, Mo., where he attended school until 17 years of age, 
when he removed to Chicago, and began his career in the manu- 
facturing of paint. He was tor some years the general salesman 
of the Alston Manufacturing Co., of Chicago, where he remained 
until he removed to Davenport. His parents were Charles Smith, 
one of the pioneers of St. Louis, and a native of Virginia. His 
wife, Mary Castello Smith, a daughter of M. J. Castello, one of 
the first settlers of St. Louis. Mr. Stearns was born in Woodstock, 
Vermont, where he attended scliool until 186S, when he removed 
to Chicago, and he and Mr. Smith met for the first time, and soon 
after joined their fortunes (which were small), and the names of S. 
& S. have been linked in partnership ever since. In addition to 
their large manufacturing interest they are also jobbers of oils, 
brushes, varnishes, colors, glues, sand-paper, and in fact everything 
usually found in a first-class paint store. They are both enter- 
prising, representative men. 



CITY OF DAVKNTORT. 911 

Ho)u N. J. li I/. ■schwas born in Soutlicrn Ditliinarsclien, Hol- 
stein, Gennany, and eniiynited to America in 1S4'.>, croing directly 
to Scott County. He married, two years at'ter an-iving in Daven- 
port, Mrs. C:itlieriiie Kaack, widow of Hans Kaaeiv, wiio resided 
on a farm in Slieridan Township. Mr. liuscli moved to this farm, 
which he made liis home until his death. lie was elected State 
senator in 185S, and lieutenant-governor of Iowa in 1860. When 
the war broke out, he was appointed assistant (juartermaster, with 
the rank of captain, witii headquarters at Vicksljurg, where he 
died, Sept. 2-2, Ibdi, of i'evar. lie had tluee children — Emily E. 
D. (^now Mrs. J. 0. Eineiss), (lustav C. and Minnie. Mrs. Kusch, 
now 75 years of age, lives with her daughter, Mrs. Emeisp, in 
DavenportCity. 

Col. John Quincy Whuj, a member of the Scott County bar, 
was born on the 22d day of September, 1838, in Washington Co., 
N. Y. He commenced his literary education at the Cambridge 
Academy, and after graduating from it, entered the Fc rt Eo'ward 
Collegiate Institute. He then entered the literary course of the 
Poultney (Vt.) College, and graduated with honors. In the sprino- 
of 18t)5 he raised a regiment and would have been its colonel, but 
the war closed before the regiment was organized. He then com- 
menced the study of Uw, and was admitted to the bar in ISCG ; he 
did not, however, enter upon the practice of his profession at once. 
In 1807 he came to .\nrora, 111., and became one of the editors of 
the Aurora Ecening IlernUl. In 1871 he became associated with 
the well-known firm of Rea & Mitchell, Chicago, III., and to better 
fit himself for the active practice of his profession, he ebtered a two- 
years' course in the University of Michigan, from which institution 
he received the degree of LL. B. He was burned out in the Chi- 
cago fire, andthetirm dissolved, and Mr. Wing came to Monticello, 
la., where he practiced his profession with marked success till the 
fall of 1.^70, when he opened an office in the city of Davenport. 
When the Iowa National (Tuard was organized, Mr. Wing organ- 
ized Co. D, of the 9th Regiment, and was commissioned its cap- 
tain. Just before his removal to Davenport, he was elected colonel 
of the 9tli Regiment, over Lieut. -Col. Lyman Hanks, by a majority 
of si.x, both parties claiming the election. The matter was tinally 
com[romised by Col. Banks, taking the commission of colonel of 
the regiment, and Col. Wing was. on the 23d day of June, 1880, 
commissioned lientenant-culonel on the staff of the commander- 
in-chief, which position he still holds. He is a member of the 
Davenport Academy of Sciences, and is as devoted to geological 
and kindred studies as his law business and literarv efforts will 
permit. Though always ready to serve his party in its campaigns, 
he is not a seeker after political honors — he is a Republican in 
politics. He married Miss Lula A. Finke, of Savanna, 111., on the 
22d day of September, 1873. They have one child — Florence A., 
born on the2f»thof October, 1876. 



912 HISTORY OK scorr county. 

Uaher M. KeJsey was born in Pittsburg, Pa., in the year \S?A, 
son of Wm. J. and Isabell (Burns) Kelsey, natives of Ireland, 
wliere they were married, and inimediitely started for the United 
States and located in Pennsylvania, where five children were 
born, viz.: James, John, Heury, Mary, Hairiet. In 184.3 he 
emigrated to Iowa, and settled in Le Claire Township. He 
traveled on fo"t to Dubuque, to enter his land. Mr. Kelsey 
came to the county a poor man, only iiaving $100 in cash, with 
which he bought liis 80 acres; but bj' linrd work, he accumulated 
a fine property, owning, at the time of his death, 4-50 acres of 
land. In politics he was a Democrat. He died D.c. 16, 1877. 
His motlier died July 28, 1870. The subject of this sketch was 
reared on a farm, and received a limited education. His first 
schooling was in an old blacksmith shop, owned by Jame Jack. 
After his parents came to Iowa there were five children born — 
Elizabeth, William D., and Jane. Two died in infancy. Mr. 
Kelsey has 143 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre, $7,150;4(i 
acres of limber, $10 per acre, $1,600. Total, $8,750. In politics 
he is a strong Democrat, and has held several local offices of trust. 
In 1862 he enlisted in the Second Iowa Cavalry, Company C, 
being a recruit. He joined the regiment at La Grange, Tenn., 
immediately after the second batt'e of Corinth, and was following 
Prii-e to Cofleeville, Miss. He participated in all the engage- 
ments in tiie regiment up to the battle of Tupelo and Guntown. 
He was discharged at Saline, Ala., and also at Davenport, Iowa, 
in October, 1865. Mr. Kelsey is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and also of the A. O. IT. W. 

J^rixHcis Lainbach was born in Prussia, near the River Rhine, 
Nov. 17, 1812. When 14 years of age he wa-i apprenticed to tiie 
trade of bricklayer and mason, where lie rem lined two years. In 
1838 he left his native country and embarked on a sailing vessel 
tor the United States, taking 75 days tn make the voyage. He 
landed in New York about the middle of July. After rem lining 
in New York a short time he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he 
remained until 1839, when he boarded the steamer "Des Moines" 
and came to Port Byron, where he crossed the river to Iowa. The 
town of Parkhurst bein^ just commenced, and wishing to build uj) 
their new town. Capt. Eads and Mr. Parkhurst gave himself and 
brothers a lot, if they would put up a building. He and his 
brothers spent two winters working at their trade in Dubuque and 
Galena. In 1841 purchased land, and commenced to open up a 
farm. In 1842 he built a small stone house which bears the in- 
scription of A. D. 1842 over the door. In December of the same 
year he married Armelia McElyea. By this union there were eigiit 
children, four of whom are living, viz.: Helena (now the wife of 
William Hafkey), Matilda, Francis (who married Miss Eva Hulet), 
and Louisa. Mr. Lambach runs his farm in connection with his 
trade, and has done the work on some of the substantial buildings 
of Davenport. 



CITY OF nAVKNPOKT. 911 

Ferdinand Smltk was born in the southern part of Germany, 
April S, 1838, ami is a son of .loiin H. Sinitii, of tlic same j)iace, 
who enii£jrated to America with iiis family in 1848. They located 
in New York (Jity. wliore Ferdinand attended school. In the 
spring^of IBoO, lie went to Baltimore and clerked one year in a 
pocket- book manufactory there, then went to St. Louis, Mo. In 
1853 he formed a ])artnership with Capt. Morley in the auction 
business, whicli he contiiineil to 1859. He engasjed in speculation 
two years, and in 18()0 located in Chieago, III. He engaged in the 
wholesale and retail grocery business there one year, in partnership 
with Mr. Yotham. who was drowned in 1801, while on board the 
"Lady Elgin." Mr. Smith traveled two years for a wholesale gro- 
cery house in Chicago; spent four years in the flour, feed and grain 
business there, and located in Davenport in 1867. Since coming 
here he has traveled for tiie following Chicago houses: Smith Bros.^ 
G. C. Cook &Co., who lost everything in the fire of 1871, Farring- 
ton & Schmal, Kellog & 15arrett, and is now enijaged with P'rank- 
lin MacYeagh & Co. He was married Jan. 30, 1861, to ]\[iss Olga 
Federow, of St. Petersburg, Russia. The}' have six children — 
Ferdinand J. E., now engaged in school teaching, and making a 
special study of chemistry; Arthur, Olga, Emma, William and 
Vera. 

Robert Smith, head bookkeeper for the Davenport Plow Com- 

Eany, was born in the city of Aberdeen, Scotlantl, June 15, 1S2S. 
[is parents were James and Margaret (Duncan) Smith, also natives 
of Scotland; they had two children, llobcrt attended school until 
15, when he was appointed bookkeeper for the Aberdeen Bank for 
four years. He was then employed as bookkeeper for the Aberdeen 
Railwaj', until the s]n-ing of 1852, when he came alone to the 
United States; he landed in New York City. Eighteen nKnitha 
after he accepted a position as bookkeeper for a grain warehouse, 
at Milwaukee, Wis., until 1858. He was then agent for the Trus- 
tees of the State of Wisconsin, for the Fox and Wisconsin Eiver 
Improvement Co. (now owned by the Government), until 1862, 
when he was appointed ]ia_\ master for the U. S. armv, by A. Lin- 
coln, a position he hehl until November, 1865. He was then cashier 
for tlie Connecticut Mutual Life Ins. Co. 18 months, when he 
came to Daven])ort, Iowa, and engaged as State agent for the New 
York Life Insurance Co., four years. He was then bookkeeper in 
the First National Bank of Davenport four years, when he became 
head bookkeeper for tl;e Davenport Plow Co., a position he still 
retains. Mr. Smith married Miss Anna W. Smith, Oct. 18, 1859. 
She was born in Maine, ilr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the 
Episcopal church, and have four children, viz.: James R., Theodore, 
Bryant and Miss Edith Smith. Mr. R. Smith is a Mason and mem- 
ber of St. Nicholas Lodge, No. 93, Aberdeen Scotland, and a 
member of Davenport Lodge, No. 17, A. O. U. W.; a member of 
Knights of Honor of the U. S. and V. A. S. Stella Collegium, No. 
55, and a member of the G. A .R. Mr. Smith was one of the 



912 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

original members of the Republican party, and has been a strong 
supporter of it since its organization. 

Henrij H. Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 16, 1815. 
He received the rudiments of an ordinary education, and was es- 
pecially blessed with having a devotedly pious father, to whom he 
owes much for his religious training. On arriving at manhood, 
Mr. Smith continued the business avocation of his father, tliat ot 
fancy dry goods, in Philadelphia for some years, and in August, 
18Jr2, married Miss Mary Lewis. His father's death occurred shortly 
after. One day he noticed an article in The Dollar Ne%o»papei\ 
over the signature of " A. C. F.," in wliich tlie superiority of Iowa 
was graphically ]jortrayed. This, with the glowing letters from 
his friend Barr, wlio had recently settled there, led him to decide 
upon Davenport as his future lionie. Accordingly', with his little 
fiimily and wife, he turned his steps westward, and reached Daven- 
port May 12, 1850. His journey embraced a period of some two 
weeks. The only mode of transit was by canal to Johnstown, Pa., 
thence by Portage Railroad over the mountains, and again bv canal 
to Pittsburg, then down the Oliio River and up the Mississippi 
to Davenport. Mr. Smith found it a village of some 1,200 inhabi- 
tants, witli four stores, all of them located on Front street. Second 
street being occnpiied with residences and gardens. Mr. Smith 
was the first merchant to disturb the quiet seclusion of this street. 
and in the fall of 1850, on the southwest corner of Brady and Second 
streets, erected a sign bearing the inscription, " Smith's Philadel- 
phia Variety Store," and commenced his career as a Western mer- 
chant. His wife, acting as his only assistant, was the first lady 
clerk that ever sold goods in Davenport, and whatever of success 
followed their united business labors, very much of it may prop- 
erly be attributed to the rare business talents of Mrs. Smith. No 
store rooms were to be obtained, so a private residence was se- 
cured, built by a physician. In this " Smith's Variety Store " be- 
gan its career. The first stock of goods required a pieriod of 30 
days in transit, and the three days staging across the sloughs of Illi- 
nois was the most expeditious way of sorting u]) his stock at 
Chicago. Railroads were as yet unknown in Western Illinois or 
Iowa. A year or two passed, and the little doctor's shop became 
entirely too small to meet the demands of a rapidly growing busi- 
ness. So a friend was found who leased of Mr. Davenport 40x60 
feet of ground on the mirtheast corner opposite, and erected what 
was pronounced the finest store in the city, with its large show 
windows 20 x 30. A few years later a railroad was talked of to con- 
nect Davenport with Chicago, and after a year or two of wind 
work, the snorting of the iron horse was heard on the western bor- 
ders of Illinois, with his eye directed toward Davenport. Witli 
this, the tide of emigration set toward Davenport with great rapid- 
ity, and "Smith's Variety Store" assumed large proportions, and 
became famous tliroughout all the country around for its extent 
and variety of goods. In 1867 Mr. Smith relinquished the dry- 





^6iLZ^<y^ 



Oiry OK DAVENPORT. 915 

goods business, his health having become impaired by too close 
application to bnsines:;, and spent some years in cultivating liis 
ground in the eastern j)artot' the city. After this he was apiiointed 
United States assistant assessor, and served some six years in 
this ofhce most acceptably. Mr. Smith is at present and has been 
for some years past engaged in the coal business. The Ba]itist 
church in Davenport owes much of its growth and pros])erity t<> the 
combined labors of Mr. and Mis. Smith, while every good object 
never failed to receive their most hearty sujjport and co-oporation. 

^1. J. Smith, of Smith i^' McCuUougii, dealer in furniture and 
carpets, ll-i E. Second St., was born in Columbus, N. J., Aug. 28, 
ISJrO. His parents were William and Sarah A. ((lardner) Smith, 
the former was a Baptist minister. They had a family of nine chil- 
dren. A. J. attended school until 16, and when IS came alone to 
Davenport, la. He clerked in a dry-goods store for his uncle, II. 
II. Smitii, until lS(i(», when he and Mr. Parsons were in business 
two 3'ears. A. J. then worked for Daniel Gould 19 years, when 
he formed his present partnership with F. McCullough, and they 
bought out Mr. Daniel Gould and opened their present establish- 
ment at 114 E. Second St., where they carry a full stock of domes- 
tic and imported carpets and furniture. Mr. Smith married Miss 
Ilellon A. Squires, Dec. 12, 18(!0. She was bi>rn in Scott Co., la., 
and is a daugliter of X. Squires. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two 
sons, viz.: William G., and Charles E. Smith. .Mrs. Smith is a 
member of the Calvary Baptist Church. Mr. Smith owns a nice 
residence at 1214 Second St., where he and family reside. In 
politics he is a Rei^ublican. 

Richard Smetham. born Jan. 8, 1819, came to Davenport direct 
from England in May, lS4t). Of the 36 years whicii he has 
l>assed in Davenjjort, eight have been spent in the postotHce, eight 
in the county treasurer's ofhce, and eight have been passed in the 
Davenport Savings Bank, of which he is cashier. During the was 
he was for some time connected with the adjutant general's office, 
and for the past two years he has been recording secretary of the 
Scott County Pioneer Settlers' Association. 

Wil/iaiii 11. Snider, of tho firm of Snider & Mile.*, agents for 
4(» of tiie leading American and foreign fire insurance companies, 
was born in Prockville, Can., ^lay 21, 1848, and was a son of 
Reuben and ilaria Snider, wedFalkner. In 1851 he removed with 
his parents to Freeport, Stephenson Co., III. lie attended school 
until he was 18 years old, and three years later he engaged in the 
insurance business. In 1869 he left Stephenson County, and went 
to St. Louis, Mo., and in 1874 he came to Davenport. lie has fol- 
lowed the insurance business in Ilolden, Kansas City, St. Louis, 
Mo., and Davenport. lie is special State agent for the Under- 
writers of Boston, Mass., and the Fire Association of London. He 
was married in Holden, Mo., Oct. 4, 1870, to Miss Mary E. 
Coventry, of Collinsville, 111., a daughter of William E. 
53 



916 HISTORY OF sco'rr countt. 

Ooventrj. They liave had tliree children — W. Earl, Jennie E. 
and Charles H. In politics Mr. Snider is a Republican. 

Henry Spink, son of John and Sarah (Arnett) Spink, natives of 
Hnll, England, where the\- died, was born in that city Nov. 20, 
1822. He euiigrated to America in the fall of 1853, and located 
at once in Davenport, Iowa. At that time the old Iowa Colle^^ewas 
the most prominent biiildincr in Davenport. Failing to obtain 
work at his trade, that of a painter, he bought land in Clinton 
County and farmed and worked at his trade when there was work 
to be done for about three years, when he rented his farm and moved 
into Davenport, and has worked at his trade here since. For 
three or four years he did the graining for all the paintei-s in this 
city. He formed a partnership with John H. Morton, which con- 
tinued until the death of the latter, his son succeeding him. The 
latter firm continued five years and Mr. Spink has conducted the 
business alone until three years ago, when he retired from active 
life. He has been twice married; his first wife was Jane Barff, 
horn in the Society Islands, in 1823. Her father was one of the 
first missionaries that went to the Sooth Sea Islands, under the 
auspices of the London Missionary Society; their marriage oc- 
curred March 30, IS-IS, in Hull, England. Mrs. Jane Spink died 
June 15, 1857, in this city, having been the mother ot four cliil- 
dren, one living — Sarali. His second marriage took place Feb. 21, 
ISGO. t(i Miss Emily Godwin. Slie was born in London, England, 
on the 26th of A])ril, 1840. To them have been born 13 children, 
11 living — Jane, George H., John AV., Alfred, Henry, Emily, 
Charles, Edward, Hannah, Winifred and Alice. Mr. Spink is a 
memlierof the First Presbyterian Church. 

William Sternhei'g, jjroprietor of the machine shop and bi-ass 
foundry, 1642 and 1644 West Locust street, was born in Holstein, 
Germany, Nov. 29, 1848, and is a son of M. C. and Caroline 
Sternl)erg, residents of Holstein. He emigrated to this country 
July 1, 1868, and at once located in Daven])ort. He worked at 
his trade of machinist three years, then established a shop of 
his own, which he ran two years, then built the foundry which 
he now occupies. He does a large business, employing from two 
to ten men. His marriage with Annie Ense occurred Nov. 29. 
1877. She was born in Davenport ; her father is dead and her 
mother I'esides with her. This union has been blessed with one 
child — Hans. Mr. Sternberg is a member of the Turner Society. 

August St'-ffen, president of the Davenport Plow Manufactur- 
ing Co., and proju'ietorof Steffen's wholesale and retail tiry -goods 
store, 226, 228 and 230, N. E. corner Second and Harrison streets, 
was born in Prussia, Germany, Oct. 24, 1824, and was a son of 
Henry and Mary Steffen. He learned the tobacco and cigar 
maker's trade in Germany and worked at that until 1849, when he 
came to America. He landed in New York, thence to Cincinnati 
and New Orleans. In the s])ring of 1850 he went to California, 
"where he engaged in mining four years, then returned to New 



CITY OF DAVENPORT. 917 

Orleans, via the Istlumis of Panama. In Ma}', 1^54, he located in 
Davenport, and o]jene(l a s^i-ocery store on the same ground where 
his present large wholesale and retail store now stands; he re- 
mained in the grocery business until 1860, and from that time 
until 1878 he engaged in the grain business. He then opened 
the dry-goods establishment he now owns. The building is three 
stories high, with an elevator and basement. They carr}- a full 
assortment of imported and domestic goods, and have one ot the 
finest stores in the city. Mr. Stetien was mai-ritd in Davenport 
on March 21, 185(), to ^lary Gehrlicher, of Saxony, Germany. 
They have had seven children, four living — Metta, Alfred, Adelia 
and August. Mr. Steften is director in the First National and 
the Davenport Savings Banks, being a large stockholder in each. 

Rev. Win. M. Stij1ei\ pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, 
was born in HoUidaysburg, Pa., IMarch 2.5, 1S41. His jiarents 
were Jolm II. and Rebecca (Kinsel) Stiflur. natives of Pennsyl- 
\ania. Mr. William Stiller assisted his father on the farm until 
be was 16 j-ears old, tlie'i left his home and came to Alton, 111., 
and hired to a farmer by the name of H. Spalding, who had been 
a student of Shurtletl College. He persuaded Mr. Stiller and his 
brother to attend that cdlege. Accordingly entered there in the 
tall of 1S5S and graduated in the college course in 1S66, and in 
the theological course in 1869. In the meantime he taught 
several terms in the public schools and college. He enlistd in 
Co. D, 133d 111. Inf., and was stationed on Rock Island most of 
the time, to guard the prisoners; he served six months. He was 
ordained at Pana, 111., in 1869, by Dr. Reed, and immediately 
took charge of the church at Pana, and remained there three years. 
He was then sent to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and was pastor there four 
years; then went to Cedar Rapids, where he stayed from 1876 
to 1879, when he came to Davenport. Mr. Stiller was married 
Sept. 27, J 870, to Sarah B. Leverett. daughter of Warren 
Leverett, who was professor of Shurtleft College for 33 years; he 
is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Stifler have two children — Mary 
A. and Juliet L. 

Jacob Strasser was born Feb. 22, 1831, in Hohenzollen, Sigmar- 
ingen. Germany, and is a son of Francis Xavier, of I^outi, Prussia, 
and Mary Anna Stmsser, a native of Erfurth, Bavaria. The former 
was killed by an accident in January, 1869. She resides in Evans- 
ville, Ind., and is 81 years old. The family emigrated to America 
in 1846, and landed in Kew Orleans Dec. 12, of that year; and 
about the 12th of July of the same year Jacob enlisted in the 
Mexican war, and served as receiving clerk in the quartermaster's 
office until the close of the war in 1>4S, when he returned to his 
home, where he remained until April, 1849, when he went toXcw 
Orleans and engaged with an Itahan Ojiera Trouj), and went to 
South America. On his return he traveled through the South and 
Northwest. He went to Evansville, Ind., in 1853, and two years 
later located in Davenpt)rt, where he began teaching music, and 



918 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

organized a band called the Union, which still exists under his 
leadership. In the fall of the same year he organized the Ger- 
man Dramatic Theatrical Company, which is still in existence un- 
der the name of the City German Theater. He enlisted from Scott 
County in 1861, in the army, having organized a regimental band, 
cliieflv from Davenport, which served until they were mustered out 
in 1862. He taught music and served as bookkeeper in different 
firms in that city until 1867, when he went into the Citizen's Na- 
tional Bank as bookkeeper, a position he still retains. He was 
married to Philomena Sachs, in Jefferson Co., Missouri, in 1851. 
They had 12 children, four living — Appolonia, born Dec. 24, 1852, 
married William A. Burger; Jennie, born Oct. 10, 1865; Jacob, 
Oct. 8, 1867, and Francis Xavier, Jan. 6, 1869. Mrs. Philomena 
Strasser died Feb. 9, 1873, and he was again married Nov. 18, 
1876, to Pauline Lerchen, a native of West Virginia. They have 
one child, Gustavus, born Aug. 8, 1877. He is a Republican. 

David H. Stiihr of the tirm of H. P. Wheeler et Co.. 224 West 
Front street, was born in Davenport, Dec. 6, 1857, and is a son ot 
David S. and Fredericka (Kruse) Stuhr. of German birth. The 
subject of this record was educated in Davenport, and when 18 
years of age learned the carpenter's trade, which he worked at three 
years. He then took a six months' course of bookkeeping^ at Dav- 
en})ort Business College. Upon leaving the college he was 
employed as bookkeeper by G. A. Koster, grain merchant, and re- 
mained with him two years, then went into business for himself. 
He bought the city scales, which he owned two years, then entered 
the employ ofH. P. Wheeler, grain dealer, as bookkeeper; re- 
mained with him in that capacity until April 1, 1881, when he was 
admitted as a partner. His marriage with Wilhelmine Kummer- 
feldt occurred on Jan. 7, 1879. She was born in Davenport. They 
have one son, Edwin D., born Aug. 30, 1879. In politics Mr. 
Stuhr is a Republican. 

Oeorge B. Swan, yard-master for tlie C, R. I. & P. Railway. 
Davenport, was born in Templeton, Mass., Sept. 6, 1839. He is 
a son of Daniel and Thurza (Barrows) Swan, natives of Massachu- 
setts. They had family of two children, viz: Mrs. Mary A., wife 
of Geo. II. Higgins, of Chicago; and George B. Swan, the subject 
of this sketch, who attended the Leicester Academy, Leicester, 
Mass., until 13. when he came alone to Davenport. Iowa. He lived 
with his IJncieH. S. Finley, one year, and with his Uncle Willard 
Barrows one year, when he attended the Iowa College until 18, and 
in the spring of 1859 he, with a party of six others from Daven- 
port, went overland to Pike's Peak. They returned the fall of 1859. 
He tlien was employed as draw-tender on the old Mississippi & 
Missouri Railway bridge until the spring of 1863, when he went 
to Montana Territorj', where lie mined and prospected until the 
fall of 1865, since which time has worked for the C, R. I. it P. 
Railway Company, and in 186S was appointed to his present posi- 
tion as yard-master. He married Miss Ella Palmer, of Michigan, 



CITT OF DAVENPORT. 919 

May 18, 1876. Slie was a (3aii<;;hter of Ephraini and Lidia (Gard- 
ner) Palmer, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Swan liave had 
two sons, viz.: Eugene P. and George P. Swan. JVIr. Swan is 
Master of Davenport Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M. ; is a member 
of Davenport Ciiapter, No. 16. R. A. M.; and was a charter mem- 
ber of State Lodge, No. 3, A. O. U. \V. In politics, a Republican. 
Mr. Geo. B. Swan is one of Davenport's representative men, and 
is one of the old C. R. L & P. Railway men, having been employed 
by this company for tiie past 20 years. 

Ofto A7(/y, son of George and Christiana King, was born Aug. 1, 
1826, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where he was educated. 
On Ma\' 7, 1849, he emigrated alone to America, and located at 
once in Davenport, Iowa. lie opened a store of general merchan- 
dise on Front street, which he continued to operate until 1870 
when he sold out, and embarked in the commission business. He 
is now retired from active business life, and is engaged in looking 
after his farms and large vineyard. lie also owns considerable 
city property. He was married in March, 1S52, to Frederika 
Schricker. They have six children — Clara, Agnes, Lillie, Thekla, 
Otto and Elfrieda. Mr. Klug is a member of the fire department 
of Davenport. He held the office of cit}- treasurer two years, 
alderman eight years, and is now a member of the School Board. 
He has ever made Davenport's interests his own. and is one of her 
most esteemed citizens. 

Samuel Ta?mer, saloon keeper, 210 Main street, was born April 
3, 1823, in Switzerland. His parents were Casper and Barbara 
Tanner, natives also of that country; the former served under 
Napoleon. Samuel Tanner emigrated to Ameri( a in 1S4S. He 
remained in New York until 1854, when lie came to Davenport; 
traveled for a wholsale liquor house until 1875, when he estab- 
lished a saloon on the corner of Second and Harrison streets, and 
removed to his present number in September, 1880. He was 
married in Madison, N. J., Nov. 19, 183-4, to Rosina Lehman, a 
native of Switzerland. They iiave had five children — Frank, is a 
miller in Iowa City, is married and has five children; Rosa, wife 
of Morris Hess, resides in Rock Island, they have two children; 
Albert L., of the firm of Tanner A: Wagner, Milwaukee Furniture 
Company, is married and has three children. Lea, now Mrs. Gus 
Haase, resides in D,aven])ort, and Susan. Mr. Turner is a mem 
ber of the Episcopal church. In })olitics he is a Democrat. 

J^red Tcc/unf/n, of the firm of Brandt tt Techentin, blacksmith 
and wagon manufacturers, S16 "West Second street, was born in 
Neubuckow, Schweriii, Mecklenburg, Aug. 22, 1849. His parents 
were John and Louisa (Unmack) Techentin, natives also of that 
place. Fred attended school until 1864, when he learned the wagon- 
maker's trade; in 1871 he emigrated to America, landed in New 
York, and came at once to Davenport, arriving in November of 
that year. He worked at iiis trade until he formed his present 
partnership. He was married Jan. 8, 1877, to Louisa Bornhoft. 



920 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

She was born in Davenporc, and was a daughter of Henry and Eliza 
(Spanberger) Bornlioft, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Techen- 
tin have four children — Frank and Francis, twins born in March, 
1878, Lilly and Henry. 

Henry Techentin, of the firm of Techentin & Hoyer, manufact- 
urers of and wholesale and retail dealers in saddles, harness, col- 
lars, whi])S, fly-nets, blankets, combs, brushes, etc., and dealers 
in tine Eastern-made carriage and bu^gy harness, 80S West Second 
Street, was born in Nenkloster, Schwerin, Mecklenburg, June 20, 
1826. He learned the harness-maker's trade in his native country, 
and came to the United States in 18.53. He worked at his trade 
in St. Louis, Mo., until April, 1856, when he located in Daven- 
port, where he followed his trade until 1857, when he went into 
business for himself, and in February, ISSl, he took Mr. Hoyer as 
a partner. Mr. Techentin was married Dec. 19, 1863 to Miss Min- 
nie, daughter of Peter Hageboeck, a native of Germany. They 
have had three children, one living^Henry W. He i"? a member 
of the Turner Society, and in politics a Republican. 

Wai'reri Teele, Assistant Postmaster, Davenport, was born in 
Woburn, Mass., Dec. 3L 1828. His father Joseph Teele was born 
in Cambridge, now one of the wards of Boston; his mother Hepsi- 
beth Wheeler, was born in Temple, N. H. Both dying- when War- 
ren was a mere lad he^was left to paddle his own canoe; after living 
a life of 10 years among the hard working farmers of Middlesex 
County, he took up with Horace Greeley's advice and went West 
to the then supposed end of the western part of this country, 
settling in Cannelton, Perry Co., Ind. Here, built a store and 
went into general merch-mdising. While in this line of business he 
went back to the old Bay State and on Sept. 20, 1853, married Miss 
Dora Nichols, of Winchester, Mass., daughter of Stephen and Jane 
(Ryder) Nichols; returning about the time of the Kansas Free State 
difficulties. He concluded that the young Republican State of 
Iowa would be a more congenial place to live in, for one who had 
cast the first Free Soil vote ever cast in the count}'. So pulling up 
his stakes he took his young wife and came to Iowa settling anew 
Oct. 11, 1856, there he has since resided, and for the past 13 years 
has been the asistant postmaster under Mr. Edward Russell, he 
having had previously four years' experience in the mail service 
as mail route agent on the Mississippi River from Davenport to 
Dubuque. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Teele 
— Jennie Nichols and Addie Sanger Teele. 

Henry T/wde is, the successor of Langfeldt, Tliode & Co., dealers 
in imported and domestic wines and liquors, 327 West Second 
street. This firm was first establishel in August, 1866, and in 
August, 1871, Mr. Henry Thode became sole proprietor and has 
conducted the business since. He occupies a building 72 x 20 feet 
with a basement. He carries a full line of goods and has a thriv- 
ing and prosperous trade. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, 
Germany, Feb. 15, 1828, and is a son of James and Margaret (An- 



CITY OK DAVENPORT. 921 

dresen") Thode, of Germany. Henry attended school until lie was 
16, tjien ieanied tlic carriage maker's trade, wliicli he t'oiiowed in 
his native euiintrv until 1S.")'2, wiien he came to the United States 
and landed at New Orleans on Oct. 3 of tliat year. He came at 
once to Davenport, thence to Rock Island, 111., where ho oi)tained 
employment in Benford's machine-shop about one and a half years. 
He then returned to Davenport and opened a wagon-shop. In 
18(!6 he established his present business, lie was married Oct. 
28, IS54 to Miss Auijfusta Goos. a native of Ilolstein, Germany. 
Their union has been blessed with li* children, eiirht livinw- — Willie, 
Laura, Carl, Emma, Hugo, Edward, Dora and Mai'ie. Mr. Tliode 
Is a member of the I. O. O. F., Scott Lodge, No. 37; State Encimj)- 
ment, No. 3, and of the Scheutzen Society. 

Carl Tkoemlng, stock dealer on the old Scott Nursery, was born 
in Eckenferderach. Schleisjiie, Ilolstein, Germany, April 28, 
1843, son of William and Mary (.Minnie) Thoeming, natives of 
Germany. They had eight children, live living. They came to 
the United States when Oarl was eight years old, and landed in 
New Orleans in June, 1853. They settled in Davenport where 
they both died. He was a butcher and speculated in land. Carl 
enlisted in 1861, in the first Mo. Independent Mounted Artillery, 
and was taken ^irisoner at the battle of Pea Ridge ; he was ex- 
changed six weeks after, and was honorably discharged at (^uincy, 
111., in 1864. He then returned to Davenport and 0])ened a butcher 
shop on the corner of Third and Harrison streets; ho remainiMi in 
this business until in December, 1881, when he engaged e.xclu- 
sivcly in wholesaling and retailing stock. He was married to 
Maggie Stoltenburg in 1864. She was born in Propstel, Ilolstein, 
Germany, and was a daughter of Joe and Woldveigh (Rulk) 
Stoltenburg, natives of (Germany, and early settlers of Scott 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Thoeming have had seven children, five 
living — Clara, Btrtlia, Anna. Laura and Louie. Mr. Thoeming 
has always been a hard-working and enterprising n-an, and his 
present lovely residence on the Davenport and Rockingham road 
is the reward of his industry. 

JdmeJi Thoraj)mri. cajiitalist, and tormerly ])residont of the First 
National Bank, of Davenport, was born in Huntington Co., Pa., 
Jan. 1.5, 1829. He was a sou of Robert and Mary (Swope) 
Thompson, natives of Pennsylvania and members of the Ba))tist 
church. They had a family of three sons and one daughter. James, 
the subject of this sketch, worked on his father's farm, and attended 
schof)l during the winters until 20, when, Api-il 15, 1855, he 
married Miss Mary Moke. She was born in Pennsylvania and 
was a dauglitfr of Henry iMoke. Soon after his marriage, in June, 
1S5.T, ^Ir. Tliomdson came to Davenport, Iowa. He bouglitsome 
land in Liberty Townshiji, Scott County, which he had broken. It 
was his intention to follow farming, but soon after purchasing his 
farm, he and David Hill bought a livery stable, which they ran 
until 1867; since that time Mr. Thompson has been speculating in 



922 HiSTOEr OF scott count v. 

Nebraska, Kansas, Dakota and Iowa lands ; lie now owns some 
30,000 acres of land, 1'2 business and dwelling houses in Daven- 
port. He and wife have had six children, four boys and two girls, 
viz. : Charles E., Frank, Harry, James Jr., Ida and Cora. Mrs. 
Thompson is a member of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. 
Thnni]ison owns a nice residence at 805 Brad}- street, where he 
and lamily reside. He is one of the leading enterprising business 
men of Davenjiort, and has always taken an active part in anj' 
enterprise that ])romised progression and improvement to this 
city. He is director of the First National Bank, where he has his 
oiEce. Mr. Thompson has been identified with Davenport since 
June, 1855. 

A. S. Tijf<viy, Professor of geology, ]>aleontology, archaeology, 
910 West Fifth street, Davenport, was boin in Berkshire Co., 
Mass., April (J, 181S. He is the son of Asa 1). and Abigail (Scott) 
Tiffany, both natives of Massacliusetts. His mother died in 1823 
and his father in 1872. After the death ot his mother his father 
moved to what was then Montgomery Co. , N. Y. , where he engaged 
in farming and wood-carving, which he continued until his death. 
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, 
and when 17 years of age went to Albany, N. Y., where he 
Worked in a saddle and harness manufactory, remaining there 
till 1S39, when he commenced business for himself in Johnson 
Co., N. Y., in the same line of ti'ade, but only continued one 
year when he embarked in the grocery and provision trade, which 
business he continued nntil 1854. He then moved to liock 
Island, 111., wlicre he spent two years in the same line of trade. 
In March, 1856, he moved to Davenjjort, where he engaged in the 
tobacco trade and ]nirchasing buckskin for the markets. While 
engaged in this business he began the collection of fossils and 
mineral specimens. In 1868 he sold out his trade and turned his 
attention exclusively to geology, ^laleontology and arclutology, 
and has now over 2,000 specimens of fossils and minerals 
pro)ierly labeled and classified. Mr. Tiffany united in marriage 
in 181-4 witli Christina Coughnet, who was born in New York, 
Dec. 9, 1823, a daughter of Peter and Catherine (Gooderraite) 
Coughnet. The_y have four living children — William P., Kate 
(now Mrs. O. W. Eichardson), Priscilla and Hattie M. 

L'ohert l.ow»send was born in Bradford, England, Dec. 18, 
1818. He is the son of James and Ann (Barnes) Tovvnsend, 
natives of England ; tlie former die 1 in 1826, and the latter in 
1840. Bobert came to America in 1837, and for two years 
worked at tlie shoemaker's trade in Philadelphia, then worked on 
a farm three years. In May, 1843, he started on foot for the 
West, arriving in Davenport June 20 of that year. He com- 
menced work in this c amty as a farm hand, continuing until 
1844, when lie M-e7it uji to the pineries, where he engaged in log- 
ging until June, 1845, when he returned to Scott County. He 
again engaged as a farm laborer by the day and month until 



CITV OF DAVENPORT. 923 

1849, when he married Kebecca Mc CuHougU, wlio was born 
in Holmes Co., Ohio, in 1829. Soon after liis marriage he 
bought 40 acres of land in ])aven])ort Township, and engaged in 
farming. Success has attended Ins cfiorts, and he has added to 
this land from time to time until he now owns 300 acres of 
line land, the result of his industry and enterprise. His wite was 
one of the most successful butter-makers in the county, and sup- 
plied Dr. J. J. Burtis, proprietor of the Burtis House, with but- 
ter for over 20 years. In 1S75 lie retired from active farm life 
and moved into Davenjiort City. His sons, John and James, are 
managing the farm. His family consists of three children — John 
S., who married Ida Collins ; ,Iamcs B., married Ella Brockett; 
Eugene C, resides at home, and is engaged in teaching. Mr 
Townsend is considered one of the most honest men in Scott 
County, having at one time traveled all over the city of Daven- 
port trying to find an owner for $10 wliic-h he had received over 
what was his due. In jiolitics he is a Iie]>ublican. 

John Vale, mail clerk, postortice department, Davenport, is a 
native of London, England, born Aug. \K \^'P>'>, of Tliomasand Eliz;i- 
beth Vale, t)f English birth. John attended scliool until his 13th 
year, then spent three and one-half years as clerk in a grocery store 
in Kensington. In the fall of 1851 he came alone to the United 
States. He worked in a saw-mill in Le Claire Township five years, 
tlien went to Minnesota and entered land there. In September, 
18<51, he enlisted as a private in Company H, 2d Minnesota In- 
fantry Volunteers. He was jn'omoted to Sergeant; participated 
in the battles of Mill Springs, Ky., Cluckamauga and other en- 
gagements; was with Sherman in his inarch to the sea. He was 
mustered out after serving four years and two montlis, at Fort Snei- 
ling, Minn. He engaged in tarming in Davenport Townshipthreeor 
four years, then receive I an ap])o;ntment as clerk in the po?ti)tlice at 
Daven])jrt. and is now chief mail clerk here. He was married July 
13,1881, to MaryMiddleton, of Scotland. Her parents were J. N. and 
Mary (Gilchrist) Middleton, natives also of Scotland. Mr. Vale is 
a Mason and a member of Blue Lodge, No. 37; Daven]>ort Cha])ter, 
No. 16; K. A. M.; of St. Simon Cyrene Corainandery, No. 9; K. T., 
and A. O. U. AV., Pioneer Lodge, No. 2. He is a Republican. 

Van Piitten & Marks, wholesale grocers, Nos. 119, 121 and 123, 
East 3d street, established this business in 1867, as a wholesale and 
retail store. Since 1870 it iias been e.xchisivoly a wholesale estab- 
lisiiment. Tliey occupy a building three stories in iieight, and con- 
taining a basement. It is 150 .\ 60 feet. They also have two 
warehouses on Front street, between Brady and Perry. One is three 
stories high and 2(t x 80. The other four stoiies and 20 .\85. 
Tlicy liandle a full line of imported and domestic groceries, jn'ovisions 
and staple goods, and do an annual business ot .S7,<i00 to §8,000. 
The lirm is one of the most substantial and relial)le in tlie city, and 
has a profitable trade. It is one of the two largest establishments 
in thecitv. 



924 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

John p. Van Patten was born in Jordan, Onondaga Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 24. 1833, son of Jobn P., Sr., and Elizabeth Yan Patten, 
natives of iSTew York. Tlie former was born in 1786; be was an 
architect and died in 1840. She was born Oct. 19, 1796, and now 
resides in Denver, Col. The siiijject of this sketch went with his 
parents to Centreville, Mich., when he was two years old, and re- 
mained there until he was eight years old when he came to Daven- 
port, arriving in JSTovember, 1840, He worked on a farm in Long 
Grove tsvo years, attended school two years, then went to Canan- 
daigua, N. Y., where he attended the academy for three and one-half 
years and clerked in a book store for six months; then returned 
with his mother to Davenport, arriving here in May, 1848. He 
worked on a farm until Aug. 14, 1848, when he accepted a situa- 
tion as clerk in B. Sanford's drug and grocery store; remained in 
that capacity three years, when he received five per cent, of the gross 
sales. The firm then became B. Sanford & Co., and Mr. Yan 
Patten says that tiie Co. made him feel more important than did 
the percentage. In 1854 Mr. Sanford disposed of his stock to C. 
C. Alvord, tiie firm becoming Alvord & Yan Patten, and remained 
so until March 1, 1867, when Mr. Marks bought Mr. Alvord's in- 
terest :ind the firm has continued as Yan Patten & Marks since. 
Mr. Yan Patten married Dora Hartzell Dec. 15, 1859. She was 
born in Warren, O., and was a daughter of Jonas and Alice (Wal- 
lahan) Hartzell, of Ohio. He is living in Davenport and was for 
many years minister of the Disciples Church. She died May 29 
1877. Mr. and Mrs. Yan Patten have had nine children — Florence 
D., Bessie, Alice, John U., Edward H., Marion T., Dora H., 
Alfred and Philip H. 

Alher't F. Vinton, secretary, treasurer and manager of the 
Davenport Plow Co., was born in Grandville, Yt., May 27, 1840. 
His parents were John and Charlotte (Lamb) Yinton. who were 
members of the Universalist church, and had a family of seven sons 
and three daughters. The father was a farmer and died at the age 
of 74, in 1S70; she died, aged 93, in 1881. Albert F., the young- 
est of the family, attended school in Grandville until 1859, and 
the High School at Pochester until 1860. He then worked 
on his father's farm until 1862 when he was drafted into the service, 
but procured a substitute, and in November, 1862, came AV^est and 
located in Moline, 111., where he was employed as shipping clerk 
for John Deere & Co. two years, when he traveled for this company 
13 years, until 1874. He then visited the old home and friends 
in Yermont, when he worked two months for Deere & Co. , at 
Moline, and in January, 1875, Mr. Yinton helped to incorporate 
the Davenport Plow Co., becoming a stockholder. He traveled 
for the company until 1880, when he succeeded Ira M. Gitford as 
secretary, treasurer and general manager, a position he still retains. 
Ml-. Yinton married Miss Charry Pennell. of Canandaigua, N. Y., 
Jutie 20, 1870. Siie was a daughter of Horace Pennell. Mr. and 
Mrs. Yinton attend the Episcopal church. Mr. Yinton is a Mason 



CITY OF DAVENl'OET. 925 

and a member of Doriic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at Moline, 111. In 
politics, rather independent, and votes for the best fnan. Mr. 
Vinton is one of Davenport's enterprising, representative business 
men. 

F. Yolhtedt, farm implements and dealer in farm produce, was 
born in Allfeldt, Germany, Oct. IS, 1S29. llis parents were Henry 
and Christina (Petersen) Voilstedt. There was a family of three 
sons and .«i.\ daughters. Mr. Henry Voilstedt by trade was a 
weaver, and in connection ran a small farm. The subject of this 
sketch, when 1.5 years old, was a])prenticcd to the mason's trade, to 
which he gave three years of time. In IS-iOleft his native country 
and immigrated to the States, niiining the Danish blockade in the 
channel, and was 52 days in crossing. Tiieir boat was small, only 
four sailors; lost their main pilot in the English Channel in a 
storm; landed in New Orleans, and thence up the river by boat, 
there being about 150 passengers, one-half of whom died on their 
way U{\ His tirst work was for ?sathan llambo, a mason, where 
lie remained two years. He then commenced for himself. In 
1859 went to St. Louis, where he followed his business one year, 
and one year in Washington Co., Mo. As the strife between the 
North and South was getting liot he concluded to come to Daven- 
port, where he lollowed his trade until 1865, since which time he 
has followed his present business. In 1852 he married Augusta 
Smartield, by whom there were 11 children, six of whom are living, 
viz.: Amelia, Albertiiie, Herman, Mattie, Hugo and Fritz. Mr. 
Voilstedt came to the country poor, but by close attention to busi- 
ness has accumulated a fine property, and is one of Davenport's 
sound business men. Has held several local offices of trust, and is 
at present one of the aldermen of the citj' ; is a member of the 
A. O. U.W., I. O. O. F., Shooting Society, and Davenport Lodge, 
No. 2. U. B. I. 

Wm. Van Ttiyl was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., July 23, ISlO, 
son of John and Jane (AV^hite) Van Tuj'l. He was educated in 
the public schools near Albany, N. Y., to which place his parents 
removed when he was about 10 years of age. At the age of 18 he 
went to Vienna, Ontario C(>., N. Y., and learned the tanner's trade, 
and in 1831 he went to Oswego Falls and took charge of the largest 
leather manufactory in that place. On Oct. 7, 1835, he was mar- 
ried at Vienna to Miss Patience E. Cook, and thes' started imme- 
diately for Davenport and arrived here on Nov. 7, making the 
journey in just 30 days. After following farming for about two 
years he entered the store of Burrows ifc Prett3'man as clerk, which 
position he filled six years. He then, in company with Ira Cook, 
started a general merchandise store on Front street, the partnership 
lasting about 10 vears, when our subject bought out his partner's 
interest, and soon after closed out the business. In company with 
his son he then opened a grocery and feed store which, however, 
he soon disposed of. From that time until 1868 he was employed 



926 HISTORY OF SCOT!' COITNTY. 

as right-of-way agent for the AI. & M., U. P. and C, E. I. Rail- 
roads, and subsequently was eiuploj'ed for 14 years in the land de- 
partment of the 0. (fe R. I. Road. During the past year Mr. Van 
Tuyl has lived in comparative retirement, enjoying the rest that 
an active and laborious life so well deserves. Still, at the ad- 
vanced age of 72 years, he is not satisfied to remain idle, and is 
anticipating engaging in business at an early date. They have 
had seven children, four of whom are still living — Cornelia, Carrie 
C. (now Mrs. Welling), Ebenezer C, and John P. Mr. Van Tuyl 
cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has never changed his 
political views. Both are members of the Protestant Episcopal 
church. 

E. H. G. Yon Doehreii, grocery, hardware and crockery dealer, 
802 West Third street, is a native of Germany, born May 17, 1847. 
His parents were Claus and Catharine Von Doehren, nee Stehr. 
They were of German birth. Tiie subject of this record emigrated 
to the United States in 1865, and located at once in Davenport, 
Iowa. Having learned the machinist's trade in Germany, he fol- 
lowed that business two years, then clerked in a hardware store 
five years, and in 1872 he commenced traveling for Van Patten & 
Marks, wholesale grocers. He soon quit the road, and formed a 
partnership with R. T. Miller, which continued three years, when 
Mr. Von Doehren went out of the firm and engaged in business 
alone in the store he now occupies. He was married Sept. 22, 
ISCfi, in this city to Silke Stelk, a native of Holstein, Germany. 
The fruit of this union is four children — Gustav, Adolph, Alfred 
and Edward- Mr. Van Doehren is a membsr of K. P. Lodge, 
Brotherhood of Iowa, and was foreman one year, and assistant chief 
and chief three years, of this order. 

Wilhelm H. Yoss, wood-carver, scroll vi^ork and cabinet-maker, 
1330 West Third street, is a native of Schwerin, Mecklenberg, Ger- 
many, born Aug. 8, 1857. His parents were Frederic and Mary 
(Geert) Voss, of German birth. When Wilhelm was 14 years 
old he left school and learned the wagon-maker's trade, which 
he followed until 1873, when he came with his parents to Amer- 
ica, and located in Davenport. He followed his trade until 
Nov. 11, 1876, when he accidentally shot himself in the right 
arm and had to have it amputated a little above the elbow. He 
peddled notions one summer, then began to do scroll-sawing and 
making brackets, and in 1881 he opened his present establish- 
ment. He has a si.x horse-power engine and all the latest im- 
proved machinery, and is prepared to do all the finest scroll- 
sawing, wood-turning and carving. Mr. Voss did not give up 
when he met with his great misfortune, but on the contrary 
went bravely to work, and much credit is due him for the noble 
manner in which he has surmounted all ditticulties. He is a 
member of Turner and Mennachoir Societies, and the West Dav- 
enport Relief Association. 



CIlTf OF DAVENPORT. 927 

Herman Yoss, wholesale li(|uor meichant, 400 West Second 
street, Davenport, established his present business on Feb. 26, 
1871. He was born in Ditinarsen, Holstein. Germany. Oct. 11, 
1838, and is a son of Hans and Margaret (Prigge) Voss, natives 
of Germany. Herman attended school until his IGtli year, then 
clerked in a mercantile house, and traveled for a "dry-goods 
factory in Saxony until 1S<)7, when he came to America. He 
spent the tirst year of his residence here as clerk in a dry- 
goods store in Indianapolis, Ind. Afterward traveled for an im- 
porting wine house in New York City until January, 1871, when he 
embarked in his present business. He was married in Davenport 
Jan. 21, 1872, to Miss Louisa Horst, of Propstei, Iowa. Her 
parents were Clans and Ida Horst, natives of Germany and early 
settlers of Scott County. Mr. and Mrs. Voss have two children, 
— Hans B. and Clans Herman, Jr. Mr. Voss is a member of 
K. P., Damon Lodge, No. 10, and A. O. U. W., German Lodge, 
No. 5. 

Wm. C. Wadsworth^ wholesale dry-goods mercliant, Davenport, 
was born June 27. 1826, in Litchfield, Conn. He attended the 
public schools of Litchfield until the age of 18 years, when he went 
to New Haven and remained until 18-18, engaging in the dry-goods 
business. Macon. Ga., was his next objective point, and he re- 
mained here in the same business until 1855, when he removed to 
Davenport and opened a retail dry-goods sforeat 127 West Second 
street. Shortly after he established another dry -goods house in 
Kock Island, 111., and in 1861 started a wholesale house, conduct- 
ing tlie three stores until 1868. In that year he disposed of the 
two retail establishments, and has since devoted his entire atten- 
tion to the large wholesale establishment at 109, 111 and 113 East 
Second street. Mr. W. has been a most energetic and persever- 
ing business man, and as a reward for his untiring efforts possesses 
the largest establishment of its kind in the city, with a constantly 
increasing business. He was married in 1859 to Miss Anna Mitch- 
ell, of Rock Island. Their three children are — William M., 
Henry T. and Mary Hall Wadsworth. In jiolitics Mr. W. is inde- 
pendent, voting for whom he considered the best man, irrespective 
of party nomination or affiliation. 

u. F. E. Walhui\ proprietor of Melchert's Hotel, situated at 
Nos. 313 and 315 West Second street, is a native of Germany, and 
came to Scott County in ^larch, 1881. He is a son-in-law of John 
J. Meves, of this city. Among the leading hotels of Davenport we 
would mention ^[elchert's Hotel. It is centrally located, and is a 
three-story building containing 60 rooms, equipped in such a man- 
ner as to best conduce to the comfort of the most fastidious guests. 
There are two large dining-rooms, one intended especially for trav- 
eling men. Each have a seating capacity tor 80 persons at a time, 
and the bill of fare is complete in every particular. The bar and 
billiard rooms are justly considered the most popular in the city. 



928 HISTOET OF SCOTT COTTNTT. 

James Warrick, car-builder for the C, R. I. & P. R. R., was born 
on a farm in Wat^hington Co., Pa., May 25, 1S17. He was a son of 
Jonathan and Marj (Smalley) Warrick, natives of New Jersey, 
who were members of the M. E. church, and had a family of nine 
children. James attended school winters, and worked on his 
father's farm until 17, when he learned the carpenter's trade. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Wilson, May 4, 1S43. She was born in 
Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Robert Wilson. Mr. and 
Mrs. James Warrick had three children, viz.: William, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth AVare, wife of George AVare, residing in Rock Island, and 
Mrs. Mary J., wife of Barney Inraan; they reside in Pennsylvania. 
Mrs. Warrick died July 13, 18-19; she was a member of the M. E. 
Cluirch. In 1850 Mr. Warrick came to Davenport. He followed 
his trade until 1868, when he was employed in the car-shops of 
the C, R. I. *.V: P. R. R., where he has remuiued ever since. Mr. 
Warrick married Miss Emma J. Davis June 21, 1853. She was 
born in Chester Co., Pa. She was adauiihter of M. C. Davis. Mr. 
and Mrs. Warrick are members of tlie First Presbyterian Church 
in Davenport, and have had six children, four living, viz. : Frauk 
P., Miss Carrie I., Miss Jennie I. ai.d Harry J. AVarrick. Mr. 
AVarrick resides at 332 AYest Fifth street, where he has lived for 
the past 25 years. He is a Mason and also a member of I. O. O. F. ; 
in politics a Democrat, and has alwaj's been a supporter of this 
party. He is one of Davenport's representative men, having been 
identified with this city since 1850. 

Charles S- Wafkhis was born in the city of New York, March 18, 
1826. In 1853 went to California. In L855 returned to New York, 
and a few months later, July 23, 1855, came to Davenport. He 
was married Jan. 25, 1860, to Miss Mary A. Fuller, of Bangor, 
Maine. Tiieir four children, all of whom are living, are — Mary E., 
Frances R., Fred S. and RawsonF. Mr. AVatkins has been actively 
connected with several of the public and private enterprises of the 
city and county, and still maintains an earnest interest in every- 
thing pertaining to the general welfare of Davenport and of Iowa. 

F. W. ^Yatson, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, 303 and 305, 
northeast corner Third and Perr}' streets, was born in New Lisbon, 
Ohio, Jan. 5, 1819, and was a son of John and Magdalena Watson, 
natives of Pennsylvania. The subject of this record attended school 
until he was 18 years old, then assisted his father in a hotel at New 
Lisbon and at New Gorden, O., until 18-i5, when he worked in 
his uncle's hotel two j'ears. tlien established a livery stable, which 
he conducted until 1855, when he came to Davenport. He bought 
grain during the winter, and acted as ugentforthe St. Louis Packet 
Co. and the Northern Line of steamers until Nov. 9, 1876, when he 
opened the Commercial Hotel, which contains -iO rooms, fitted up 
in good st^'le, witii sample rooms and parlors. He was married to 
Miss Elizabeth C. Rakestraw. June 14, 1839. She was born in Wil- 
mington, Del., and was a daughter of Wm. and Margery (Hope) 
Rakestraw. Mr. and Mrs. AVatson have had 10 children, seven liv- 



CITV OF DAVENPORT. 929 

in^ — Cassius M., Julia M., inan-ied R. R. Martin, signal cifficer; 
Alary E., now Mrs. Ed. Bowles; Maggie, now Mrs. C. liicliards; 
Katy, wife ot Jacob Stolt; Franc K., and Bessie. Mr. W. is a mem- 
ber of the T. of H. Lodge and of the Sons of Temperance. 

W. II. c6 6'. T. VTehh, the oldest queen's-ware firm in the State 
of Iowa, established this business in tlie sj)ring of 1S52, at 118 W. 
Second St., whe'"e the}' are yet located. They occupy a two-storj' 
building, 150 x 20 ft., and carry a full line of the finest imported 
glass, china and (pieen's-ware. and of Bohemian and plated goods, 
also mirrors, lamps and chandeliers. They have been identitied 
with the business interests of Davenport for the past 30 years and 
are well and favorably known throughout the State. William II. 
"Webb M'as born in Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1831, and 
isa son of Zerah and Orind Webb. lie was a miller and com- 
mission merchant and a native of Vermont, and she of New York. 
AVilliam attended scliool until he was 18 years old. then worked in 
his father's mill, and in the commission business uutil the spring 
of 1852, when he came to Da\-enport and established his present 
business. He is a member of Fraternal Lodge A. F. & A. M., 
No. 37. 

William IFe/rf/itfr, foreman of tlio Cooper's Union, corner Fifth 
and De Soto sts., was born on the I8tli of August, 183i, in Hanover, 
Germany. His parents, Doniger and Francisco Weidner, were 
natives also of that place, aud died there. He emigrated to 
America in 1857, and landed in New York Aug. 4, of that 
year, after a very rough voyage of seven weeks, four days. He 
immediately came t) D.ivenjmrt, where he worked at anvthing he 
could get to do until 1861, when he learned the cooper's trade, 
wliich he has followed since, and has been foreman of the coopers' 
union for the past seven years. He was married in Ilolstein, Ger- 
many, to Lena Eeiss, May 24, 1857. Her parents are both dead. 
Of seven ciiildren born of this union, two are living — William, Jr., 
who is a tinner for Brown tt Gaines, dealers in stoves, tinware, etc., 
on W. Second St., and Emilie. Mr. Weiduer is a member of the 
I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 37, of Davenport. 

Lawrence IFAfeZe;-, manager of the Western Union Telegraph 
office at Davenport, was born in Newry, Blair Co., Pa., Nov. 
22, 1852. He Mas a son of William E. and Ann (Bethel) Wheeler, 
the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of England. Tiiey 
had a family of nine children, eight living — Mrs. Daniel Griffith, 
Mrs. Joseph Ketlner, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Mrs. Alice Glaze, 
Lawrence, Randolph, and Alfretta. Lawrence attended school 
until he was 12 years old, since wiiich time he has been in a tele- 
grai>h office. He has been stationed at Sunburv, Northumberland, 
Williamsport, Lock Haven, Muncy Station, AVatson Town, Mil- 
ton, Pa. He left Pennsylvania in 1869 and went to Peoria, 111. ; 
thence to Canton, St. Paul, Minn. ; Downer's Grove, Naperville, 
Piano, Neponset, and Cairo. Ills. ; Columbus, \\.y.\ Des Moines, 
Iowa City, and in 1873 came to Davenport. He received his pres- 
ent appointment July 1, 1881. 



930 HISTORY OF scorr counti'. 

H. P. 7I7t«eZer, senior member of tlie Hrm of H. P. Wheeler & 
Co., grain and produce mercliants, 224 West Front street, was 
boru in Fitchburg, Mass., Oct. 13. 1828. His parents were Amos 
and Susan Wlieeler, natives of Fitcliburg, Mass. He died in Jan- 
uary, 1856, in Worcester, Mass. ; she is a resident of Davenport. 
The subject ot tliis memoir received a common-school education 
in his native place, and attended tlie seminaiy at Saxon River, 
Vt. He engaged in tlie lumber tratlic in Dublin. X. PI., in 1852, 
and continued in it three or four years, tlien came West. He re- 
mained in Illinois two years, coming to Davenport in 1859. He 
engaged in the grain business here and has followed it since. He 
was married July 6, 1853, in Saxon River, Vt., to Miss Fannie M. 
Earl, a native of Rockingham, Vt. Tliey attended the Unitarian 
church. 

Qicptain Jiirvis White was born in Whiting, Vt., April 21, 
1833, son of Nathan and Lucinda (Beals) White ; parents were 
natives of Medway, Mass., and both deceased. The subject of 
this sketch received only a common-school education in Massa- 
chusetts, and at 15 j-ears of age learned the sash, door and 
blind trade and followed the same up to 1861, when he en- 
listed Oct. 13, 1861. in the 2ith Mass. Infantry as private; was 
promoted to corporal sargeant, then color bearer, and from that to 
orderly sergeant, then to 2d Lieutenant, and was wounded, Aug. 
14, 1864, at the battle of Deep Bottom, Va.; was then confined 
in hospital for three months, after which he was promoted to 1st 
lieutenant and then captain, and for three months went to his 
home. When he recruited his health sufficient he returned to his 
company in Virginia, and took charge of same, and after the 
surrender of Gen. Lee he went on garrison duty at Richmond 
until Jan. 20, 1866; at which time he received his discharge, and 
returned to Massachusetts and engaged in business in Medford, 
Mass., and remained there until October, 1874, when he removed 
to Davenport, Iowa, andbecanieoneof theiirm of Hastings, White 
& Fisher which still continues. Was married April 30, 1857, to 
Sarah J. Grant, who was born in West Medway, Mass.. Xovember, 
1833. They had one child, born March 31, 1856, and died Aug. 
4, 1857. lie lost his wife, May 3, 1861. Capt. AVhite is a member 
of the order of Free Masonry, and has taken the full degrees up 
to 32. and now is Eminent Commander of St. Simon ot Cyrene, 
and Xo. 9, Iv. T. of Davenport, and also one ot tiie prominent 
members of the baptist church, Davenjjort. 

Joseph S. Wtjlie, dealer in all kinds of coal, lime, hair, cement, 
etc., corner Fourth and Front and 420 Harrison streets, succeeded 
Hiram Cable in his present business in 1875, under the firm name 
of J. S. Wylie & Co. Since 18S0 the business has been conducted 
by Mr. Wylie alone. One principal feature of his work is that he 
furnishes some 12 gas companies in Iowa and Illinois with gas 
coal; also handles Pittsburg coke. He carries a capital stock ot 
from $20,000 to $25,000. "Dnring Mr. Cable's proprietorship of 




■Sv- 











CITY OF DAV'ENPORT. 933 

the business, coal alone was handled, Mr. Wylie having added the 
others since .going into the business. He was born in Wooster, 
O., Feb. 8, 1843, and is a son of Joseph S. Wylie, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. In 1852 tlie subject of this menrioir came to Iowa and 
located in Cedar Rapids; from there he went to Des Moines in 
lSi>9\ resided at that place until 1871. Spent the intervening 
time between 1^71 and '75 in Central Nebraskii, then became a 
resident of Davenport, lie was married in June, 1872, to Nan- 
nie, daughter of Iliram Cable. Thcv have two children — Hi ram 
C. and Mary E. Mr. Wylie is a member of the V. A. S. Society, 
and also of the Congregational church. 

John B. YotiiKj^ Superintendent of the public schools of Dav- 
enport, was born in Malone. Franklin Co., N. Y., July 15, 1S34, 
and was a son of John and Anna Young, nee Mathews, who were 
among the earliest settlers of tiiat section of the State. His father 
died in 1866, his mother in 1870. He assisted on the farm and 
attended school until he was 20 years old, when he began to pre- 
pare for a college course at the Franklin Academy, Malone. He 
entered the Midillebury College, at Middlebury, Vt., three years 
later, and graduated from that institution in 1861. He was then 
employed as principal of the academy at Lawrenceville, N. Y., and 
filled that position three years, when he became principal of Fort 
Covington, N. Y., Academy, where he remained four years, then 
came West, and located at J^avenport. In June, 1868, he was ap- 
pointed principal of the Davenport High School, and occupied that 
position until June, 1S7>^, when he was elected to his present ofHce. 
He has charire of 10 schools, including the High School, and tills 
the position with honor to himself and satisfaction to the people. 
He was married on Aug. 5, 1861, to Miss Betsey A. Drake, of Ma- 
lone, N. Y. Of five children born of this union, three are living — 
Jessie A.. Ella E. and Charley J. Mr. Young is a Mason, and a 
member of Trinity Lodge, No. 208; I. O. O. F., Davenjrort Lodge 
No. 7; A. O. U. W., Davenport Lodge, No. 17, and the Iowa L. of 
II., and V. A. S. Fraternity. In political views he is a Repub- 
lican. 



54 



ALLEN'S GROVE TOWNSHIP 

Allen's Grove Township is bounded on the east by Winfield 
Township, on the west by Liberty, on the south by Hickory Grove, 
and on the north by the Wapsipinecon River. The grove was 
first settled by a Mr. Allen, in 1836, taking and being known by 
his name. When the precincts were first organized the north- 
western portion of the country was made a precinct, which was 
given the name of Allen's Grove. When tlie townships were 
organized the name was still retained. Allen's Grove Township 
originally comprised all the territorj' now comprising the two 
townships of Allen's Grove and Liberty. 

Among the early settlers of this townsiiip, as it now exists, were 
Mr. Hendricks, Dennis R. Fuller, John Dunn, John E. Thompson, 
Mr. Hines, Mr. Halburt and Mr. Gee. All these opened farms on 
the prairies at the edge of the grove. 

Allen's Grove postoffice was established in August, 1S50, and 
George Frederick appointed postmaster. John Conners succeeded 
Mr. Frederick, and served about 10 years. Charles Lathrop came 
next and served one year, followed by James Stephens, w!io served 
two years, and succeeded by Martin O'Neil, who dispensed the 
favors of the ofiice four years. In 1872 W. B. Stephens was ap- 
pointed and yet serves. 

Tiie first store was established at the Grove in 1859 by F. E. 
Rothstein, on section 28. Mr. Rothstein also built a steam saw 
and grist mill in 1860. which he removed to Wapsipinecon River 
in 1865. He continued his store, however, until 1867, when lie 
moved to Clinton County, selling his stock to Martin O'Neil, who 
continued the business until 1872, when he sold to W. B. Stephens, 
who still lias it in connection with the postoifice, at his residence 
on section 27. Mr. Stephens has met with good success in the 
business, and carries a general line of goods. 

The Davenport & St. Paul, now the Chicago & Milwaukee, 
passes tiirough the township, and has one station, which was estab- 
lisiiod sliortly atter the advent of the cars, and around which has 
grown a small village, Donahue, named in honor of Hon. Michael 
Donahue, of Davenport. The village was commenced by Phineas 
Curtis. The first store opened in the place was by R. C. Fuller 
and H.A.Stokes. There are now two stores, two blacksmith sho])S, 
and a saloon in the place. 

The religious element of the township is represented in an organ- 
ization called the Church of God, but more commonly known 
as the Winebrenarians. from its reputed founder, John Wine- 
brenen. The church in Allen's Grove Township was organized in 

(934) 



Allen's grove township. 935 

1860, bv Rev. Daniel Wertz, witli 22 members. Its tirst elders 
wore Thomas Hiistie, Phineas Curtis and David Lathrop; its tirst 
deacons, Jeremiaii Krause and Ezra Cronklcton. Tlie first meet- 
ings of the churcii were iield in a log school-lionse in the grove by 
Kev. John Hank. Hev. Joseph Keptbrd was the first pastor. The 
present pastor is Rev. J. II Basore. A house of worship . was 
erected by the society a few years since at a cost of $1,600. A 
Sunday-school is maintained by the church during the summer. 

Allen's Grove Towiisiiip is well provided in the way of schools, 
this township being a township school district, in wliich there are 
si.x sub-districts, each having a good frame school-house, the total 
value of which is $7,000. In the year ending October, 1881, there 
were 264 persons between the ages of 5 and 21, of which number 
208 were enrolled in tiie public schools. 

The village of Dixon is partly located in Allen's Grove Town- 
ship. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 



As part of the history of the township is appended biographical 
sketches of many of the old settlers and prominent men in the 
township, arranged in alphabetical order: 

Jacob E. AUen. teacher of the Donahue School, is a native of 
Cumberland Co., Pa., and was born May 25, 1859. He was reared 
on a farm until 17 years of age, and was educated in the Shippen- 
burg, P;i., State Normal School. He is a son of Samuel and 
Elizabeth Allen, native.* also of the Keystone State. He engaged 
in teaching in tiie public schools of Pennsylvania until the fall of 
1877, when he came to Scott County, and has been very successful 
both as a disciplinarian and and instructor. We had tlie honor of 
visiting Mr. Allen's school on Dec. 20, 1881, and found perfect 
order and the pupils diligently pursuing their studies, rather a sur- 
prise to us in these "young American " days. Mr. Allen has 
adopted many of the latest normal methods of conducting school, 
and, considering the fact that his school is an ungraded one, is do- 
ing well. He gives universal satisfaction both to pupils and pa- 
trors. Though young in years he ranks with the best teachers in 
Scutt County, and has a bright prospect before him. 

Edmond Binford, druggist and dealer in wall paper, scliool 
books, etc., Dixon, was born in Allen's Grove Township, Feb. 23, 
1849, and is a son of Jeremiah Binfoi'd, deceased, who came to 
Scott County, in 1837. He was reared on a farm and educated in 
the common schools. He was married in 1871 to Melissa Ross, 
daughter of -lames II. Ross, of Dixon. They have three children 
— Maud and Mable (twins), and William. Mr. Binford is a mem- 
ber of the A. O. U. W. of Dixon, of the Masons at Wheatland, 
and the Ciiristian cliurch of Dixon. His brother John was a sold- 
ier in the late war, in Company C, Second Iowa Cavalry. 



936 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

James T. Carter, deceased, was born Sept. 15, 1830, in "Wayne 
Co., Ind. In ISStj he came with his parents to Scott County. 
He made a trip to California in 1860, returning to this county in 
1862. He was married Jan. 9, 186S, to Blanch McCuIlough. a 
daughter of James McCuIlough, and a native ot Pennsylvania. To 
them were born three children — Frank, Hattie and Horace. Mr. 
Carter was a member of A. O. U. W. Lodge and cliairman of tlie 
Greenback Club. He was a charitable man, always ready to assist 
the unfortunate, and a useful member of society, and one whom 
the community could ill afford to lose. He made a speecli of some 
celebrity Jnly 4, 1881, in which mention was made of the assas- 
sination of President Garfield. He was drowned in Mud Creek 
while bathing with his little son and a neighbor. 

Thomas Clausen, saloon keeper, Dixon, was born in Germany, 
June 17, 1851, and is a son of Thomas Clausen. Our subject 
came to America in 1873. He worked as a hired hand for some 
time; in 1880 he established business in Dixon. He keeps on hand 
line and imported wines. He was married Nov. 6, 18t)l, to Miss 
Dora Fey. 

John Connor, deceased, was born in County Carlow, Ireland, 
May 22, 1802. He immigrated to Canada when 17 years of age; 
from there he went to Cedar Co., la., in 1846. He came to Scott 
County, and in 1850 settled on a farm in Allen's Grove Township. 
He was married in 1831 to Ellen O. Brien. They had a lamily of 
six children — Michael, Rebecca. John P., Hannah and Mary A. 
Margaret J. died September, 1881, at 18 years of age. Mr. John 
Connor was one of the most popular men of the county; he was 
the first to hold the position of postmaster in Allen's Grove 
Township. He died as he had lived, honored and respected by all. 
Phineas Curtis was born near Johnsonville, N. Y., June 10, 
1830. His parents were Daniel and Mehitable Curtis, nee Masters. 
His father died at Shaticoke, N. Y., in the year 1856; his motiier 
is now living in Hickor\' Grove Township, Scott County, with lier 
son-in-law, Ira Burch. She is 84years of age, and is still in full pos- 
session of all her faculties. Phineas Curtis was the recipient of a 
good education in his native place, and at the age of 20 years came 
West for the purpose of engaging in school-teaching. He taught 
school one year in Quincy, 111., then visited various parts of the 
country, coming to Scott ('ounty in June, 1851, and made claim to 
160 acres of land in what is now known as Hickory Grove Town- 
ship, which he afterward entered. His first venture in farming 
was successful, and being pleased with the outlook of Scott County, 
he resolved to make it his home. He was married to Miss Laura 
L. Fuller, Feb. 27, 1853. She was born Sept. 15. 1S37. and is a 
daughter of Dennis R. and Lovancia Fuller, and is supposed by 
some to be the first female child born in Scott County. Of nine 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, seven are living — Enola M., 
born April ly, 1855, married George P. Maw, Sept. 14, 1874; 
Lovancia M., born Oct. 22, 1857, married A. A. Fuller, Feb. 18, 



Allen's grove township. 937 

1878; Dennis D., born Jan. 19, 1S61, attends the academy at Wilton, 
Iowa, as does his brother Frank R., who was born Feb. 2S, 1864; 
Abram B., born April i. 1867; LottaM.,Jan. 13, ISTO; andOraE., 
June 25, 1878. Ten years after his marriaffe Mr. Curtis moved to 
Davenport, with the intention of remaining jtermaiiently, but tiring 
of city life in two years, he returned to his country home. When 
the D. & St. P. R. II. was built through to Allen's Grove Town- 
ship, and Donahue station established, Mr. Curtis api>lied for and 
received the ])osition of station agent and postmaster here. lie 
tilled the former position three years, and the latter until his resig- 
nation in April, ISSl. While emplo3'ed as agent for the R. R. 
company, he engaged in the mercantile business at Donahue, and 
in 187-1, in order to meet the demands of his trade, he removed his 
old store-room and erected a much larger building in its place. 
He has disposed of his mercantile interest, and devotes his entire 
attention to speculating in stock. In 1876, in company with his 
wife and daughter Lotta, ^Ir. Curtis visited the Centennial Exhibi- 
tion, and the principal cities of the East. 

Mrs. Anna Ga/laffar, daughter of George llarman, came to 
Scott County with her parents in 1845. Her parents were poor, 
and she was deprived of educational privileges, having to work in 
the field like a man. In 1847 she married John Gallagar, but still 
continued to work hard in the field as before, and thus helped her 
husband on to wealth. But few of the wives of the pioneers of 
Scott County have endured the untold hardships that she has. Her 
mother, Mrs. llarman, is residing on the old home place, near by. 
at the age of 73 years. Mr. and Mrs. Gallagar have two children — 
Eliza, married Cyrus Crisp, and resides in Di.xon, this county; and 
Edward, married Mary Rosenbeck, and resides with his parents. So 
anxious was Mrs. Gallagar to obtain an education that one summer 
while her husband was gone she attended the puijlic school. 

Steioart Gillmor, a native of Ireland, was born July 27, 1832. 
His father, Stewart Gillmor, came to Scott County in April, 1847, 
and settled at Long Grove, Wintield Township. The subject of 
this memoir was reared on a farm, and attended the common schools 
of his native country. When he came to Scott ('ounty, it was yet 
in its infancv. The red men still inhabited t!ie country, and wild 
game was to be found in abundance. !Mr. Gillmor settled on sec- 
tion 18, Wintield Township in 1856; from there removed to Allen's 
Grove Township in 1867. He owns 337 acres of pi-airie and 40 
acres of timl)er land, and is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. 
His marriage took ]ilace in 1859 to Mary A. Connor, of Canada, 
and daughter of John Connor, an early settler of Scott County. 
They have been blessed with seven children, six surviving — John, 
Maggie J., Rebecca E., Willie L., Hugh II., Frank E., and Isaac 
Fen ton. 

Nelson Orace, a respected old settler of Scott County, residing on 
section 7, Allen's Grove Township, was born in Tomkins Co., N. 
Y., Dec. 12, 1823, and is a son of Michael Grace, a native of Hamp- 



938 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTT. 

ton Co., Fa. Mr. Grace was brought up on his father's farm, 
and had no other educational advantages, save the old-fashioned 
subscription school. He came with his parents to Huron Co., 
Oiiio, in 1836, and there resided on a farm until 1S41, when he 
came to this county and settled where he now resides. The land 
was raw prairie and the country wild. There was but one bridge 
between his place and Davenport, which was a rude structure 
made of poles, across Mud Creek. He was married April 30, 1S48, 
to Miss Sarah J. Ross, a native of Ohio, and daughter of James H. 
Koss. They have six children — James, William, Cordelia, Eva, 
Albert and David. All are married but James and David. Our 
subject owns 200 acres in the home place and 52^ acres in Clinton 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Grace are members of the Christian 
church. 

Thomas J. Graham was horn in Columbianii Co., Ohio, Dec 25, 
1833, and was a son of John and Mary (Townsend) Graham. He 
was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He 
moved toGihnan, 111., in 18T7, and to Dixon, Allen's Grove Town- 
ship, Scott County, in 1878. He was married in 1871 to Rachel 
B. Arnold, who was born in Williams Co., Ohio, of J. W. and 
Eunice Arnold, 7iee Stockwell. Mr. Graham served his country 
three years and four months in the late war as a member of the 
19th Ohio, 13th Iowa, and the 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery. Partic- 
ipated in the battles of Rich Mountain, Shiloh and others. Mr. 
and Mrs. Graham established a millinery store and sewing ma- 
chine agency in Dixon in 1878, and have met with flattering suc- 
cess in their line of business. 

James Greig was born in Scotland, Jan. 10, 1826, and is a son 
of John Greig, who emigrated to Canada in 1834. Our subject 
was brought up on a farm and educated in the Canadian public 
schools. He came to Cedar Co., Iowa, in 1864, where he farmed 
and dealt in fine-bred imported horses. Mr. Greig was the first 
to bring a Clydesdale horse across the Mississippi. He has been 
across the Atlantic three times to purchase fine horses. He now has 
four imported horses, two in Cedar County and two in Dixon. He 
also has one blooded horse. He came to Dixon in April, 1881. 
Mr. Greig was married in December, 1846, to Jeanette Chisholm, by 
whom he had eight children — John, Mary, Jane, William, Eliza- 
beth, Ann and Jeanette. One son, James, died at 25. 

James t . GreU, Justice of the Peace of Allen's Grove Township, 
was born in llolstein, Germany, March 10, 1839, and is a son of 
Egert Grell. Early in life he learned the wagon-maker's trade. 
He came to Allen's Grove Township in 1862, and purchased his 
brother's wagon shop in the Grove, which he conducted until 
1S7S, since wliich time he has been engaged in farming and rais- 
ing stock. He was married in March, 1862, just before leaving 
Germany, to Margaret Blumer, by whom he has had 10 children, 
eight living, viz.: Edward, Julius. Gustav, Dora, Emma, Minnie, 
Christ and Jennie. Mr. Grell held the office of township trustee 
for six years, and is the present justice of the peace. 



Allen's gkove township. 939 

John Baa,^, dealer in liardware, stoves, and tinware, Dixon, 
established tliis business here in 1877, and is do! n^ a good business 
on a capital stock of $2,000. Kis annual sales amount to over 
$12,000. lie also keeps a full line of ]ninips and wooden-ware. He 
was born in Holstein, Gertnany, Aug. 12, 1840, and is a son of 
John Haas, lie came to Davenport in 1867, where he learned the 
tinner's trade. In 1871 he went to Chicago and worked there two 
years. In 1873 he went to Austin, Texas, and in 1874 returned to 
Ciiicagi) ; in 1875. he went to Washington Heights, near Chi- 
cago, and established a liardware store. He came to Dixon in 
1877, and soon afterward erected the store building which he now 
occupies. Mr. Haas is a member of tiie A. O. U. W., of Dixon. 
In connection with his otiier business lie manufactured barbed 
wire. 

John Hinrichson was born in Schleswig, Germany, Sept. 18, 
1843. and is a son of Peter llinrichseu. He came to Scott County 
in 1864, and for the two first years worked by tlie month. He 
then fanned for himself until the spring of 1881, when he removed 
to Dixon, and estal)lished the Farmers' Hotel. He also keeps a 
stock of the best wines and liquors on hand, and a pool and billiard 
table for the amusement of his guests. His hotel is 56 x 68 feet, 
the main building being 32 x 40 feet, and two stories liigh. Mr. 
Hinrichsen was married in 1866 to ifargaret llensen, by whom 
he had four children, three li\ing — Peter. Mary, and Anne. i\Irs. 
II. died ill 1873. He again married, in 1873. to WillielininaWulf, 
by whom he has three children — Henry, Willy, and Johnnie. 

Henry JarchotL\ proprietor of a general store at Dixon, was born 
in Mecklenburg, Germany. Came to Davenport in 1854, and there 
resided for two years, when he removed to Butler Townsliij). which 
is still liis residence. He married Dora Brocknian, by whom he 
has six children- — William. Henry. Louie J.. Theodore, Herman and 
Lena. The son. Louie J., had cliarge of the store in Dixon, and 
i8 doing a good business, with a capital stock of $7,000. They carry 
a full line of everything usually kept in a iirst-elass general store. 
Louie was born July 1, 1858, in Butler Townsliip. this county. He 
was brought up on his father's farm and educated in Bryant & 
Stratton's College, of Daven])ort. Theodore also assists in tiie store. 
He was born Sept. 21, 1859. 

Peter J. Ketehen,oi German nativity, was born. in Holstein, Ger- 
many, JVIarcii 15, 1849. His father is Thomas Ketelsen, a native 
of Germany, and now a resident of Dixon. The subject of this record 
received a good education in Germany, wiiere he was married, 
in 1871, to Christina Tomson. Their married life was blessed with 
the following children — Willie, Mary, Julius, Theodore. Maty and 
Minnie. Mr. Ketelsen resides in Allen's Grove Township, where 
he is the possesser of a fine farm of 160 acres. He is extensively 
engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-breeding. 

Geo. W. King, the subject of this sketch, is entitled to more 
than a passing notice in our county history. He is a native of Cay- 



94rO UI8T0EY OF SCOIT COUNTY. 

uga Co., N. Y., and was born June 3, 1835. His father, George 
W. King, Sr., was a native of the same county. Mr. King was 
reared on a farm and had no other educational advantages except 
those furnished bv the common schools. He moved to Tioga 
Co., Pa., with his parents, in 1845. Between the ages of 17 and 
25 years, he worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1856 he came to 
Scott County, where he has since resided. He was married July 
23, 1861, to Miss Matilda Harman, daughter of George Harman. 
They have 10 children, viz. : Helen M., Ebenezer, Eliza, George 
B., "Wendell P.. Catharine M., John, Horace G., Benjamin B. 
and Lucinda. Mr. King settled in Allen's Grove Township, on 
his arrival in the county, and has ever since resided here. He 
has iilled every office in the townshi]) except tliose of assessor 
and clerk. He has been justice of the peace for the past eight 
years. Mr. King's grandfether, Ebenezer King, was General 
Washington's private cook during the war of the Revolution. The 
papers to verify this statement are still in existence. And our sub- 
ject's brother Ebenezer was a soldier in the 2d Iowa Cavalry 
during the Rebellion, and died in Andersouville ])rison. Another 
brother, James H. King, now of Benton Co., Im., was in the 17th 
Iowa Inf , and accompanied Sherman on his noted march to the 
sea. 

Henry Luthrop was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., Jan. 10, 1808. 
His father, Isaac Lathrop, was also a native of Xew York. Mr. 
Lathrop was brought uj) to hard work on his father's farm, and 
attended a subscri])tion school in a log shanty, which had a log out 
of one side for a window, and a huge tire-place in one end. He 
sat on a slab bench, and wrote on a board, which was fastened to 
the wall by means of wooden pins. When yet a small boy his 

Sarents removed with their family to Hamilton Co., Ohio. In 1835 
[r. Lathrop came to Indiana, where he farmed until 1844, when 
he came to Scott County, and settled on sectinn 33, Allen's Grove 
Township. Ho entered this land, which consisted of 160 acres. 
Since that time he has added to it, until he now owns 240 acres 
He was married Dec. 1, 1831, to Hannah, daughter of Robert 
Harvey. They have had five children, four of whom living — 
David, Jane, Harriet and Mary. All are married. 

TfiQS. Lock was born in Sommersettshire, England, Oct. 7, 1823, 
son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Beck) Lock, natives of the same 
shire. In the spring of 1854 Mr. Lock immigrated to Massa- 
chusetts, wliere he worked as a farm hand for one year, and the 
following year came to Scott County, where he worked as a la- 
borer until 1866. when he came to Allen's Grove, and located on 
section 34, where he now resides, and is engaged in genei-al tanning. 
He has 35 acres of land, highly cultivated, and valued at S75 per 
acre. He was married in October, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Wise, a 
daughter of Peter Wise, a native of Pennsylvania. She was 
born in Trumble Co., Ohio. The fruit of this marriage was eight 
children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Lock is a member of 
the Christian church. 



Allen's okove township. 941 

Johnson Maw, one of tlie pioneers of Scott County, was born in 
Yorkshire, England, March 27. 1814, and was a son of Robert and 
Mary (Gelder) Maw. Johnson was educated in the select schools 
of England, lie immigrated to the United States in 1S31. Oper- 
ated in a clothing and tailoring establishment in New York City 
until 1837, then went to Buflalo Co., 111., where he was engaged in 
farming some two years, lie came to Scott County and located 
on section 23, Allen's Grove Township, in 1839. This was on the 
Black Hawk purchase, ills marriage with Julia A. Thompson 
occurred July 30, lS-t3. She was a daughter of John E. Thomp- 
son, who came fruui Virginia to Allen's Grove Township in 1838. 
Mr. and Mrs. Maw's married life has been blessed with 10 chil- 
dren, viz. : Mary E., Tiiomas B., John E., George P., Sarah H., 
J. Fred., Eliza J., Ella A., Steven A. and James M. Mr. Maw is 
townsiiip trustee and lias held that office many years. He was 
president of the District Agricultural Society of Mount Joy, three 
years, and has held the office of school director, and other positions. 
lie has been active in the advancement of education. The present 
school-house, a magniticent structure, is the result of liis labors. 
Mr. ]Vlaw has been a resident of this county nearly 50 years; and 
has watched her growth from her infancy, and now can point with 
pride to the successful conclusion of his own and others' efforts in 
converting Scott County from a backwoods settlement into a 
flourishing and prosperous county. 

J. D. McCormick, an enterprising young merchant of Dixon, 
established a general store in Eldridge, April 20, 1874, where he 
continued in business until Dec. 8, 1872. While at Eldridge he 
was township clerk for Sheridan township for five yeirs, and was 
postmaster there also; and is virtually the postmaster there yet, 
as no one has been a])pointed in his stead. lie also taught school 
while at Eldridge, employing a clerk to run the store. In Decem- 
ber, 1879, he established a ijeneral store in Di.xon. His business 
is good, and steadily increasing. He carries a capital stock of 
$6,000, and does an annual business of $16,000. He was born in 
AVheeling, West Ya., June 26, 1850, and is a son of James McCor- 
mick, of Montezuma, Iowa. He came with his parents to Monte- 
zuma in 1855, where he was brought up arid educated. He came 
to this county in 1871. Was iiiarried Sept. 9, 1874, to Miss Agnes 
May Yinall. by whom he has one child — Koscoe DjIos. Mr. 
McCormick is a member of the A. O' U. W., of Dixon. 

E. S. Newton was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Feb. 2, 1827. 
His father, Samuel Newton, was a luttive of New Hainjishire. E. 
S. Newton came to Washtenaw Co., Mich., in 1829; from there 
went to (Clinton Co., Iowa, in 184S, where he conducted a hotel 
until 185s, when he came to this county and located in Allen's 
Grove. In the spring of the following year, he purchased 307 
acres in section 20, wliere lie now resides; besides his farm he 
owns 50 acres of timber laud. He formed the acquaintance of 
Harriett E. Lathrop, of Ohio, which resulted in their marriage 



942 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Oct. 13, 1852. To them have been born seven children, four sur- 
viving — Sadie M. (now Mrs. King), Ellsworth E., Carrie M. and 
Jessie L. The subject of this record is a member of the A. O. U. 
W. Lodge, also of the F. & A. Masons. He has been county 
supervisor seven years, justice of the peace two years, trustee, and 
has held other township offices. He is classed among the respon- 
sible and able men of the county. 

Claus Rohwer, one of the most eminently successful farmers in 
Scott County, resides on section 26, Allen's Crrove Township, where 
he settled in 1853, and "kept bach" for i ne year. He was born 
in Holstein, Germany, Dec. 22, 1819, and was a son of Carson 
Rohwer, deceased. In 1S4S he emigrated to tliis county by way of 
New York, Albanj', Bulialo, and the great lakes to Chicago, 
thence by land to Davenport the same year. He worked at 
various occupations for four years in and around Davenport, 
previous to settling upon his farm. He was married March 3, 
1854, to Margaret Kahler, by whom he hud seven children, live 
living — Mary, Jette, Sopliia, Henry C. and Ernst. Mr. Kohwer 
owns 1,161 acres ot valuable land, all of which he has obtained by 
his own industry. As a stock-raiser he has been very successful. 
He aids in the establishment of schools and churches, and otlier 
worthy enterprises; and is a useful and responsible member of 
society. 

John R. Senders is a native of Greene Co., Ind., born Feb. 
4, 1827. Pie is a son of J. B. and Sarah (Dixon) Sanders; the 
former, a silversmith by trade, was born on the Yadkin River, near 
Guilford, N. C, Court House, and the latter in Athens, Georgia. 
In 1833 removed with his familv to Missouri, and settled between 
where Kansas City now stands and Independence, in a cabin with 
no tloor except the bare ground. They were in destitute circum- 
stances, in the midst of the Mormon war, and the mother sick. 
They went from there to Clay Co., Mo., and resided in an old 
school-house. While there, the father and one of the boys died. 
In 1839 the family returned to Indiana, and in 1849 our subject 
came to Scott County, and worked by the month on Hoosier Ridge 
until the tall of that year, when he went on a tint-boat to St. Lmiis. 
He has crossed Illinois three times on hor.-:eback, once on a stage, 
and once witli an ox team. When in Missouri lie gathered 
walnuts and acorns where Kansas City now stands. When he 
arrived in Scott County he had a horse and one suit of clothes. 
He went to work in earnest; rented 40 acres of land in Pleasant 
Valley Township, and afterward bought more. He recently 
bought 200 acres of land in and adjacent to Dixon, a great deal of 
which he has laid into town lots. He deals extensively in lumber, 
live stock, and farm machinery. It caii be truthfully said that 
Mr. Sanders ha* virtually made Dixon what it is to-day, for others 
tried to build it up hut have failed. The Dixon elevator was built 
through his exertions and is an honor to the town. Mr. Sanders 
lias a partner in the person of W. F. Reed, who has done much to 



allbn's okove township. 943 

build up their business. Mr. Reed is an accomplislied, stirring 
business man, and a native of England. Mr. Sanders was mar- 
ried on the anniversary of WasliiMi;t<in's birtlulay, 1852, to Miss 
Maliala Dunn, daughter of Jolin Dunn, the second settler in Allen's 
Grove Township. They have had nine children, of whom seven 
are living, viz.: Mary E., John II., Sarah J., Frances O., Cliarles 
E., Ira M. and Nellie B. Mr. S. is a member of the A. O. U. W., 
of Dixon. 

Ephraim Snyder, a son of Simon and Susan (Jacobs) Snyder, 
was born in Tonipiiins Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 1S28. He came with 
liis parents to Huron Co., O., in 1834; from tliere removed to Scott 
County in November, 181:6, located on section 8, Alien's Grove Town- 
ship. They moved into a log cabin 10 x 12 feet and about six feet 
high. Tliere were nine in tlie family, and occasionally kept stran- 
gers over night. During that winter tiie father and boys made 
rails and built two miles of fence. Tliey cut the first summer fire- 
wood that was cut in tiie county; this caused great comment, and 
this plan was soon adopted by all the settlers. The subject of this 
memoir was married Nov. 29, 1857, to Eliza J., daughter of Rich- 
ard Randall. She is a native of Maine, born Jnne 3, 1830. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Sn^'der have been born four children, viz.: May 
married Henry Olsen — they have one child, Frances; Helen, Chase 
and Virgil. Mr. Ephraim Snyder owns a fine farm of 160 acres, 
on sections 6 and 7, all under good cultivation ; this farm was an un- 
broken tract of land covered with brush when Mr. Snyder bought 
it, and its present tbriving condition is the result of hard work and 
industry' on his part. He is a member of the Masonic order, and 
held the offices of count}' supervisor two years, assessor three 
terms, and other minor jiositions. 

Daniel Snyder was born in Huron Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1841. 
He is a son of Simon Snyder, wliose sketch appears in tliis work. 
Daniel was reared on a farm, and attended school at Dixon, la. 
He came with his parents to Scott County in November, 1846. He 
served in the late war in Company C, 2d Iowa Cavalry; partici- 
pated in the battles of Island No. 10. Monterey, Glendale, Siege 
of Corinth, Farmington, Boonville, Baldwin, King's Creek, luka, 
Rienza. Payton's Mills, Holly Springs, AVaterford, Pali:> Alto, 
Birminghatn (where he barely escaped being taken prisoner). Cold 
Water, Panola, C()fFeeville, Granada, Okolona, West Point and 
Jackson, Tenn. He was married March 23, 1865, to Julia R. 
Graham, daughter, of Thomas Graham, who came to Scott County 
about 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have four children, William 
M., Thcinias S., Mary S. and Jessie G. On June 5, 1880, all of the 
out-buildings on Mr. Snyder's ])lace were demolished by a cyclone. 
The barn was entirely new, had never been used. He soon rebuilt 
the barn, and made it 36x48 feet. He has the finest rock quarry 
in Scott County. It lies on the banks ot the Wapsipinecon River. 
It lies in a strata of from six inches to five feet in thickness, and is 
the very best building stone, yellow in color. 



944 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Samuel W. Standish, a son of David Standisli, a native of 
Warren, Lincoln Co., Me., was born at that place Oct. 10, 1818. 
His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm and in attending 
the district schools. He learned the blacksmith's trade when quite 
young and worked at that until 1840, when he went by water 
route to Mobile, Ala., thence to St. Louis. Hearing rumors of 
high wages being paid in Burlington, Ja., to blacksmiths, he went 
there, but only to tind them ftilse. In June, 1843, he began to 
peddle fannins mills and other articles. He canvassed the States 
of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Teimessee, Mississippi 
and Iowa. He was in Des Moines, la., when it was but a small 
village; the old block house was still there. In the fall of 1854 he 
came to Allen's Grove Township, where he is now engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. His farm of 120 acres on section 19 is 
under good improvement and thoroughly stocked. He was married 
to ]Mary E. Wriglit, of Philadelphia. June 3, 1860. To them were 
born the following named children: Hannah, Sadie, Kate, Simon, 
John, Esther and one deceased. 

James Stephens was born in Carroll Co., O., Dec. 23, 1815. He 
was educated in the old-time log school-house of his boyhood days. 
In 1843 his father's family and three other families started for 
Iowa in a keel boat down the Ohio River. They left one family in 
charge of the boat and cargo at the mouth of the Ohio, while the 
other three took a steamer for LeClaire's Point to reconnoiter. 
Mr. Stephens succeeded in getting a house for his family. They 
located in Allen's Grove Township, where he entered 80 acres of 
unbroken land. He now owns 147 acres of finely cultivated land, 
lie was married to Hannah Peterson, and by her had two children — 
Jennie and Sarah. His wife died, and he was married the second 
time to Angeline Ross, June 5, 1849. By this union there M'ere 
five children, two living — Emma and Patti. Being left a widower 
the second time, he was married again in 1867 to Charlotte Allen, 
now deceased. Mr. Stephens has held the office of justice of the 
peace for the past 11 years. He was postmaster at Allen's Grove 
for some time, and has held other local positions of trust. 

^Vesley B. Stephens is a native of Carroll Co.. O., and was born 
Oct. 20, 1836. His father, William Stephens, was born June 24, 
1793, in Fayette Co., Pa. He came to Carroll Co., O., in 1807, 
and settled where Carrollton now stands. He grubbed the first 
tree there, and helped build the first log-cabin, where now stands a 
populous city. He came to Allen's Grove, with his family, in 
1844, which was then a comparatively wild conntr3'. He died at 
the age of 85, and lies in the Allen's Grove Cemetery. Our sub- 
ject was reared on his father's farm, and attended a subscription 
school in the winter seasons, and afterward attended the public 
schools and obtained a fair education. For six years he taught 
school in Scott County; afterward gave his attention to farming 
until 1872, when he became postmaster of the Allen's Grove post- 
office, and at that time purchased the Allen's Grove store, which 



Allen's grove township. 945 

he still owns and runs. He also superintends the farm. He was 
married May 28, 1863, to Elizabetii Mains, a native of Tuscarawas 
Co., O., and daughter of David Mains, of Iron Co., Mo. They 
have had six children, of whom live are living, viz. : Elbert B.. 
Robert C, Orpha A.. Jennie M. and Charlej'. Mr. Stephens held 
the office of township clerk for several years; was secretary of the 
Township School Board for 20 years, assessor four years, and was 
enumerator of the census in 1880. 

J. Thomas Swearlngeti, a prominent school-teacher of Dixon, 
was born in Richland Co., O., March 1, 1854, and is a son of 
George Svvearingen, a native of Brook Co., W. Va. He was reared 
on a farm, and educated at Cornell College, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa. 
He came with his parents to Southern Illinois when but a small 
boy, and to this county in 1806. He began teaching in IST.), in 
which he has since continued, except one year, which time he 
clerked in Binford's drug store, in Dixon. He was married Nov. 
13, 1S79, to Miss Einma J., daughter of Casper Filson, of Tipton, 
Iowa. Mrs. Swearingen is also a successful teacher. Mr. S. is 
financier of the A. O. U. W., at Dixon. 

Isaac Wlney, deceased, was a native of Union Co., Pa., and was 
born in February, IS 12. He was brought up on a farm, but at an 
early age he learned the stone-mason's trade. He took contracts 
for the masonr}' on railroads, and also built many locks on the 
different canals. He came to Davenport in the fall of 1852, and 
to Allen's Grove in 1853, where he engaged in farming and stock- 
raising, until his death, which occurred June 30, 1877. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary Watts, of Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel 
Watts. They had 12 children, 10 living — Isabel, David, Johnson, 
Benjamin. Sarah A., Lucian, Susan C, Samuel A., Jerome and 
Caroline M. One son, Thomas, died in his country's service, in 
the late war. He was a member of the Second Iowa Inf., and in 
attempting to save his life by swimming to eliore when the vessel 
on which he was a passenger was thought to be in danger of being 
lost by an explosion of her boilers, he was drowned. Lucian was 
also a soldier in that war, in the Second Iowa Cavalr3% 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP. 

The township of Blue Grass comprises all oftownsliip 7S north, 
of range 2 east of the prin-ipal meridian. It is nearly all prairie 
land. The notable groves are Little's, Picayune and Blue Grass 
Point; the latter has been all cut oif and grubbed out, and the 
others have but very little large timber now standing. Some 
young burr-oak timber is growinu' in two or three places in the 
southeast part of the township. The surf:ice is undulating, and 
the soil a deep, rich black loam. Tlie township is all now under 
cultivation. The C, R. I. & P. R. E. runs through the northern 
part of it. The water shed is in sections 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 3i, 
and through the northern tier of sections in the township. From 
these two sheds the water flows to all points of the compass. 

The name of the township originated as follows : An old and long- 
used Indian trail leading from Davenport to Moscow and the 
Cedar River passed by a point of timber on section 31. This 
point seems to have been used by them as a favorite camping 
place, and with their ponies they killed the prairie grass, which 
there grew luxuriantly. In its stead sprang up blue grass, and 
the place was ever afterward known as Blue Grass Point. AYhen 
a postoffice was established in tiie neighborhood, it was given the 
name of Blue Grass, and the township was also so named. 

EAKLT SETTLERS 

Rufus L. Catlin settled on section 31, in 1S39 ; and in the spring 
of 1839 he rented a small cabin three miles distant from his con- 
templated home in Muscatine County, and then built a rail pen on 
his claim, and took his daughter Louisa to keep house for him, 
leaving his family in the cabin in Muscatine County. His daughter 
was then but 11 years of age, but was able to attend to all the 
household work ol that humble pioneer home. The cooking was 
done in primitive style on the ground, but many strangers were 
entertained by herself and father while the better cabin was being 
erected. The latch string was always out. In a few weeks the 
walls of the new log house were up, half the roof on, and enough 
floor laid to set a bed on, when the familv moved into it. The 
house was in tliis untinislied condition when the child Almira, the 
flrst in the township, was horn. The little 11 year old house- 
keeper is still living, and is the wife of S. C. Dorsey. 

Rufus L. Catlin was born in New York, and is of English 
descent. He married Cynthia Lewis, by whom he had six 

(946) 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHII'. 947 

children, three of whom are yet livino; — Louisa, Almira, ami Henry. 
A son, llufus B., died in Indianapolis, Ind., May '20, 1878, at the 
age of 39; a daughter, Anninda, died May 1, ISiS, aged 13; 
Leander, when a small boy. Mr. Catliu died June 20, 1875, in 
Kansas City, where he removed in 1865. 

Ciiarles and George Metteer settled on section 33, April, 1839, 
and by many are considered the tirst settlers in the township. 

Joseph Wallace settled on section 31, 1837. He was drowned 
in Iowa Kivir, near Iowa t^ity, some years ago. His family resides 
now near Iowa City. 

Mr. Yates, from Illinois, came in 1837 and located on section 31, 
He left the county in 1837, and went back to Illinois, and while 
there sold his claim to John L. Sry. 

Robert and Peter Wilson, bachelor brothers, from Scotland, 
first settled in Cedar County, and then in Blue Grass Township, 
Scott County, about 1839. They located on section 32. 

Among tlie other early settlers were Samuel and Francis Little, 
Alexaider and Horace Uunlap, Henry Siuitt, James Grant, Peter 
and Robert Wilson, Robert Burnside. 

John I^. Sri/, one of the early settlers, was born in Athens, now 
Vinton Co., Oliio, Sept. 8, 1802. He was reared on a farn. and ed- 
ucated in the common schools. He was married to Celinda Lewis 
in 1830, wlio was born in Bedford Co., Pa., Se])t. 13, 1812, and 
moved to Athens Co., Ohio, with her mother at an early date. 
From this union there were five children — Randolph, born Sept. 
8, 1831; Phcehe M., born A]>ril IS, 1833; Lucinda, burn September, 
183-i; Alvin, barn March, 1837; John L., born Jan. 1, 18il. Mr. 
Sry improved a farm in Vinton County, which he sold in 1836, 
and the following spring emigrated to Missouri, stopping about 50 
miles from St. Louis; not liking tlie country in that neighborhood, 
nor the pratice of slave-holding, he continued his journey to Knox 
Co., 111., where a distant relative and an old friend were liviiiir, and 
in the fall of that year bought a farm near Knoxville. Here he 
met Joseph Wallace, a young man wiio had just returned from 
Scott Co., Iowa, who gave such a glowing account of the country 
that he decided to sell his tarm so lately purchased and move to 
Iowa. Accordingly he did so, and landed at Butl'alo, Scott 
County in April of 1838, settling upon a claim which he had 
bought of ^Ir. Yates. He planted a crop of about 10 acres of corn 
on land broken the previous year, on section 31. He lived in a 
log cabin on section 6, Buft'alo Township, which was erected in 
1837. He at once went to work to improve the remainder of his 
land and fenced 40 acres of it. He planted some sod corn, and in 
1838 sowed some fall wheat, the tirst probably sown in Blue Grass 
Township. The crop was a success, and others were induced to sow 
f;ill wheat the next fall. But the crop proved a failure, as did 
several other succeeding crops, and the attempt to raise fall wheat 
on tlie prairies has been almost entirely abandoned. In the winter 
of 1839-'40 Mr. Sry built a frame for a house, and in the spring 



948 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of 1840 sold it to A. W. Campbell, who removed it to his farm and 
completed its erection. In 1838 Mr. Sry owned spring wheat which 
yielded a large crop of choice quality. In the cutting ofthis crop 
the old cradie, long since given away to the reapers and self-binders 
of to-day, and the old hand scythe were used. On March 23,1840, 
he attended the first land sales in Iowa, Burlington, and entered 
liis timber land in Buffalo Township. He was attacked with ma- 
larial fever while stacking wheat for Capt. Morehouse, near Buffalo, 
from which he died on the 6th day of August, 1840, and was buried 
on the land he had entered the previous spring. 

Andrew Ganipbell was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, June 30, 
1802. His father emigrated to Jefferson Co., Ind., when he was 
an infant, where he grew up to manhood. Two months at school 
is all, it is said, he ever attended; was self-educated. He was 
married to Lncv B. Foster Feb. 17, 1S22, who was born in Ontario 
Co., N. Y., Dec. 28, 1802. Emigrated with her parents to Jeffer- 
son Co., Ind., about 1818. From this union there were 11 children, 
six of whom are now living — J. F.. now living in Ciiicago., 111.; 
Geo. R., of Yreka, Cal.; Andrew W., Jr., Maryville, Cal. ; David 
F., living in Tama County; Culver W., living in Miiscatine County, 
near the old homestead, and Alena, living in Union County, the 
wife of Mr. C. S. Stryker. While living at Vernon, Ind., he was 
engaged as a farmer, ran a saw-mill, kept a hotel, a merchant 
and stock- dealer, and successfully ran a flat-boat loaded with 
provisions to and for sale in the New Orleans market. Emigrated 
to Scott County in 1836 and settled in Buffalo Township. Im- 
proved a farm, set out some apple-trees that year, " the first in 
that township," so says Joseph Mounts who preceded Mr. Camp- 
bell a year to Buffalo Township. He resided there until the spring 
ot 1841, when he moved into Blue Grass Township, having pur- 
chased a claim of "the Baker boys," in section 31, in 1840, on which 
was located Blue Grass Point. This move was made in the interest 
of health for his family, who had frequent attacks of malarial fevers 
while on the river farm. While there he suffered the loss by death 
of his father, mother and oldest daughter, who was a highly es- 
teemed young lady, in her 17th year at the time of her death. The 
river farm was sold to Henrj- Morehead, who stil! owns and resides 
on it. In 1840 he erected the first frame house in Blue Grass 
Township, which is still in use as a farm house. He freque!itlv 
joined hunting parties who roamed over a great portion of Eastern 
Iowa. In one of these tours with Willard Barrows, late of Daven- 
port, they very nearly perished from cold and want of provisions, 
being overtaken by a severe snow-storm while a long distance from 
any settlement. It is said that he and Joseph Mounts were con- 
sidered by the pioneer settlers as a standing board of arbitration to 
settle their disputes; their ffndings were so well considered and 
just that they gave good satisfaction and were accepted as final. In 
business transactions his word was considered as good as a note or 
bond, and was always promptly honored. He is deserving of more 






1^ 



ei^-tf. 



cC 




%..^-^/^r.^^-^^ 



■ur 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP. 951 

than this sliort sketch. By his great modesty in speaking of himself 
many interesting incidents have been lost. His cool determination, 
great courage and cnerg}' is deserving of careful consideration. 
In 1844: he was elected a delegate to the first Constitutional 
Convention, which assembled at Iowa City, on tlie first Monday of 
October of that year, for the purpose of framing a constitution for 
the State. In the spring of 1S46. in company with his sons, J. F. 
and George R., Henry Parr. C. M. Burt and Randolph Sry, went 
to Fort Dcs Moines, the "New Purchase," as it was then known 
in Polk County, for the purpose of making claims, which they did, 
near Polk City, which has since been built. J. F. and Henry Parr 
became dissatisfied and returned home at once; the others remained 
until late in June. He made frecjuent trips to the pineries in Wis- 
consin where he remained during the winters getting outlogs, which 
lie sawed into lumber and rafted and run down the river in the 
spring. In the spring of 1S50, in company with L. S. Blackman, 
now of Davenport, and one other whose name is forgotten, they 
started overland for California. ^Yllile in camp at Conncil Bluffs 
the emigrants formed themselves into a protective company and 
adopted rules to be enforced during their overland journey. These 
rules did not suit him, therefore he and his comraaes divided their 
provisions and teams, and one horse ^nd light wagon fell to his 
share. He thtn purchased two mules and started alone, going 
as he pleased among the great train of emigrants that passed over 
the plains that year. He walked most, if not all of the way, mak- 
ing the journey in unusually quick time. He slept on the ground 
under his wagon, while his faithful dog guarded him. He was often 
heard to say that he felt as safeas if his comrades were around him. 
He returned home in the fall of that year in comjiany with his sou 
Geo. R. , who had gone overland to California in 1849. He was 
engaged in improving several farms until the spring of 1853 when 
he equipped a train of five teams, and in company with his daughter 
Mary (the wife of RossMcCloud who had preceded her to California) 
and about 20 others with whom he had contracted to furnish trans- 
portation lor the journey, started overland a second time for Cali- 
fornia. He was taken sick while e?i 7'oute and died on Green River, 
where he was buried July 22 of the same year. His daughter, 
Mary, took charge of the train and successfully conducted it to its 
destination. In politics. Democrat. He was active, very energetic, 
of an amiable disposition, a deep thinker, broad views, possessed 
of a high order of intellect, a good conversationalist an affec- 
tionate husband and father. 

James W. Eeifnold settled on section 32, in 1845, from Muscatine, 
formerly came from Philadelphia, Penn., a mill wright by occupa- 
tion: was one of the proprietors of the village of Bine Grass. He 
organized the first Sunday-school in the neighborhood in 1845 at 
the old log school-house on section 5, Buffalo Township, which 
was well attended for several years, and was its superintendent. 
He raised a family of six cliiidren — Joseph and James, in Cali- 
55 



962 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

foraia; Mary, the wife of John Daughertj, of Poweslieik Co.; 
Ellen died quite young; Ann and Benj.tmin, in Adams Co. He 
emio-rated to California in 1S63 where he died several years a<(o. 
His wife still resides there with her Snu Joseph. 

William Todd, a bachelor, came from Muscatine County in 
1843, formerly from Scotland; was in the employ of Gen. Geo. B. 
Sari^^ent for many years; went to Colorado in 185S, where he re- 
mained several years, doing well financially. He set out to visit 
his brothers in Australia. He was taken sick at Salt Lake, Utah, 
and had all of his money stolen from him. He returned to Colorado 
and was killed in 1877', by being caught in the machinery of a 
quartz mill. 

Daniel B. Sham came from Cincinnati, Ohio, and settled in 
Davenport in ISiO; by occupation a brick-maker and mason. 
After keeping a hotel for several years, purchased the Sprague 
claim on section 31, and other lands adjoining it in 1845, im- 
proved it, and in the spring of f 846 moved his family out to it. 
In the fall of that year he made and burned a kiln of brick, the 
first made in the township. In the summer of 1847 he built a 
brick residence, the first of the kind in the township, which is still 
in use. He sold his farm to Geo. Purcell in 1851, and moved to 
Buffalo Township; made valuable improvements on a farm which 
he sold in 1867 or '8, and later moved to Guthrie County, where a 
part of his family had preceded him. He died there several 
years ago. 

Henry W. Lewis left the home of his widowed mother early in 
his teens; went to Smyrna, N. Y., where he learned the black- 
smith's trade; came to Scott County about 1840; worked a while at 
his trade in Rockingham. In the spring of 1842 he opened the 
first blacksmith shop in Bhie Grass Township. He died of typhoid 
fever at the residence of Mrs. Sry, Sept. 9, 1845. It is well for 
history to do what loving linnils are deprived of doing, putting on 
marble to perpetuate his memory. 

John Perrin settled on section 31 in 1843. He purchased the 
farm of Cyrus Field; came from Muscatine County, formerly from 
Indiana. At his residence religious meetings were frequently 
held. From 1848 to '54 these meetings were he'd almost every 
Sundav, and many revivMl meetings were held during the winter 
evenings. Was one of the proprietors of the village. Eaised a 
very large family of children, and lived to see or know of his great- 
grtat-grand-children, and many old friends think that a fourth 
generation of grand children was born before his death, which oc- 
curred in 18 — , and 'supposed to be nearly 90 years old. His 
wife survived him a few years and was about 93 at the time of her 
death. 

Benjamin Johnson came to Buffalo Township in 1838 from Jen- 
nings Co., Ind. Returned in the summer of 1843 and married 
Elizabeth Brown, Sept. 28 of tluit year, and immediately started 
overland in a covered wagon with his young bride. On his return 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP. 963 

to Scott County, wlule fording the Wabash River his team got into 
deep water, became entangled in the iiarness, and all of the party 
(four persons) narrowly escaped drowning. This journey may 
be termed as their bridal tour. lie settled on section 30 in 1845. 
From this union there were seven children, three of whom are 
now living — ^Euretta, tlie wife of Henry Ilo^an, of Davenport; 
Frederick 0., and Maggie, tlie wife of L. S. Robinson, living on the 
homestead. He has now a good and well-improved farm of 320 
acres. 

Asa Foster settle 1 in Buffalo Township in 1839, from Indiana; 
moved into Blue Grass Township in 1840; was the first post- 
master in the town-hi]); was elected county commissioner in 1816 
and re-elected in 1S48. Tiiere are but tiiree of his family now liv- 
ing — Elizabeth wife of John I). Brown, of Jasper Co. ; Gaben, a 
pliysican of St. LduIs, Mo.; and W. A., an attorney of Davenport. 
He died at his home in 1855; is deserving of more thaft this short 
sketch. 

Franklin Eady settled in Rockingham in 1837; moved into 
Blue Grass Township in or about 1841 ; improved a large farm and 
sold it to Wm. McGarvoy in 1S48, and emigrated to Wisconsin. 

Dr. Li/man C rrpenter settled in Blue Grass Township in 1845, 
from Muscatine County, formerly from Indiana. He was the first 
pliysician who settled in the t iwnship; was a minister of the 
Baptist church. He took a great interest in passing events, in 
religion, temperance, education and politics. He raised a large 
famdy; was a son-in-law of Juhn Perrin. He denigrated to Cali- 
fornia in 18*30 where he and his wife died many years ago. 

Ilcnry Gahhert c&mn to Buffalo Township «ith his pnrents in 
1837. He purchased and improved a farm iiiBlueG a-s Township 
in 1843 or '4; was mari'icd to Eliza McCiarvoy in 1848 or '9; has 
m.ade his mark as a good farmer. 

Robert Humphrey settled on section 35 in 1839, from Indiana. 
He organized and superintended a Sunday school in 1845, at the 
old log school-hou.'^e in section 3 in Buffalo Township. It was 
fairly attended, but did not survive long. He raised a family of 
seven children — John II. lives in Monron County; Eliza lives in 
Lucas County; James H., in Powedieik County; Mary, the wife of 
Wm. Moss, died many yeirs ago; George died quite young; Ann, 
now the wife of Wra. Lewis, of Muscatine Countv, and William, an 
attorney in Wright County. His wife dit-d ovir a year ago. He 
was a good, quiet, energetic farmer, agri cable disposition, well 
known and liked by many old and other setth'rs. He is now living 
with ills son James 11., a quite well preserved old gentleman of 
about 84 years of age. 

Abel Sprague settled in section 31 in the spring of 1836, and 
was the first settler in Blue Grass Township. He came from New 
York and started on hi- n-turn to that State in 1845. It is said 
that lie stopped in Illinois. His wife brought here as a flower- 
seed what she called " bachelor button," but which has proved to 



954 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

be tlie very obnoxious weed growing all over the "Black Hawk 
purchase," and perhaps in most all of the Western States. It is 
variously known as " niggar pepper," "cotton weed," on account 
of its tough bark, etc. Its true name is Indian Mallow. "When a 
Held is once well seeded with it, it is almost impossible to get rid 
of them. 

FIEST GUN. 

Mr. Foster, the Whii; candidate for county commissioner, 
handed us the following little article tor publication accompanied 
by a goodly slice of Father Bruin, which we pronounce superior to 
one of Moore's best sirloins. We hope Mr. Foster will run as well 
and as successfully in the political chase as he did in the following 
chase which he so well describes: 

Blue Grass. Scott County, Oct. 14, 1846. 

Mr. Sanders: — Between 12 and 1 o'clock of this day, a very 
large bear passed my house within a few rods of the door. Hav- 
ing a horse at hand ready for the cha^e, I procured a shot gun — 
no other being at hand, and thus equipped I pui'sued old Bruin 
a mile and a half, which brought me up with the object of my 
pursuit. Not thinking it prudent to attack with small shot I com- 
menced calling for lielp, which soon brought young Mr. Humphrey 
to my assistance with a rifle and a few dogs. AVe then commenced 
tiring upon the bear, wl.ich gave a running light for about half a 
mile througli a corii-tield, after which he ascended a tree on the 
premises of Mr. Gabbert. At tliis time we were joined by two or 
three more good Wliigs, and then, you may be sure, we had fine 
sport. The eleventh discharge took efiect and laid the bear dead. 
His weight was supposed to be 300 gross; the net weight 214 
pounds; hide weighed 34 pounds. The animal measured eight 
feet in length when stretched. While in the act of dressing 
our prize some lialf dozen of our Democratic friends came up. It 
appeared that they had got a glimpse of the beast, but were un- 
successful in pursuit. We claim a Whig victory, which we trust 
is a prelude to a more glorious one on the 26th. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The settlers of Blue Grass Township first held services in 1839 
at the residence of Mr. Berringer, at the funeral of his wife. 
There are now three churches in the township, tlie Baptist, Pres- 
byterian and Methodist. The first church edifice was erected in the 
township in 1853 or '4 on section 3 by the Presbyterian denomi- 
nation. It was used for several years, then sold and moved away. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church., of Blue Grass, was organized 
in the spring of 1859, b\' Bev. Friend. At the organization 
42 persons were received as original members. The first relig- 
ious services of this church were held in the Baptist church of 
Blue Grass. The names of the first officers of the church were 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHII". 955 

as follows : George Percell, V. F. Nicholson, J. E. Btirnsido, D. 
Lyon, Jose]>li Mounts, William Joliiisoii, Thomas Vciiard, William 
F. Tolles. Durinij the same year the church erected their first 
house of M'orshi)) in liiue Grass, size of building, 20 x 30, and one 
story high, valued at §550. In 1870 it was removed to Cross 
Roads, where it is still used as a house of worship by thcM. E. 
society. Tlie present chui'ch was erected in 1879, during tiie 
pastorate of Rev. C. S. Jennis. It is a beautiful specimen of ar- 
chitecture, designed by tlie Rev. J. R. Reasnner. Size of audi- 
ence room, -to X -iti; parlor on south end, 20 x 20 ; height of ceiling, 
20 feet; height of main spire, about 70 feet; heated by furnaces ; 
value of building, §4,000. present insurance on same, §2, 500. The 
first pastor was Rev. Friend, who served the congregation in that 
capacity for two years, from 1857 to 1859. During his services 
he conducted a revival which' resulted in the addition of -12 mem- 
bers to the ciiurch on ])robation. In 1859 Rev. A. Stryker be- 
came ])astor ;md stayed two years. He held a revival during 
bis stay which resulted in 43 conversions, 40 of whom joined the 
church on probation. In 1861 Rev. John Elrod served the churcli 
as pa>tor for one year. Rev. William Poston was the fourth pas- 
tor and continued with the church two years. In 1862 he was suc- 
ceeded by J. T. Coleman, who remained one j^ear and was then suc- 
ceeded by Rev. J. Harris in 1865. Rev. G. W. Barnford was the 
seventh oastor and staved witii the church two vears. O. P. Light 
took charge of the church in 1868 and remained two years, after 
which Rev. C. Morey came, in 1870. During his stay the congrega- 
tion enjoyed a revival; 112 were converted and 103 united with the 
church. In 1871, Rev. M. See became pistor and remained one 
year. In 1872 Rev. J. Pike began his services as psstor and 
remained two years. He was succeeded by J. B. Hardy in 1874 
who als'> remained two years. In 1876 S. II. Thomas became pas- 
tor and stayed with the church three years; was then followed by 
C. S. Jennis as pastor in 1879 who remained with the congi'egation 
two years. W. H. Honit took charge of the church in 1881, and 
stayed one year. Rev. H. V. Tull is the pastor at the present time. 
He held a series of revival services beginning January 1 and 
continued nearly five weeks, at which a great deal of interest was 
manifested ; 40 confessed to ba converted, 30 united with the 
church on jirohation, and three by letter. Present officers : 
Class Leader, James E. Burnside; Stewards, Recording, J. Gadd; 
District, James E. Burnside, Thomas Cessna, John L. Coates; 
Trustees, James E. Burnside, Thomas Cessna, John L. Coates ; 
Benjamin Johnston, Thom is Yenard, James Mc Garvey. Those 
in full membershij) with the church, 59 ; probationers, 83; total, 
92. The church is in a ])roi))erous condition and unity and 
peace i)r./vail. The Sunday-school of this church was organized 
Nov. 15,1870. First &u|>erint'indent, William Poston. Names ot 
present officers : Supt, Mrs. H. P. Tull ; Ass't. Supr.. Dr. B. T. 
Gadd ; Sec, Louise Fintel. Teachers, B. T. Gadd, Rev. H. V. 



956 HISTORY OF SCOTT COTTNTi'. 

Till], Thomas Cessna, Mrs. F. Vanlew Mary Acton, Emma Fin- 
tel. Average attendance about 75. 

The Presbyterian Church was lirst organized in 1852, at the res- 
idence of the late Mary E. Robison, by James D. Mason. The 
original members were: James Wilson and wife, Robt. S. Wilson 
and wife, Robert Humphrey and wife, J. II. Robison and wife, 
Mary E. Robison. Officers : Elders, Robert S. Wilson, James H. 
Robison, Robert Humphrey. The first services were held by Rev. 
Enocli Meade at a school-house which stood on the northwest cor- 
ner of section 3, Buflialo Tovvnsliip. Pastors : Revs. Enoch 
Meade, Cleland, George Rav, William Shann, John M. Jones, 
J. D. Mason, Barclay, JSTott, "^Clark, A. N. Tanner, T. Hench, 
Williams, William Gay, Haskell. The church now numbers 31 
members. The elders are Isaac Barnes, James Van Evera and 
Cortez Wilson. The trustees are John Barnes, James Van Ev- 
era and S. Anderson Robison. 

The Baptist Church of Blue Grass was. first organized on Aug. 
30, 1845, at the house of John Benin, with the following named 
persons as charter members: John and Rachel Perrin, William and 
Catherine Daniels, Lyman and Abigail Carpenter, and Ezra Car- 
penter. Elder Morey delivered a discourse. Elder Smith then 
gave the right hand of fellowship and pronounced it the First Bap- 
tist Church of Blue Grass. The increase of members of the church 
soon became so great that the house of Jolm Perrin was too small 
to hold service in; accordingly the propiiety of building a new 
house of worship was considered, and a committee appointed to 
raise the necessary funds. After much delay the meeting-house 
was finished, and in August, 1854, the congregation met for the 
first time in their new church. As the}' had had to borrow $400 to 
complete their church, an appeal was made to the public for money 
topay the debt on the house, and the committee collected what 
they could from the members, charging each one according to the 
amount of his property. Unril 1849 the church was without a reg- 
ular pastor. Lyman Carpenter,licensed minister, occasionally spoke 
words cif cheer and comfort to them, while vai'ious traveling preach- 
ers ministered unto them. The church felt the need of having 
some one to break the bread of life to them. Accordingly Mr. Ly- 
man Carpenter was asked to accept an ordination, that he inioht 
more fnlly become their spiritual adviser. He did so, and through 
his influence many souls were added to the church. Tiie statistics 
of the church for 1858 areas follows: Baptized, S; received by 
letter, 7; by experience, 3; excluded, 2. The number of teachers 
in the Sabbath-school, 17; scholars, 100; volumes in the library, 
420; membership of the cliuich, 58. In October, 1860, Mr. Car- 
penter after 15 years of earnest labor in the church, left there for 
California, leaving hehind him many warm friends and hearty 
well-wishers. The pastors who have been called to the church 
since then are Revs. E. M. Miles, G. W. Dowd, A. F. Sharpman, 
Oilman Parker, Mr. Goodwin, H. Holmes, A. C. Kelley, H. Will. 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP. 957 

iams and otlier.<. On Aug. 9, 1879, Rev. W. L. Ward was called 
to the cluii-cli. He stayed five iiioiitlis, and since tliat time tliey 
iiave had no preaching. The ])resent membership ot the church 
is 31. 

CEMETKRY. 

llie Blue Grafts Cemetery is located in section 5, near the village. 
It was tirst used a< a burial place at the death of Verba A. J'urn- 
sides.on tlie 5th day of Augu-t, 1840. 

It was laid out into lots by J. E. Burnsides, who owned the 
laud, about the year ISiO. and sold a great mmy lots to numer- 
ous parties. It was organized as the Blue Grass Cemeterj^ in 
1872, as the law directs. It is well located, carefully cared for, 
nicely ornamented, contains many beautiful and costly monuments; 
in a word, a delightful city of the dead. 

VILLAGE OF BLUE GRASS. 

Blue Grass was laid out in 1853 by J. E. Burnsides, John Per- 
rin and .lames W. Reyn')lds, on sections 31 and 32. in Blue Grass 
Townshij), and sections 5 and 6 in Buffalo Towiishij). Tlie first 

{jostmaster was John Perrin, who held the office from 1849 until 
16 was succeeded bv Mr. Cjlvin in 1853. Present incumbent, Dr. 
J. Gadd. 

The first store was opened by a merchant of Muscatine in 1852, 
and was succeeded by that of John Baker in the spring of 1853. 
The tirst blacksmith was Christ Meeke, in 1852. The first wagon- 
maker was Henry (ireebe, in 1853, who after remaining a few years 
moved to Nebraska, where he has since been h<jnored with a mem- 
bership in the Legislature of that State. The first boot and shoe 
maker was Wm. Souerman, in 1855. The first car|)eiitor shoj) was 
opened by Wm. Moss in 1853. Tlie first hotel was built by J. E. 
Burnsides in 1.S54, and kept by Garret Clawson. The first church 
was built in 1854 by the Bajitist society. The second church was 
built in 1859 by the First Methoilist Episcopal society. This 
house was movid to Cross Roads in 1879, and rebuilt, and is now 
used as a church. The society in the same year erected on the 
same lot the present churcli, a beautiful specimen of architecture, 
at a cost of $4,000. The third church was erected in 1873 by the 
Presbyterians, an excellent building and well cared for. The first 
school-house was erected in 1859, at a cost of $l,05(i. The first 
steam flouring mill was erected in 1850 by J. E. P>urnsides as su- 
perintendent, paid for by subscription from farmers, was sfdd to 
M. Donahue, who, after it had been run .several years by Wra. 
Neal, removed it to Davenport, and tliere rebuilt; was afterward sold 
to Johnston, who sold it to B jatty. It was burned several years ago. 
The second steam flouring mdl was erected in 1867 by Mr. Dor- 
man, which is now run by John Greenwald. 



958 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

The present population is about 350. Tiic first brick in the 
neighborhood west of Davenport, in the county, was made by Ezra 
Carpenter in the summer of 1845, in a yard in section 6, now em- 
braced within the town limits. While the hands were digg;ing 
the clay out of the bank, when about six feet below the surface, 
they found the fossil remains of a mastodon; the tusks, teeth and 
some of the other bones were in a good state of preservation. 
The tusks resembled petrified hickory, and were estimated to be 
about 11 feet long. 

WALCOTT. 

Walcott was laid out in 1853, on sections 7 and S, by Cook & 
Sargent, and the first passenger train that ever run over the M. & M. 
Railroad carried a delegation to attend a sale of lots in the village. 
The first store was opened by F. W. Keferstein, who removed to 
Davenport in 1871. The postoffice was established in 1855, and 
its first [lostmaster was Mr. Keferstein, who was succeeded by 
Henry Sutton. Beriihard Schwarting is the incumbent. The first 
blacksmith was Samuel Benehofl'. The first harness shop was by 
Bock & Sears. A warehouse was built by the railroad company in 
1855, and an elevator built by private enterprise in 1867. It is now 
owned by Stockdale & Dietz. It was originally 32 x 60 feet. It 
is now 32 X 8-4. The proprietors handle 400,000 bushels of grain 
annually. They also ship about 10,000 head of stock annually. 
The shipments at Walcott annually amount to 650 cars of grain, 
500 cars of stock, and 100 cars of flour. There are now two large 
stores, two wagon shops, three blacksmiths, one agricultural 
implement, one stove and tin store, one butcher shop, two boot 
and shoe shops, one steam flouring mill, erected in 1872, at a cost 
of $30,000, equipped with the best of machinery, and has a capacity 
for turning out 150 lbs. of flour each 24 hours. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Henry Bock, Walcott, was born in Holstein, Germany, May 39, 
1845. He was educated in the schools of his native place, and 
emigrated to this county in 1857. From 1860 to 1863 he learned 
the harness-making trade in Davenport. In 1865 he established a 
shop in Geneseo, III., and in 1867 opened business in the same line 
in Walcott, where he has since remained, dealing in harness, saddles, 
whips, elc. , doing a good business. He was married in 1871 to Miss 
Charlotte Stockdale, sister of Alex, and John Stockdale, of Wal- 
cott. They have Ave children, as follows: Ella, Anna, Harry A., 
Henrietta and Wm. J. Mr. Bock is member of the A. O. U. W. 
\-- Hans Brandt was born in Holstein, Germany, Oct. 8,1843. 
He came with his parents to Scott County in 1847. They settled 
on section 24, Blue Grass Township, and Hans now resides on a 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHU'. 959 

part of the old homestead. He servetl in the late war, in the -ioth 
Regiment Illinois Volunteer Int'antrv, and belonged to the mnsi- 
cians cor]is. lie participated in the battles of Fort Ilcnrv, Fort 
Donelson, Shiloliand many others. His brother, John Brandt, now 
of Omaha, A'eb., also served in the war. Mr. Brandt was married 
in February. 1873, to Mary T. Cisteninaker. Thev have five chil- 
dren — Blondina A., Arnold B., Ilulda A., Laura A. and Oscar B. 

Michael Buttenoh, son of Anton Buttenoh. was born in Hol- 
stein, Germany. Feb. 22, 1822. He was reared on a farm, and 
educated in the common schools there, and emigrated to America 
and located in Scott County in 184S. He settled on a farm in 
section 13, Blue Grass Township, where lie still resides. He owns 
720 acres of land, and is oneof the well-to-do representative farmers 
of the county. He was married in 1853 to Louise Gollinghorst. 
By this union there were eight children; four survive — Anton, 
Christoph, George and Maggie. Mr. Buttenoh is a member of the 
Shooting Society of Davenport, and of Maysville. 

Thomas P. Cessna, a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestry on the 
paternal, ai\d of German on the maternal side, was born in Bed- 
ford Co., Pa., Oct. 27, 1827, and was a son of William Cessna, of 
that State. His brothers, John and J. Boon Cessna, areprotninent 
lawyers of Bedford, Pa., the former being the leading member of the 
bar there; he has been twice elected to Congress, once as Speaker 
of the House of that bodv. He was also chosen representative of 
his district in the Legislature two terms. The subject of this 
record located in Blue Grass Township in 1858, and settled on a 
farm in section 29, which he had purchased in the spring of 1857, 
during a visit to the AVost. He owns a fine farm of 200 acres here, 
and one of 120 acres in Union Co., Iowa. Pie was united in mar- 
riage in April, 1848, with Sarah Koerner, of Bedford Co., Pa. They 
have seven children — Laura, Ellen, Xewton, Belie, John, Ilattie, 
and Myrtle. Mr. and Mrs. Cessna are members of the Methodist 
church. Ho has held the offices of township trustee, supervisor and 
school director. His greatgrandfather, John Cessna, settled in 
Pennsylvania during the tiuie of William Penn, and was a soldier 
in the Revolution, as was his grandfather, Peter Morgret. 

Philip Diets was born in Germany, Jan. 10, 1838, and is a son 
of John Dietz, who came to America with his family in 1853, 
and to Walcott, Scott Co., in 1855, but settled soon after in 
Hickory Grove Township. Philip returned to Walcott in 1872, 
and engaged in stock-dealing here until the fall ot 1873, when he 
bought the elevator, which he still runs in partnership with A. and 
J. Stockdale, under the tirni name of Dietz & Stockdale. He was 
married Sept. 22, 1S59, to Dora T. Reissen. To them were born 
rive children, two living — Louise and Ferdinand. Mr. Deitz is a 
member of A. O. U. W. and I. O. O. F. Lodges, and the Shooting 
Association of Davenport. He is one of the prominent and enter- 
prising men of Scott Count}'. 

Ilenrxj Gcbbert, one of tlie early settlers of Scott County and the 



960 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

State of Iowa, was born in Overton Co., Tenn., Marcli 19, 1821. 
His parents were David and Catharine Gabbert, nee Giles, his 
father, a native of Virginia, and his mother, of North Carolina. 
Ilisfatlier was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving on the frontiers 
of Ohio, in General Harrison's brigade, and in Colonel Barber's 
regiment, in which his brother was an ofSeer. His ancestors were 
in the Revolutionary war, and took part in forming our free insti- 
tutions. He liad few opportunities for education, as tlie schools of 
that day were tew, and of an inferior order. Mr. Gabbert has lived 
successively on the frontiers of Indiana and Illinois, and at five 
years of age removed with his father's family to the West, and 
settled in Iowa in the spring of 1835. Here iiis father had located 
a claim, on to wliich he moved, and for the first two 3'ear.> had 
charge of the ferry boat at Buffalo, owned and run by Captain Clark, 
of the same place. He has followed farming for years, adopting 
this calling from the first. Mr. Gabbert was married on the 28th 
of December, 1848, to Miss Eliza J. McGarvey, of Holmes Co., O. 
To them have been born si.x children — William H., born Oct. 12, 
1849, is a promising young member of the bar at Davenport, and 
has been clerk of tlie District and Circuit Courts of Scott County; 
Mary Ann, born Aug. 18, 1851, was married Aug. 13, 1872, to 
John R. Bowman, one of the leading principals in the Davenj)ort 
schools; Sarah Ilellen, May 28, 1856; Cornelia Aetna, Jan. 15 
18G5; Eliza Jane, Sept. 1-4, 1867; and Benjamin, Nov. 5, 1869.' 
Mr. Gabbert in politics is a Democrat. He has never been a can- 
didate for office, and is not active in political matters. He was 
■well acquainted with the ^^reat chiefs. Black Hawk and Keokuk, 
and has lived to see the thousands of Indians, who were here at that 
early day, fade away before the advance of civilization. 

Joseph Gadd. M. D., postmaster at Blue Grass, was born in 
Woodstield, Ohio, Jnne 17, 1822. He was a son of David and 
Elizabeth (True.x) Gadd, natives of Pennsylvania. He was a car- 
penter and cabinet-maker. They had 12 children, 11 living. Dr. 
Gadd lived with his father, attending school and assisting him in 
the cai'penter's trade, until he was 16 years old, then began the 
study of medicine. His marriage to Susannaii Rush oscurred Feb. 
5, 11)43. Shfi was born in Perry Cj.. O., of Isaiah and Agnes 
Rusli, tiee Skinner, Pennsylvanians by birth. After he was mar- 
ried, Dr. Gadd went to Cincinnati, O., and attended Miami 
University two sessions, and the Eclectic Medical Institution 
three sessions; then went to New York City and practiced in the 
Infirmary there seven months. He located, in the practice of his 
profession, in Brighton, Clarke Co., 0.,and remained thcrefouryears. 
He came to Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1854, and lived there seven years; 
from there to Dayenport, one year; thence to his pleasant home in 
Blue Grass, Feb. 5, 1862. Dr. Gadd and wife have been blessed 
with 10 children, five living — Anna J., now Mrs. Samuel Heikes; 
Nathan T., married Sarah E. Miller, and practices law in Green- 
field, la.; Joseph P.; Kate F. ; wife of James Myers; and J, E. 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSim\ 961 

Dr. Gadd is a member of I. O. O. F., ancient member of Boonsboro 
Lodge, Iowa, of tlie Encampment, and lias passed tlio chair in both 
institutions. Was also a member of Good Templars and Sons of 
Tem])erance Lodtres. lie received iiis present appointment as 
postmaster, in May 1862. He and wife are zealous members of 
the M. E. church, in which he has held the position of Steward 
since 1864. He is the recipient of a large and lucrative practice in 
Blue Grass, and is one of tiie prominent men of the city. 

Benjamin T. Gadd. M. D., was born on a farm in Perry Co., O., 
Sept. 7, 1837. llis father died when he was five years old, and he 
remained on the farm with his mother until his loth year; lie then 
went to Williamsport, O., and clerked in a store and attended 
school one year. He came with his mother and her family to Dav- 
enport, arriving Oct. 31, 1855. He obtained employment in the 
irroeery store ot' Burrows & Glasspelj, which he retained until !856, 
when the famil}' moved to a farm near Ottumwa. He studied 
medicine iiere and at Hickory Grove Township until 1860, then came 
to Davenport and read dentistry under Dr. R. D. Meyers. In Octo- 
ber. 1864, he went to the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute , from 
which he graduated Feb. 15, 1865. Uiion leaving school he came to 
Blue Grass, where he now is engaged in active practice; he practiced 
two years at Booiiesboro, la. He was married to Emily Coates 
Feb. 20, 1868. She is a native of Bulfalo Township, and was a 
daughter of Elisha and Mary Coates, wee Sexton, born in North 
Carolina, and at jiresent residents of Davenport. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dr. Gadd are the parents of four children, viz.: Edson E., Mary 
E., Harry and Myrtle J. The parents of Dr. Gadd were David 
and Eli.xabeth (Truex) Gadd; he was born Dec. 10, 1786, in Penn- 
sylvania, and died May 14, 1S47; his wife was born in Ohio, was 
the mother of 12 children, and died Nov. 29,1865. Dr. Gadd 
is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodire No. 19, Blue Grass. He 
has been tiie recipient of a large and lucrative practice here and is 
one of the popular and {irominent men of the township. He owns 
a nice residence and four lots in Blue Grass, wiiere he resides. 

Henry Gruemmer was born in Holstein, Germany, Feb. 22, 1846, 
and is a son oi Max Gruemmer, also of that country, who came to 
Scott County iu 1S6!I. The subject of this memoir came to this 
county in 1868, and worked at the wagon-maker's trade in Daven- 
port until 1870. lie farmed five 3'ears, and in 1877 came to Wal- 
cott, where he has been engaged in the saloon and boarding-house 
business since. He oc'CU|)ies a portion of the Schwarting brick 
block, and does a good Imsiness. He was married Nov. 20, 1870, 
to Mina Belter, a daugiiter of Fred Belter, and a native of Hano- 
ver. Germany. 

Henry G. Ooeriny was born in Prussia, June 11, 1829, and is a 
son of John Goering, a Jiative of that country. Having a natural 
and strong love for books, Henry studied during his leisure hours, 
thereby accruing much useful knowledge, although he never bad 



962 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

a teacher. He came to Scott County and worked on a farm in 
Blue Grass Township nine niontlis for his board, and the next 
three years by the month. He rented land some time, then bought 
a farm in section 10, this township. He owns 640 acres of line 
farming land, besides a number of acres of timber. He was mar- 
ried in 1855 to Mary E. Robison. Their union has been blessed 
with 13 children, seven bo3's and four girls of whom are living. 
He has been twice elected township supervisor. 

Theodore Ilartwell was born in Jennings Co., Ind., A]iril 23, 
1835. He came with his widowed mother to Buffalo Township, 
Scott Co., in 1836. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah 
Hartwell, i s a native of New York State; she was married the 
second time in 1843, to Peter Wilson, and now resides with her 
son, Theodore Hartwell, on the old homestead. The latter came 
to Blue Grass Township in 1842, and is the second oldest settler 
now living in the township. He was married Nov. 21, 1856, to 
Verroniqne Pilloud, a native of canton of Friburg, Svvitzerland, 
born Aug. 25, 1832. She came to America and located in Ohio in 
184J), and to Scott County in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell have 
had three children — Elmer E.; Peter W., who died in 1874 in his 
16th year, and Laurent, died in 1879 atthe age of 19 years. The 
subject of this sketch is engaged in farming 254 acres of rich land 
in section 32, this township; he also owns 17 acres in Illinois. He 
now holds the office of township trustee, and is a member of I. 0. 
G. T. Lodsje. 

Louis Him is a son of Hans C. Hinz, of Holstein, Germany, 
where Louis was also born, June 5, 1844. He emigrated to Scott 
County in 1866, and resided in Davenport until 1870, when he 
came to Wolcott, Bine Grass Township, and conducted what is 
now Sindt's Hotel for four years, when he established a store of 
general merchandise here, which he still o])erates. He carries a 
capital stock of $5,000, and does an annual business of $17,000, 
with a steadily increasing trade. Keeps a full and complete stock 
of general goods. He was married in September, 1870, to Katie 
Jordan. They have two children — Bertha and Frida, who attend 
the English and German school in Wolcott. Mr. Hinz is a mem- 
ber of I. O. O. F. Lodge, and of the Maysville Shooting Society, 
which was established in 1878. 

William F. Illlan was born in Waldick, Prussia, March 12, 
1834. He came to America in 1851, and came at once to Scott 
County. He worked as a farm hand some 18 months, then worked 
on his father's farm, on section 26, Blue Grass Township, until his 
fiither's death, which occurred May 31, 1856. He remained on 
this farm until 1876, when he moved on to the farm where he now 
resides, in section 33, this township. He owns 402 acres of rich 
laTid, all under a high state of cultivation. He was married to 
Henrietta Schumann, in February, 1860. She was born June 21, 
1841. They have had seven children — Minnie C, born May 11, 1864; 
EmmaS., May 20, 1866; Frederick W., July 23, 1868; Linne S., 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP. 963 

July 2, 1871; Louisa H., Julv 13, 1873; William F., Sept. 12, 
1875, ami Albert L., July 18, "l879. Mr. Illian has held the office 
of road supervisor. In politics ho is a Republican. 

Peter II. Jessen wasborii in Germany, Aug. 12, 181-1; was the 
son of Peter and Margaret (Anderson) Jessen, who both died in 
Germany. Peter was reared on a farm and received a common- 
school education. Alter his mother's death he had to work out 
from home. In lS3t) he was married in Germany, to Anna Mat- 
son, and lived tiiere till 1847, when they came to America, and he 
worked on a farm near Chicago for throe years, when he moved to 
Daven])ort in 1850. lie then made a trip west to California, where 
he spent two years. He then returned to Scott County, and in 
1853 bought 80 acres of land, where he now resides. lie was 
divorced from his first wife wliile in California, and on his return 
to Iowa in 1853 was nuirried to Anna Otto. He has three children 
— Williiim J., Adolph, and Theresa, lie now owns 320 acres of 
land in Blue Grass and Davenport Townships. lie is a Republican 
in politics. 

William Johnson, deceased, was born in Jennings Co., Tnd., and 
was a son of James Johnson, who came with his family to Buffalo 
Township in 1838. The subject of this sketch was married in .1 une, 
1846, to Louisa Catlin, whose father was the first settler in Blue 
Grass Township. They had live children — Laura, Amelia, Rosanna, 
Albert and Louisa. Mr. Johnson died Dec. 6, 1859, leaving his 
family and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Mrs. John- 
son was married again on Aug. 29, 1861, to S. C. Dorsey. He was 
born in Nicholas ('o., Va., Jan. 17, 1835, and came to Scott County 
in 1855. He has been township trustee, and has held other local 
offices of trust. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey have had tiiree children — 
Benjamin R., who is a student in Bryant & Stratton's Business 
College in Davenport; Annie B. and Charley L. 

Uenry Kargen was born in Germany, Aug. 6, 1831. He emi- 
grated to the United States in 1847, and located at Evansville. Ind., 
where he followed shoe-making, the grocery business, and conducted 
a hotel, remaing.there 18 years. In 1867 he came to Scott County, 
and settled in Blue Grass Township, and keeps a store of general 
merchandise in Blue Grass, and has a good trade. He was married 
to Carolina Gikeman, in Evansville, Ind., Aug. 15, 1859. They 
have had 10 children, fourliving — Henry, born Sept. 8, 1866; Will- 
iam, Jan. 22, 1869; Albert T., Feb. 15, 1873, and Arthur C, May 
5, 1881. Mr. Karges is a member of the M. E. Church, and in 
politics is a Democrat. 

Hans Kruse, was born in Hoistein, German}-, Sept. 7, 1838, and 
was a son of Joachin Kruse, of German nativity. Hans emigrated 
to America and located in Scott County in 1854. He worked as a 
farm laborer four years, and in 1864 bought 80 acres of land on 
section 4, Blue Grass Township, where he still resides. He now 
owns 120 acres, all under good cultivation and well stocked. He 
was married Nov. 12, 1866, to Ida, daughter of Wulf Ilahn. She is 



964 ■ HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

a native of Ilolstein, Grermany. They have two children — Charles 
and Henry; they are twins. 

Charles Mast is a native of Brunswick, Germany, born July 9, 
1825. His father, Erhart Mast, emigrated to America with his 
family in 1832, and located in Wheeling, Va. ; thence to Monroe 
Co., O., in 1837, wiiere Charles ran on the river two seasons, and 
finally located in Blue Grass Township, Scott Co., in 1818. The 
subject of this biography has been twice married, first in April, 
1817, to Kesiah Payne, who died, having been the mother of one 
child, Hannah; the second time on Oct. 12, 1855, to Minnie C, 
daughter of Frederick Angel. Mrs. Mast's parents died when she 
was small, and she came to this country with her sister, Mrs. Char- 
lotte VVitenbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Mast have had eight children, six 
living — August, Louise, George, Tilla, Minnie and Frederick. 

Charles Metleer, deceased, was born in Schenectady, N". Y., and 
was a descendant of Scotch and Irish ancestry. He came to 
Scott Count}', and located in Blue Grass Township, in April, 1839, 
settling on section 33, where he resided until his death, which oc- 
curred Nov. 30, 1870. His wife was Zilpah (Whittaker) Metteer, 
by whom he had 10 children, six living — Maria, Elizabetli, 
Doroas, Emily, Loretta and Augusta. Mr. Metteer made Scott 
County's interests his own immediately on settling here, and was 
always one of the foremost men in every movement calculated to 
encourage its growth and increase its prosperity. He was a man 
of irreproachable character, and was held in high esteem by a 
large cii-cle of friends. 

Moses E. Moorhead was born in Eufialo Township, Scott 
County, Aug. 1, 1819. He received his early education here, 
and attended the college at Davenport three years. He was niar- 
riedto Nannie J. Barnes, Jan. 7, 1871. To them have been 
born four children — Henry B., born Dec. 28, 1871; Daisy E., 
Aug. 1, 1876; Charles I., May 25, 1878, and Mary L., June 21, 
1880. Mr. Ml orhead is a member of the Methodist church, his 
wife of the Presbyterian. Their farm consists of 120 acres of 
good land, in section 32. In politics he is a Republican. 

Joseph Mounts was born on a farm near Pi'inceton, Ind., May 
10, 1810. He was a son of Mathias and Mary (Montgomery) 
Mounts, natives of Virginia. They had a family of 13 children. 
She was a cousin of Davy Crockett, also of Gen. Montgomery, 
who was killed at the battle of Quebec; she died in 1854, her hus- 
band in 1811. The subject of this memoir was taken by his 
parents to Edwards Co., 111., when he was four years old. He 
was married here, Nov. 1, 1830, to Elizabeth Stennett, a native of 
Hardin Co., Ky. Her parents were Charles and Nancy (Short) 
Stennett; he was a native of Virginia, she of Tennessee. They 
had a family of 14 children. In June, 1835, Mr. Joseph Mounts 
came to Scott County, to look at the country, and in August of 
that year he moved here with his family. He first settled on a 
claim in Buffalo Township, which he disposed of in April, 1836, 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHII'. 965 

to two men named Brunson, for a town site. They paid him 
§S(1(1 for tlio claim, whieli enabled him to get a start in the world. 
lie rented land one year, tlien moved on a farm near Buffalo, 
wheiv he remained live years; subsequently bought a tarin ot 
1(50 acres in section 7, and from there moved to Blue Grass 
townshi|>. wliere he now lives. lie has fenced 400 acres of 
land and built six houses, one of them being the finest house 
in the township at that time, and costing §3.000. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mounts are members of the Ciiristian church, and liave had 10 
children; eight survive, viz. : Sylvester, born in Illinois, married 
Anna Reynolds; Harriet, born Sept. 2, 1835, the first child 
born in the county, married Jacob Fridley; Louisa, married 
James Lyman; Lucy, married Cornelius Boan; Maiiala, married 
Homer Holt; Ellen, married Simeon Meyers: Mary, married 
Marion Moore; and Charles. Joseph Mounts came to Scott 
County with but six cents and a quarter in his pocket; he is now 
one of the wealthiest and most prominent men of the county, lie 
is the only man now living of the men of maturer years, who came 
herein 1835. Ti e country' was then an unbroken praiiie.uninhabited 
save by the Indians. Deer and wolves e.xi*ted in abundance. To 
see it in its present pros])erous condition needs no further praise 
of the hardihood and industry of those early settlers. Mr. Mounts 
served in the Black Ilawk war under Capt. Champion Madden 
and Col. Pearce. 

Jfra. telicity B. Nebergall, nee Van Bibbor, was born near Sum- 
merville, Nicholas Co., W. Va., Feb. 11-, 1836. She was reared and 
married there to Presly V. Nebergall, now deceased, Jan. 27, 1859. 
By this union there were six children — John Franklin, born Dec. 15, 
1859; Jacob Andrew, Sept. t^l, 1861; Lavinia, Oct. 17, 1865; Ed- 
ward Leo, March 13, 1871; Grace, !J[arch 7, 1876; and George, 
Jan. 1, 1878. The family came to Scott County, March 20, 1859, 
and have resided on their present farm in Blue Grass Township 
since. It contains 155 acres of good land. Mrs. Nebergall also 
owns a tine farm of 240 acres in Jasper Co., la., which she rents. 
She and her sons manage the farm in Blue Grass Township, and 
raise grain and stock for the market. Mr. Presly Nebergall died 
Sept. 22, 1878, and in his death Scott County lost one of her most 
highly esteemed and influential citizens. 

Charles and John E. JS'el>'oii, twin brothers, were born in 
Geneva, III., Their father, Charles J. Nelson, is a native of 
Sweden, and now resides in Washington Terrifory. The boys, 
Charles and John E., came to Scott County in 1869, and settled in 
Blue Grass Township, on the farm where they now ri side, known 
as the Ifazlewood farm. They have worked together, and 
rent the farm. Charles E. married Caroline Schupp, April 8, 
1880 ; they have one child, A[ary Ann, born Jan. 17, 1881. John 
E. married Mary L., daughter of John M. Friday, Oct. 27, 1881. 
The young men are enterprising and industrious, and are doing 
well. 



966 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

Oeorge E. Peek was born Jan. 9, 1844, in Stark Co., Ohio ; and 
was a son of Martin Peek, of New York. He was reared on a farm, 
and having an innate love of books, he is principally self educated. 
He served three A'ears and three months in the Union service, in 
Company C, 3d Missouri Cavalry. The engagements of the 
company were mostly in Missouri and Arkansas. Mr. Peek iielped 
to take Little Rock. Upon leaving the service he attended Bryant 
& Stratton"s Business College in Chicago, from which he graduated 
in 1866, and trom the telegraphy deptu-tment of that institution 
soon after. He taught a class in bookkeeping in Peoi-ia HI., six 
months, then entered into the employ of the C, R. I. & P. R. R. 
Co., and in 1869 was appointed telegraph operator and station 
agent at Walcott, a position he still i-etains. He was married 
Sept. 4, 1873, to Louise K., daughter of Frederick Keferstein, who 
settled in Blue Grass Township in 1854. They have had four 
children — Minnie, Alonzo Devoe, and Rufus K. ; Olive is now 
deceased. Mr. Peek's great-grandfather, Jacob Devoe, settled in 
Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1770. He leased six acres of land there 
for which he paid six ears of corn annually. He died at the age 
of 103 years, his wife at 105. They had lived together as husband 
and wife 83 years. 

Clause F. Petersen was born in Holstein, Germany, Nov. 5, 
1832, and emigrated to America in 18d6. He landed in New 
York, and from there went to Muscatine Co., Iowa, where he 
remained two years, then moved to Blue Grass Townshij), Scott Co. 
He moved on to his present farm in 1872, and bought it in 1874. 
It consists of 120 acres of land, highly cultivated, and thoroughly 
stocked. He was married in 1856 to Catharine Dose, and by her 
ha? had two children — Frederick John, born in Holstein in 1854, 
and "William H., in 1859. Mr. Petersen is a member of the 
Lutheran Church. He has always been a strong adherent to the 
Republican part}'. 

James Price is a native ot Wales, born Dec. 28, 1805, and is a 
son of Richard Price. He came to Scott County in the fall of 1842, 
and conducted a meat market in Davenport nine years. In 1854 
came to Blue Grass Township and settled on section 25. He first 
■bought 160 acres of land of Dr. Goldsmith, 40 of which were 
improved. He now owns 320 acres of the finest land in the 
county, and rents to tenants. He was married in his native country 
in 1835, to Mary A. Dyke. They have four children — Eliza A., 
Sarah J. , James S. (deceased) and Mary L. Mr. Price held the 
office of school director two years. 

Bernhard Sc/iwartin// is a native of Oldenburg, Germany. He 
emigrated to the United States and located in Sheboygan, Wi?., 
in 1858 and remained there four years. Then spent four years in 
his native country. In 1866 he came to Scott County, resided in 
Davenport one year, then removed to Walcott, Blue Grass 
Township, where "he still resides. He established a store of general 
merchandise here, which he still conducts. He carries a capital 
stock of $10,000, and his annua! sales asfgregate $35,000. He 





j^/^ ^dUc^'jCi^e^ 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP. 

built a new brick block in the winter of 1880 and '81, at a cost of 
over $10,000; it is 50 x SO feet, and two stories in height. As a 
business man Mr. Schwartiiii; s<ion won the confidence of his fel- 
low citizens, and dischised those qualities which eminently fitted 
him for official positions. Accordingly, in 1860, he was appointed 
postmaster, a position he still retains, and has acted as scliool 
treasurer here for the past 12 years. 

Henri/ H. Siii<h, proprietor of Siiidt's Hotel, Walcott, is a na- 
tive of Davenport, la., born Oct. 9, 1850. and is a son of Thies 
Sindt, Ilolstein, Germany, who came to Davenport in 1847, and 
now resides in Davenport Township. Henry il. was educated at 
Brj'anttfc Stratt^n's Business College, Davenport. He was married 
Feb. 22, 1873, to Triena Horst. Tlieir union has been blessed with 
three children — Aui^iist, Laura (dece«sed) and Cor.j. The subject 
of this sketch became proprietor of Sindt's Hotel in Walcott, in 
1865, which he still condncts, and financially the enterprise is a 
success. He is a member of A. O. U. W. Lodge, and of Walcott 
and Maysville Shooting Association. 

Abraham A. StapJeton., the oldest settler now living in Bhie 
Grass Township, was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 18, 1837, 
and was a son of Clayton Stapletoii, a native of West Virginia. 
The family came to Scott County and located in Buffalo Township 
in 1840. The fatlier died three weeks after their arrival here. His 
mother was airain married on June I, 1841, to Robert Wilson, and 
in the fall of that year they located in Blue Grass Township, where 
they have resided since. Abraham was reared on a farm and at- 
tended the first school taught in this township. He was married 
March 13, 1860, to ^lary A. Mathews, daughter of William Math- 
ews, deceased. Their union has been blessed with five children, 
one living — Ella F. The deceased are — William, Mary, Lucy and 
Wilber. Mr. Stapleton owns a fine farm on section 31. and is ex- 
tensively engaged in farming and stock breeding. He has held 
the otKce of su]iervisor of his township three terms. 

Ezekiel Ste'mhilher was born in Mezingan, Kingdom of Wur- 
temberg, Germany, Jan. 10, 1819, son of Conrad Steinhilber, who 
went with his family to Wheeling, Va., in 1832; thence to 
Crawford Co., O., where he died in September, 1855. Ezekiel 
came to Davenport in 1S42. lie clerked in the Le Claire House 
about five years and kept bar four years. In 1848 lie established 
a livery stable, which was the first one in Davenport, and is still 
standing on Second street. He was also the first ice merchant in 
this city. lie was one of the guards over the murderers of Col. 
Davenport, being a personal friend of his. He relates the follow- 
ing reminiscence of Col. Davenport: Two or three days before the 
murder he dreamed of dying and going to join his Maker. " Com- 
ing events cast their shadows before." It seemed like a warning 
of the terrible deed that was to be enacted only a few days later. 
Mr. Steinhilber located in 1854 in Blue Grass Township, which 
was at that time a vast, unbroken and pathless prairie. He now 
66 



970 HISTORY OF scorr oopnty. 

owns 480 acres of finely cultivated land. lie was married Jnly 25, 
1840, to Minnie Mast, of Brunswick, Germany. Her father, Erhart 
Mast, was one of the early settlers of Wheeling, Va. This union 
has been blessed with eight cliildren— Louise, Virginia, Matilda, 
Agnes, Charles, Edward, Harry and Albert, wlio is now deceased. 
Mr. Steinhilber is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers 
of the county, and makes a specialty of raising tine fruits. 

Alexander Stockdale is a native of Washington Co., Pa., born 
Dec. 12, 1841. His father, John Stockdale, was born in the 
northern part of Ireland and came to America when a bo}'. He 
was married in this country, and went with his family to Jefferson 
Co., O., about 1844, and removed to Scott Co., la., in the spring 
of 1853. The family settled on the old Newcombe farm in Blue 
Grass Township. The farm was unbroken prairie, and wood had 
to be hauled a distance of 10 miles. The subject of this sketch was 
was married in 1876 to Elizabeth Eseke. They have liad three 
children, two living — JohnB. and James E.Mr. Stockdale is a mem- 
ber of A. O. U. W. Lodge. He is one of the prominent and repre- 
sentative farmers of the county, and has always been foremost in 
every enterprise to forward the growth and increase the prosperity 
of Scott County. 

John StockdaJe was born in Jefferson Co., O., Oct. 28, 1846, 
and is. a son of John and Charlotte (Dickson) Stockdale. The 
former is a native of Ireland, and came to tliis country when a 
small boy. She is a Pennsylvanian. The subject of tills record 
was reared on a farm and received a limited school education, but 
is mostly self-educated. He came with his parents to Scott County 
in 1853. In 1866 he engaged in grain and stock speculation at 
Walcott, which he followed until 1867, when he traveled through 
Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska on the civil engineers corps; re- 
turned to Walcott in 1869, and bought the elevator in company 
with Philip Dietz and A. Stockdale, which they still operate, 
deal heavily in grain and live stock and are making a financial 
success of it. Mr. Stockdale was married Nov. 11, 1879, to Mary 
L., daughter of John Stouifer, who died of disease contracted in 
the army, in which lie served three years. His widow, Caroline 
(Hill) Stouffer, has been granted a pens-ion and resides with her 
daughter, Mrs. J. Stockdale. Mr. and Mrs. Stockdale have had 
two children — Ray Elmer (deceased) and an infant son. 

Hans Stoltenherg is a native of Holstein, Germany, born Sept. 
20, 1828. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district 
schools of his native country. In 1847 he came to Scott Cainty, 
and lived on his brother Clans Stoltenbcrg's land in Davenport Town- 
ship six years, then fell heir to 80 acres in section 18, where he 
resided until 1859, when he located on his present farm in sec- 
tion 12, Blue Glass Township. He is one of the largest land owners 
in this county and owns 1,225 acres in Scott, and 164 in Musca- 
tine counties. He is extensively engaged in raising grain, and 



BLUE GRASS TOWNSHIP. 971 

breeds some stock. He was married ia 1853 to Liese Wiose. 
They had seven cliildren — Miiia, Henry, William, Tiieresa, Lui, 
Edtt'ard and Caroline. Mrs. Liese Stotlcnberg died, and in ^pril, 
1875, he married his present wife, Mrs. Elsabe Heiss, nee Lemke, 
She had three children by her iirst husband, viz.: Henrj', Agnes 
and John. 

Jamee Van E vera, %on oi iio\\n Van E vera, was born Oct. 2, 
182S, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. He was reared on a farm and 
educated in the common schools of his native place. He became 
a resident of Blue Grass Township in 1851, and was married here 
May 31, 1853, to Phoebe O., daughter of Charles Metteer. Their 
union was blessed with five children — Clara, .Jennie, George, 
Foster and Alva. Mrs Plioibe Van Evera died March 20, 1872, 
and he was again married, .Jan. 23, 1873, to I^orretta Metteer, a 
sister of his first wife, by whom he has had three children, one 
living, Henr\' H. 

Claits Henry Wishmann was born in Holstein, Germany, Dec. 
2, 1845, and is a son of Clans Wishmann of that place, who came 
to Davenport, Iowa, in 1868. Clans H. emigrated to Scott County 
in 18()6, and spent the time from 1867 to 1SG9 in Omaha, Neb., 
then returned to Scutt County. He farmed until March, 1879, 
when he came to Walcott, Blue Grass Township, and estab- 
lished a saloon and boarding house, which he still conducts, and 
does a profitable business. He was married in 1872 to Katie 
Lahan. They have five children — Annie, Clara, Tillie, Frid and 
John. Mr. Wishmann is a member of the Maysville Shooting 
Society, and of the Walcott A. 0. U. W. Lodge. 



TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE OF BUFFALO. 

In December, 1833, the first settlement in what is now Scott 
County was made by Captain Benjamin W. Clark, who some 
years previously had made some improvements on the Illinois 
shore where the town ot Andalusia was subsequently laid out, and 
who moved over the river shortly after the Indian claim was extin 
guished, raised a cabin and planted a crop. His nearest neighbor 
at this time upon the Iowa shore were at Burlington and Dubuque 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Among the early settlers of what is now Buiialo Township were 
Capt. Benjamin W. Clark, Smith Mounts, Andrew Moats, Henry 
Binckley, Mr. Lyon, Wm. H. and E. S. Baker, Jas. M. Bowling, 
Orange Babbett, Dr. A. C. Donaldson, Joseph andMathias Mounts. 
Elias Moore, Andrew W. Campbell, Jas. Wilkinson, John L. Sry, 
Jas. E. Burnside, Wallace Pence, Michael Shelley, Wm. H. Gab- 
bert, Mr. Sprout, Elias Moore and others. Capt. Benjamin W. 
Clark was born on liis father's farm in Wythe Co., Va., in 1791. 
His education was limited, as the only schools were taught by men 
who roved about, picking up a few dollars to assist them until 
something better otfered. He volunteered in 1812, went to New 
Orleans, where he served during the war, in payment for which 
service liis heirs received a "'land warrant." Young Clark went 
at the close of the war to AV abash County, near Mt. Carmel, on the 
Wabash River, where he married, in 1818, Miss Mary Beard, by 
whom he had two children — John P., who was born in Wabash 
County, December, 1820, and AVarner Lewis, born at same place 
Nov. 14. 1822, at whose birth Mrs. Clark died. In 182-1 Benj. 
Clark was again marrie<l, this time to Miss Celia Gabbert, of Ken- 
tncty. They removed soon after the marriage to Fort Edwards, 
now AA^arsaw, 111. Purchasing a half interest in a herd of cattle 
owned by Major Alaston, of the U. S. A., Mr. Clark took charge 
of the cattle, keeping them in tlie large low lands below where 
Warsaw now stands, on the Mississippi Piver, remaining ' tbere 
until the summer of 1827,- when he divided the cattle with Major 
Maston and removed to Rock Island, where he found Black 
Hawk, Keokuk, and their tribes, numbering several thousands. 
He built a log cabin below, but within a few rods of where the 
present wagon bridge joins the Illinois shore. He fenced a 
piece of land and sowed turnips where the residence of Hon. 
Bailey Davenport now stands, afterward laying what is called 
"the worm of a fence" around his entire claims. During 
the first winter (1827 and '28) the traders refused to sell sup- 
plies to Mr. Clark, they wishing to prevent the whites from 

97-3 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 973 

settling (the Indians being the more profitable customers). 
The family would have suttered had not the soldiers, learn- 
ing that Capt. Re\-nolds, of the steamer "Black Rover," had left 
a barrel ot whisky with Mr. Clark, stole out at night carrying 
food, clothes, and shoes, to exchange for whisky, thus enabling 
the family to live comfortably until boats arrived in tlie sj>ring. 
In the spring of 182S, Geo. Davenport, who liad a trading house 
at Ro^k Island, bouglit the claim owned by Benj. Clark, making 
payment in silver, which filled a small tin trunk level full. Pos- 
session being given next day, Mr. Clark removed a few rods west, 
where he erected a double log cabin wliich stood until after the 
completion of the C A: R. I. R. R. in I85i. During the spring 
of 1828 sexeral families came in, and Black Hawk saw that his 
da^'S were numbered as a resident of Rock River country. Capt. 
Clark, Black Hawk and Keokuk were warm jiersonal friends, this 
friendship continuing until after the treaty, when the latter were 
exiled with tiieir tribes to the Far West, where tliey died. Mr. 
Clark next removed to White Oak Springs, Wis., where he 
purchased a large hotel and smelting furnaces connected there- 
with. In the spring of 1S3-2, at the commencement of tlie Black 
Hawk war, settlors within a radius of miles collected and built 
a fort around the hotel, organized a comj)any to protect the fort, 
electing Harry Smith, captain, who (it living) now resides at 
Elk Horn Grove, 111. Capt. Clark raised a company of mounted 
rangers (from whence he derived his title) tendering his services to 
Gen. Henry Dodge. He was in many skirmishes and in the for- 
•ward company when the Indians made the attack at the battle of 
Wisconsin Heights. 

Capt. Clark furnished supplies for nearh' two months to all in 
the fort at the springs, as well as to his command for which neitlier 
he, nor Ids heirs, have ever received compensation. After the close of 
Black Hawk war, Capt. Clark went to Andalusia, III., and made a 
claim. In 1S33, removed his family to that place; then estab- 
lished the ferry which became so noted in the tirstsettlement of the 
central part of Black Hawk's purchase. At the same time he 
" took np " and purchased claims on the river at Buffalo, Iowa, 
comprising two and one-half miles of river frontage, together with 
timber land, amounting to about 2,000 acres, and in December, 
1833, removed his family to the Iowa side, finding at last, after 
many wanderings, the spot upon which he wished to live and die. 
His was the only white family between Dubuque and Flint Hills 
(now Burlington). 

In the summer of 1833 Capt. Clark raised corn, beans, peas and 
other vegetables, the first produce raised in Scott County, and in 
1834 had 100 acres of wild land broken, by Andrew Robison, of 
Warren Co., III., who was uncle to James H. Robison, of Blue 
Grass. The ground was broken as follows: 10 acres on the lower 
end of farm now owned by his son, Capt. W^. L. Clark; 40 acres 
where the town of Buffalo now stands; lo acres north of where 



974 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

the new railroad depot stands; 40 acres above where Mrs. Capt. 
Dodge's orchard is situated. The writer particularizes because 
others claim to have done the first breaking in BuiFalo Township. 
He built, in 1S35, a comfortable log house, a story and a half high, 
glazed with glass brought from St. Louis; lumber for windows, 
facings, trimmings, etc., was of old dry-goods boxes broken up; 
flooring from Duck Creek Mill. He put into it the first cook 
stove ever brought to Iowa, a great curiosity then for novelty, as 
it would be now behind this progressive age. He brought also the 
first carriage and two Peacock plows from St. Louis, which latter 
were a great improvement over those then in use. Later, stores 
came in, and the necessity for making long journeys to obtain 
household supplies was done away. His children attended school at 
Blue Grass, three miles from home, thus obtaining knowledge 
under difiiculties. 

Capt. Clark purchased, in 1S34, of Hon. John Spencer, late of 
Rock Island, a large tract of land at the mouth of Duck Creek, 
where he erected the first saw-mill in (now) Scott County. After 
reserving a few lots and the ferry franchise, he sold his Andalusia 
property to Col. — . Stevenson, Whiteside and others, upon wliich 
they afterward laid out the town of Kockport, now Andalusia. Tlie 
sale of this land brought $17,000 in specie. 

Capt. Clark, in 1S36, disposed of a two-thirds interest in 90 
acres of land to Capt. E. A. Mix and Dr. Pillsbury, of Buflfalo, N. 
Y., for $30,000, part cash payment. The three men above named 
at once laid out the town of Buffalo, naming it in honor of Bufl'alo, 
N. Y. This was \.\\e first town laid out in what is now Scott 
County. About the same time a man named John Vanata and 
Capt. Clark bought the claim and laid out tlie town of Blooming- 
ton, now Muscatine. Lots were in demand in Buflfalo, and al 1 
went smoothly until the county lines were formed, wliich threw 
the new town so near the Muscatine line as to kill its prospects for 
a county seat. Other towns were included in this disappointment, 
as they were also desirous of obtaining the same object. 

Up to this time there had been onlj' two divisions in the territory 
of Black Hawk's purchase, Des Moines and Dubuque, the line 
running through the west end of Davenport, the glucose works 
being in the latter, and the site of school iSo. 2, in the lower end 
of town, in the former. In 1838 Capt. Clark sold his Duck Creek 
property to Messrs. Dolittleife Moss; the price received was $8,000. 
One barn was taken in part payment — price, $500 — which still 
stands on the Dodge farm, at Buffalo. The barn was of unusual 
dimensions for the times, being 30 x 40 feet. 

In the season of lS35-'36 Capt. Clark erected a hotel at Buffalo, 
dimensions being 40 X 50, two stories high, the pine lumber for 
finishing being brought by steamer from Cincinnati, Ohio, at the 
expense of $60 per thousand feet. During the winter of 1838-'39 
Capt. C. was robbed of a large sum of money, the robbers carrying 
the secretary containing the money out of the house, down under 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 



975 



the shadow of the river bank, and forcing the locks. This was the 
first occurrence of that nature in the county. No positive clue 
was ever obtained ot the perpetrators. The lands of tliis district 
were advertised for sale in the fall of 1839, at Burlington. Capt. 
Clark went in a canoe, takins; a large amount of money in silver; 
the writer remembers that it almost filled a wash-tub (a barrel 
sawed in halves ). the only tub then in use. Upon arrival at Bur- 
lington he found that the sales were postponed ; thereupon he took a 
steamboat for hom<i. lie was feeling quite unwell when he reached 
home, and within a few days died of inflammation of the brain, on 
Oct. 25, 1839. Before his death Capt. Clark requested that Hon. 
James II. Davenport should administer upon his estate which he 
promised to do, providing he was allowed to have tlie assistance of 
Judge James Grant. They jointly settled the estate. Capt. Clark 
at death left a widow and si.x children. Mrs. Clark only survived 
her husband one month, iier death occurring Nov. 25, 1839. Capt. 
Clark died surrounded by his family, tlius ending the life of one 
of the most energetic and enterprising men that ever resided in 
Scott County, regretted- by all who were associated with him. lie 
and wife were interred upon ground that he had donated for a 
cemetery for the future city of Buffalo, commanding a fine view of 
the river and of the home tliat he had created. w. l. c. 

James M. Bowling, from Virginia, settled in Buffalo Township, 
the 4th of July, 183o. at the moiith of Bowling's Creek. He pur- 
chased the "'claim" of one Orange Babbett, the quit-claim deed to 
which was presented to the State Historical Society by Mr. Bowling. 
Mr. Bowling commenced farming in 1835. That fall he went back 
to Virginia, married, and returned in 1836 with his wile and two 
sisters. In 1837 he had the prospect ot a tine crop, but the In- 
dians, who still loitered about the country, were encamped upon this 
creek. In June there were some 500 Indians living near him, and 
very troublesome. They set tire to the j)rairie and burned uj) the 
fence surrounding his corn, which was at the time six inches high. 
The Indian liorses then ate mucii of it, and he was compelled in the 
heat of summer to cut timber and make rails to enclose his tield 
again; but, notwithstanding all his misfortunes, he succeeded in 
raising a very good crop. 

Leroy Dodge emigrated to Iowa in 183G,from the State of New 
York. He was for matiy years, a jiilot on the Mississippi, and then 
commander'of steamboats. Having secured some -100 acres of land 
along the river and bluff' above Buffalo, he built a pleasant cottage 
on the banks of the river and turned liis attention to agriculture, 
principally to stock-raising, a business in which he was quite suc- 
cessful. In 1852 lie rejn-esented Scott County in the Legislature. 
He was an unflinching Democrat. 

Andrew AY. Campbell was among the most enterprising of the 
early settlers, having opened a large farm on the bottom land of 
the river. He sold it to Henry C. Morehead. at an early day, and 
removed to the prairie, near where the town of Blue Grass now is, 



976 UISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

where he opsned another large farm. He was elected, in February, 
1838, one of the countj' coiniuissioiiers, it being the first election 
ever held for officjrs under the county organization. He also tilled 
other places of responsibility and trust. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Erastus H. Bassett, as already stated, taught a few months' school 
in the village, in the winter of 1836-'37, being the first in the place. 
Mr. Bassett was engaged in the mercantile business, but trade 
not being brisk gave him leisure to teach the few present the 
common branches of an English education. 

For some years a graded scliool has been held in the place. In 
1865 a frame school-house, two stories high, was erected at a cost 
of $7,000. School is taught therein nine and ten months each 
year. The present principal is William Webster. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the township was in the winter of lS36-'7, 
and taught by Erastus II. Bassett, in the village of Bnfi^alo. Mr. 
Bassett held a three mouths' school in a log cabin erected as a 
dwelling-house. The first house built for school purposes was on 
section 16, in 1839. This was before the public school system was 
originated, and the neighbors for some miles gathered together and 
erected a rude log cabin, where many were inducted into the 
mysteries of the English language. Man}' changes have been 
made since that day, changes, too, for the better, and in educational 
progress the township of Buffalo has kept pace with other parts of 
the county. 

Buflalo Township has been divided into independent districts, 
the town of Buifalo being one, with a graded scliool, in which two 
teachers are eni])loyed. There arc six other districts known as 
Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Tlie value of the school property is esti- 
mated at $9,800, of which amount $2,400 is credited to the town 
of Buffalo. 

RELIGIOUS. 



The first religious services held in tlie township were in 1836, in 
the village of Bufialo. by Rev. Mr. McMurtry, a pioneer Method- 
ist Episcopal preacher, then living on the opposite shore in Illinois. 
Rev. Martin Baker, a Christan orNewlight preacher, was next, in 
1837. Rev. Enoch Mead was also among the early preachers, and 
preached in the township for manj' years. 

There are now i.i the townsliip seven church organizations, four 
of which are in the village of Buffalo, one in Blue Grass Village 
and two in the country. In Buflalo, the Methodist E])iscopal, 



i 



BUFFALO TUWNSUir. 9Y7 

Christian, Catholic and Episcopal denominations are represented. 
The Methodists have a church in Blue Grass, one at the Cross 
Roads, and one in the northeast partot tiie township, known as the 
Asbury Chapel. 

COAL. 

Coal was first discovered here in 1S34, on the farm of Capt. 
Benjamin W. Clark, and as early as 1835 and 1836 was duw out 
and sold to steamboats at the mouth of Bowliiiiij's Creek, which 
empties into the Mississippi, about half way between Buffalo and 
Kockinujhain. The first bank opened was about half a mile up this 
creek, and was worked to a considerable extent by Dr. A. C. Don- 
aldson, who settled in 1837 near its mouth. Still hiarher up this 
creek, some three miles, Benjamin Wri<fht and E. Murray, from 
Zanesville, Ohio, opened a bank in 1837, and furnished coal to 
Davenport and Rockingham for 1.5 cents a bushel. 

FIKST THINGS. 

The first hotel in the township was built by Benjamin W. Clark, 
at Buffalo, in 1836. The first couple, residents of this township, 
united in marriage, were Joiin P. Cuoi)er and Jane Pace. The 
distance being so great to Burlingtou for the purpose of obtaining 
licenses, the couple crossed the river, and were married by Daniel 
Edgington, a justice of the peace, Oct. 9, 1836. The first couple 
married, the services being performed in the township, were Mat- 
thias Mounts and Susan Daniels, in 1837. The first birth was th^t 
of David 11. Clark, sou of Jjenjamin W. Clark, born April 21, 
1834. Tills was likewise the first in the county. The first ]ihysi- 
cian in the tosvnship was Dr. Moss, who spent here the winter of 
1835-'6. lie then left, his whereabouts being unknown. The first 
school was in the winter of 1836-'7. The first death was that of 
Henry Binckley, a discharged soldier, who died in 1836 at the 
house of Capt. B. W. Clark. The first ground set aside for i)ury- 
ing purposes was about one-half mile from Buffalo, and donated 
by Capt. Clark. The first postofffce was that of Buffalo, established 
in 1836. The first merchandise sold in the township and count}' 
was in Buffalo in 1834, by Mr. Lynde. The first coal was dis- 
covered in 1834, on section 21, now the farm of Capt. W. L. Clark. 
Tiie first coal marketed was taken fiom the farm of Mr. Wright. 



VILLAGK OF BUFFALO. 



The village of Buffalo was originally laid out in 1836. by Clark, 
Mi.x i\: Pillsbury, who, in the summer of 1836, opened a stock of 
goods in tlie place, wiiich they ])laced in charge of Erastus II. Bas- 
sett. Previous to this time, and as early as 1834, a Mr. Lynd 
then living in the present city of Rock Island, commenced the sa 



978 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of merchandise in the place, and sold not only the first goods in 
Buffalo, but in the entire county of Scott, by a regular ni rchant. 

The tirst public ferry across the Mississippi, between Burlington 
and Dubuque, was established by Captain Clark in 1833, or as 
soon as emigrants began to cross the river, at Buffalo, and Clark's 
ferry was the only regular place of crossing in all this region of 
country. In 1835 he commenced the erection of a public house, 
a large frame two-story building, which at that time was considered 
a great enterprise. The house was completed in 1836. He brought 
the lumber from Cincinnati at a cost of $00.00 per 1,000 feet. 
Savs Willard Barrows : 

" For many years the town of Buffalo attracted much attention, 
and bid fair to become a serious rival to Stephenson, then just 
merging into existence. But Davenport and Kockingham were 
soon laid off, and a ferry being established between Davenport 
and Stephenson, b}' Mr. Le Chiire, travel was directed to that point, 
and the division of the country int o counties left Buffalo in no 
enviable situation. It had been the most prosperous town in this 
region of country, doing a large business with the emigrants to 
the Territory, who were then beginning to settle up and down the 
river and along the Cedar Valley, furnishing grain and provisions 
of all kinds to the new comers. Capt. Clark spent much time in 
showing emigratits the conntr}' and assisting them in making 
claims, and probably did more toward the early settlement of this 
countrv than any other man that ever came into it. He died at 
Buffalo, Oct. 25, 1839. 

''To show the prospects of Buffalo, as a point of interest at that 
day, we might relate a circumstance that occurred in reference to 
the value of town lots. After Davenport was laid out, Maj. Wm. 
Gordon and some others, proprietors, called on Capt. Clark and 
offered him an even exchange of 40 or GO lots in Davenport for an 
equal number in ikiffalo. But the Captain derdined, regarding it 
as a poor offer, as it probably looked to be at that time. 

"Buffalo, with all her just claims, was sacrificed by placing her 
in the lower end of the county. Davenport and Rockingham 
'doubled teims' on Buffalo and got the county seat, and then 
fought for choice of location. This was the killing stroke to Buftalo. 
Davenport ultimately received all the benefits derived from the 
trickery and corrii])tion of legislative enactment-?, while Geneva, 
Montpelier, Salem, Fairport, Mouth of Pine, and some half dozen 
other towns that were laid out along the Mississippi River from 
Muscatine Island to Davenport, ' went under.' carrying with them 
all their visionary schemes for greatness and power." 



• HOTEL. 

In 1835 Benjamin W.Clark erected a public house, to be used 
for the accommodation of the traveling public. It was a large 
frame building, two stories high, and at the time was considered a 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 979 

great enterprise. Capt. Clark brought tlie finisliinc: lumber from 
Cinciimati. The building is yet standing. This hotel was the 
first in the place. There are now three jilaces of entertainment — • 
the Washington House, Mississippi House and Nicklellouse. 

MANUFACTOKIKS. 

In the spring of 1854 Shoe Brothers erected a steam saw-mill in 
the place, with a capacity for sawing 30,000 feet each day. A 
planing and lath and shingle mill was attached. The mill was 
used till the summer of ISSl, when it was torn away to make room 
for the railroad. 

I'OSTOFFICE. 

A postotHce was established at Bnffiilo in 1S36, and Benjamin 
W. Clark received the appointment of postmaster. Air. Clark did 
not care for the otHce, but suffered himself to be appointed in order 
to have the office establisiied, and as soon as it could be done he 
resigned, and M. W. Bosworth was appointed. Mr. Bosworth 
held the office at Buffalo for a time, and removing down the river 
he took the office with him, and tliere retained it until the post- 
office authorities at Washington could ascertain the facts 
in the case, wlien he was removed, and Philip Maskell was ap- 
pointed. Mr. Maskell was succeeded by Elijah Bailey, who in 
turn was succeeded by Caleb H. Gardner. The latter gentleman 
was a]j])ointed by the Whig administration of Gen. Taylor. Before 
the expiration of his term he went to California, and there died in 
1854 and was buried near Sacramento. Henry Dorman was next 
apjiointed, in lS.i4, and served until 1878, when he was succeeded 
by William Karges, tlie present postmaster. 



CKIMINAL. 

The first criminal trial in Scott County took place in Buffalo 
early in 1836. A young man was arrested for stealing a small 
amount from a store, and was taken before S. E. Hastings, a justice 
of the peace, witli a commission signed by the Governor of Michi- 
gan and subsequently chief justice of the State of California. The 
justice could find no law with which to convict, but as the fact 
was clearly established to Iiis mind, and the further fact being 
known that the prisoner had stolen the sum of four dollars from 
himself, he sentenced him to return the four dollars and to receive 
20 lashes on his bare back. It was a bright moonlight night, 
and tlie prisoner was taken to the woods near by and the laslies 
were well laid on by each of the spectators to the number of 10, 
giving each two blows. After the whipping they took liim to 



980 HISTORY OF scorr coitnty. 

the river, and placed him in a canoe without oars, shoved him off, 
and that was the last ever seen of him in these parts. Some years 
after, when Judge Hastings was on his way to California, at a 
small town on the Mississippi River, a man got on board that he 
at once recognized as the one he had punished tor theft. Ap- 
proaching the Judge, the man asked him if he recognized him, and 
on being informed that he did, he said: "For God's sake don't 
tell any one. That theft was my first and last. I was in great 
want, and have been sufficiently punished. Since that day I have 
lived an honest man; have married and have a family, and I would 
not for the world they should know that one great sin." Although 
unused to weeping, the Judge says that he felt the tears trickling 
down his cheeks, and he quickly promised tliat he would not be- 
tray him. 

BIOGRAPUICAL. 

Ihomas C. Beamer is a native of Gnrnsey Co., O., born Sept. 
5, 1841, son of Simon and Anna (Cooper) Beamer, natives of Ohio. 
The former died in July, 1873; the latter Sept. 24, 1856. Thomas 
C. was adopted by his grandfatlier, Thomas Cooper, when very 
young. The family came to Scott County, arriving here Oct. 1, 
1845. They resided in Rockingham about six months, then moved 
onto the grandfather's farm in section 1'2, Buffalo Township, where 
our subject still resides. Thomas Cooper was a minister in the 
Methodist church for nearly 40 years. He died at the ripe old age 
of SO years. The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 1, 1863, 
to Phebe A. Couley, a native of Hancock Co., 111. Her parents 
were Joel and Rebecca Conlev, nee Edwards. He is an engineer, 
and resides in St. Louis, Mo. She died in March, 1864. Mr. 
Thomas Beamer enlisted Sept. 1, 18G4, in Company C, 14th Iowa 
Infantry Volunteers, and served until May 28, 1865, when, he was 
mustei-ed out at Camp McClelland, near Davenport. Mr. and Mrs. 
Beamer have had two children — Ella M. and Charles A. Mr. 
Beamer owns a fine farm of 80 acres in Buttalo Township, which 
he has under good cultivation and well stocked. He is a member 
of the K. P., Lodge No. 10, and of tlie I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 7. at 
Davenport. He is classed with the prominent farmers of the 
county, and is an enterprising and honored citizen of Buffalo Town- 
ship. 

F. X. Beh wa? born in the village of Oberbergon, AltBrusach, 
Baden, Germany, Dec. 9, 1827, sou of Francis S. and Barbara 
(Bauingardner) Beh, natives of Germany, where he died; she is 
still living with the subject ofthis sketch. F. X. Beh served three 
years in the German army; the State of Baden declared itself a 
republic, and the King of Prussia with his army defeated them in 
their attempt to assert their rights. Mr. Beh was married Jan. 3, 
1853, to Caroline, daughter of Theo. and Mary (Meyer) Heckle, 
who came to Scott County in 1855. Mrs. Heckle is now deceased; 



BUFFALO lOWNSHIP. 981 

he is livine; at Quincv. 111. Mr. and Mrs. Beli came to America 
and laiukd in New York City, Jan. 14, 1854. From there they 
went to Detroit. Mich., where they remained iintilJnne 22, 1855, 
thence to Scott Connty, and located in Bntt'aio, where he engaged 
in dressing stone until the s]>ring of 186S, when he bought a farm 
of 120 acres in section IS, this township, where he now resides. 
Mr. and Mrs. Beh have had nine children, eight living — Henry, 
married Mary Stretcher; Anna il.. now Mrs. iloritze Bernick; 
Joseph, Frank, Katy B., Charlie, IJenjamin and Mary. Mr Beh 
owns 1G(> acres in sections 17 and 18, Buffalo Townshi]i, 110 in 
Montpelier and 160 in Fulton Township, almost all under good 
cultivation. He is classed with the prominent men of the county, 
and is an enterprising citizen of Buffalo Township. 

JE'chvin A. Bhickmnn was born on the farm where he now re- 
sides, in Buffalo Township, Dec. 19, 1844. He was a son of Levi 
S. aiul Susan (Hull) Blackman, of Canada. Mrs. Susan Blackman 
died in 1S54. He was again married to Elizabeth Evans. They 
reside in Rockingham Township. The subject of this memoir en- 
listed in Company E, 20tli Iowa Inftintry, in September, 1864. 
He participated in the Battle of Fort Blakeslee, Ala., and numerous 
other skirmishes. He was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., and dis- 
charged at Clinton. la., in July, 1865. After leavinj; the service 
he worked on the farm in Buffalo Township until 1870, teaming 
some eight months in Davenport in the meantime, then worked in 
a saw-mill one season, when he was appointed carrier of the city 
postoftice division, and held that position until March, 1879. He 
then returned to the old homestead, where he has since resided. 
His marriage with Maria J. Bester occurred in Davenport, Sept. 2, 
1868. She was born in England, of Edwin and Sarah J. (Harrison) 
Pester, who came to America in 1841, and are now residents of 
1320 Second Avenue, Davenport, la. Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Black- 
man have had seven children, three living — Jennie R., Harri- 
son S. and Levi R. Mr. Blackman farms 160 acres of land, which 
he has under good cultivation and thoroughly stocked. He is 
classed with the enterprising farmers of Scott County, with which 
lie has been identified all his life. 

John liohU owner of the Buffalo feed-store, was born in Woldz- 
garden. State of 3Iecklen1)urg,Schwcrin, April 27, 1828. He re- 
mained there attending school and engaged in training horses until 
his 21st year, then served in the German army three years. He 
was married in his native country to Maria Junker in August, 
1857. She was born in Roebel, Mecklenburg,Schwerin, of Frederic 
antl Eliza (Fanger) Junker, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bohl 
imigrated to the United States in November, 1867, making the 
trip in 12 days. They came to Scott County, and located in Buffalo 
Township soon after. He worked in a lumber-yard and saw-mill 
until October, 1879, when he established his present store, which 
is the only one of the kind in Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Bohl have 
had live children, two living — AunaS., born in Germany, July 21, 



982 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

1864. and Eattie M., born in Buffalo, Aug. 29, 1869. The parents 
of our subject were Ludwick and Maria (Scbnell) Bohl, natives of 
Germany. Tlie subject of this sketch is a member of Buffalo 
Lod^e, A. O. U. W., No. 72. In politics he is a Republican. 

Jacoi Boice, painter, was born on a farm in Duchess Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 27, 1807, son of Phillip H. and Catharine (Sism) Boiee, 
natives of New York. When Jacob was 12 3'ears old his ]iarents 
moved to Otsego Co., N. Y., where he remained until he was 15 
vears of age, when he became self-supporting. He worked on farms 
in various counties in New York, worked one year at the tanner's 
and currier's trade, and when 18 years old he went to Canajoharie, 
N. Y.. to learn the painter's trade. He was married there Feb. 11, 

1828, to Elizabeth, daughter of George and Catherine Carr. Their 
union has been blessed with 10 children, tliree living — Sarah C, 
now Mrs. B. F. Johnson; Elizabeth L., wife of IIarve\' Snow, and 
Margaret, who married William Smith. In the fall of 1846, Mr. 
Boice moved to Rock Island, 111., where he followed liis trade until 
1850, when he formed a partnership with Henry Houstin in a 
stove and tinware store. In 1854, he weni to Michigan and set- 
tled in Lawton, Van Baren Co., and followed the painter's trade 
there, until 1860 when he went to Chicago; remained there three 
years, then to Jackson Co., Wis., tiiree years, locating in Scott 
County in 1870. He conducted a farm in Buffalo Township for 
his son-in-law one year, then came to Buffalo, and bought a house 
and four lots, where he now resides. Mr. Boice was a member of 
the Sons of Temperance in Rock Island eight years, also of the 
Washington Lodge, No. 1, American Protestant Association at 
Chicago, III. He owns two lots and two houses on the corner of 
Third and Franklin streets, Buffalo. 

Jacob £rus is a native of Prussia, Germany, born Nov. 29, 

1829. He vjame with his parents to the United States when IS 
years of age, arriving in January, 1848. Jacob came to Scott 
County, in 1850, and worked in a saw-mill and as a farm laborer 
until 1856. He then purchased a thresliing-niachine, which he 
ran until 1861, and engaged in farming. He was married Jan. 7, 
1861, to Eliza J. Robinson; she was born on the farm where she 
now lives, and was a daughter of John H. and Mary E. (Oswald) 
Rabinson; he was born in Indiana and was killed Aug. 15, 1^50, 
by falling from a loaded wagon and having tiie wheels pass over 
h'im. Siie died May .31, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Jaob Brus have had 
11 children— John II., Anna M., Charley H., Rosa A., Willie, 
Edwin T., Ella E., Ida J., Flora M. (died Feb. 3, ls78), Theodore J. 
and Lena E. The parents of our subject were John II. and Mary 
A. (Schluter) Brus, natives of Germany, where she died. He was 
again married, to Beatrix Clausen, who died in 1863. John Brus 
dTed Julv 21, 1879. Mr. Jacob Brus owns a farm of 560 acres in 
Buffalo Township, and one of 320 acres in Blue Gra^s Township, 
making a fine farm of 880 acres, 800 under cultivation. Mr. Brus 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 983 

came to this cuiiiity a ]ioor man, hut went bravely to work and has 
accumulated a iiiie property, and the name of beinsj one of Scott 
County's most enterprisino; men. He has been trustee three years, 
school director for the past 15 years, and has held the office of 
supervisor. 

James E. Burnside was born on a farm near Sulphur Springs, 
Green Driar Co., Va. When he was three years old his parents 
moved to Logan Co., Ohio, and settled on a farm near Bellefon- 
taine; they moved on pack horses across the mountains. In 1838 
James E. went to La Grange Co., Ind., and located on English 
Prairie. lie was married here to Elizabeth Barr, April 9, 1835. 
She was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, and was a daughter of 
Amos and Fairby Earr, tiee Blocksom; he was a native of Ire- 
land and was brought by his parents to this country when 18 
months old; his wife was born in ilaryland . They had a family of 
nine children. After Mr Burnside was married he remained on 
his farm in Indiana and ran a saw and grist mill there until May 
18, 1836, wlicn he started on luirseback across the flint hills for 
Iowa. He traveled 10 days looking for a good ))hice to establish 
a home. He crossed the river on a ferry-buat made of hewn tim- 
bers and rowed b}' oars; the boat was owned by Capt. B. W. Clark. 
He returned to Indiana, disposed of liis property there, and 
brought his family to this State and located in Cedar County on a 
farm. April 1. 1S37, he settled on a claim in Buffalo Township, 
wliicb ho afterward entered and now resides upon. His farm con- 
tains 100 acres of rich land, conducted entirely by his sons. He 
has been a member of the ilethodist church since 1810, his wife 
since 1856. Alexander Burnside, father of James E., was born in 
Virginia, and died in February, 1874. His wife, Elizabeth (Gil- 
land) Burnside, was also a native of Virginia, and the mother of 
11 children. She died in 1800, aged 99 years, 10 months. In the 
spring of 1850 James E. Burnside went overland with horse 
teams to California. He took out $7,000, then returned home. The 
journey occupied 75 days each way. He returned by water route. 
The union of Mr. and Airs. Burnside has been blessed with nine 
children, five living — Alexander, born in La Grange Co., Indiana, 
April 29, 1836. In April, 1837, he came M-itli his parents to 
Scott County and located in Buffalo Township, on a farm, where 
lie remained until his marriage to Khoda A. Parker, Sept. 9, 
1858. She was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter of Stephen 
H. and Eliza A. Parker. Some time after his marriage Mr. 
Alexander Burnside moved to Ta^'lor Co., Iowa, where he 
eniraged in farming. Also conducted the Farmers' Hotel there 
until 1862, then returned to Scott County and settled on alarm 
in Buffalo Township. Two years later he purchased liis])re8ent 
farm of 213^ acies in section 7. He is one of the represen- 
tative farmers and stock raisers of Scott County, and is one of 
the early settlers, having been a resident of this county 44 
years. Mr. and Mrs. A. Burnside are members of the Method- 



984 HISTORY OF SCOTT COTTNTT. 

ist church, and have seven children, viz. : James E., who mar- 
ried Minerva Fonday: Eliza A., married Robert Van Renau; 
Stephen A. D., John, Amos, Alexander, Jr., and Benny. Amos 
Burnside was born on the old homestead in Buifalo Township, Feb. 
28, 1843. He lived here until his marriage to Carrie Friday, Dec. 
30, 1869. She was born in Rockingham Township, Scott County 
and was a daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Forgey) Friday. 
He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1S19, and came to Scott 
Count)' in 1836. She was born in Indiana. Tiiey had a family of 
eight children; he is now a resident of Rockingliam Township. 
After Mr. and Mrs. Amos Burnside were married they moved on 
the farm where they now reside, in section 6. He is an exten- 
sive farmer and stock-breeder. In politics he is a Democrat, and 
cast his lirst vote for Lincoln's opjionent, S. A. Douglas, in 1864. 
The subject of this memoir and wife have had three children, viz: 
Minerva E., Charley I. and Jennie C. Samuel Burnside was born 
near Lexington, Ind., Jan. 28, 1846, while his father and mother 
were there visiting. Soon after his birth they returned to their 
home in Buffalo Township, where he remained until his marriage 
tc Laura Cessna, Nov. 25, 1868. She is a native of Bedford Co., 
Pa., and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Cessna, ?ifif Koer, natives 
of Pennsylvania. Tiiey came to Scott County in 1859, and are 
now residents of Blue Grass Township. They were the parents of 
seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Burnside resided on the 
farm with her parents in Blue Grass Township until 1871 when 
they removed to their present home in section 6, this township. 
They are members of the Methodist church and have had four chil- 
dren, two living, viz.: James C. and Thomas C, born Sept. 14, 
1879. Mr. Burnside has 96 of his 117 acres of land under good 
cultivation and well stocked, and is one of the representative far- 
mers of Scott County. He was elected township supervisor two 
terms. He atliliates with the De"mocratic party. Elizabeth G. 
Burnside married Frederic Johnson and resides in Blue Grass 
Township, and Rhoda A. H., who married Clarence Barr, resides 
in Davenport Township. John married Nancy Friday. He died 
in November, 1880. His widow and two children live with their 
grandfather in Rockingham Township. Mr. and Mrs. James E. 
Burnside adopted Ella Powell, March 1, 1877. Her parents were 
Norval and Margaret (Crossinar) Powell. This closes the interest- 
ing sketch of James E. Burnside and family. 

W. L. Clark. — Capt. AVarner Lewis Clark, whose parents were 
Benjamin Warren Clark, of Virginia, and Mary Beard Clark, of 
Kentuckv, was born on the Wabash River near Mount Carinel, 
Wabash Co., 111., Nov. 14, 1822. At his birth, his mother died, and 
he was cared for by his Grandmother Beard. During the year 1824 
his father married Miss Celia Gabbert, of Kentucky. W. L. was 
then taken home. His father soon afterward removed to Fort 
Edwards, Hancock Co., 111., there being no settlement outside the 
fort. 



' u 





Cp^ uZ-c^^t^^c^^/j^ 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 987 

During the summer of 1827 W. L. Clark's fatlier removed to 
Hock Island, and settled on the banks of the slough, near where 
the wagon bridge strikes the shore in tlie now city of Rock Island. 
At that time Black Hawk, Keokuk and their tribes, namely the 
Sacs and Foxes, were living tliere, the main town being on the north 
side of Rock River, half a mile below Milan bridge. Tlie sideof the 
bluff south of the residence of Hon. P. L. Cable, to Rock River or 
Black Hawk's Tower, was one of the continuous cornfield, fenced 
in with brush the entire distance to keep ponies from the growing 
crops. He thinks you will find some of the old corn-hills still 
standing, with large trees growing out of them. 

The Indians were friendh' in the main; but, like all nations, 
had some restless bold spirits, and as boys W. L. Clark and his 
brother John P. had many pleasant hours with the young Indians, 
playing ball, running fjot-races, and shooting bows and arrows. 
W. L. was familiar with the language of these tribes, speaking 
their dialects as well as the natives. 

Their nearest neighbors were an Indian family, who lived about 
five rods east of their house in their wick-a-up, living harmoniously 
until one day the Indian head of the household came from the 
island with just enough '' fire-water " to make him vicious. He 
came to the house of Mr. Clark's father and threatened to strike 
liim with a war club. Mr. Clark's father took a good-sized switch, 
and gave him a thorough whipping, and Mr. W. L. Clark relates 
that an Indian will bare his breast and dare one to shoot, when he 
will seeminglv run for dear life when threatened with a switch, as 
it is considered a great indignity to be switched. 

Tiie Indian was forgotten, until upon one occasion Mr. Clark, Sr., 
was returning from Fort Edwards, now Warsaw, traveling ut)0u the 
ice. which was covered with snow, when about where Fort Madison 
now stands he noticed this Indian running upon the shore near 
by to get behind a tree; suspecting from the Indian's actions that 
all was not right, he covered the skulking warrior with his gun, 
commanding him to "come to him," which the Indian imme- 
diately obeyed. He then marched the Indian further out upon the 
ice, wlien he compelled him to lay down his gun, tomahawk and 
scalping knite in the snow. He then walked the Indian ahead of 
him for several hours, when he released him, knowing that it wOuld 
be impossible for the Indian to return for his weapons and over 
take him before he reached home. Black Hawk was then informed 
of the affair and interfered to prevent further difficulty. In the 
spring of 1838, having put in a crop, the family had difficulty in 
preventing the Indians from stealing and destroying it. The prin- 
cipal or summer home of the Indians was on Rock River as well as 
where Rock Island is now situated. When they prepared for the win- 
ter hunt, they put stones in their canoes to sink them in the river, 
until their return in the spring. They also dug holes in the ground 
and put in the sacks of dried corn and beans, covering the sacks 
with leaves and brush, then filling carefully with dirt, and over this 
57 



988 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

covering again with leaves and brnsli, to hide from view. Soon 
after tliey left, their enemies the Winneba^oes, who were a thieving, 
troublesome race, would come, and with iron spears would prod 
about searching for the hidden corn. Upon finding it they would 
carry it away. This petty thieving kept up a continuous feud be- 
tween the tribes. In one instance three Winnebagoes stole some 
ponies from the Sacs; they were caught by the Sacs who took them 
to their village. To punish the thieves, the Sacs formed a ring, 
about the size of a circus ring, in which the three AVinnebagoes 
were placed. They were made to ride and walk about the inclosure 
while the squaws and young Indians amused themselves throwing 
sharp missiles at tliem. After they had thoroughly frightened 
the captives the ring was opened and they were allowed to escape. 

The subject of this sketcli remained at Rock Island until De- 
cember, 1883, when he removed with his father's family to Black 
Hawk's purchase, wliere they made the first settlement in what is 
now Buffalo, Scott Co., Iowa. Being 11 years of age at that the 
time, he assisted a hired man to haul logs to erect the first cabin 
county. He liad attended school six months up to this time, 
three months at Wliite Oak Springs, Wis., and tliree more at 
Oquawka. In the spring of 1836 the town of Buffalo was laid 
out, and young W. L. took the contract for putting up the first 
storehouse, for Jacob Pelien, and took S. C. Hastings, who was 
afterward judge of the Supreme Court of Iowa, and member of 
Congress, also chief justice ofCalifornia, as a partner, they doing the 
scoring and hiring S. Gillet to do the hewing. The party cleared 
about $80. W. L. Clark had also the management of the noted 
" Clark's ferry," and is now residing upon the tract of land that he 
" claimed " at that time. lie attended a school taught by Erastus 
Basset, which was the first school in Buffalo township. In 1838, 
when 16 years of age, iiis father sent him to Wabash Co., 111., 
to sell two farms he owned there, and to return through tlie State 
and buv 50 cows. W. L. employed Daniel Steiinate (father of 
Hon. Wayne Stennate, of this State) to accompany him and assist 
in driving. Strange to relate, Mr. Clailc came througli the entire 
State of Illinois with $3,000, going from grove to grove telling his 
business, with greater safety trom robbery than one could go now 
from Buffalo to Davenport with 75 cents in money. 

During the winter of 1838, Mr. Clark received his last school- 
ini'. Upon Oct. 25, 1839, occurred the death of his father, the 
saddest event of his life, and one month later the death of his 
mother, leaving eight cliildren, most of whom were young and 
helpless. Never before in their j-oung lives being accustomed to 
lack f'T anything, lie and his brother found themsehes without a 
chan'jfe of clothing, all having been stolen while they were absentat 
till' funeral of their mother. Ho stntes that even now, after the lapse of 
49 yrars, he cannot refrain from shedding tears at the recall of those 
dark, dreary days. ]SIo human being who has never experienced 
such an event can feel as he felt. And to further discourage the 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 989 

young lad, a friend (?) of the fainil}' predicted that " Lewis would 
come to some bad end, because he had never been accustomed to 
labor." As cruel as tlie prophecy seemed, he is now very thankful 
for it; for he determined to con\itico that friend " that he would 
be a man," and states that witiiin 15 years, she could have purchased 
the friend's farm and several others and had money to spare, besides 
having the contldence of those who knew him. lie began by cat- 
ting wood for 50 cents per cord, broke prairie for $2.00 per acre, 
raised and sold winter wheat for 20 to '22 cents per bushel. W. L. 
Clark married Harriet Baker, daughter of Maurice Baker, of Mary- 
land, and ^largaret Waters Baker, of Kentucky, Dec. 9, 1841. They 
immediately started to housekeeping with a family of six ot his 
brothers and sisters, he being but 19 and his wife 18 years of age. 
They now have a family of eight children — Benjamin Warren, who 
was born December, 1812, married Miss Lizzie Evans, of St. Louis, 
where he is engaged in the wholesale grocery trade; Emma 
M., who married Gen. Jesse M. Harrison, of Dubuque, Iowa; 
Clara M., wiio married Chas. F. Elmes, of Chicago ; Florence L., 
who married Mr. W. L. Orrick, of Dubuque ; Lincoln L., who is 
unmarried; Kate M. and AnnaM. still reside with their parents 
at Buffalo. Chas. C. is with his eldest brother engaged in business 
in St. Louis, Mo. In the fall of 1846, W. L. Clark toi)k several men 
and an outfit and went to the pineries on Black River, Wis. In 
1847 he removed to Davenport. In 1848 he and W. H. Baker 
erected a double saw-mill on Black River, above the fall; soon 
after stocked a lumber yard in Davenport, the firm being Clark & 
Hamilton. In 185U, Ca))t. Clark sold out the yard and purchased 
a one-quarter interest in the steamer " Uncle Toby" and two barges, 
taking possession and running the boat until 1853. Capt. W. L. 
Clark and the late Capt. Leroj' Dodge, in the year 1854, ])urcha8ed 
a half interest in a line of packets running between Keokuk, 
Davenport and Rock Island, Capt. Clark taking command of one 
steamer and Capt. Dodge of the other. They made money very 
rapidly, and in 1856 the two gentlemen bought the entire line 
paying the Keokuk company $40,000 for their interest, adding the 
" Ben Campliell," a very line boat at that day, which was afterward 
burned at Buflalo. Capt. Clark received the United States mail 
contract for carrying mails over liis line through the kindness of 
his staunch friends, GenU. Dodge and Jones, Senators from Iowa, 
wdiich was a valuable acquisition. During the summer of 1865, 
Capts. Clark and Dodge laid out an addition to the city of Buffalo, 
which still bears their name. In 1857 Capt. Clark removed from 
Davenport to Buftalo. opening his coal mines to sujiply the packet 
line with coal. At that time he had become quite wealthy but in 
1859 the financial crisis came upon tiie land like a northern bliz- 
zard, sweeping every one before it, Capt. Ciark not being an 
exception. The most secure banks crumbled to invisible fragments, 
leaving nothing but wild-cat swindles, from which sprang many 
tine buildings for the unfortunate creditors to gaze upon while 



990 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

grieving over their misplaced confidence. During those dark 
hours that tried men's souls, many noble-hearted, honest men fell 
to rise no more financially. A lew withstood the blast; though 
they lost money, they came forth with honor brightened by tlie 
rougii usage they had received. Capt. (JIark had sufficient left to 
supply a comfortable home in his old age, and grant a few lux- 
uries. In principle Capt. Clark has been a life-long Democi-at, but 
without desire for political honors, he has always sacrificed his own 
advancement for the preferment of others. Never was a man who 
was more keenly sensitive to the ingratitude of those whom he had 
befriended. He is generous to the poor and has a kindly sympathy 
for the unfortunate. Temperate in his habits in every respect. 
Though not a member of any church, is a staunch defender and 
supporter of religion. He expresses keen regret at having been 
unable to do more to advance the cause of justice, truth and tem- 
perance. He has great decision of cliaracter when sure of his 
position, nothing can cliai\ge liis opinion, neither men nor corpo- 
rations. He still resides on the homestead farm where he hopes to 
remain until taken to his final resting place. 

John L. Coates\NiiS born in Buffalo Township May 11, 18*12. He 
lived on the farm there until his marriage to Helen Mc Garvey, 
Sept. 15, 1869. She was born in Holmes Co., O. Her father, 
William Mc Garvey, was born in Pennsylvania ; his wife, Mary 
A. Graham, was of Irish nativity. He died in July, 1873. She 
is a resident of Rock Island. They had a family of 11 children. 
In the fall of 1877 Mr. John Coates bought his present farm of 57^ 
acres, in section 28. Himself and wife are members of the 
Methodist church, and have had three children — Mary L., who 
died July 15, 1873; Pearl W. B., and Lulu F. The parents 
of our subject were Elisha and Mary (Sexton) Coates, natives of 
North Carolina. They were members of the Methodist church 
and had eight children. The}' were among the early pioneers 
of Scott County, having come here in 1839. Mr John L. Coates 
has his farm all under cultivation except li acres of timber land. 
He is a Kepublican in politics, and cast his first vote for A. Lin- 
coln. 

JoJm P. Cooper, fai'mer, Muscatine County, but formerly of 
Buffalo Township, was born near Mt. Pleasant, Murray Co., Tenn., 
March 25, 1812. His parents were John I., and Nellie Cooper, 
Wi?eMc Adams, nativesof Teimessee. They had 10 children, two liv- 
ing — John P. and Samuel. The subject of this memoirworked on his 
father's farm and in a saw-mill until he was 20 years old, when he 
became self supporting. He left his home with a sood mare, a 
shot-gun and $15, as the foundation for a fortune. He went to La 
Salle, 111., thence to Scott County, in July, 1832. He was employed 
in building a mill-dam for one month, was then taken with the ague, 
to which he was a victim one whole summer, being unconscious 
with the fever every other day. He split rails for seven montlis, 
walking one mile to his work, and would cut and split 150 rails 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 991 

per day. In partnership witli a young man named Allen Olm- 
stead lie put in a crop near La Salle, and later one in Buffalo Town- 
siiip. on a claim which tliey iiad entered in 1833. Mr. Ohn-itead 
ami Mr Cooper made an a;freonient that the one who married first 
should have the crop and cabin on the claim in Uulialo Township, 
this being Mr. Olmstead's proposition. Mr. Cooper was not aware 
of the fact that his friend was engaged to a Miss Eailey in La 
Salle, but such was the case. Accordingly Mr. O. returned to 
tinit place to marry her, but tin<ling her sister much handsomer he 
proposed to her, and was refused. Tliinking his former betrothed 
was only waiting to be asked, he jiroposed marriage to her, but 
she declined tiie honor. Suttieient to add, he left her, a sadder but 
a wiser man, and is now living unmarried in Illinois. Mr. Cooper 
was married in Illinois to Winnie Jane Pace. Tiiey were com])elled 
to come to Illinois to be married as there was no law authorizing 
marriage in Iowa at that time; accordingly a party of wedding 
guests went over to Andalusia witli tliem and they were married 
by a young justice of the peace, Daniel Edgington. He was 
very basiifnl, and after getting Mrs. Cooper married, broke down 
completely, and Uncle .loUti jokingly says that his wife was mar- 
ried but he was not. Mrs. Cooper was a daughter of Michael and* 
Nancy Pace, nee Richards, natives of \^irginia. After their mar- 
riage, ^[r. and Mrs. Cooper remained on their claim in Buffalo 
Townsiii]) until 1S70 when tliey moved into Muscatine County, 
Mont])elier Township. She died here Dec. 4. 1877, having been 
the mother of 12 children, 10 living — Robert M., married Magda- 
leiia Friday; Mary E., wife of A. J. Hyatt; John P., married 
Powenne Actions; Eliza, wife of William Benshofi'; Catherine I., 
wife of Charles T. Wineman, Harriet C, married La Fayette Swi- 
net; William, married Mary Evers; Emma, mairicd John Malli- 
coat; Josejthine. mnrried (jeorge W. Allbee; Wenona, wife of 
John P. Logan, and Yfolena I., married B. F. Craig and died in 
September, 1870. Mr. John Cooper owns a fine farm of SO acres, and 
is one of the pioneers of 1S30, and is one of the representative men 
of the county. 

John Daurer is a native of Wedenburg, Nawstellam, Germany, 
boi-u Mav 10, 1821. His parents di3d here when he was but a 
boy. lie was thrown on his own resources when ouite young, 
and worked on a farm and in hotels until 25 years of age, when he 
came alone to the United States, and located in Davenport. He 
was married here to Johanna Swenstz, Dec. 12,1857. She was 
born in Oidenberg. Holstein, Germany, and wasa daughter of God- 
lieb and Henrietta (Steiger) Swenstz. After his marriage Mr. 
Daurer rented land nine years, then bought a farm of 210 acres in 
section 8, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Daurer liave one 
child, Louie. They adopted Charles Swenstz in 1S60 and Bertha 
Scliraeder in 1875. Mr. Daurer has 140 acres of his farm under 
cultivation and well stocked. In politics he is a Republican. 

Henry H. De Santo, druggist, is a native of Dorpat, Russia, bora 



992 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

Oct. 3, ISiO. His parents were Gustav and Matilda (Franks) De 
Santo, natives of Russia. He was professor of the University at 
Dorpat, and died in St. Petersburg in Jnly, 1856; his wife died in 
Carlsburg, Germany, in 1864. Henry De Santo studied medicine 
and cliemistry in the University at Dorpat, until 23 years of age, 
then came to the United States; landed Oct. 8, 1862. He enlisted 
at Cincinnati in Company I, Second Ohio Cavalry. He was 
wounded in the right leg by a piece of shell at the battle of 
Winchester, Va., and was sent to the Baltimore hospital, where he 
remained in the dispensarj' department until the close of the war, 
when he received an honorable discliarge. He was married in Bal- 
timore to Louisa Bass, a native of that place, Oct. 1.5, 1865. Her 
father, Fred Bass, was born in Germany and died in March, 1869; 
his wife Mary (Bunz) Bass, died in September, 1871-. After Mr. 
De Santo was married he clerked in the city drug store at Rock 
Island until 1867, when he went to Andalusia, 111., and opened a 
drug store. In 1879 he established his present store at Buffalo. 
He carries a stock of $1,000 and has athriving trade. Mr. and Mrs. 
De Santo have had five children, one living — Emilie. The subject 
of this memoir is a Mason and a member of Barrett Chapter, No. 
• 18, in Rock Island, and of Andalusia Blue Lodge, No. 516. His 
grandfather was one of the prisoners taken at Napoleon's defeat in 
Russia, in 1812. 

Erie Dodge, son of Daniel and Mary (Stephenson) Dodge, was 
born on a farm in Russia, Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 10, 1805, 
where he attended school and worked on the farm until March 27, 
1829, when he was married to Evaline Buskirk, who was born 
Oct. 3, 1812, in Oneida Co., N. Y., and was a daughter of Law- 
rence and Elizabeth Buskirk, natives of New York, where they 
died. After their raarriacfe Mr. and Mrs. Dodge lived on the old 
homestead in Russia, N. Y., until October, 1834, when they 
removed to Joliet, 111., where he was engagedin blasting and haul- 
ing rock for the locks on the canal. In 1S36 he was elected con- 
stable and deputy' sheriff, which office he held for four years. After 
the expiration of that time he worked at farming. His wife died 
here March 27, 1889, having been the mother of five children, one 
deceased. He was again married, to Mary J. Harrington, July 23, 
1843. She was born at Hogensburg, N. Y., on the St. Lawrence 
River, Sept. 16, 1S23. Her parents were Benjamin O. and Harriet 
E. (Langdon) Harrington, natives of Vermont, and the parents of 
seven children. One year after his marriage Mr. Dodge moved 
from Joliet to Iowa, and settled in Buffalo ToWnship, March 27, 
1845. He bought a farm of 352 acres March 28, 1853, and has 
since sold all except 20 acres in section 15, on which he resides. 
He and wife have had four children, viz.: William L., who mar- 
ried Sarah Fraser, and resides on a farm in Blue Grass Township. 
He is a school-teacher, and is at present teaching near Eldridge, this 
county. Daniel C. married Hattie Harrington; they reside in Buf- 
falo Township; he is an engineer. Rosie D. married Edward Gif- 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 993 

forii, and resides on the farm in JBuftalo Township; and Clara E., 
wiio married Samuel James; he owns the James coal banks in 
Buiialo Township. Mr. Erie Dodge has liis farm under good 
cultivation, and is chiefly engaged in raising fruits. He has held 
various otlices of trust in his township. In polities he is a Demo- 
crat, and cast his first vote for " Old Hickory" Jackson. 

Benjamin F . Da JBoia was born near Poughkeepsic, Duchess 
Co., N. Y., Feb. 24,1812. He was a son of Matthew and Sarah 
(Flagler) Du Bois, natives of New York State. Benjamin l'\ at- 
tended school at Belleville and Poughkeepsie, graduating in the 
latter place in 1831. He then commenced the study of medicine, 
but fimdly abandoned that and engaged in teaching. lie tangiit 
10 years in the city schools. He was married in Belleville to 
Clementine Walker, March 24, 1842. She was ^ daughter of Joseph 
and Margaret (Leslie) Walker, of Scotch nativity. lie died in 
Scotland in 1822; she died in 18.52, in Buffalo Township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Du Bois came to Scott County in 1843; he bought a farm of 
120 acres in sections 17 and 18, where he now resides. He taught 
school for five years after coming here, since then has devoted his 
whole time and attention to farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Du Bois 
were born two children, viz.: William L., who married Ellen Iler- 
ron and resides at Dalton, Ga., and D.irwin C, married Mary 
Brovvnawell and lives in Ottumwa, Iowa. Mrs. Du Bois died in 
1845 and Mr. Du Bois married Mary Walker, a sister of liis first 
wife. She tauglit the first school in District No. .5 in 1843 or '44. 
They are the parents of the following luxined children: Clementina 
now the wife of Albert Berryman; Margaret E. ; Joseph E., who 
married Elizalieth Rowan; and Edith L., now the wife of Clias. F. 
Sparrow. Mr. Du Bois was elected township inspector of schools 
in 1847 and held that position until the election of a county su- 
perintendent. He laid out the school district of the township, 
which at that time consisted of four districts. He held the office of 
townshii) clerk over 20 years. He has been president, secretary 
and treasurer of the School Board. 

Dav/x C Dutcher, postmaster, fiirmer, and owner of the White 
Sulphur Springs, was born near Otsego Lake, near Cooperstown, 
Nov. 10, 1820. He lived here, working on his father's fiirm and 
attending school until 23 years of age, when he married Miss 
Fanny E. Wagner, February, 1844; she was born in Montgomery 
Co., N. Y., and was a daughter of Abraham Wagner, and 
Maria Keller; they were among the first settlers on the Mohawk 
River in New York State; he was a farmer, and is still living at 
Linwood, in his 85th year, a hale, hearty old gentleman. Slie 
died 'in February, 1851. After Mr. and Mrs. Dutcher were married, 
he opened a store of general merchandise, and was appointed post- 
master at East Springfield, N. Y., where he remained some seven 
years, until the fall of ls54, when ho went to Illinois and settled 
on a farm on Rock River, five miles south ot Rock Island, where 
he remained until April, 1858. when became to Scott Co., Iowa, 



994 HisTORr OF sooit county. 

and, on the Hazelwood farm in Blae Grass Township; remained 
here four years, when he bought the farm where he now lives, at 
Linwood, section '24, Buffalo Townsliip. He and wife have had 
two children, viz.: John G., who marrieJ JosieMosdorf, and Jerome 
E., who married Mary Mitscli; tliey reside on the okl iiomestead in 
section 24, with their parents. The parents ot Mr. Davis C. Dutcher 
were Gabriell Dutcher and Margaret McKellop. Tliey were mem- 
bers of the German Reform Presbyterian church, and had a family 
of three children, all living. He was a farmer, born in New York 
and died in 1850. She was born in Cherry Valley, JN". Y., near 
where the great Indian massacre of 1812 was. She died in jMay, 1S74. 
Her father, Archie McKellop, was chased by the Indians at the 
massacre of 1812, and he hid in a hollow log and thus saved liis 
life. The Indians sat down on the log. and even struck their 
tomahawks in it, and were wondering where he had gone. The 
suViject of this sketch, Mr. Davis C. Dutcher, has his farm of 117|- 
acres, most all under cultivation, and well stocked. He is one of 
the well-to-do representative farmers of Scott Count3^ On his farm 
at Linwood, situated seven miles below Davenport, on the Mis- 
sissippi River, is the White Sulphur Springs, noted for its health- 
ful qualities. The following is an analysis by Professor Rush 
Emery, of Albany, N. Y. Grains in one U. S. S. Gallon, 231 
cubic inches. 

Sodium Cyoride 93.7995 I Iron Bicarbonate 37.3796 

Calcium Chloride 3.3.5099 | Potassium Sulphate (i.1300 

Magnesia Chloride 23.3687 j Sodium Phosphate 5000 

Carbonic Acid 31.5700 i Silica 30.5001 

Sodinm Bicarbonate 40.5715 1 Sulphate Magnesia 16.3350 

Total solids upon evaporation 296.4893 

Density of water is 10,000; temperature, 56 ^ Fahrenheit. The 
Spring is quite a resort during the summer seasons. Hundreds 
come here to drink its healthful waters, which are free to all. Mr. 
Davis C. Dutcher was formerly a member of Springfield, N. Y., 
I. O. 0. F., Fountain Lodge, No. 777. He has held various local 
offices of trust in Buffalo Township, and has been postmaster at 
Linwood since that office was established, some 12 years ago. In 
politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Taylor, being 
only four days too young to vote tor Harrison, and he has been 
identified with Scott County, Iowa, since 1858. 

Jacob Friday was born in Wittenberg, Germany, near the village 
ot Grossbach, Feb. 12, 1830. He was a son of Charles J. and 
Dorathy (Fisher) Friday, natives of Germany, who came to the 
United States in 1832. In 1836 the}- came overland to Davenport, 
Iowa, arriving May 15, 1836. They were the first German family 
to settle in Scott County, and located on the farna now owned by 
their grandson, J. J. Friday, in section 1, Buffalo Township, where 
they remained until their death. He died June 10, 1860; she died 
June 29, 1851. Their daughter, Caroline, now Mrs. George Wright, 



BUFFALO TOWNSAir. 995 

was born in a wagon, three days after their arrival. She was the 
tirst white child l)i)rn in the county. Jacob Friday remained on 
the farm with hi.s father until he was 11> years old, when, in 
company with tive others, he started c/verland to ('alifornia with 
cattle. They were I-IO days making the joi:rney. They arrived 
at Bear liiver, in the Sierra Xevada Mountains, Aug. 22, 18^9. 
They mined at this place about two weeks and cleared $200 apiece; 
then went to Jackson's Creek, where they put U|) shanties, and 
engaged in minincr there from Nov. 1, lSi9, until Dec. 1."). 1850, 
and made about 82.SO0 apiece. They then returned to Scott 
County, arriving home April 15, 1S51. Mr. Friday then purchased 
160 acres of land in sections I and 2, Buflalo Township, for which he 
paid §1,100 in gold. He was married to Sarah Brumbaugh. Sept. 11, 
1851. She was born in Portage Co., O., and was a daughter of 
Samuel and Magdalcna Brumbaugii. Pie was born in Pennsyl- 
vania and died -Fan. 2. ISSO. She is still living in Butfalo Town- 
ship. ]V[r. and Mrs. Friday have had three children — John J., 
married Ella Jones; Samuel, married Sallie O. Page; and Mary, 
wife of Alexander M. Stutsman. Mr. Friday owns a finely cul- 
tivated farm of 2-iO acres, and is extensively engaged in farming 
and stock-raising. He has held various local offices of trust in his 
township, and has been township ti'easurer since 1S68. lie is 
now enjoying the results of a well-spent life, respected and 
esteemed in the community in wliicii he lives. 

John Gold, Sr., farmer, section 14, Buffalo Township, was born in 
Neustadt, on the lilain River, Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 15, 1822, 
where he worked in his father's water-mill and attended school 
until ne:irly 18 years of age. when he came with his parents to 
the United States. They landed in B.dtimore, Md., after being at 
sea 73 days; came direct to Scott Co., Iowa, arriving here in 
September, 1'>''40. The family settled on a farm in section i-i, Buffalo 
Tiiwnship. The parents were Michael G-old and Anna Grruce. 
They were natives of Germany; were members of the Catholic 
church, and had a family of six children, tive living, lie was a 
miller in Gerniany, but followed farming in America. Ho died 
on his farm in Buffalo T >wn-5hip, in .Soptomber, 1802, and she died 
in January, 1879. Theirson, John Gold, Sr., the subject of this 
sketch, lived >vith his father on the farm until his marriage to 
!Miss Henrietta Friericks, May 13, 1851. She was born in Prussia, 
Germany, and was a daughter of John Friericks and Elizabeth 
Messing, who were natives of Germany. Soon after Mr. and Mrs. 
John Gold were married he bought 40 acres of land in sections 1 4 and 
15, Buffalo Township, where he resides, and to which ho ha-; added 
40 acres more, miking a tine farm of SO acres. He and his wife 
liave had seven children, six living, viz : John Gold, who resides 
on the farm witii his father, was born on this farm June 30, 1853. 
He has a good common-school education, and at present is engaged 
in farming and stock raising. In politics he is a Greenback-Dem- 
ocrat, and cast his tirst vote for U. S. Grant, for President. Miss 



996 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Anna T. resides with lier parents; Johanna A. E., married John 
Cavviezeli. They reside on a farm in Davenport Township. He 
was born in Davenport, la., Marcli 3, 1852. He was a son ot 
Christian and Mary (Willie) Cawiezell, natives of Germany. John 
and wife are member s of the Catholic church, and have three 
children— Frank J. M., Michael H. T. and Mary C. Gold; reside 
with their father on the old homestead. He has his farm of 80 
acres all under jjfood cultivation, and is one of the well-to-do repre- 
sentative farmers of Scott Connty, and has been identified with it 
since 1840. Has held various local otiices of trust in his township. 
In politic^ is rather iiiJeosadent, and votes for the best man. He 
cast his first vote for Zich. Taylor for President of the United 
States. 

Tkomas J. Halhert, of the firm <>f Halbert & Crawford, pro- 
prietors of the Buffalo quarry, was born in Le Roy, N. Y., Feb. 
10, 1831. He lived there and attended school until he was 13 years 
old, when he went with his parents to Clinton Co., Mich., and 
settled on a farm there. He was married, March 30, 1852, to 
Elmina M. Badgerow; she was born in Markham, Upper Canada. 
Her parents were William H. and Mary Badgerow, nee Wittacker, 
the former a native of N. Y., and of French descent, and the latter 
of Maryland. Thomas J. Halbert is a son of Walter and Clarissa A. 
Halbert, nee Havens, natives of New York. Mr. T. J. Halbert 
engaged in various occupations from the time of his marriage until 
he came to Buffalo, where he now resides. He enlisted in June, 
1862, in Company H, 70th Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and 
served until November of that year, when he was discharged on 
account of expiration of service. Mr. and Mrs. Halbert have had 
seven children, four living, viz.: Franklin B., William .1., Fidelia 
M. and Ilettie B. Mrs. H. has been a member of the M. E. 
church for 25 year,-. Mr. Halbert is a member of the U. O. A. T., 
Lodge No. 15, at Buffalo; he owns a fine residence and two lots 
on Fourth St. Fle has been elected constable four terms. 

Emmamiel Ilai'sch, farmer, section 16, Buffalo Township, was 
born in the city of Mondelshaien,Wittenburg, Germany, Nov.Y,1823. 
He renmined here on his father's farm, attending school until 22 
years of age, when he struck out for himself, and came to the 
United States, was 46 days at sea, and when he landed in New York 
City he had only .S2 in his pocket. He went to Ohio and worked 
on a farm near Cincinnati five years, when he came to Scott Co., 
Iowa, and worked in a nursery near Davenport; was married here 
to Miss Margaret Karnian, Nov. 23, 1852; she was born in Biron, 
near the river Hhine, Germany, and was a daughter of Michael 
Karmau and Anna(Hartz) Karman. Tliey were natives of Germany, 
members of the Catholic church, and had a family of 11 children, 
four living. He was a carpenter and also followed fiirming. He 
died in 1826, and she died in 1830. After Mr. and Mrs. Harsch 
were married, he worked in the nurserj- two years, then moved 
on the farm where he now resides, in section 16, Buffalo Township. 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 997 

lie and wife are meiubeis of the M. E. churcli, and have had a 
family <>t four chiith'on; two are livin<j. viz.: Itosanna, wiio mar- 
ried I'ritz Kontz; tiioy reside on a faim in Blue Grass Townsliip; 
and Malinila. who married Fritz Bernick; they reside in BiiHalo 
township. Henry Ilarsch died Jan. 17, 1872. The parents of 
Mr. p]nimannel ilarsch were Ernst F. Harsch and Elizabeth 
Kriegler, natives of Germany; lie was a farmer and died in 1830; 
she died in ^Vnierica in 1^7fi. She and husband were members of 
the German Lutheran Church, and had a family of eight children, 
three living. The subject of this sketch, Emuuxnuel Harscii, has 
lus farm of 200 acres in section IC, Buffalo Township, where he re- 
sides most all under good cultivation, he also owns 216 acres in 
Blue Grass Township, all of which is under good cultivation. His 
farms are well stocked, and he is one of the well-to-do representa- 
tive f;irinors of Scott County, in politics he is a liepublican and 
cast his lirst vote for Buchanan for President of the United 
States, and he has been identified witli Scott County since 1S52. 

Sehasttaii Heckle is a son of Theo. Heckle, a retired capitalist, 
resiiliug in Quincy, 111. .(and Anna Heckle. 7!fe Meyers, who died in 
September, 1863, having been the mother oi 14 children. They 
were of German birth. Sebastian Heckle is a native of Baden, 
Germany, born Jan. 2<i. ]S3»>. When he was 10 years of ago he 
went to (Jberbergen to take lessons in music. He learned to play 
the cornet, violin and other instruments, especially excelling in 
violin playing. He came with his parents to the United States 
when 18 years old, arriving in Iowa in April, 1855. His father 
bought a farm of 255 acres in Buffalo Township. In 1858 Se- 
bastian opened a saloon in Buftnlo, which business he followed un- 
til 18SI, when he rented the saloon. He was married Jfarch 19, 
1863, to Mary Beales. born in North Carolina and a daughter of 
John and Abigal (Farber) Iieales, natives also of that State. Mr. 
and Mrs. Heckle have had five children, two living, viz. : Kathe- 
rine and Cordelia. In 1860 Mr. Heckle began to run on the river 
as a musician. He followed that live seasons. He is now the owner 
871(1 projirictor of the Heckle Hotel in Buffalo. He was township 
clerk of Buffalo 14 years successively. 

Hiiffo ILtlf'haiter, owner and proprietor of the Buffalo City 
Brewery, is a native of Prussia, Germany, born March 3, 1836. 
He came with his parents Fritz and Matilda (Schmidewidt) Hoff- 
baner to the United States in about 1847 ; father died in 
February, 1879 ; his mother Dec. 17, 1865. Hugo Iloff'baner 
enlisted in Co. A, 14th Iowa Inf. Vols., as a private. He was 
appointetl 2d Lieutenant, and ]>romoted to 1st Lieutenant, in which 
position he was mustereil out. He re enlisted in 1S64, and was 
promoted to major ; he served from the beginning until the close 
of the war. Upon retiring from the service he came to Buffalo, 
and went into the brewery business with his father and brother. 
Since 1872 he has been sole owner. The brewery has a capacity 
of 5.000 barrels of beer; he manufactures his own malt. This 



998 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

building was erected in 1864, and was destroyed by fire Xov. 10, 
187S, but was immediately rebuilt. Mr. Hoftbaner was married 
July 9, 1859, to Virginia Meyers, a native of Wheeling, Va., and 
a daughter of Jaboband Lucinda (Livergood) Meyers. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hotfbaner have had a family of nine children, six living, viz. : 
Edward, who is in partnership witli his father in the soda-water 
factory; this factory has a capacity of 100 boxes or 2,400 bottles 
per day ; Hago, Jr., William, Louisa. Maximillian and Louis. Mr. 
Hofl'baner and son Edward are members of the Tui-ner Association; 
the former was president of this association nine years. He is 
also a member ot A. O. U. W., I^odge iSTo. 72, at Buffalo. He 
was mayor of Buffalo two years, and has been justice of the peace 
for the past seven years. In 186.5 he ran for sheriff of the 
county. 

John K. James was born on a farm near Middlebury, Vt., 
April 14, 1817, son of Samuel James, of Yermont. and Prudence 
(Kellogg) James, a native of Massachusetts. When John K. was 
19 years old he left the farm and went to Alton, HI., where he 
remained some 18 months, tlien came to Scott Co., Iowa ; arrived 
here in May, 1838, and entered a farm of 320 acres in section 3, 
Buffalo Township. He was married here to Harriet E. liicker, 
Nov. 30, 1843. She was born at Salem, 111., and was a daughter 
of Rufus and Lydia (Chipman) Ricker, natives of Maine. After 
Mr. and Mrs. James were married they lived on the old home- 
stead for 12 year;; thence to Rockingham Townshi]) four years; 
then returned to the old farm in Buffalo Township, where they 
.remained until 1867, when they removed to Grinnell, Iowa, where 
he bought property and now resides. He owns 320 acres of laud 
and is a prominent citizen of that place. Mr. and Mrs. J. K. 
James have had eight children — Edwin, JobuF., Samuel, Hattie 
F. (who is ensaged in teaching school at Cross Roads, Buffalo 
Township), Henry (editor of the Daily News at Denver Col.), 
and Julia. Two are deceased : Lydia P.. who died in infancy, 
Rufus Ricker, who died at the age of 21; he was attending college 
at Cornell, Iowa; and was to graduate the same year, a very 
promising young man, and was fitting himself for a ])rofes5or of 
the languages. In politics, Mr. James is a Republican. He was 
one of the pioneers of Scott County, having settled here in 1838, 
and moved to Grinnell in order that his children might have 
better educational advantages. 

JoJui J*". James was born in Buffalo Township, Dec. 30, 1850. 
His parents were John K. and Harriett (Ricker) James, who set- 
tled in Scott County, in May, 1838. John F. lived on his father's 
fai-m until his marriage to Josie Walker, Dec. 24, 1875. She was 
born in Pontoosuc, 111., and was a daughter of T. J. and Margaret 
(Burns) Walker. The former was a native of Virginia, and died 
Aug. 14, 1856; the latter was born in Pennsylvania, and is now a 
resident of Independence, Kansas. She has liad 13 children, nine 
living. Mr. and Mrs. John F. James have had two children, Ivan 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 999 

K. and Henry Le Rov. Mrs. Jiinies is a member of the Christian 
churcli at Davenport. They reside on the old homestead in Buffalo 
Township. 

Sanuiel James was born in Scott County, Buffalo Township, 
Miirch 17, 1853. He remained on his father's farm until 1867, 
when he went to Grinnell, Iowa, wliere he attended scliool live or 
six years, then returned to Buffalo Township. He was married 
here to Belle Dodge, Nov. 14, 1877. She was born in Scott 
Co., Iowa, and was a daughter of Eric and Mary J. Dodge nee 
Harrington, natives of I^ew 'i'ork, and now reside on their farm, 
in section 15, Buffalo Township. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel James 
have two children — John K. and Mary. In 1875 the subject of 
this sketch went into partnership with John D. Maurice in a coal- 
mine on the James liomestead. This was one ot the lirst in the 
county. In 1878 Mr. Daniel Dodge bought Mr. Maurice's share, 
and the mine was operated by James & Dodge until December, 
18S1, wlien Mr. Dodge disposed of his stock to ]\[r. James, who 
still runs the mine. He is a member of A. O. U. W., Buffalo Lodge, 
No. 72. In politics is a Kepiiblican. The family reside on the 
old homestead in Buffalo Township. 

Fred Kautz was born Oct. 21, 1821, in Baden, Germany. He 
entered the German army when 20 years of age and served six 
3'ears. Heceiviiig his discharge, he came to America, arriving 
Sept. 15, 1848. He remained in New York three weeks, then went 
to Milton, Mass., and worked on a farm there three years. He 
went to Germany on a visit, returning to this country in 1853. He 
went to Detroit, Mich., and obtained emploj'ment in a wholesale 
queen's ware store for two years. He was married May 17, 1853, ' 
to Barbara Lutz, a native of Baden, Germany. Her parents were 
Nicholas and Victoria t Heckle) Lutz. April 9, 1855, Mr. and Mrs. 
Kautz came to Butlalo, where he bought 250 acres of land in part- 
nershij) with Theo. Heckle, 40 of whicli they laid out in town lots. 
Mr. and Mrs. Kautz have had 12 children, nine living, viz. : Theo- 
dore, who man ied Caroline Bartberger; William F., Minnie, Mack, 
Susannah, Mary, Bernard, Sophia and George "W. Mr. Kautz 
owns a farm of 320 acres in Buffalo Township, whicli is under good 
cultivatii'U. His jjarents were Jacob and -lulia Kautz; they were 
of a very old German family. Jacob Kautz died in America in No- 
vember, 1S()0; his wife died in Germany, Aug. 13, 1839. Mr. Kautz' 
success in a financial way is due entirely to his own personal eff'orts, 
as he came to America with but two dollars to call his own. He 
has held the offices of county supervisor three years, school 
director and township trustee a number of years. 

Christian Kautz was a son of Jacob and Julia Kautz, natives of 
Germany, where she died; he came to this country in ]85<!, and 
died here in 1801. The subject of this memoir was born in 
Schaemheau, Baden, June 22, 1829. He joined the German army 
when 20 years of age, served four years, then ran away and went 
to Strasburg, thence to New York. He landed here with $150. 



s 



1000 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

He went to Detroit, Mich., and worked there in tlie car-shops of 
the M. C. R. li. He was married here to Christina Bressler, April 

29, 1S55. She was born in German)', and was adansfhterof Michael 
and Magdalena Bressler ,nee Geider. Soon after his marriage Mr. 
Kautz went to Gale-burg and obtained employment in the car-shop 
of the C.,B. & Q. E. R. In 1S.59 he came "to Buffalo Township, 
and purchased 40 acres in section 17; he bought 120 acres more 
in section IS, in 1864, where he now i-esides. He owns 491 acres 
in Buffalo Township and 107 in Fulton Township, all under culti- 
vation. He is engaged in raising grain and stock for the market. 
Mr. and Mi*s. Kantz are members of tlie Lutheran church, and the 

arentsof nine children, eight survive, viz.: John F.. who married 
lizabeth Pahl; Christian, Magdalena J., Frank W., Emma C, 
Mary A. E., Edward and Ida L. Christian Kautz has held vai-ious 
township ofiice?; has been township trustee tor the past four years. 
Theodore Kavtz was born in Detroit, Mich., Nov. 1, 1854. When 
some six months old he came with his father to Buffalo. He 
attended school here and the bu?ine.ss college in Davenport. He 
was married Sept. 26, 1876, to Caroline Bartberger; she was born 
in Buffalo, and is a daughter of Jolm and Frances Bartberger, resi- 
dents of Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Kautz have had three children, 
two living, viz.: Francis and John F. They are members of the 
Cathoiic clnircli. Mr. Kautz owns IGO acres in sections 20 and 21, 
Butt'alo Township, and 11 acres in section 9, mostly under good 
cultivation and well stocked. In 1876 he began to work tor his 
fatlier-in-law in the Buffalo Brewery. He ran the brewery for him 
two years. It burned down May 15, 1881. 

Edward H. Ladner was born in Wingar Parish, England, Aug. 

30, 1830. His parents were James and Catherine (Hampton) 
Ladner, natives of England. He died in America of cholera, on 
the Ohio River, while on his way to Kingston, 111., July 20. 1850. 
She died in 1870. The subject of this sketch came to America 
witli his iather when 18 years of age. He followed mining in va- 
rious pbices until 1856, when he came to Scott County and located 
in Buffalo Township. He worked in the coal mine of Capt.W. L. 
Clark and LcRoy Dodge until 1858, then took a contract to furnish 
coal for the Clark «fe Dodge packets on the Mississippi River. He 
was married to Margaret Finnigan June 28, 1S5S. She was born 
in Ireland. She died in June, 1863, having been the mother of 
two children, both deceased. Mr. Ladner was again married, Jan. 
3, 1864, to Mrs. Eliza Alford, nee Jago. She was born in Dart- 
mouth, Devonshire, England, and was a daughter of Edward and 
Eliza (Hawson) Jago, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. E. H. 
Ladner have one son, Hampton J. Mr. Ladner is a member of 
Buffalo Lodge, A. O. U. W., No. 72. In politics is a Prohibition- 
ist, and cast his tirst vote for James Buchanan. 

William Lee, proprietor and owner of the Buffalo Pottery, was 
born in Washington Co., Pa., July 24, 1823. He attended school 
at this place until he was 16 years of age, when he moved to Sum- 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 1001 

mit Co., Ohio, with his parents, who located on a farm there. 
When he was 18 years old ho went to Mogadore, Ohio, to learn 
the potter's trade, lie was ni irried here to Harriet Tucker, March 
5, lSi6. She was born in Oliio, and was a daugliter of John and 
Catharine (Ilyinan) Tucker, natives of the Buckeye State. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lee had one child, Harriet, who married Amos Wiley, 
and resides at Buffalo. Mrs. Lee died Jan. 16, 1847. Soon after 
her death Mr. Lee went to Indiana, and after making several 
moves, he established a pottery at Muscatine. Iowa, in company 
with his brother. He remained there until 1870, when he came to 
Butlalo and established his ])resent business. During this time 
lie was married to Priscilla A. Dowell, Sept. 3, 185-1. She is a 
native of ]\IcDonough Co., 111., and a daughter of George and 
Mary (Vincent) Dowell, the former a native of Tennessee, the lat- 
ter of Virginia. The parents of William Lee were John and Su- 
sanna (Wartield) Lee, natives of Baltimore, Md. He was a stock 
dealer, and died in 1841; she died in 18fi9. Mr. and Mrs. William 
Lee have had 10 children, five living, viz.: William L., Fostina B. 
(married Edward Strohmier), Clayton E., Allie A. and Joseph E. 
Mr. Lee has his pottery in good order, and has a 11 foot kiln. 
This kiln was the tirst one in the town. Mr. Lee is a member of 
the United Order of Ancient Templars, Lodge No. 15, Buffalo. 
Holds the offices of councilman and school director. 

Anfkont/ McGarviii/^farmev, sections 3 and 10, Buffalo Town- 
ship, was horn near Millersbnrg, Holmes Co., Ohio, Sept. 19. 1826. 
His parents were William and INIary A. (Graham) McGarvey, 
members of the M. E. cliurch. They had a family of 12 ciiildren, 
nine living. Anthony, the subject of this sketch, attended school 
until 15 or 16, and in the spring of 184S came with his ]iareiits to 
Iowa. They settled in Blue Grass Township, Scott Co.. where 
Anthony remained until his marriage to Miss Marv A. Morgan, 
Feb. 20," 1851. She was born in New York State Oct. 9, 1833, and 
was a daughter of James Morgan and Margaret (Boyd) Morgan, 
who were members of the M. E. church, andhad a family of four 
children. After Mr. and Mrs. McGarvey were mariied he bought 
his ]ii'esent farm in Buffalo Township, where he has since resided. 
He and wife iiave had eight children, viz.: Margaret J. wife of Jo- 
seph Gatten; Geneva II., wife of William Dyer; Sarah A., wife of 
John Wilson; Mary E., wife of Colen Gettens; Alice, married 
William Benshofi"; and William A., Miss Eva M., Miss Chara K, 
who reside on the old homestead with their parents. Mr. Anthony 
McGarvey owns a fine farm of 90 acres, most all under good culti- 
vation and well stocked. He is one of theenter|irising representa- 
tive farmers of Scott Count)', where he has lived since the spring 
of 1848. 

Christian Metzgrer, a son of Christian and Mary (Hertenstein) 
Metzger, of German nativity, was born in Baden, Kippenlieim, 
Germany. He came to the United States in company with his 
parents, when 22year8 of age. After remaining in Baltimore about 



1002 inSTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

six months, Christian went to Cincinnati, O., where he followed 
the cooper's trade, lie was married here to Mary Barth Sept. 5, 
1S53. She is a native of Germany, where her parents, John and 
Katherina (Sig) Barth, were also born. In July, 1855, Mr. and 
Mrs. Metzsrer came to Davenport. lie worked at the cooper's trade 
in Maquoketa si.x months, then worked in Rock Island IS months, 
after which he o])ened a shop in Bniialo. He remained here until 
1875, when he engaged in farming. He owns a nice residence on 
lleckel street, where he resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Metzger have been 
born 11 children, six living, viz.: Christian J., Fritz A., Henry. 
Theodore, Joseph and Kate. The subject of this memoir is a mem- 
ber of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 61, Buffalo. In politics he is 
rather independent, voting for the best man. 

Louis W. and William L. Miller^ of River View Farm, 
sections 18 and 10, Bultalo Township, were born in New York 
City, April 21, 1849. They were sons of Hiram and Mary A. 
(McPherson) Miller, natives of New York; they were members 
of the Presbyterian church, and had seven children; six lived to 
be men and women. Louis W. and "William L. attended school 
until 16, and when 19 and 20 years of age they engaged in the 
mercantile trade in New York City, wliere they remained in busi- 
ness until 1862, when they came with their parents to Iowa. They 
settled in Buffalo Township, Scott County, where they bought a 
farm. The father died here Aug. 11, 1873, and the mother died 
in New York City, September, 1875. The sons, Louis W. and 
William, still reside on the old homestead, where they have a line 
fiirm of 400 acres, all under good cultivation and well stocked. 
Louis AY. married Miss Mary Allen, Sept. 14, 1870; she was 
born in Ohio and was a daughter of Smith Allen and Nancy 
(Sherwood) Allen. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Episcopal 
church. William L. married Miss Mary Holmes, June 24, 1874. 
She was born in Newark, Ohio, and was a daughter of Thomas 
and Margaret (Moore) Holmes. Mr. and Mrs. William L. Miller 
liave had two children, viz. : George H. and Hiram Miller. Mrs. 
Louis AY. and William L. Miller are enterprising, representative 
farmers of Scott County, and are both members of A. O. U. W., 
Buftalo Lodge, No. 72. In ]iolitics they are Republicans; they 
have been identified with Scott County since 1862. 

Jackson E. Moore was born in Montgomery Co., near Craw- 
fordsville, Ind., Feb. 1,1833. His father, Elias Moore, was born in 
A^irginia, May 29, 1786; he married Elizabeth Stapleton, a native 
of Ohio, born May 1, 1795. They had a family of 10 children, 
and when our fubject was four years old came to Buffalo Town- 
ship, where Elias Moore entered 145 acres in section 23, and 160 
acres in sections 14 and 15. He was one of the hardy pioneers of 
1837, and one of the wealthiest farmers in the county; he died 
July 12, 1839, from the efiects of injuries received by a horse 
tailing on him. His wife died July 5, 1876. Jackson E. Moore 
remained on the farm until 1859, when he started for California, 




^ 



v.- 




■^v„. 



■■V, 



:*■ 



ll^^wu :dJa/i/yiM4^ 




BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 1005 

accompanied by his brutlier Marion, and Tliomas and F. Mounts. 
Wlien they reached the Missouri Kiver liis brotlier and F. Mounts 
returned to Iowa, but Tiioinas and iiimselt' went on. Tiiey 
remained in California, engaged in mininff. 10 years, and returned 
home Jan. 1, 1870, and located on his present farm in Buffalo 
Township. He was married Oct. S, 1871, to Irene Edwards, 
daughter of Thomas and Ester (^Irvin) Edwards, the former a 
native of Wales and an allopathic physician, the latter of Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been blessed with four chil- 
dren — Mary M., Florence, Louis ,\. and Kay. Mr. Moore has his 
farm of 40 acres well stocked, aiul under good cultivation, aJid is 
one of the prominent men of the county, he has been identitied with 
Scott County since 1887. Mr. Elias Moore, the father of the 
siibject of this sketch, was a soldier in the war of 1812. 

&amuel More, farmer and owner of the More coal shait, was 
born ill the North of Ireland, 40 miles from Belfast, County Ar- 
maugh, Ireland, in 1827, where he attended school until 10 years 
of age when he hired to a farmei seven years; then went to Erdie, 
10 miles troni Glasgow, Scotland, and worked in the iron and cop- 
per mines until his marriage here to Miss Ann E. Finnigan in 1844, 
and in 1848 they came to the United States, and settled in Penn- 
sylvania, where he worked in the iron, lead and copper mines in 
Lancashire County, Berks County and Bayerstown, Pa., some four or 
five years when he came to Iowa and settled in Scott County ; mined 
here in Buffalo Township in Capt. Murray's mine six months, and for 
Capt. W. L. Clark and Capt. Le Roy Dodge two and ahalf years ; then 
for Mr. Posten one year when he bougiit 20 acres of ground in sec- 
tion 9, Buffalo Township, where he sank a shaft and opened "the 
More Coal Bank," which he still owns, and where he now owns a 
farm of GO acres, most all under good cultivation. " He and wife had 
a family of nine children, eight living, viz. . William, who married 
Mary A. Armstrong, they reside in Osage County, Kan.; Mary, 
married Hugh Brown, they reside in Hampton, 111., as does Anna; 
who married David Peacock; Lilly, who married Levi Clark; 
James, who married Luda Simmons; and Etnma, who married El- 
wood Clark; Samuel and Frank reside on the farm with their father. 
Mrs. More died in 1867. She was a member of the Ejiiscopal 
church. Mr. More afterward married Angeline Simmons in 1870. 
She was born in Indiana. The fruit of this marriage is two chil- 
dren, viz.: Adie W. and Chas. More. He and wife are members of 
the Christian church. The parents of Samuel More were William 
More and Elizabeth, i\£e Grozett; they were natives of Ireland, but 
of Scotch descent. He and wife were members of the Old School 
Presbyterian church and had a family of five children, three liv- 
ing. The subject of this sketch, Samuel More, is one of the repre- 
sentative men of Scott County, and one of the tirst coal men in 
Iowa. In politics he is a strong Prohibitionist and has held various 
local offices of trust in his township. 

D'icJierson B. Morehouse was born in Galena, III., Aug. 15, 1844. 
58 



1006 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

When he was seven years old he went to St. Louis. His father 
was a steamboat captain on the Mississippi River. He attended 
school at St. Lonis and New Orleans until 10 years old, then at 
Galena and Peoria until he was 17 years of age. He then enlisted 
June 17, 1861, in Company I, 19th 111. Infantry Volunteers. He 
was soon promoted to second lieutenant. He participated in the 
battles of Stone River, Tenn., Chickamauga, Ga., Missionary Ridge, 
Rinwfold, Resaca, and numerous other skirmishes. He retired 
froni the service July 9, 186J:. He returned to St. Louis and went 
into a war claim office as clerk; two years later he went into the 
Wisconsin pineries, where he was engaged in lumbering and raft- 
ino- lumber down the Wisconsin River for two years; afterward 
went to St. Louis and opened a grocery store; remained here one 
year, then went to Muscatine, Iowa, and engaged in farming. He 
was married June 12, 1873, to Ella M. Moorhead, born in Buffalo 
Townsliip, and a daughter of Henry C. and Mary A. (Milligan) 
Moorhead; he ivas born in Wheeling, Va., and she in Huntsville, 
Ala. They are residents of Buffalo Township. Three years after 
his marriage Mr. Morehouse moved on the fai-m where he now re- 
sides, in Buffalo Township. At present he is engaged in bridge 
carpentering. He and wife have a family of three children, viz.: 
Henry D., Le Grande E. and Stella M. Mr. Morehouse is a mem- 
ber of the Buffalo Lodge, No. 72, A. O. U. W. Mrs. Morehouse is 
a member of the Episcopal church. 

Captain Le Grand Iforehouse was born in Carmel, Putnam 
Co.. N. Y., July 7, 1811. He attended school there until 18 years 
of age, when he accepted a clerkship in a store of general merchan- 
dise'. Tiiree years later he formed a partnership with a young 
man named Beldin in a general store. It being the custom in 
those days, the young men had a sideboard with liquor on it in 
their store, which was free to their customers. After they had 
been in the business some time, they discontinued the sale of liquor, 
which created much excitement. The ladies of the town came and 
bought things they did not need to encourage the young men in 
their good work, and it was but a short time until all the mer- 
chants ceased to sell liquor in their stores. In the spring of 1836 
Capt. Morehouse went to Galena, 111., and remained there until 
October, 1839, when he went to Muscatine County, la., and settled on 
a farm. In 1842 he accepted a situation as clerk on the steamer 
"Iowa." One year later he became captain, which position he 
held two years. He was married to Julia A. Loomis in September, 
1849. She was born in New York, and was a daughter of Alfred 
and Julia A. (Harrington) Loomis, natives of New York. Captain 
Morehouse ran on the river until 1854; during that time he was 
captain of and owned a controlling interest in the following packet 
steairi-boats: "Iowa," "Falcon," '""'Montak," "Newton Wagoner," 
"D il)uque"and the "Lady Franklin." After leaving the river Capt. 
Mort'lnuise remained on his farm in Muscatine County, until July, 
1877, then traveled with his family until 1878, when he settled on his 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 1007 

farm in Buffalo Township, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. 
Morehouse have had seven cliihlren, four hvint^ — Laura E., now 
Mrs. John A. Stevens; Nelly, Cary and Edwin. Captain More- 
house was a son of Jonathan and Lauretta (^Baldwin) Morehouse. 
The former, born in Connecticut, was a merchant and was elected 
county clerk and judge. He died in October, 1859. The latter 
was born in New York, and died May 3, 1871. Captain More- 
house and family are members of the Episcojial church. 

Henry C. Moorehecd was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, Feb. 15, 
1815. Ilis parents moved to Zanesvillc, Ohio, when he was six 
weeks old; he attended school at that place until he was 16 years 
old, when he was employed as bookkeeper in his brother-iii-law's, J. 
B. Cubbing's, mill. He went to New Orleans in 1835 with Mr.Cush- 
ing with a cargo of 1,200 barrels of flour. He came to Iowa soon 
after and located in Ruckingliam, this county. In company with 
Col. John H. Sullivan, he established the first store in Rockingham 
Townshi]). In 1836 he went into a dry-goods store with Mr. Sul- 
livan. After retiring irom this firm he engaged in the dry -goods 
and milling business with S. S. Brown, under the firm name 
of Brown & Moorehead. This was the first steam mill in the 
county, and was Iniilt by Col. J. H. Sullivan. In April, 1840, Mr. 
Moorehead came to Bulfalo Township, and purchased his present 
farm of 312 acres, where he now resides. He was married to Mrs. 
Marj' A. Waggoner, nee Milligan, Feb. 10, 1847. She was born in 
Huntsville, Ala., and was daughter of Robert and Abitha (Morris) 
Milligan. He was a native of Ireland, and died in ISitt. she was 
born in Georgia, and died in 1846, having been the mother of 13 
children. Mr. and Mrs. Moorehead have had a family of eight chil- 
dren, five living, viz.: Moses, who married Nannie Barnes, and lives 
in Blue Grass Township; Mary E., married D. B. Morelionse, they 
reside in Buffalo; Annie M., William C. and Sammie H. Mrs. 
Moorehead liad three children by her former husband, viz. : Josephus, 
wlio married Josephine Wiley, and resides in Polk County, Iowa; 
Virginia, married Wm. Lowry, and lives in Morjtpelier Township, 
Muscatine Co., and Jan)cs, who married Minnie Rubinson, and re- 
sides in P)uffalo Township. The parents of H. C. IMoorehead, were 
Moses and Anna(Patterson) Moorehead. The former, born in Sharps- 
burg, Md., was a member of the Ohio Legislature; his wife was born 
in Berkeley Co., Va., and liad eight children. The subject of this 
record has his farm under a high state of improvement, and is one 
of the representative stock and grain-growing farmers of this 
county, of which he was one of the first settlers. He has held va- 
rious local officesof trust in his township. Mr. Moorehead's family 
were Episcopalians in religious faith and he lias been quite active 
in forwarding the movement to establish a parish in Buffalo, under 
the pastorate of J. Y. Johnston. 

James E. Murray, deceased, was born in Louden Co., Va., in 
January, 1804. He was reared on a farm and worked in his father's 



1008 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

mill until he attained bis majority. Having learned the mill- 
wright's trade, he went to New Orleans and worked at his trade 
and traveled through the South for some time, then went to Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, to build a mill. He was married there to Barbara 
Wright, Dee. 31, 1831. She was born in Louden Co., Ya., a 
daughter of Benjamin B. and Mary J. (Trout) Wright. In the 
spring of 1837 Mr. and Mrs. Murray came to Scott Connty and 
located in Eockingham, where he built the first steam mill in the 
county, it was known as the Sullivan Mill, and was of great benefit 
to the settlers of that early day. Mr. Murray conducted this mill 
three years, when he bought a farm in section 11, Buffalo Town- 
ship, on which he resided until 1861 or 1862; then bought 80 acres 
of land in section IS, this township, where he I'esided until his 
death, which occurred Sept. 11, 187S. Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Murray 
had a family of 11 children, 10 living — John L., Mary C, James E., 
Jr., Angeline, Elizabeth C, Andrew J., Uriah Le Grand, Francis 
M., Maggie and George W. Uriah and Andrew J. were soldiers 
in the late war, in the Iowa Infantry Volunteers. James E. Mur- 
ray operated the first coal mine in the county, in company with 
his father-in-law, Benjamin Wright. He was elected to vai-ious 
local offices of trust, the duties of which he has discharged with 
credit to himself and the satisfaction of the people. He took an 
actiV'e interest in public affairs, especially of an educational char- 
acter. He was among the early settlers of 1837, and did much to 
improve Scott County, of which lie was an honored and esteemed 
citizen. George W. Murray resides on the old homestead with his 
mother, and is engaged in cultivating the farm. He was born here 
Dec. 30, 1852, and is one of the representative farmers of Scott. 
County. 

Christian Pahl, a native of levensteldt, Holstein, Germany, was 
born July 25, 1819. His parents were Eggert and MargarettaPahl, 
nee Rieken. Eggert Pahl died in 1S3S; his wife in 1841, leav- 
ing Christain their vast farm, wliich had been owned by the Pahl, 
family over 300 years. He was married to Magdalena Reese, Sept. 
19 1841 ; she was born in Peissen, Holstein, Germany. After Mr. 
Pahl was married he remained on his farm until 1853, when he 
was elected to the Holstein Legislature ; was elected to the office 
13 years ; was grand juryman from 1841 to 1866. He sold his 
fa n 1866, for $1,400, and came to the United States. He ar- 
rived in Davenport on July 27 of that j'ear. He bought a house 
in Davenport, where he lived one j'ear; then purchased his present 
farm of 280 acres which is now highly cultivated. He is one of 
Scott County's most prominent citizens. Has held various local 
offices in this township. Was elected to his present office of asses- 
sor in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Pahl have had 14 children, 12 living, 
viz.: "Margaretta, Anna C, H. C. G. Eggert, Helcne C, Marcus C, 
Elzabe D., Weibkee, C, Louise S., Johanna E., Carl I:i.,AVilhelmle 
O. and Jacob L. 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 1009 

Joseph R. Porter^ one of the oldest living pliysicans in the 
county, was born near Zanesville, Ohio, Oct. 6, 1S25. He remained 
on the farm until IS years of age, then went to Zanesville and be- 
gan the study of medicine, under Dr. Lyman Little ; he remained 
witji him and tauglit school during the winter months some four or 
five years, then went to Columbus, Ohio, and attended the Starling 
Medical College one term ; from there lie went to Canton, Iowa, and 
engaged in practice there for two years. In Mav, 1853, he came 
to Blue Grass. He was married here to Hannah Wineman, June 
4, 1863. She was born on the sea while her parents were on their 
way to New York from Hamburg, in 1840. Her parents were 
Yalenti lie and Barbara (Matliern) "Wineman. He died July 10, 
1880, she, in Xovember, 1870. Dr. Porter practiced medicine in 
Blue Grass until 1871, then moved on the farm wliere he now re- 
sides, in section 5, Buffalo Township. The children of Dr. and Mrs. 
Porter are Willard F., Elizabeth, Arthur W., Jesse R., Leroy V., 
Clarence and Charles. James Porter, father of Joseph R. , was 
born in Pennsylvania, and died Jan. 9, 1632; his wife, Elizabeth 
Spicer, was a native of New Jersey, and died April 9, 1876. She 
was then past 90 years of age, and had had 15 children. After the fa- 
ther's death they remained an unbroken family until 1875. Dr. Porter 
is a member of the Old Tuscan Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M., at 
Davenport; has been a member of the L O. O. F., No. 37, at Dav- 
enport. He was elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1861,andalsoia 
the e.xtra session during the war. 

J<ihn Presh 1/ was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Jan. 5, 1824. 
He became self-supporting at 13 years of age, and worked as a farm 
laborer until his marriage to Phylenia Bersie, Oct. 18, 1847. She 
was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., and was a daughter of Henry 
Bersiu, a native of Pennsylvania, and Parsena (Lawrence) Bersie, 
born in V^ermont. Mr. Presley farmed and worked at sliip-building 
in New York State until 1851, when he moved with his family to 
Muscatine Co., Iowa, remaining there eight or nine years; then 
came to Buffalo, where he has been engaged in farming since. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Presley have been born four children, two living, 
viz.: Eva W. and Ellen. The parents of the subject of this memoir 
were John and Almira (Raymond) Presley. He died in 1856. They 
reared a family of 14 children to maturity. Mr. John Presley, Jr., 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 7, at Davenport; also 
a member of the Corporation Board of Buffalo. He owns two lots 
and a nice residence on Second street, where he resides. Mrs. Pres- 
ley's brother, Capt. Hiram Bersie, was for 22 years a captain of 
steamers on the Mississippi River. He died in Buffalo, in August, 
1861, and is buried at Galena, 111. 

Jitrntm II. RohUoii was a son of James II. Robison, Sr., a native 
of North Carolina. His wife was Elizabeth Parks, born in 
Pennsylvania. Tlie subject of this biography was born in Warren 
Co., O., Oct. 13, 1805. His father died when lie was eight years 
old, and he remained on the farm with his mother until his 22d 



1010 HISTORY OF SCOTT COTHSTTY. 

year, when the ftimily moved to Indiana and settled on a farm in 
Park County. lie was married in Warren Co., O., to Lenbisy 
Goodwin, Aug. 9, 1836, a native of that place. She was a daughter 
of "Nathan and Elizabeth (^Collins) Goodwin, natives of Ohio. Mr. 
and Mrs. Robison came to Scott County, Sept. 18, 1836. They have 
had a family of 10 children, lour living, viz.: Elizabeth G., married 
Frederick Illian; Margaret J., married Frederick Doze; James H. 
P. Robison, married Ella Simons; and Charity M. Mr. James H. 
Robison has a farm of 120 acres in BufFalo Township, which is 
under cultivation and well stocked. He is one of the prominent 
farmers of Scott County, with which he has been identified since 
1836, and has seen it change from a vast unbroken prairie to its 
present prosperous condition. His son, J. H. P. Robison, served 
in the late war, in the 44th Iowa Vol. Inf , Co. I. 

Jolm, RovMn, Mayor of Buffiilo, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
July 22, 1845. His father, John A. Rowan, was born in Penn- 
sylvania, and settled in this count}^ in 1850. His wife, Catharine 
Perrine, born in New York, is the mother of 12 children, two 
deceased. John Rowan, Jr., came with his parents to Davenport 
in April, 1850. They remained there one year, then moved on 
their farm near Buffalo, which their father had purchased in 1849. 
John lived here until between 16 and 17 years old, when he enlisted 
in Co. B, 8th Iowa Inf. Vols., as a private, in 1861. He was 
wounded by a piece of sliell, at the charge of Vicksburg, in the 
left leg. He was in the hospital three months, and was discharged 
Dec. 21, 1863. Soon after he re-enlisted as a corporal, and re- 
mained in the service until the close of the war. He lost a finger 
by a ball in the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Fought in the 
battles of Corinth, Jackson, Miss., Big Black River, and the siege 
of Vicksburg. Upon retiring from the service, became to Musca- 
tine, and worked on his father's farm there until his marriage to 
Mrs. Mary Stevens, nee Layman, Nov. 21, 1871. She was born in 
Lancaster Co., Pa., where her father,'Henry Layman was born. Her 
mother. Jennette Williams, was of English birth. She died May 
10, 1854. Henry Layman died Sept. 1, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. 
Rowan lived on their farm in Buffalo Township until March 16, 
1881, when he rented the farm and moved to Buffalo, where he 
now resides. His farm contains 136 acres, mostly under culti- 
vation. He and wife have one child — Alice L. Mrs. Rowan had 
five children by her first husband, viz. : Samuel L., who married 
Kate Sowers; Anna, married GeorgeStennett; Eliza, married Carl 
Berriman; John, married Maggie Sowers, and Emma who married 
John Murer. Mr. Rowan is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodge 
No. 72. He was elected mayor April 1, 1881. He has held other 
local offices. 

Oscar M. Ruhy, pilot on the Mississippi River between St. Paul 
and St. Louis, was born in Alleghany Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1835. 
He came with his parents to Davenport when he was about four 



BUFFALO TOWNSUIP. 1011 

years of as^e. Tie attended school here at Buffalo, his parents mov- 
ing to the latter |)lace when he was about ninj years old. Wiien 
he was 19 years old he bet^an to run as pil it o;i the river, lie was 
learning piloting on the '"Jenny Lind " when that boat with si.K oth- 
ers eseorted Fillmore from Rock Island to Dubuque. During 
his 27 years of service on the river has been pilot on the " J. Mc 
Kee,"' '■' Jenny Lind,'"- Ben Campbell," " Tishomingo," " Kock Is- 
land," "Dubuque," "New Boston," '•Keithsl)urg,"'^"Nortii West- 
ern," "Jennie Whipple" and " Belle La Crosse' ' steamers. At 
present is pilot of the " Diamond Joe." lie was ])ilot on the '' Tish- 
omingo'' in the race with the "Keokuk," and on tlie "Northwest- 
ern" ni the race with the "Lucy Bertram," winning in both instan- 
ces. Mr. Ruby was married Sept. 27, 1857, to Joanna, daughter of 
James and Elizabeth Johnston, ?«<-'e Clark, a native of Ktiox Co., 
Oliio. The subject of this memoir has been a member of the 
Buffalo Lodge, No. 72, A. (). U. W., since its organization. Mrs. 
Ruliy's sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Dobson, resides with them. 

William Sauer, a native ot Rheinhessen, Germany, was bora 
near the city of Worms, June 10, 1826. His parents emigrated to 
the United States when he was 14 years old. In 1S41 tliey went 
to St. Louis, Mo., and remaiiied nine month-!, thence to low i, and 
located in Buffalo Township in 1842. William was married to 
Christina Saner Sept. 23, 1858. She was born in Germany and 
was a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Pteifer) Saner, of German 
birtli. He is still residing in Germany. She died in April, 1858. 
Mr. and Mrs. William Saner lived in St. Louis, Mo., after their 
marriage for about 14 months, then removed to Minnesota, where 
they engaged in tanning seven 3'ears. In IS61) tliey came to Scott 
County and ]iurchased the farm where they now reside, in Buffalo 
Township. T') tiiem have been born live children, one living — Willie 
C. The parents of our subject were Charles and Mary A. (Brooks) 
Sauer, of German nativity. He was a farmer and cabinet-maker 
in the old country, and died Dec. 30, 186G; his wife died Aug. 31, 
1853. Mr. William Sauer owns a finely cultivated fartn of 92^ 
acres in Buffalo Townshiji. He had held the othces of assessor one 
term, township trustee six years, and other positions of trust. In 
August, 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Sauer went to their native home and 
visited the scenes of their childhood, returning to Buft'alo, Dec. 21, 
1876. 

Severln Schindlei', proprietor and owner of tlie" Miners Home," 
and also farmer, section 9, Buffalo Township, was born on a farm near 
Waldkirch, in Altsinonswalch Parish. Baden. Germany, Sept. 2, 
1835. He worked here on a farm and attended school until 18 
years of age, when he struck out for himself and came to the 
United States. He landed in New York City Oct. 29, 1854. He 
went to Pennsylvania and worked on a farm near Pittsburg, and in 
the coal mines of that city, some 22 months, when he went to 
Pomeroy, Ohio, and worked in the rolling mills, stone (quarry, and 
the salt works until the spring of 1858 when he went to St.' Paul, 



1012 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Minnesota, and soon after went to Minersville, 111., and worked in 
the mines until his marriage to Miss Emma Weaver March 1, 
1869. She was born in Hessen, Germany, and was a daughter of 
Otto and Katrina Weaver. They were natives of Germany and 
members of the Catholic church, and had eight children; ail are 
living. The parents died in Germany. After Mr. and Mrs. Severin 
Schindler were married he mined at Minersville, 111., some three 
months, when he came to Buftalo, Scott Co., la., and mined for 
Capt. W. L. Clark, Langley, and Capt. Le Roy Dodge some three 
months, when he and his brother-in-law opened a mine and ran it 
two years, and in 1S70 Mr. Schindler moved on his farm in section 
9, Buffiilo Township, where he now lives. lie ran a coal bank 
here until 1879, when he abandoned it. He and wife have had 
eight children, four living, viz. : August, Mary A., John, F. and 
Rose A. The parents of Mr. Severin Schindler, were John B. 
Schindler and Tlieresa (Weis) Schindler. They were members ot 
the Catholic church, and had si.^ children, four living. He was a 
shoe-maker by trade and died in 1874-. She is still living in the 
old country. In March, 1868, Mr. Severin Schindler the subject of 
this sketch, returned tn his old German home and visited his par- 
ents, and returned to Buffiilo Township in June, 1868. Mr. Schind- 
ler has 20 acres of land where he resides, most all under good 
cultivation. He has the "Miners Home " nicely fitted up and ready 
at all times to accommodate the public. He also bus a nice bar in 
connection with his hotel. In politics he is independent, and votes 
for the i)ost man. He cast his tirst vote for James Buchaiman for 
President of the United States. 

Gerhard SchinoenJc was born on a farm near Westphalen, Prus- 
sia, Germany, June 17, 1822, son of Henry and Gertrude 
Schmeenk. The former died in 1821. the latter in 1860. The sub- 
ject of this sketch left his home in Germany for England in 1856, 
thence to America the same year. He worked on a farm near 
Buffalo, N. Y., one year, then went to Missouri, where he re- 
mained six months, when he came to Davenport. He was mar- 
ried here April 16, 1861, to Mrs. Sophia Mergentaler. She was 
born in Beron, Germany, and was a daughter of Adam and Bar- 
bara (Ervalendt) Mandal. Mr. and Mi-s. Schmeenk resided in 
Davenport until March, 1878, when he moved on a farm in section 
13, Buffalo Townsliij>, returning to Davenport three years later. 
He owns a nice residence at 1218 Harrison street, also a 65-foot 
lot on Tenth street. Mr. and Mrs'. Schmeenk have had seven 
children, three living — John, Barbara and Frank. They are 
members of the Catholic church at Daven]iorr. 

Henry Springmier was born in Hauover, Germany, May 9, 
1830. His parents were Clirist and Mary A. (Kaman) Spring- 
mier, uatives of Germany, where they died. They had a family 
of five children. Henry Sjiringmier came to the United States- 
when 19 years old, a j^oor German boy, who could not speak a 
word of English, and had but 20 cents' with which to begin life 



BUFFALO TOWNSHir. 1013 

in a new country. He went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned 
the shoemaker's trade. In 1S.5T he came to Buffalo, la., and 
ojiened a shop. Ke was married here to ICatharine Heckle, Oct. 
23, 1861; she was born in Jjadcn, Germany, and is a daughter of 
Theo. and Mary A. (Meyer) Heckle. Some four years after his 
marriage Mr. Springmier bought his present farm of 92 acres in 
Buftalo. He also owns three lots on Fifth street, 40 acres north 
of Butlalo, and SO acres in Fulton Township, Muscatine County. 
Most all of his lauds are under cultivation and well stocked. He 
is one of the representative farmers of this county, and has held 
various local ollices in his townsiiip. Mr. and Mrs. S])ringmier 
have had eidit children, viz. : Theo. H., Mary B. L., Bertha, 
Theresa S., Mary A., Agues C, Chas. E. and Otelia Y. Mr. 
Sprifigmier is amember of the Cirerman Lutheran church in Daven- 
port; his wife of the Catholic church. 

Christian Steinle was born near Waibligan, Wurteraberg, Ger- 
many, Jan. 13, 1818. His ))arents were Jacob F. and Magdalena 
(Roehling) Steinle, natives of Gernumy, where they both died. 
Christian Steinle came alone to the United States when IS years of 
age. He landed in New York City witiiout a cent of money. He 
learned the baker's trade and resided there 20 years. During 
tliis time he was married to Amelia Gray, March 19, 1851. She 
was a daughter of James and Elizabeth Gray, of New York, 
where she was also born. Mr. aiul Mrs. Steinle liad two children, 
both now deceased. Mrs. Sttunie died in February, ]S55. Mr. 
Steinle renuiiued in New York until 1S56, wlien he went to Kock 
Island, III., and established a baker sho]). He was married then 
to Walburga Rapp, Nov. 3. ISfil. She was born in Wurtemberg, 
Germany, and was a daughter of John and Agnes Rapp, nee 
Schultheis, of German}'. Mr. and Mrs Steinle had two children, 
both of whom have passed away. Mr. Steinle moved on to his 
farm in section 13, Buffalo Townshij), in June, Is"". The farm 
consists of lOJ acres of finely cultivated land, which is well 
stocked. 

George I*. Stlckelherger is a native of the village of Haltingan, 
Baden, Germany, born June 2, 1832, son of John J. and Eliza- 
beth (Ganipp) Stickelherger, natives of Germany, where tliej 
died. The subject of this memoir came to the United States when 
21 years of age, landing in New York City Nov. 5, 1S53. From 
New York lie went to Buffalo, thence to Cincinnati. In October, 
18.54, he catne to Sjott Count}- and worked on a farm in Buffalo 
Township until his marriage to Geneva Gold, Jan. 28, 1856. She 
was born in Beron, Germany, and was a daughter of Michael and 
Anna (Gruse) Gold who came to Scott County, Sept. 29, 1S40. 
After iiis marriage Mr. Stickelbn-gor moved on to the farm where 
he now resides, in section 15, Buffalo To-.vnship. The union of 
Mr. and Airs. Stickclberger has been blessed with 13 children, 
eight living — Lucy M., now Mrs. Max Iloffbaner; J. Frederic, 
"William R., Dora, Nellie, Nancy and Louis H. Mr. Stickclberger 



1014 HISTOKT OF SCOTT COUKTT. 

owns 120 acres of highly improved land and is one of the represen- 
tative farmers of Scott County. lie is a member of A. O. U. W., 
Buffalo Lodge, No. 161; is one of the charter members. 

Geo. H. Strampe was born near the village of Oetzen, Hanover, 
Germany, Jan.-6, 1847, sonof Henry and Mary Strampe. The former 
died when George was quite small, and she was again married, 
to William Schmidt. They reside in Germany. The subject of 
this record became self-supporting at the age of 14. By working 
for the farmers in his native country, he saved money enough to 
pay his passage to America in 1866. He borrowed money in New 
York to come to Scott County, and located in Cleona Township, 
where he remained three years; subsequently moved to Buifato 
Township where he now resides. He was married here Aug. 8. 
1872, to Mrs. Horace Miller, whose maiden name was Eosana 
Brumbaugh. She was born in Portage Co., Ohio, and was a daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Magdalena Brumbaugh; the former was a 
native of Pennsylvania, and died Jan. 27, 1880. Mrs. Brumbaugh 
resides with Mr. and Mrs. Strampe. Mrs. Strampe had three chil- 
dren by her first husband — Charles L., Mysis G. and Samuel B. 
Miller. Her marriage with Mr. Stramjie has been blessed with 
three children — John W., Mary E. and Rosa A. Mr. Strampe 
owns 80 acres of land, all under good cultivation, and valued at $50 
an acre. 

James Truitt, dairyman, was born near Bedford, Ind., April 21, 
1841. He was a son of Jesse Truitt and Anna Kirby, natives of 
Kentucky. He died in March, 1876; she died Jan. 21, 1859. 
AVhen James Truitt was about five years old his parents moved to 
Muscatine County, and settled in Sweetland Township; from there 
they went to Davis Co., Mo., where his mother died. James Truitt 
was married Jan. 21, 1869, to Sallie Umphress, l)orn in Indiana; 
her father. James Umphress, died in April, 1879. In 1869 Mr. 
and Mrs. Truitt came to Scott County and bought a place of six 
acres just outside the limits of Buffalo. He has the only dairy in 
Buffalo. They have one adopted child, Horace C. Mr. T. is a 
member of the Baptist church, his wife of the Methodist church. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

WiUiaw Webster, Principal of the Buffalo public schools, was 
born near AVaterloo, Canada, June 15, 1849. He remained here 
attending and teaching school until 20 years of age when, taking 
Horace Greely's advice, he ciine West. He located in Muscatine 
County, and taught school in the Montpelier Township. He was 
united in marriage Dec. 8, 1870, with Marv E. Wright, a native of 
Muscatine County,born Feb. 15, 1853. Her father, AVilliam P. 
Wright, was a native of Kentucky ; he married Nancy Daniels, 
born in North Carolina. They had a family of seven children. 
Mr. Webster was engaged in the sewing-machine business in Mo- 
line, 111., until 1873, He then returned to Muscatine County and 
taught scliool in Fairport one term. Since 1878 he has lauglit 
school in Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have had three children 



BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 1015 

viz.: William A., Eoderic B. and Gary M. Mrs. Webster is a 
member of tiie M. E. church at liliie Grass. The parents of our 
subject were Alexander and Helen Webster, nee Manney. They 
were natives of Aberdeen. Scotland. lie died July 1'2, 18.')4 ; she 
is living on the old homestead near Waterloo, Canada. 

George R. Wells, M. D., a descendant of En<rlis!i and German 
ancestry, was a son of George R. Wells, Sr., and Cornelia (Steele) 
Wells, natives of New York. lie died in California ; she resides 
in Kansas. Our subject was born near Utica, IST. Y., July 28, 
1840. lie attended the Bntialo, N. Y., High School, from which 
he graduated, then took a course of medicine at Buffalo College 
and at the Georgetown University, at Washington. D. C. Sept. 
22, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, Sth 111. Cavalry, as a private. 
Soon after he was appointed hospital steward, then lieutenant of 
the company, also acted as assistant-surgeon. He remained in 
the service, until tiie close of the war. Was with the army of the 
Potomac in all their priiicijial engagements. He was mustered 
out at Chicago, 111. Upon retiring from the service he located at 
Chatsworth, 111. and formed a partnership with Dr. Nelson. 
Tliree years later he went to Polo, 111. In 1870 he was employeti 
by the Union Mutual Life Insurance Co., as general agent. 
In 1876 he went to Louisville, Ky., and attended the Medical Col- 
lege there one term, after which he practiced in Streator, 111., two 
years, tlien came to Davenport, where he remained some 12 
months, from^there to Bufl'alo his jiresent place of residence. He 
has met with great success here as a practitioner, and is one of the 
prominent men of the city. He was married June 7, 1866, to Liz 
zie Snonk, of Chatsworth, 111., by wlioni he had two children — 
Mary G. and Maude. He lo.-t liis wife in 1874 and he was again 
married to Henrietta Croswell, June 27, 1877. She was born in 
Illinois, and was a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Martin) Cros- 
well. Dr. Welis and wite have been blessed with two children — 
Helen J. and Susan C. He is a member of Buttalo Lodge, No. 72, 
A. O. U. W. 

Peter Willi, farmer, section 15, Buffalo Township, was born in 
Chavana, Italy, Feb. 14, 1827. He was a son of John A. Willi, 
and Maria (^Peruisa) Willi. He was a native of Switzerland, and a 
wagon-maker by trade. She was born in Como, Italy. When 
Peter was four years of age, his parents took him to canton of 
Grison, Switzerland, and located in the village of Enis, on the 
River Rhine. He attended school and worked in the glass factory, 
and making rafts until IS years of age, when he came with his 
parents to America, landing Nov. 1, 1845. They started to Wis- 
consin, but the river freezing over they landed at Hampton, 111.; 
then went to Wendrofi" Island, near Milan, 111., and remained un- 
til 8j)ring; then farmed at Premption, Mercer Co., 111., until 
spring of 1847, when they came to Davenport, Iowa. Peter worked 
here at gardening, where the George Davenport Square now is, 
for the Le Claire Hotel, and followed farming until his marriage 



1016 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

to Miss Anna Gold, June 4, 184:9. She was born at Neustadt on 
the River Main, Bavai-ia, Germany, and she was a daughter 
of Michael and Anna (Gruse) Gold, of Germany, who settled in 
Scott County, fall of 1840. They had six children, five living. 
After Mr. and Mrs. Willi w^ive married tiiey lived in Davenport, 
Iowa, until the fall of 1854, when he bouglit a farm of 40 acres in 
section 15, Buffalo Township, where he now resides. He and 
wife are members of tlie Catholic church, and have 10 children, 
viz.: John; Geneva, now Mrs. Jacob Grob; Mary E., now Mrs. Phe- 
lix Hirchl; Mary F., now Mrs. William Pnillips; Anna R., now 
Mrs. Adolpli Herman; Joseph A. resiiles on the farm with his 
father, engaged in farming; Agnes M., now Mrs. Michael Wenzel; 
Margaret M., Katy E., and Clementina M., reside with their 
parents. Mr. Willi is one of the enterprising grain and stock- 
raising farmers of Scott County, and has a farm of 70 acres, under 
good cultivation. In politics is a Greenback-Democrat. 

Rohert Williams, Cross Roads, section 11, Buffalo Township, 
was born near Kew Port, Wales, May 2t>, 1825. His parents were 
John and Mary (Long) Williams, natives of AVales. They were 
members of the English Lutheran Church, and had eight children. 
Kobert rained in the coal and iron mines until 16 years of age, 
when he came alone to the United States, and landed in New 
York City. He mined in the coal mines at Pottsville, Pa., 
seven years, then mined coal in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and 
Virginia, until 1850; then rained at East St. Louis, 111., until 
1864, whe'n he came to Scott Co., Iowa, and bought the farm 
in Buffalo Township, where he and family still reside, and where 
he has mined and farmed. He married Miss Mary Hanlan, Aug. 
25, 1856, who was born in Ireland, and was a daughter of James 
Hanlan. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had three children, two 
living — James and Mary Williams. Mrs. AYilliams is a member 
of tlie Catholic church. Mr. Williams owns a fine farm of 70 
acres, all under good cultivation and well stocked, and is one of 
the enterprising farmers of Scott County. He has been identified 
with it since 1864. 

FranMln II. Williamson, carpenter, miller and farmer, Buffalo, 
Iowa, was born on a fartn eight miles west of Liberty, the county seat 
of Bedford Co., Ya., Xov. 14, lS3n, where lie worked in his father's 
grist and saw mill until 21 years of age, when he struck out for 
himself and went to Bedford, Me., and worked in a cotton-mill 
some eight months when he returned to Viiginia and took aeon- 
tract of building two dams on the Kanwgha Canal, on the .James 
River, built one dam at Irvin's Ferry and one at Well's Gap; re- 
mained there two years, then was superintendent of grading the 
Tennessee Railroad between Lincliburg and Liberty in Campbell 
County, on tiie old Poplar Forrest farm now owned by Thos. Jef- 
ferson. During this time he boarded with John B. Good, Sr., 
whose son, John B., Jr., was afterward congressman from this 
State; remained there one year, then the winter of 1852 started with 



BrFFALO TOWNSHIP. 1017 

five other young men to California; when they arrived at Spring- 
field, 111., he was taken sick. He sold out his interest in teams, 
cattle etc., and the party went on witiiout liiin. lie remained in 
Springfield foiir montlis, sick with typhoid lever. He then went 
to Saratoga S)>rings, N. Y., for his liealth a sliort time, then went 
to Chicago. 111., and began to work as bridge carpenter on tlie 
Rock Island R. R., now^ the C, R. I. it P. R. R. Worked on this 
road six montlis, then worked in a mill and shook with tiie "ager" 
at Ilam])ton, 111., si.x month.s; then tuuk charge of a null at Port 
Byron, 111., four or rive months; then went to Lake Pijiin and 
assisted Captain Barber to raise the Steamers, "Areola," "Fall 
City," and "Register," that had been sunk by the ice. Returned to 
PortB yron one year, when he came to Scott Co., Iowa, arriving 
here March 12, 18()0. lie farmed for Jacob Shoe two years in 
Buffalo Township, when he married Miss Catherine Wyniun, June 
10, lS<i2. Slie was born in Ilesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and was a 
daughter of Valentine Wyman and Barbara Wyman, natives of Ger- 
many, who came to the United States in 1840, and settled in Scott 
County in 1845. They had six children, five living. After Mr. 
and Mrs. Williamson were married, he worked in partnership on a 
farm in Buti'alo Tnwhship one year; then workcil on a farm in 
Davenport Township two years, when he returned to Buffalo and 
followed carpentering, I'arming and milling, until 1881. Since that 
time he has followed bridge carpentering on the C, R. I. & P. R. 
R. He and wife are members of the ReorgaTiized Church of 
Latter Day Saints, and have had three children, two living, viz.: 
Eudora F. and Evelyn M. ; Lucy died Jan. 17, L>69. The parents 
of F. II Williamson were Henry P. Williamson and Lucy Brooks. 
He M'as born in Yorkshire, England, and she in Scotland. He 
was a fanner, and died in 1850. She was killed hy lightning in 
1S4C. They were members of the M. E. church, and had eight 
children, four living. The subject of this sketch, F. H. Williamson, 
has been justice of the peace six years, member of city council, 
town clerk, in his township. Is a member of I. O. 0. F., Lodge 
No. 87, at Najiles, 111., and Buffalo, Iowa, Lodge, Xo. 72, A. O. U. 
W. In politics a Prohibitionist and cast his first vote for Buchan- 
nan. 

Jacob H. Whisle)\ pastor of the Church of Christ, Buffalo, was 
born near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., Jul}' 9, 1831, 
son of Henry and Susan (lledricks) Whisler; father a native of 
Virginia and mother of Maryland. The subject of this memoir 
worked on his father's farm and attended the Pleasant A'alley Insti- 
tute until he was 18 years old, then engaged in school-teaching. 
He taught the first schgol in the loop of the New River, near the 
great Kanawha Palls. In the spring of 1852 he came to Iowa and 
located in Cedar County, where he remained until the winter of 
that year, then went to Bellevue, Iowa. In April, 1853, he went 
to Maquokcta and worked on farms in that vicinity, and attended 
the academy there some months; afterward taught school near 



1018 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Maquoketa two years. He was married Sept. 28, 1856, to Ada 
Cook, a native of Petersburg, Canada. Her parents were Robert 
and Ruth Cook, of Canada; tbe former died in 1868; she is living 
with her son Wesley, on the old homestead near Maquoketa. 
In 1864 Mr. Whisler was drafted for the armj', but bought a sub- 
stitute. He was appointed a minister and evangelist of the Church 
of Christ, Aug. 27, 1866. He held protracted meetings in Iowa 
and Illinois until April, 1869, when he located in Buffalo, in charge 
of his present pastorate. This church was organized by Mr. Whis- 
ler on the third Sunday of December, 1868, with W. D. Vermillion, 
elder; and Chas. Sowers and Levi Moore, deacons, with a member- 
ship of 35, which afterward increased to 102; now numbers 32. 
This was the first Christian chureh'organized in Buffalo. Mr. and 
Mrs. J. H. Whisler have one child, Mary M. Mr. W. has ever 
been an earnest temperance worker, and for the past five years a 
strong prohibitionist. He was nominated by this party for the 
Legislature twice. He owns a nice residence and five lots in the 
eastern part of Bufialo, where he resides. 



ft:1^v, 




3 ^i^^ir- 



fm 






BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 

Bntler Township comprises 36 sections in the northeast part of 
Scott County, bounded on the east bv Princeton Townshij), on the 
south bv Lincoln, on the west b}' Winfield and on the north by 
the AVajisipinecon Kiver. It was first named Ben Butler, but by 
act of the Board of Supervisors in ]S66, the prefix "Ben" was 
dropped. 

The first entry of land in the township was in 1836, when Henry 
Harvey Pease, in partnership with John D. Grafford, entered 500 
acres of land on section 19, in what is known as Walnut Grove. 
Alphonso Warren had previously " blazed " the trees on this tract, 
and Messrs. Pease and Graiford paid him $100 to relinquish the 
interest thus acquired in the land. 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

Mr. Pease built the first cabin in the township in 1S3S; lived 
two years in Duhutjue after entering his claim. He still jives on 
the spot where this cabin was erected. The original structure is 
still standing, and forms a part of his present residence. Mr. 
Pease was born Oct. 29, 1794, at Middlefield, Ilainpshire Co., 
Mass. He removed in an early day to New York, thence to Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, and to Dubuque, la., in 1832, where he served 
as deputy siierift", constable, etc., besides being engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits. 

Alphonso Warren built the next cabin, in the fall ot 1838, on 
section 20, a little below the present residence of Mr. Thos. Glynn. 
Mr. Warren came from New York, and opened and operated the 
celebrated grindstone quarry in this township. He left this county 
some 35 years since. Last summer he visited the "old stam]>ing 
ground," and talked over the incidents of early life here with the 
few remaining old settlers, returning to Kansas, his present home. 

George Daly, a native of Ohio, came from Moline, 111., in 1839, 
and built a saw and flour mill on section 17, on what was then 
named Daly's Creek. Much of the lumber of Mr. Pease's first 
barn was here sawed. Mr. Daly afterward moved to Canton, 
Jackson Co., and subsequently died in Plymouth County. 

Aaron IJ. Norris was also an early settler, and moved to Mis- 
souri. 

FIEST THINGS. 



The first birth in the township occurred Sept. 1, 1839 — Clinton 

(1019) 



W. Pease, son of II. II. Pease 



1020 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

The first marriage was between George Dalj and Rebecca Arble, 

ill the spring of 1839. Miss Arble had recently arrived from Pen n- 

svlvania, in company with Mr. Cooper, father of Michael Cooper. 

" The first deatli was that of Delos Warren, brother of Alphonso 

"Warren. 

The first school was taught in the sonth end of an old double log 
house in Walnut Grove, near the site of the present school-house, 
in 1846, by Miss Alice Alvord, daughter of Whiten Alvord and 
niece of Mrs. A. M. Fish. 

The first religious services were held in 1838, at the residence of 
Mr. Pease, and were conducted by James and Alexander Brownlie, 
Presbyterians. A Methodist circuit rider named Brace was wont 
to stop at the same place, the only one within 50 miles where corn 
was to be had for his horse. Another, Father Stirapson, allured 
by former experiences, would ride 15 miles through storm and 
sleet to procure here a cup of tea. The good father had a refined 
taste, and on occasions like this not only preached the word and 
advocated resignation, humility, etc., but ofttimes indulged in 
lengthy discussions on the question of " corn coffee vs. ' boughten ' 
tea." 

Geo. Daly built the first saw and flour mill in 1839. It had one 
run of stone, and was situated on section 17. 

Col. Breckenridge, from Pennsylvania, in an early day entered 
about 7,000 acres of wild land in the northeastern part of this 
township, and enclosed the entire tract with one fence. It is re- 
lated that in breaking, his teams would start from a point where 
J. C. M. Causland now lives, and plow a continuous furrowto the 
Wapsie, a distance of three miles, two round trips a day being 
considered good work. 

The first school-house was a log structure and was built in 1850 
on section 18. 

An amusing incident, illustrating the trials and disappointments 
of early life here, is related by Mr. Morris, which we give in his 
own words. Speaking of the marriage of Mr. Daly and Miss 
Arble in 1839 he says: "This feat was accomplished after many 
trials and tribulations had been undergone, arising mainly from 
the iuappropriativeness of poor Lo, the wandering red man. 
Pease, Daly, et al. had oftentimes had occasion to congratulate 
themselves and eacli other upon the honesty, probity and other 
old-time characteristics of their neighbors, and had laughed them- 
selves into paro.xysms of glee over the thought that locks and bars 
and- all such were for those who needed them; when lo! a change 
came over the spirit of their dream. When the poor Indian, of un- 
tutored mind, had been incautiously left without the realms of 
their reckoning, he, or they (for there was a brace of them), had 
felt the slight to such a degree as to so cautiously appear upon the 
scene, so quietly operate, and silently disappear as to prove, even in 
these pioneer days, that "the best laid plans of mice and men 
gang aft a'glee." Pease's Guinea gold watch was gone, his riding 




SM^^'jc^c^ 



BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 1023 

bridle, and enougli else to vex liis sonl. And Dalj — his wed- 
ding beaver hat was gone; his wedding suit was gone; and, alas! 
too, was gone the money he had saved ibr a license fee for tiie min- 
ister who was to tie the Gordian knot, and for part payment for 
sewing upon these same wedding garments, justly due to Miss 
Lydia Pinneo, a sister of Madison Pinnco, who had in her kind, 
womanly heart so efficiently aided him in his so laudable and haz- 
ardous undertaking. And with these were gone, too, the good 
motherly hens, brooding upon nests so soon to reward their ma- 
ternal care. His spoons were gone; his knives ditto, and truly our 
hero, for he was a hero, had fallen upon troublous times. Think 
of it, ye young men and maidens; sympathize with this heart- 
broken young man while your historian leaves him prostrate in 
the ashes of his dead hopes and hastens after the gaunt authors of 
his woe. In impartial mood our Indians wended their devious way 
to the house of Pease, and in the (piiet, restful hours of slumber, 
awaked his household in their ill-timed efforts to kindle a blaze 
upon his hearth. " Ugh! me welly cold," and he bade them bring 
in some logs and warm their beauteous anatomies. "'Ugh! me 
welly hungry," and he fed them upon the viands then and there 
in plenteous vogue. " Ugh! me welly sleepy," and he bade them 
roll their glorious frames, bedecked in all their gorgeous panoply 
of blanket, paint, buckskin, feathers, beads, etc., at length before 
the hearth and sleep the sleep ot the just. And the Pease house- 
hold accepted the advice of its head, and slumbered as do the just 
and upright; and it happening to be on a Sabbath morn they 
indulged then as we of later day otttiraes do — in too much of 
slumber uf the just and u])riglit. This fault, if such, cannot be laid 
upon their visitors, the Indians, who, in praise be it said, were up 
betimes or perhaps a little previous, and fearing to awake their 
host, liad silently stolen away a Guinea gold watch, a riding bridle, 
and such else as to vex the household of Pease. Aud then there 
was a wild hurrying to aud fro. Norris rode to the raging Wapsie 
where Bowen's Ferry did its roaring tide bespan, and earnestly be- 
sought its Charon of tidings of the truant twain. Daly — but we 
left him prostrate, etc., and our veracious informant saith not 
further of him; and Pease, he rode to the hamlet of Davenport, 
thence to Long Grove, Allen's Grove and Little Walnut Grove, 
where he heard of our Indians, one of whom was bedecked in wed- 
ding raiment, betopped with wedding beaver hat, and bejeweled 
with Guinea gold watch, all of which finery he hastened to barter 
to a man named Woods, for divers quantities of calico goods, but- 
tons, trinkets, etc., to the value of $9. And Pease overtook the 
Indians, and after some parley betook unto himself the riding bridle, 
the spoons and the knives, and was of course properly rejoiced 
thereat. L^pon our man Woods he found the beaver wedding hat, 
plowing corn with its new-found owner, and to him he was also in- 
debted for restoration of the wedding suit upon the just considera- 
tion of $7 lawful money. And Daly, hero and Phcenix that he 



1024 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

was, straightway arose from the ashes aforesaid, donned Jiis mar- 
riace raiment, his wedding heaver hat — botli tried and not found 
wanting — and joyfully led to the Hymen's altar his blushing 
bride, the fair Becky Arble. 

RELIGIOUS. 

There are two church buildings and societies in the township, 
that of the Mt. Joy M. E. church and the Presbyterian church. 
The M. E. church building was erected in 18G1, and is about 32 x 42 
feet, located on section 30. Its pastor was S. H. Harmer. At 
present it is su))plied by Rev. Mr. Holland, who preaches every two 
weeks. A Sunday-school is conducted during the summer months. 
The present trustees are Geo. Baughman, T. W. JVIcCausland, John 
Sn3'der, Wm. Arnold and Morgan Orrendorl. The Presbyterian 
church is located on section 35, and was built in 1868, about 32 x 40 
feet in size. It is known as Mount Union Church. Mr. Mc Bride 
was first pastor; at present Eev. Mr. Hayes supplies the pulpit 
every two weeks. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

There are nine sub-districts in Butler Township, each having a 
good frame school-house, the aggregate value of which is estimated 
at $9,800. There are 340 persons in the township between five and 
21 years of age. 

POSTOFFICE. 

Henry W. Pease was the first postmaster, and held the ofiice 
for over 25 consecutive years. The ofiice was always at his 
residence, and many incidents are told by Mr. Pease of the trials 
of old pioneers who were obliged to travel many miles for their 
mail, and ofttimes would be overtaken by dark, and be obliged to 
make his home their resting place for the night. In 1867 Mr. 
"Wing was appointed, and since that time it lias changed hands 
many times, and was finally moved to Long Grove. For nearly 
10 years there was no postoflice in the township, the last mentioned 
place and De Witt, in Clinton County, being the principal offices 
or the citizens of Butler. A little over a year since a mail route 
was established between Long Grove and Princeton, and an office 
was then located in Walnut Grove, known as Barwoud, with Mr. 
Samuel Barr as postmaster, who is the present incumbent. 

RAILROADS. 

The only railroad in the township is a branch of the B., C. R. & 
N., now in process of construction, which enters on section 12, 
and running west leaves the township on section 7. A station is 
to be located on the farm of G. W. Martin, on section 7, as yet 



BUTLER TOWNSaiP. 1025 

unnamed. Another station is to be located in the eastern part of 
the town, to be called McCausland. Work is to be resumed on 
the road soon, and it is expected to be completed from Clinton to 
Iowa City this fell (1S82). 

KEPRESENTATIVES. 

Butler has furnished three representatives in the State Legis- 
lature: Mr. Wing, two terms ; Mr. Stearns, one term ; and Mr. 
Miller, who is still a member of that body, five terms. 

ELECTIONS AND PRESENT OFFICERS. 

The township of Butler was organized in 186.5, and the first 
election for town officers was held Oct. 8, of that 3'ear. Mr 
Wing, since deceased, was the first supervisor ; Levi J. Reddick, 
clerk ; Duren Stearns, assessor ; Ernst Miller, justice ot the 

S;ace. The present officers are : Trustees, Geo. Baughman, 
arry Garber and Hans Grease ; Assessor, Samuel Morris ; Clerk, 
Wm. Martin ; Justices of the Peace, S. J. Morris, Henry Garber ; 
Constable, Louis Fish ; T. W. McCausland of Butler, is a member 
of the County Board of Supervisors. There are no villages in 
Butler township, no stores and but one saloon. The nearest gen- 
eral merchandise store is at Long Grove, in Winfield Township, 
kept by Dr. Richardson. The principal trading points for the 
people of this section are Davenport, 10 miles from the southern 
boundary of the township ; DeWitt, in Clinton County, about four 
miles from the " Wapsie," or northern boundary, and Princetou, in 
Princeton Township, six miles from the eastern boundary. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Samuel Barr was born in Brookville, Pa., May 7, 1S39, son of 
R. P. and Mary (Chetester) Barr, the former of Scotch origin and 
the latter a native of iSJcw Jersey. The old Scotch name was 
Dunbar, but during the Scotch Rebellion, while escaping to Ire- 
land, to aroid detection the first syllable was dropped and has 
never since been used. Our subject received his education in 
Pennsylvania, and when 16 years of age removed with his parents 
to De Witt, Clinton Co., Iowa. Here he followed farming for 
15 years, and during the winter taught in various district schools. 
In 1870 he purchased 40 acres of laud in Walnut Grove, where 
he has since resided. His land is set out to small fruits to a large 
extent, and their prodnct furnishes him with a goodly income. 
Mr. Barr was married, Marcli 31, 1863, to Miss Norrissa R. Stearns, 
from Ohio, who died in February, 1871. Mr. Harr was again 
married. May S, 1873, to Frances Rosamond Blackmau. The 
fruit of this union was three children — Ruby Pearl, Clyde Leroy 
Dun and Myrtle. He has been justice of the peace, and is now 



1026 HISTORY OF SCOTT COrNTY. 

postmaster, having been appointed about two years since. The 
office, located at his residence, is named Barwood. Mr. Barr is 
quite a scientist, and has a fine collection of specimens, illustrat- 
ing the sciences of geology, conchology, archaeology and osteology, 
doubtless the largest private collection in the county. He has 
also interested himself in literature, and has written numerous 
papers on scientitic subjects, and while teaching composed nu- 
merous poems, many of which were published in various periodi- 
cals. In politics he is a Republican. 

George Bmighman was born in Oliio, May 19, 1814, son of Sam- 
uel and Elizabeth (Huffman) Baughman, natives of Pennsylvania. 
He was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and followed 
farming there until 1847, when he removed to this county and 
purchased 235 acres on the "Wapsie," in Winfield Township. He 
lived there seven or eight years, and then moved to his present 
residence in Butler Township, which was then, however, a part of 
Winfield. He has owned 360 acres of land where he now lives, 
but has given farms of about 85 acres each to four of his children, 
and now lives a retired life in the old homestead residence. He 
was married Sept. 10, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Farber, a native of 
New Jersey. Tliey have had five children, four of whom are still 
living — Alonzo, Clarinda, Lucinda and Samuel. Morilla died in 
infancy. Mrs. Baughman died May i:2, 1871, and our subject 
lives with his youngest son. Mr. Baughman is well known in his 
township and tliroughout the county, and has held the office of 
townsliip trustee for five or six years past. He is a Eepublican. 
Postoffice, Long Grove. 

Charles Bennett was born in the State of New York, Aug. 31, 
1816, and was a son of George W. and AIngail Bennett, nee(j\\nn. 
His parents removed to Wood Co., Ohio, when he was a small boy, 
and there his education was received, and he grew to manhood. 
Soon after attaining his majority his father removed to McHenry 
Co., 111., and from that place, in company with an elder brother, 
our subject went to Mineral Point, Wis. Tliey were there em- 
ployed to assist in running the second boundary line of tlie Black 
Hawk purchase. During the winter Charles Bennett made 10,000 
rails in three months. During the second winter of his residence 
there, yielding to the wishes of his father, he returned to his home 
in McHenry County, entered land, and engaged in farming there. 
On Dec. 37, 1847, he was married to Cynthia Dodse, who died May 
11, 1849, leaving one son, Mortimer Wallace, who was born Jan. 
3, 1849, and is now married and residing in Rooks Co., Kan. In 
the spring of 1850, in company witli a brother, Mr. Bennett started 
on the overland route for California. Upon reaching Le Claire, 
Iowa, the journey was abandoned, and he settled there. He 
worked at various occupations until the summer of 1850, when he 
bought his present farm on section 35, Butler Township. He was 
again married Dec. 27, 1853, to Milcah E. Goodrich, daughter of 
Abijah and Rachel Goodrich. Six childien were born of this union 



BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 1027 

— Andrew C, born Jan. 27, 1S55; Mary Alice, Kov. 16, 1856; 
Corydon A., March 29, 1859; Etta C, Dec. 20, 1862; Ada E., 
Marcli 7, 1S63, and Charles D., Nov. 23, 1866. Mrs. Milcah E. 
Bennett died Sept. 26, 1867. and on Marcli 7, 1869, he married 
Eliza J. Stevens, his present wife. Ilcr f'atlier, Georiie W. Stevens, 
died Sept. 24, 1863, at the age of 77 years. Her niotlier Elizabeth, 
nee Lattorty. died Jan. 26, 1877, in her 88th year. Mr. Bennett's 
tathcr died Dec. 12, 1867, aged 85 years; his mother is .still living 
in Mcllenry County, at the ripe old age of 86 years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bennett have had three children — Abigail Belle, born Aug. 27, 
1870; Jonathan Carver, May 15, 1872, and Pearl Elizabeth. June 
9, 1874. 

Clans Boltz, son of James and Margaretta (Wiese) Boltz, was 
born near Kuehl, Kingdom of Prussia, Jan. 28. 1849. "When he 
was about seven years old his father emigrated with his family to 
the L'nited States, and lucated at once in Scott County. His 
father worked as a farm hand a number of years, then purchased a 
farm in Blue Grass Township, where he now resides. The subject 
of this memoir attended school in Germany and in Davenport 
Township a number of years. He I'enniined with his father until 
he was 24 years old, when he was married to Anna Sjhlapkohl, 
who was burn in Holstein. Germany, November, 1850, and was 
daughter of Hans Schlapkohl, a native of Germany. Mr. Boltz 
resided in East Daveni)ort about one and a half years after his 
marriage, then located on the farm where he now lives, on section 
15, Butler Townsliip. Mr. and Mrs. Boltz have four children — 
Gustav. born March 3, 1874; Delia, July 5, 1875; Otto, June 14, 
1877, and Caroline. April 1, 1880. 

Leand^r Luther Civ t pi aniu <&'/•.. was born in New Haven, Conn., 
Nov. 25, 1799, and was a son of John and Dorcas (Hunter) Chap- 
man. When he was about two years old his parents left New 
Haven, and moved to Gntario Co., N. V., settling near the village 
of Vienna. In the public schools of that place our subject was 
educated, and there grew to manhood. Soon after attaining his 
majority he started out to see the country. Was at Detroit, Mich., 
two years, then went to Ashtabula Co., Oliio, where he engaged in 
teaching. He was there married, on Jan. 1, 1831, to Esther 
Griggs, daughter of John and Ruth Griggs, nee Dibbath. In the 
spring following his marriage. Mr. Chairman moved to Flemings- 
burg, Ky., and seven years later to Kane Co., HI. In the sum- 
mer of 1844 he moved to Scott Count}', and settled in Princeton 
Township. He bought a farm of 80 acres on section 20, which he 
sold in the spring ot 1853, and bought another in section 
26, where he resided until ISSl. Since that time he has made 
his home with his son-in-law, J. B. Scott. Mr. and Mrs. L. L. 
Chapman were blessed with eight children — Henry C, born 
Oct. 8. 1831, married Agnes Miller; JoiuiG., born Nov. 18, 1832, 
died Sept. 20, 1852; Leander L., born March 12. 1834, married Anna 
R. McCausland; Sarah E., now Mrs. Frank Shaw, was born Jan. 



1028 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

22, 1836; Elizabeth E., born Oct. 31, 1837, married J. B. Mc Quis- 
tion; Dora H., now Mrs. J. B. Scott, was born Feb. 29, 1860; 
AnnjH., born Aug. 31, ISil, married G. H. Kimball; and Oliver, 
born Jan. 6, I8i5, died Aug. 20, 1847. Mrs. L. L. Chapman, 
Sr., died Oct. 25, 1878. About 30 years ago Mr. Chapman was 
the victim of a terrible accident. His foot was so horribly man- 
gled in the cylinder of a threshing machine that amputation of all 
the anterior portion of the left foot became necessary. Although 
he is over 82 years old, Mr. Chapman can read the finest print 
without the aid of spectacles, and his hearing is but slightly 
impaired. 

Michael Cooper, son of Leonard and Julia Ann (Elder) Cooper, 
was born near Ebensburg, Cambria Co., Pa., July 20, 1826. His 
father was a farmer, and Michael assisted on the farm and attended 
the district school until April 1, 1839, when his parents and 12 
children, in company with another family, started for the Territory 
of Iowa, and arrived at their destination on April 16 of that 
year, after a long and wearisome journey. Mr. Leonard Cooper 
went at once to Long Grove, where his brother-in-law, Charles 
Elder, resided, having emigrated to Scott County in 1838. The 
next day the whole jiarty, consisting of 27 persons, followed them. 
He at once made a claim on section 28, which he purchased when 
it came into market, and resided upon it until his death, wliich 
occurred Oct. 28, 1860. In 18-17 the subject of this sketch made 
a claim, which he afterward entered, of 120 acres in Wintiekl 
Township. He built a house on his land, fenced it, and otherwise 
improved it. On Nov. 14, 1854, he married Margaret, daughter 
of James and Elizabeth (Crawford) Ennis. She was born Feb. 
1, 1834, in County Langford, Ireland. Their union has been 
blessed with nine children — James II., born Sept. 15, 1856, died 
Oct. 11, 1859; Mary E., born Aug. 1, 1857, died Feb. 26, 1871; 
Augustus C, born May 1, 1859, owns a farm of 160 acres in 
Ida Co., Iowa; Lillie, born Dec. 28, 1860; Leonard, born May 29, 
1863; Minnie L., born July 14, 1865; LovenaM., born Dec. 16, iS67, 
died Feb. 7, 1870; Thomas A., born June 4, 1871; and Francis J., 
born March 4, 1 875. In 1865 Mr. Cooper disposed of his farm in 
Winfield Township, and moved upon a farm near Dubuque, la., 
where he resided one year, then returned to Scott County, and 
settled on his present farm of 135 acres in Butler Township. He 
held the office of postmaster at Walnut Grove, until the office was 
moved to Long Grove. He has served liis township as sub-director 
and road supervisor a number of years. Mr. Cooper's brother 
James went to California in 1859,, and nothing has been heard of 
him for the past 12 years. 

James Ennis, deceased, was born in County Langford, Ireland, 
June 21, 1800. He grew to manhood in his native countrj-, and 
was there married to Elizabeth Crawford, of the same place. He 
followed farming in Ireland until 1840, when he emigrated with 
his family to America, and landed at Quebec. He was there 



UIJTLER TOWNSHIP. 10'29 

offered a position as check clerk on board the vessel he came over 
in, wliich lie accepted. Shortly after he removed with his family 
to Hamilton, Ontario, lie leased a farm about 20 miles from 
Hamilton, where lie residetl nntil 1S52, when he came to Scott 
Count}', arriving in Davenport on June 9 of that year. He located 
at once on section 11. Wintield Townsliip, where he boiij;;ht a farm 
of 160 acres, and resided until Iiis death, which occurred Oct. 26, 
1S80, his wife liavini; died about four years prior to that time. Mr. 
Ennis was hiirhly respected in the community in which he lived , 
and did much to advance the interests of Scott County. He filled 
the office of justice of the peace for 20 years. Of his children, 
Margaret married Micliael Cooper, and resides in Butler Town- 
ship; James is married and lives ii\ Clinton, Iowa.; Edward T.; 
Anna M. married Thos. J. Glynn, and resides in Butler Township, 
and John married Mary Kehoe, and resides on the old homestead 
in Wintield Township. 

'WilHa7n Fish., deceased, was born Sept. 28, 1S06, in the State of 
Vermont, and was a son of Nathaniel and Nancy (Huntington) 
Fish. AVhen William was quite young, his parents removed to 
Ellicottville, N. Y., where his father engaged in farming and con- 
ducted a tavern. lie grew to manhood in tiiat place, and there 
received a liberal education. He was twice married; first to Lois 
Grover, of Little Valley, N. Y., by whom lie had three children — 
LaB^iyette, now deceased, Erskine and William. His second 
marriage occurred on the 16th of January, 1833, to Mary Ann, 
daughter of Elihu Alvord. She was born Oct. 1, 1806. This 
union was blessed with five children — Lewis, horn Feb. 22, 1837; 
Francis, born July 2, 18-10; Sarah L., Jan. 11, 18-f5; Chas. C, 
Nov. 26, 1847, aTid Dora A. Lewis, the eldest son, was married in 
1857, to Miss Sarah E. Gatton, who died May 23, 1869. He 
served two years in tlie 20th Iowa Infantry. Was again married 
Aug. 24, 1881, to MissAdelia Jlartin. William Fish, our subject, 
came West with his family' in the spring of 18-14, and settled on the 
Wapsipinecon Kiver, near where his widow now resides. He had 
quite a number of land warrants, and secured a large tract of land 
embracing several hundred acres in what is now Butler Town- 
ship. He held various offices of honor and trust in his township, 
and served as justice of the peace five years prior to his death, 
which occurred Oct. 18, 1834. In liis death Scott County lost one 
of her most prominent and respected citizens. 

Thomas J. GJi/im, son of Michael and Mary (^Fox) Glynn, natives 
of Gahvay Co.. Ireland, was l)orn at that place. Dec. 22, 1840. 
His parents emigrated to America when he was six years old, and 
landed at New Orleans, where they remained one year, tiien re- 
moved to Madison, Ind. Thomas attended the parochial schools 
of tliat city until 1854, when his father removed with his family 
to tlie AN^est, and settled in Davenport, la., on March 16 of that 
year. His father bought 8ii acres of land on section 21, Wintield 
Township, paying $6 an acre for it, and to that place the family 



1030 HISTORY OF SCOTT COITNTY. 

moved in November, 1S55. Thomas assisted on the farm, and 
after his ISth year the management of it devolved almost entirely 
on him. On June 6, 1865, he married Anna M., daughter of 
James and Elizabeth Eunis, nee Crawford. She was born in 
Ontario, Canada, May 14r, 1846. With some help from his father, 
Thomas Glynn purchased SO acres of land on section 21, Winfield 
Township, which he cultivated for seven years, then sold for $50.80 
an acre, and with the proceeds of this sale he bought 203 acres in 
sections 17 and 18, Butler Township, which is his present home. 
He has made improvements on this place in building and fencing, 
to the amount of $3,000. He is extensively engaged in breeding 
fine stock. His herd contains some of the linest specimens of 
thoroughbreds in the State. 

Mr. and Mrs. Glynn have had seven children — James M., born 
July 21, 1866; Mary E., March 1, 1868; Thomas P., April 29, 
1870; Charles E., Jan. 9, 1873; Anna M., Feb. 18, 1875; Leo, 
July 8, 1877, and Alice M., July 29, 1879. Mr. Glynn's mother 
resides with him; his father died March 12, 1873, in Winfield 
Township, this county. 

J. Helhle, son of Joseph and Rosini (Mante) Helble, was born 
near Obernheim, Kingdom of Wurteinberg. Germany, Sept. 24, 
1826. His father was a cabinet-maker in Obernheim. He attended 
school in his native village until he was 19 years old, when he was 
apprenticed to a weaver, and learned and worked at that trade six 
years. On Aug. 26, 1851, he took passage at Havre de Grace, with 
his father's family, to the United States. Our subject went to 
Milwaukee, Wis., whore he li\ed five years, and was married June 
21, 1856, to Amelia Sonantag, who was born Oct. 11, 1834, and 
the following September removed to Davenport. Three years 
later he removed to the ])lace where he now resides, on section 26, 
Butler Township. Mr. and Mrs. Helble have six cliildren — John, 
born June 5, 1876; Joseph C, Aug. 6,1858; William, Aug. 4, 
1860; Mary, Sept. 8, 1862; Clara, April 20, 1865, and Emma, 
Aug. 21, 1867. Mr. Helble has been sub-director of hia district 
six years. 

George Washington Martin was born in Ei'ie, Pa., April 22, 
1822, son of Eobert and Mary (Oliver) Martin. They lived on an 
island in Lake Erie, where Mr. Mai-tin died about the year 1827. 
His m.)ther removed to Michigan, thence to La Porte Co., Ind. 
Mrs. Martin died here, and in 1842 our subject removed to Scott 
County and lived with his uncle, Joseph Martin, one year. He 
then purchased 40 acres of his present farm, to which he has added 
at diiierent times, until now he owns 352 acres of well-improved 
land. He was in the 14th Iowa Regiment, but did no active ser- 
vice, his enrollment being but eight months before the close of the 
war. He was married to Miss Mary A. Brown, who died in 1881. 
They had six children — Robert C, James S., Mary M., Earnest 
E., Emma L. and George W. James S. died when'16 years old, 
and Gtorge W. in infancy. Mr. Martin is school director of his 
township. In politics, a Republican. 



BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 1031 

La Fayette Martin was born on North Bass Island, of the Put- 
in-Oaj' Islands, Lake Erie, June (3, 1S27. His ])arents died, leav- 
ing him an orphan at the age of l-i years. In 18-1:4 he and his 
brother started for Oregon, and stopi>ed at W'intield Towiisliip, 
Scott County, to visit their uncle, Joseph Martin. They then 
formed plans for continuing their journey, but news of IndiaTi out- 
rages caused them to abandon the trip, and they settled in this 
county. La Fayette worked for his uncle two years, then kept bach- 
elors' liall with his brother until Se];teniber, 1852, when he united 
in marriage witli Debby Ann Brown, a daughter of Zebediah and 
Hannah Brown, who had emigrated to this county from Virginia 
the preceding fall. Mrs. Martin died Oct. 23, 1853, leaving an in- 
fant son, who died soon after. Mr. Martin married Sarah A. 
Brown, a sister to his first wife, Nov. 2, 1854. Tliey have had 
five children, four living — Mary Amanda, born Nov. 30, 1855, 
married W. P. Lower, Feb. 18, 1877; Benjamin Franklin, born 
May 4, 1859; James Monroe, JLarch 28, 1862, and Melviu Manpiis, 
Dec. 28, 1868. Mr. Martin owns 440 acres ot line land in Butler 
Towiisliip, and is one of the prominent and influential citizens of 
Scott County. His brother, Benjamin F., served in the Mexican 
war. and died while on liis way home from the Wiir. 

William A. Martin, son of Thomas and Jane (Larimer) Martin, 
was born near Martinsburg, Butler Co., Pa., June 22, 1843. His 
father was a farmer, and he attended school and assisted on the farm. 
In the spring of 1851 his lather went to California, where he re- 
mained two years, then located with his family in Rock Island, 
in. After a short stay tliere he removed to Ilapids City, and from 
there to Long Grove, Princeton Township, Scott Co. William A. 
enlisted at Clinton, la., Aug. 16, 1862, in Company G, 20th Iowa 
Infantry. He was sent to Springfield, and while there was taken 
witii the measles, and took a severe cold. He was removed to the 
hospital, where he lay sick three months, hovering between life and 
death. As soon as he was able he joined his regiment, and was in 
the campaigns of Missouri, Arkansas, and was present at the sur- 
render of Vicksburg. He ne.xt went to Yazoo City, Miss., where 
he was taken with the chills and fever and sent iioine on a sick fur- 
lough. Four months later, though still unfit for service, he 
was ordered to join his regiment. At New Orleans he became so 
much worse that he was sent to the hospital. In 1863 was trans- 
ferred to Alexandria, Va., to the veteran reserve corps, where he 
did garrison and guard duty. In the fall of 1864 he was on guard 
with a detachment at the transportation office until, a short time 
before the assassination of President Lincoln, he was sent to forcea 
draft at Scranton, Pa. He was discharged July 4, 1865, at Hart- 
ford. While he was on duty at Alexandria, he witnessed the exe- 
cution of a bounty -jumper, who had deserted. He was placed upon 
his coffiin, his bosom bared, and he was literally riddled with bul- 
lets. Upon leaving the service he came to Scott Co., where he 
worked for parties in Princeton Township abowt two years, and in 



1032 HISTORY OF SCOTT COCNTT. 

June, 1867, went to St. Louis, Mo. He was in the United States 
medical purveyor's office one year, then learned tiie carpenter's 
trade. While there he was married to Bridget Kennedv, July 26, 
1871. She was born in St. Lawrence Ca., N. Y., July"l4-, ISU. 
Five children have been born of this union — Jennie, born Aug. 1, 
1872; Rhoda Ellen, iN'ov. 28, 187-1; Thomas, March IS, 1876; Mat- 
tie, Nov. 13, 1877. and Emma, April 2, 18S0. One year after his 
marriage Mr. Martin settled on his farm, where he now resides, in 
Butler Township. Two of Mrs. Martin's brothers died in tiie 
Union service. Mr. Martin has held the offices of director and 
township clerk. 

John C. Mr.Causland was born near Paradise, Lancaster Co., 
Pa., May 15, 181^, and was a son of William and Rebecca (Clera- 
son) McCausland. His mother died at his birth, and his father 
seven years later. He was cared for by his brother, who was then 
managing the farm, until he was 17 years old, and during this 
time attended the public schools of the neighborhood. The estate 
was then divided among the children. Jolin C. emploj'ed a house- 
keeper and operated his share of the farm three years, when he sold 
it, and engaged in droving. On Feb. 1(5, 1836, he was united in 
marriage with Catharine Garber, who was born in Lancaster Co., 
Pa., Xov. 12, 1815, and was a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca 
Garber. After making several moves, Mr. McCausland, in the 
spring of 1855, located in Butler Township. He bought 320 acres 
on section 23, and has since bougiit the remainder of the section, 
and still owns and resides on it. He engaged in breeding thorough- 
bred cattle for a time, but has since abandoned that business. He 
ships stock, etc., to his son in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. McCausland 
have five children — Anna Rebecca, born Nov. 20, 1836, married L. 
L. Chapman; Samuel G., born Feb. 17,1840. is engaged in the 
commission business in Chicago; Thomas W., Feb. 19, 1842, 
married Laura J. Martin; D. C, born Oct. 29, 1846, married Se- 
lina Smith; and Catherine Y., born Sept. 14, 1851, is now Mrs. 
David A. Yocum. Mr. McCausland is one of Scott County's 
representative men. 

Thomas W. McCausland, son of J. C. and Catharine McCaus- 
land, nee Garber, was born near Chambersburg, Pa., Feb. 19,1842. 
AVhen he was quite small his father moved to what is now Harri- 
son Co., West Va., and settled on a farm there. His father dealt 
quite extensively in stock, and at one time Thomas, then only 
seven years old, helped drive stock to Harrisburg a distance of 
325 miles, walking barefooted. He was sent to Pennsylvania to 
school, and received a good education. In 1855 his father dis- 
posed of his West Virginia interests and came to this county and 
settled in Butler Township, Thomas and his brother, S. J. Mc- 
Causland, making the journey on horseback. The subject of this 
memoir enlisted in Company G, 20th Iowa Volunteer Infantrj', 
Aug. 26, 1862. He participated in the skirmish at Newtonia, 
Mo., the ijattle of Prairie Grove, Ark., and was then detailed to 



BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 1033 

serve on Union gnns at Gen. Tatten's headquarters. While on 
duty in this capacity he took part in drivini^ Marmadniie from 
Cape Girardeau, and the siege of Vicksbnrg. He also participated 
in the siege of Fort Morgan, and the cliarge on Fort Blakely. He 
then 'Went into the office of the provost marshal at Mobile as 
clerk, and remained as such until discharged July 26, 1865, and 
mustered out at Clinton, Iowa. He was married in December, 
1866, to Laura J., daughter of Hiram and Margaret J. (Quinn) 
Martin. Since that event lie has been engaged in farming and 
dealing in stock. While he has been prosperous in the main he 
has met with some reverses. A large barn built l)y him, had not 
been completed six months when it was totally destroyed by a 
tornado, and within a year or two after aliirgebarn on an adjoining 
farm was struck by lightning, and together with a large quantity 
of valuable farm machinery was entirel}' consumed. Mr. Mc- 
Causland has tilled nearly every township office, having been 
clerk two years, trustee two years, assessor, three years, director, 
and is now serving his sixth year as a member of tlie Scott County 
Board of Supervisor, three years of which served as chairman. 
He is a director in the Clinton County and president of the Mount 
Joy District Agricultural Societies. 

William McMooney was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., April 4, 
1828, and was a son of Frederick and Margaret McMooney. He 
attended the public schools and assisted on his father's farm until 
he grew to manhood. He was married to Catharine Hutchinson, 
April 11, 1850. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., May 8, 1830, 
and was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (High) Hutchinson, 
After his marriage Mr. McMooney worked on a farm one season, 
then started for Iowa, arriving in Princeton Township, Scott Co., 
after a long and wearisome journey. He engaged in farming in 
that township about two j'ears, and alter several moves he located 
in Butler Township. The first four years of his residence here 
he rented land, tlien bought the farm which he now owns, on sec- 
tion 14. ;Mr. and Mrs. McMooney have one child, a son Elliott 
Franklin, who was born in this county May 15, 1856, and is now 
engaged in managing the farm for his father. 

Frederick McMooney^ father of the preceding, was born near 
Lancaster, Pa., on Dec. 25, 1801, of Frederick and ^lary (Bennings) 
McMooney. When he was quite a small bo}' his parents moved 
to Franklin Co., Pa., where he attended school, and was married 
to Margaret, daughter of Gwrge and Jane MoWilliams. Six 
children were born of this union — Mary Jane, born March 16, 1827, 
married Schuyler Kincaid; William Mc Williams; Hannah E., now 
Mrs. Nathan Jones; .Vnn Eliza, now Mrs. R. AV. Miller; John F., 
married Adaline Smith; and George F., who married Mary Ward. 
Mrs. Frederick McMooney died about eight years ago. He re- 
sides with his son William, and celebrated his 80th birthday Dec. 
25, 1881. 

Ernst Mueller was born in Dalil,near Hagen. Province of Wost. 



1034 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

phalia, Germany, Nov. 21, 1832, son of Christian and Marianna 
(Schmidt) Mueller, natives of Germany. Was educated in the 
common schools of his native place, and at 15 j'cars of a^e was ap- 
prenticed to the carpenter's trade. In 1851 he emigrated alone to 
America, and stayed three months in Philadelphia, employed, in a 
bakery, then returned to East New York, Long Island, 'and worked 
nine months at his trade. Went then to Amanda, Fairfield Co., 
O., and engaged in carpenter work two years. In the spring of 
1854 he removed to Scott Co., la., and worked at his trade until 
1862. Then purchased 160 acres of land in the southeast part of 
Butler Township, where he lived until 1872. He has since bought 
several tracts of land in the township, and now owns 640 acres of 
good land, all improved. He lives on a tract of 235 acres, on sec- 
tion 16. Mr. Mueller was married March 30, 1862, to Miss Chris- 
tina Ketelsen. They have si.\ children — Lena, Fredrick, Matilda, 
Meta, Elvina and Annie. Our subject has been an active, repre- 
sentative man, having filled nearly everj^ office of trust in the gift 
of the people of his township, and is at present a member of the 
State Legislature, which office he has filled with credit for the past 
10 years. He is Republican in ])olitics. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Mueller are members of the German Lutheran Church. 

Claus Mundt was born in Holstein, Germany, Nov. 22, 1813. 
He left his native country for America in 1853, landed in New 
York, and from there came at once to Scott County. He resided 
in Davenport two years, then purchased a farm of SO acres in Butler 
Township, which he still owns. He rents his farm to a man who 
manages it tor him, as Mr. Mundt is getting too old to do the 
laborious work required to be done in managing a farm. He mar- 
ried Margaret Avoid t, Feb. 11, 1823; they have no children. In 
politics he is a staunch Republican, and in religious views a 
Lutlieran. 

Henry H. Pease, son of Israel and Mary Pease, was born in Mid- 
dletield, Mass., Oct. 29, 1791. His father was a farmer, and he as- 
sisted on the farm and attended school until he was 15 years old, 
.vhen he was apprenticed to the fuller and dyer's trade. He served 
a si.x years' apprenticeship, then worked on a salary a few months, 
then started on foot for New York State. He arrived in Oswego, 
N. Y., where his brother, Daniel, had located some years pre- 
viously. Mr. Pease remained in that State, visiting various lo- 
calities and working at his trade some three or four years; then 
went to Clinton Co., O., where he taught a country school for six 
months, and worked at odd jobs for three months: then went to 
Owen Co., Ind. He started a select school there, and taught a 
short time when he was taken with an attack of the ague, and for 
several months was unable to leave his bed. When he went to 
settle his bill with his landlord, he found that he was $9 in debt 
and had but 50 cents with which to pay expenses. But the land- 
lord was lenient, and accepted Mr. Pease's note for the amount; 
sufficient to say, it was paid soon after. His next move was to, 



BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 1036 

Clay Co., O., where he taiiglit school about two and one-halt' 3'ear8; 
then went to Putnam Co., Ind., where he engaged in the same oc- 
cupation. It wa.s iiere he met Mrs. Nancj' Britton, whom he after- 
ward married. In the spring of 1827 he went to tlie lead mine 
at Galena, 111., and worked there in the mines some five years. 
Then moved to Dubuque, and in partnership with Gen. Warner 
Lewis kept a general merchandise store. lie was married in Indi- 
ana Feb. 1, 1837, and about a year after removed to his present res- 
idence ift Butler Township, which was then a part of Dubuque 
County. In partnership with Mr. Gratfi)rd lie entered 500 acres 
of land, and upon a division being made Mr. Pease took 17.5 acres. 
On this tract he has lived continuously for 44 years. Mrs. Pease 
died in 18ti3. They have had four ciiildren — Martha J., now Mrs. 
Wickes; Clinton W., living in Nebraska; Cynthia A., now Mrs. 
Buell, living in Denver; and Henry J., who still lives at home. 
Theie are three grandchildren — W. C. Wickes, Myrtle Pease and 
Winnie C. Buell. Mrs. Pease was a member of the M. E. church. 
Mr. Pease has many relics of primitive times, among which is an 
old wooden clock, built some 75 or 80 years since, which still runs 
and is a good time-](icce, and is valued very highly by its owner. 

Henry F. Schlotfeldt, son of Hans II. and Kathrina M. (Stol- 
tenbei'g) Schlotfeldt, was born at Kiel, Prussia, April 11, 1835. 
His father was a farmer. Henry attended school in Kiel, and was 
then apprenticed to the weaver's trade. He came with his parents 
to the United States in 1852, and reached Davenport, Iowa, on Jan. 
19 of that year. From Davenport he moved to Butler Township, 
and rented a farm on section 8, where he resided one year, then 
moved into the house now occupied by Mr. McCausland. Two 
years later he purchased tlie farm where his father now lives, aTid 
where he resided until his marriage to Margaret Kroeger, which 
occurred Nov. IG, 18.5-lr. She was born March 18, 1843. To them 
have been born II children — Mary, born Dec. 30, 1800; Henry, 
Sept. 7, 18(i4; Edward, July 30, 1860; an infant daugliter, now de- 
ceased, born Feb. 28, 1808; Julius, Feb. 19, 1809; Amiel, Jan 7, 
1871; Adolph, May 13, 1873; Matilda, June 20, 1875; Gustaf, Aug. 
11, 1877, and Adele, Feb. 15, 1880. Mr. Schlotfeldt resided in 
Princeton Township one year, in Clinton County one year after 
his marriage, and since that time has resided in this township. In 
1867 he bought 80 acres on section 28, which he traded soon after 
for 100 acres in section 26, paying $1,100 difference, and has re- 
sided there since. 

Edcjar H. Warner, son of Seth and Ann M. (Brown) Warner, 
was born near Vergennes, Vt., April 8, 1853. When Edgar was 
quite young, his parents removed to Scott County and settled on 
land in Princeton Township, which his father had purchased some 
time previously. They remained there about four years, then lo- 
cated on section 17, Butler Township. Edgar attended the district 
schools, and in 1872 entered the preparatory department of Cornell 
College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, with the intention of taking a collegiate 



1036 HISTORT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

course, but failing health compelled hira to return home and give 
up his cherished project. lie was united in marriage with Henri- 
etta Birchard, daughter of Greorge and Elizabeth (Stockwell) Bir- 
chard, Feb. 11, 1875. She was born in Le Claire Township, April 21, 
1852, and at the time of her becoming acquainted with Mr. Warner 
was engaged in teaching school. They have three children — Anna 
G., born March 8, 1876; Lottie S., Jan. 12, 1878, and Mattie E., 
Sept. 18, 1880. After his marriage Mr. Warner located on his farm 
of 85 acres on section 17, Butler Township, which he still culti- 
vates, but resides on the old homestead of his father since the lat- 
ter's removal to Davenport. Mrs. Warner is a member of the 
Christian church. P. O., Barwood. 

Dudley A. Winia7nswa.s born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 
1819. His parents were Allyn and Lucinda (Knight) Williams. 
His father moved to Michigan, where he died in 18-11. Our sub- 
ject received his education in the common schools of Jackson Co., 
and followed farming there until the spring of 1853, when he re- 
moved to Scott County, and purchased the farm of 80 acres on which 
he now lives. He was married in Michigan, in 1844, to Miss 
Mary Fish, born Dec. 8, 1825. They liave had five children, all of 
whom died in infancy. They have adopted two children, who now 
reside with them, as does also Mrs. Williams' mother. Mr. Will- 
iams has been a life-long Democrat. Postoffice, De Witt. 

Asmus Woiy was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Sept. 
20, 1839. Was educated in Germany, and when 21 years old emi- 
grated to the United States, coming direct to Davenport, where he 
worked on a farm six months. Nov. 2, 1861, he enlisted in Com- 
pany B, IGth Iowa Yolunteers, and remained in Camp McClellan 
six months. March 26, 1862, his regiment was ordered to St. 
Louis, and from there to Shiloh. He participated in all the battles 
of his regiment, including Shiloh, Corinth, siegeof Vicksburg, and 
others. In 1863 re enlisted for anollier three years, and expected 
to get a furlough, but before his turn came they were ordered on 
a scouting expedition to Meridian, Miss. On the 7th of February 
he was taken prisoner. In company with five comrades he ap- 
proached a farm house where 31 rebels were disguised in Union 
uniform, and they were fired upon, Mr. Wolf receiving seven flesh 
wounds from as many balls. Tv.'o otiier members of the squad 
were taken with him. For three days they were marched without 
food. They were finally taken to Cahaba, A la., where they were 
confined in a cotton gin ten weeks. Then were sent to Anderson- 
ville. On arriving he had no clothing but a pair of pants and 
blouse, and for 17 days and nights was obliged to lie on the ground 
in a continuous rain storm. His rations were a pint of corn meal 
per day. They had no cooking utensils, but had to mix their food 
and bake it on slabs of wood. By constant exercise, Mr. Wolf 
managed to keep uphis health, while all his comrades were reduced 
to skeletons. He sold a check for §100 on the Davenport bank 
for $33. After four and a half months he was taken to 



BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 1037 

Charleston, where he remained one niontli, thence to Florida. Here 
he was treated as badly as at Andersonville. "When an exchange 
was beinjjj made he was examined three times, but not passed for 
exchanire. At tlie risk of his life he watched his opportunity and 
stepped from the line into tiie ranks of the sick, and in this man- 
ner passed out. He then came home on a three-months furlough, 
and on rejoining his regiment remained two months and was mus- 
tered out with them. Aug. 215, IsGo, he married Cathrina Boch. 
He followed farming and in ISTO purchased a tarm, which now 
comprises 300 acres. Five children are living — Alvina, Ferdinand, 
Theresa, Almanda and Ernst. 

David A. Yocinn,s,on of James and Mary J. (Ash) Yocum, was 
born Aug. 12, 1848, in Alexandria, Pa. When he was a lad of 
seven years his parents moved to what is now Lincoln Township, 
Scott Co., arriving there Nov. 7, 18.55, and settled on a farm, which 
his father had bought in 1S5-1-. David attended school in Lincoln 
Township, also the graded schools of Heyetsville, Mo., Cordova, 
and Port Byron. He was married on the 27th of November, 1871, 
to Catherine V. McCausland, daughter of J. C. and Catlierine 
(Garber) McCausland. Their union has been blessed with three 
cliildren — J. Clenson, born Oct. 6, 1875; Charles Burris, Nov. S, 
1876; and Samuel Thomas, June 18, 1879. The spring following 
his marriage, Mr. Yocum leased his father's farm for one year, and 
the next March purchased land on section 25, Butler Township, 
where he now resides, engaged in raising and shipping all kinds 
of farm produce. He also owns 120 acres of land in Humboldt 
County. 



TOWNSHIP OF CLEONA. 

The township of Cleonais an exclusively agricultural one, there 
being neither village nor postoffice within its boundaries. It com- 
prises conoressional township 79, range 1 east. It is wholly 
prairie, tliere being not more than 15 acres of timber in the en- 
tire township. Notwithstanding the late date of its settlement, in 
comparison with the townships lying along the river, it is now 
all under fence, and under a high state of cultivation. There is 
practically no waste land in the township. 

The tirst entry made in the township was by Jacob Royal, Sept. 
15, 1851, and comprised the southeast quarter of section 25, town- 
ship 79, range 1 east. The last was by Ebenezer Cook, Feb. 28, 
1856, the north half of the northwest quarter of section 34. 

Tlie first settlement made in tlie township was in 1851. In 
April, 1852, Robert Johnson and James Paul entered the west 
half of the southeast quarter of section 23, and the southeast of the 
northeast, and northeast of the southeast of the same section. 
Mr. Paul alone entered the northeast of the southwest quarter of 
section 23. At that time the only house in the township was 
John and Joseph Sinter's, on the northeast quarter of section 12. 

Early in the spring of 1853 Robert Johnson built a ho\ise, hiring 
the Sinters to help him, and boarding witii them while the work 
was being done. Thomas Johnson, the father of Robert, went on 
his claim in April, 1853, and during the same year broke 20 
acres of land. James Paul broke 30 acres in the same time. 

In the fall of 1853 William Paul, a brother of James, with his 
family came out, and James erected a house on his claim, in which 
his brother lived until 1858. The Suiters came to this country from 
England. Joseph is now dead, and John now lives in Iliekory 
Grove Township. The Johnsons and Pauls came from Ireland. 
James is yet living in the township, and William is in Cedar 
County. Thomas Johnson and wife died in Walcott in 1875. 
B. P. Putnam came in 1854 from Ohio, and settled on section 19. 
He is now dead. Jacob and George Wetherhold came as early as 
1854-. They were from Germany, and were the tirst of that na- 
tionality to settle in the township. Jacob moved to Crawford 
Co., la", and George is now living at Durant. Ephraim Ellis, an 
Englishman, came in 1854, and after remaining here some years 
moved to Linn Co., la. Samuel Leamer came here from Penn- 
sylvania in 1856 and broke prairie, returning to Pennsylvania the 
same year. In 1857 Samuel and Washington came for permanent 
settlement. Samuel returned to his native State in about two 
years, while Washington remained here, and in 1861 enlisted in 

(1038) 



CLEONA TOWNSHIP 1041 

the army; served three years, and tlien went back to his native 
State. John and Conrad Le Granjje settled here in 1856. Con- 
rad now lives in Pleasant Valley, while John resides in Iowa County. 
Franklin Ball located here in 185t>, but left soon after. His pres- 
ent place of abode is unknown. John and Joel Olds settled 
here in 1S57. John is dead, and Joel removed to' Kansas. Will- 
iam M. Murray came about 1857. He is now dead, as is also his 
wife. Charles Steer came about 1856. He now resides in Gutlirie 
Co., la. Henry Eu;bert came in 1S56, and was prominently iden- 
tified witli the township for some j'ears. He now resides in Dav- 
enport. C. M. Stevens, wife and son Morgan came in 1856 Irom 
New York. They are all dead. Gothardt Moeller, from Germany, 
broke ground here in 1850, and settled on his claim in 1857, on 
section 24. He has retired from active business, and resides in 
"Walcott. 

The first marriage in the township was that of John Jamison, 
of Le Claire, and Annie Johnson, wlio were united in 1854. The 
first birth was John Suiter, in 1852, a son of the first settler in 
the township. He is still living, and resides in Hickory Grove 
Township. The first death was a daughter of Gothardt Moeller, 
in 1857. 

The first step in the educational jjrogress was in 1857. Robert 
Johnson, Washington and Samuel Leamer, B. P. Putnam, Ephraim 
Ellis, Franklin B:dl and James Paul met for the purpose of decid- 
ing upon a location fur a school-house. After voting several 
times, it was found no agreement could lie reached at that meet- 
ing, so it M-as adjourned. Franklin Ball then, without authority, 
liad it built on section 28, but it was soon after removed to section 
31, where it yet remains. The first teacher employed was Harriet 
Callen, who received 816 per month for her services. The second 
school-house erected was in 1861, on section 24. The Board of 
Directors at this time was Henry Egbert, Johnson J. Young, 
E. Lincoln and James J'aul. There are now in the township eight 
sub districts, each ha\ ing a frame school-house, the total value of 
which is 84,050. The school census of 1881 shows 310 persons 
between the ages of 5 and 21. 

The first religious services held in the township were by Rev. 
W. G. Shand, in the first years of the settlement of the township, 
but no organization has ever been efiected, or house of worship 
erected. Surrounded as it is on every side by villages in close 
proximity, the citizens of the township have worshiped with tliose 
denominations nearest their homes. 

The township of Cleona was organized in 1857. The name was 
suggested by B. P. Putnam, the meaning of which was said by 
him to be fair or beautiful country, a name well applied, for, as 
originally seen, it was beautiful indeed; the grand prairies covered 
with luxuriant herbage, the many-colored fiowers witli which they 
were decked, all tended to make it fair to behold. Now that it 
60 



10-1:2 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

has been cultivated by man, it is no less fair to behold, and is such 
a country as one is pleased to live in. 

BIOGBAPHICAL. 

H. Beinl-e, one of the substantial farmers of Cleona Township, 
was born in Prussia, Sept. 19, 1820. He left there for the United 
States in September, 1844, and landed in New York, Jan. 1 of the 
following year. He worked in New York City, Plymouth, and Bos- 
ton, Mass., until 1S51, when he returned to his native country and 
visited the scenes of his childhood. He remained six weeks, then 
returned to JNew York, thence to Plymouth. In the spring of 1852 
to went to California, and from there to Australia, where lie worked 
in the mines nearly two years; then went to South America and 
the Isthmus of Panama. In ]856 he came to Scott County and 
settled in Hickory Grove Township, where he stayed until 1862, 
when he moved to Cleona Township, which has been his home 
since. He was married to Louisa Illian, on the 28th of June, 1857. 
To them have been born six children — Lena, born in 1852; Henry, 
Feb. 17, 1860; Rickey, Feb. 6, 1863; Louis, July 7, 1865; Charley, 
Feb. 5, 186T; Mary, April 17, 1872. All the children are living 
at home except Lena, who resides on her father's farm in Cedar 
County, which he bought 15 years ago, paying ^25 an acre for 
it, and would not take 850 an acre for it now. He belongs to 
the Liatheran church, and in politics is a Republican. 

Hans Ervoldt was born in Holstein, Germany, June 4, 1837, 
and emigrated to America in 1857. He landed at New Orleans 
and came up the Mississippi River to Scott County. He did farm 
labor two years, then rented a farm four years; subsequently 
bought 80 acres in Liberty Township, which he sold four years 
later and bought 240 acres in Cleona Township, where he now re- 
sides. He owns 200 aci'es of fine farming land, and raises grain 
and stock for the market. He was married to Henrietta Shafer, 
in February, 1868. Their children are — Willie B., born Nov. 11, 
1868; Helena B., April 7, 1870; John, Oct. 18, 1874; Charles B., 
May 10, 1879, and Amanda B., Sept. 20, 1880. In politics Mr. 
Ervoldt is a Republican. 

Oothardt MoeUer was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, May 24, 
1826. He emigrated to America in 1850, and landed in New 
Orleans, where he remained three years, then came to Scott 
County. He located in Blue Grass Township, where he resided 
five years, then removed to Cleona Township and bought a farm 
of 160 acres. He has added to this until he now owns 706 acres 
of land, all under good cultivation. He has retired from active 
life, and has built himself a fine residence in Walcott, -where he is 
enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. He was married to Mary 
"Westphal in 1852, in the city of New Orleans. They have had 
five children — Charles, born in 1854; Anna, in 1856, married Al- 
bert Vamer; Earnest, in 1859, and Herman, in 1861. The children 



CLEONA lOWNSHIP. 1043 

are .ill tnarried and have comfortable homes of their own. Mr. 
Moeller is one of the early settlers of Scott County, and has always 
been foremost in every project to advance lier interests, and in- 
crease her prosperity. 

Charle-i H. Modler was born in the State ot Louisiana, June 15, 
1852. His tather came to Davenport from Louisiana, and followed 
farming for several years, then helped to build the railroad from 
Davenport to Walcott, and built the depot at the latter place. The 
subject of this sketch was married Feb., 17, 1S77, to Frederica 
Smallbeldt. Their union has been blessed with two children — Mat- 
tie, born Aug. 31, 1S79, and Herman, born May 8, 18S0. Mr. 
Moeller owns a finely cultivated farm of 240 acres, and has been 
very successful as an agriculturist. 

Earliest E. Moeller was born in Cleona Township, Scott Co., Iowa, 
April, 1S5S, and is a son of (Jrothardt Moeller, a native of Germany, 
born May 24, 1826. He emigrated to America in 1850, and settled on 
a farm in Cleona Township. Iowa. The subject of this sketch received 
his education in D.avenport, and attended the college here two 
years. He was married to Laura Wiese, Feb. 27, 1880. By this 
union there is one child, born Feb. 27, 1881. Mr. Moeller owns a 
fine farm of 160 acres, and is engaged in raising stock and grain, 
and always finds a read}- market in Walcott. 

Hernvtn D. Moeller was born in Cleona Township, Scott Co. Iowa, 
Dec. 24. 1861. He was reared on the farm where he now resides, 
and educated in the common schools. He was married to Miss 
Tracy Stoltenburg, March 23, 1881. Mr. Moeller owns one of the 
finest cultivated farms in the County of Scott, and is extensively 
engaged in raising grain and stock. Although a young man he is 
enterprising and energetic, and bids fair to make life a success. 

James Paul is a native of Ireland, born Jan. 29, 1825. He ft 
his native country and landed in America, May 17, 1847, at N w 
York, where he remained one day, then went to Philadelphia, 
thence to Boston, then back to Philadelphia, where he resided until 
April 13, 1850. when he left for Davenport, la. In 1851 here- 
turned to the East, and stayed there until March 17, 1852, when he 
came again to Scott County, locating in Le Claire. He subsequently 
accepted a situation as salesman in a lumber yard at East Daven- 
port, which he retained until March, 1857, when he moved to his 
farm in Cleona Township, which he entered in the spring of 1852, 
and has followed that occupation since. He now owns 120 acres of 
land in this townsiiip, well improved and stocked. In 1870 he 
entered 2,i>7n acres of land in Nebraska. He has held the offices of 
supervisor and school director a number of years. Was also treas- 
urer of the School Board in 1861 and in '73 and '74. He was 
married to Margaret Paul, June 13, 1859. They have had five 
children— Willie born June 25, 1864; Anna, Feb. 12,1869; John, 
Jan. 25, 1871; Martha Emily, June 24, 1876, and David Alexander, 
Oct. 17, 1878. Mr. ■ Paul has been raised a Presbyterian, liis 
parents being members of that church. 



1044 UISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Henry Paust'wn was born in Holstcin, Germany, May 24, 1S52. 
He emigrated to America in 1S72, and came immediately to Scott 
County. He worked at anything he could get to do, until the past 
three vears, when he bought the farm he now lives on in Cleona 
Township. He owns 160 acres of good land, and raises grain for 
the market, at Walcott. He married Mary Rush, in Hickory 
Grove Township, in April, 1S75. Tiiey have fuur children — Dora, 
born in September, 1876; Mena. Feb. 5, 1877; Alvina, in August, 
1879, and Louie, in December, ISSl. They are all living at home 
with their parents. 

Henry Petersen is a native of Sohleswig, Germany, born Nov. 
3 1832. He sailed from Hamburg, Aug. 1, 1853, for the United 
States, and located in Davenport the 10th of October of that year. 
He worked as a farm iiand one year, and rented a farm in 185.5. 
In 1859, he bought a farm in Nebraska, which he sold in 1862, and 
moved to Port Byron, 111. In 1867, he bought a farm of 80 acres 
on section 5, Cleona Township, where he now resides. He has 
added to that purchase, until he owns 240 acres of the finest land in 
the county. He was married to Helena Mary Henson in May. 
1857. They have had eight children — Peter, born in November. 
1862; Frank, in April, 1864; Albert, in April. 1867; Henry and 
Mary, twins, were born in November, 1869; William, in Novem- 
ber, 1871; George, in February, 1873, and Arnold, May 31, 1877. 
Mr. Petersen has made all his money by his own personal exer- 
tions, as he was robbed of all he had while on board the vessel 
bound for Detroit, Mich., via the Lakes. He is a member of 
the Lutheran church, and in politics is a Republican. 

.John Eeimers is a native of Holstein, Germany, born Nov. 27, 
1830. He emigrated to America in 1862, and landed in New York; 
from there he went to Rock Islatid, 111., and juirchased a farm be- 
tween that city and Moline, where he lived four years; then re- 
moved to Cedar Co. One year later he located in Cleona 
Township, Scott County, where lie now resides, and owns 86 acres 
of well-improved land, and a good house and barn. Everything 
ahdut the place speaks of plenty and comfort. He married Anna 
Kroel, in Germany. They have four children — Lena; Anna, now 
Mrs. Jacob Shor, resides in Cedar Co., la., Julia and Mary. 
The first two children were born in Germany, the latter two in 
Rock Island. 

William Eeins is a native of Wuldick, Prussia, born March 7, 
1821. He emigrated to America in April, 1859, and landed at 
New York, and came immediately to Davenport, via Chicago. He 
worked on a farm one year, then rented land seven years, and in 
1868 bought 120 acres on section 4, Cleona Township, and has 
added to this purchase until he now owns 280 acres of fine land, 
value 1 at $60 an acre. He was married to Menia Rodolph, in 
Davenport, in May, 1859. Sliewas an old playmate of his in Ger- 
many, and emigrated to America in the same ship. They have 
had six children — Ricka, born Oct. 30, 1859, married Christ. 



CLENOA TOWNSHIP. 1045 

Brmik; Melia. No\'. fi, 1862; Mollie, Dec. 31, 1863; Millie, Sept. 
14. 186C; Rodolpii, Nov. 9, 1S6S, and Lena, May 1, 1873. 

Herman Si'hiapkohl was born in Rock Island Co., III., Oct. 10, 
18.54. lie lived on Governtnent Island until lie was seven years 
old then moved with his parents to Rock Island, where the3' re- 
sided two years, then came to Olcona Township. He lived with his 
father until his marriage, which occurred April 30, 1879, with 
Johanna Hass. His t'atlier built him a house, and established him 
in l)usiiiess. He is t'arniing Kitl acres of rich land and is doing 
well. On the 5th of June, 1880, a tornado swept over the county, 
and destroyed everything on his farm except his house. Much 
dauiage was done in Liberty Township. Mr. Schlapkohl was 
elected township clerk Nov. 2, 1S80, and still holds that office. He 
has been elected constable four years. In religious views he is a 
free thinker, and in ])olitics neutral. 

Henry Stout was born in Germany. Oct. 6, 1839. He emigrated 
to America in 1867, and came at once to Scott County. He worked 
three years on a farm for John Front, then purchased the farm 
where he now resides, on section 7, Cleona Township. It consists 
of 80 acres of good land, well improved. He was married to Ma- 
tilda Frump Dec. 2.^, 1872. Their union has been blessed with 
si.x children — Lena, Tenna B., John B., Ottorf B., Menna B. and 
Emma B. Mr. Stout is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the 
representative men of his township. 

Ira O. iS^cam was born in the State of New Jersey, July 13, 
1833. He came to Scott County in 1856, and landed at Daven- 
port, the sole owner of M) cents. He worked by the day for 50 
cents a day until 1859, when he engaged in farming. He rented 
a farm and had to work hard to keep tiie interest paid up. He 
cleared $2,400 above all expenses, then was drafted into the United 
States service, and, owing to sickness, had to hire a substitute; this 
took all his hard-earned savings, and he had to begin anew. The 
next year he cleared $L800, and in 1872 he purchased the place 
where he now resides. It contains 80 acres of good land and well im- 
proved. He married Fanny Winans, of Rockaway, N. J., Feb. 
11, 1856. She was born Dec. 30, 1838. Their union has been 
blessed with four children — Martha, born Dec. 18, 1856, married 
Albert Fuller Julv 6, 1880; George M., born Jan. 11, 1864; Fanny 
H., March IS, 1868, and Edward, March 25, 1880. Mr. Swain 
worked in New Jersey for 10 cents a day to learn the edge-tool 
trade. He has in his possession a double barreled gun of his own 
manufacture. The barrels are made of the hull of a mowing scythe 
that was brought from the East in 1856; the breech pins of harrow 
teeth that were brought here from Vermont in 1852; another part 
was made from the crank that drove the sickle bar of the first Mc- 
Cormick reaper that ever came into the State. The ribs that holds 
the barrels were made from the sickle bar of the first Riley reaper 
that was introduced into the State. He also has an English penny 
that was coined in 1797; it is the size of a silver dollar and twice as 



1046 HISTORY OF SCOTf COUNTY. 

thick; and the jaw tooth of a horse that weighs oue and three- 
fourths pounds. 

George Weatherholt is a native of Prussia, born July 22, 1S15. 
He left his native country for America July 18, 1836, and landed 
at New York City where he remained a short time, then went to 
Buffalo, N. Y., thence to Pennsylvania, which was liis home until 
1853, when he came to Scott County. He stayed one year in Dav- 
enport, then located in what is now Cleona Township, then called 
New Liberty. He bought 600 acres of land at $1.25 an acre. He 
built a house and farmed on this land until 1881, when he retired 
from active life and went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Heinley, in Durant, Cedar Co., la. He was marri ed in Dav- 
enport, Jan. 1, 1854, to the wife of his deceased brother. Her 
maiden name was Kinney Frape. She had two children by her 
lirst husband — Daniel, died at the age of IS years and Elizabeth 
now Mrs. Heinley. Mr. Weatherholt has held the- offices of road 
supervisor and justice of the peace. Politically he is a Demo 
crat, and in religious views a.'Presbyterian. 

Joachim Westphal is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born 
June 12, 1826. He emigrated to America in May, 1859. and came 
at once to Scott County, via New York and Chicago. He 
worked by the day and month in Cleona Township until 186-4, 
when he bought a farm, and afterward traded it for the one he 
now owns, which contains 200 acres. He raises grain and stock 
sufficient for his own use, and rents most of his land. He mar- 
ried Dora Tedor in 1865, and by lier has had one child — Anna, 
born Oct. 20, 1873, who goes to school in District No. 7. Mr. 
Westphal is school director and justice of the peace. 

Hems Wiese was born in Holstein, Germany, Sept. 2, 1825. 
He emigrated to this country and landed in Ncm' Orleans, June S, 
1847. From there he came to Davenjiort, via Red and Missis- 
sippi Pivers. He remained here until the fall of 1848. when he 
went back to New Orleans, and worked on a tug boat that carried 
passengers from the Gulf of Me.xico to New Orleans, some time; 
then went to St. Louis and followed teaming until the spring of 
1850, when he returned to Davenport. He worked on a farm 
seven years, then bought 160 acres in Cleona Township, wliere he 
now resides. He now owns 280 acres in this, and 280 acres in 
Liberty Township, nuiking 560 acres of line land. He was married 
Sept. 2, 1860, to Trona Tierfoeldt. They have two children- 
Laura, now Mrs. Ernest Moeller, and Amelia. Mr. Wiese be- 
longs to the Lutheran church, and in politics is a Democrat. 

B. Winans was born in the State of New Jersey, June 12, 1809. 
He was reared there, and educated in the schools of Elizabeth 
City. He came to Scott Count}' in 1856, and a few weeks after his 
arrival here, he purchased 80 acres of laud in Cleona Township 
which he still owns. He was married to Hannah Hughes, Feb. 
14, 1838. She was born and reared in Newark, N. J. Their 
union was blessed with six children — Fanny, born in December, 



CLEONA TOWNSHIP. 



1047 



1846, married Ira Swain; John, born in August, 1848; Mary, in 
1850, married diaries Jones; George, in 1852, is married and re- 
sides on the old homestead; Eliza, now Mrs. Andrew Olds, was 
born in 1854. Mr. Winans is at present staying with his daughter, 
Mrs. Olds. He has been very successful in a financial way and 
has done much for his children. 




DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 

This township is tlie largest in the county, and its settlement 
dates back to 1834, with Antione Le Claire as the first settler. This 
township has bluff lands that are somewhat broken near the river, 
until a point is reached above the city of Davenport. The blufl^, or 
timber line, between the river and prairie is from one to two miles 
wide, and was formerly well wooded. By the bluffs of the Missis- 
sippi River is not meant that they are an abrupt or perpendicular 
ascent, but a gentle rise from the river or bottom lands; not so 
steep but roads may be constructed up almost any part of them. 
The general elevation of these blufis or high lands j is about 
100 feet above the waters of the Mississippi, and in many 
places of very gentle ascent, and covered with cultivated fields and 
gardens. But Davenport Township differs from all others upon 
the river in the beautiful rolling prairies, immediately back from 
the river, after passing the bluffs. These prairies are not broken, 
as is common with those that approach so near the river, but are 
susceptible of the highest cultivation. Back of the city of Daven- 
port, the slope from the top of the bluff to Duck Creek, covered 
as it is with garden and fields, is one of uncommon beauty and 
richness. 

Duck Creek, which passes through the whole length of this 
township, rises in Blue Grass, some 10 miles west of Davenport, 
and running east, empties into the Mississippi some five miles 
above the city. It affords an ample supply of water for stock, and 
is never dry in summer, being fed by numerous springs along its 
course. Its Indian name is Si-ka-ma-que Sepo, or Garcreek, instead 
of Duck Creek. 

The history of Davenport Township is so closely identified with 
the history of the city that but little can be said without its being 
a repetition of what has already been written of the city. The 
first settlement was made within the present limits of the city, 
and the first land broken was also within its present limits. 

"Among the settlers in the spring of 1836," says Willard Bar- 
rows, " was John Wilson, or ' Wild-Cat Wilson,' as he was called, 
who was an old ' claim maker,' and commenced making a claim on 
the edge of the prairie, on the Blue Grass road from Davenport. 
The Indians who were then living on the Iowa River frequently 
came in here to the trading liouse of George Davenport, on the 
island. The trail passed directly across where Wilson was making 
his claim. He was cutting trees for logs, and had some two or 
three yoke of oxen hauling them together for the house when a 
company of Indians came along on the way to the trading house. 

lols 



DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 1049 

They were a part of the disaftecteil band of Black Hawk, and, as 
usual, felt cross and bitter toward tlie white man, whom they looked 
upon as an intruder. They ordered Wilson to desist from making 
any improvements; told him that he should not live there, and 
that he must leave. 'Old Wild-Cat ' who was used to Indians, 
with' whom he often had difficulties, and most probably with some 
of this very band, took little head of what they said, but urged 
on his work without any fear of trouble from them. The Indians, 
after remaining in Davenport ami on the island for a few days, 
left for their home, full of whisky and ripe for a quarrel. On ar- 
riving at Wilson's they rode up to tiie spring, near which the house 
was building. They got off and turned their ponies loose, laid off 
their blankets and deliberately prepared for a fight. Wilson and his 
two sons were all there were oi' the whites. Wilson was a short dis- 
tance in the woods chopping. Tiie attack was made upon James, 
who was driving tlie team. He ran for his father and Samuel. On 
their arrival, the old man, who never feared Indian or white man, 
bear or wild-cat, pitched in for a general figlit. The Indians, some 
12 or 14 in number, soon had ' Old Wild-Cat ' down, when one of 
the boys, not having any weapon, unyoked an ox, and with the 
bow knocked down two or three of the Indians, which released his 
father, who, springing to his feet, caught his ax, which he had 
dropped in the first onset, and turning upon them struck an Indian 
in the back, splitting him open from the neck nearly to the small 
of the back. This dampened the ardor of the savages for a mo- 
ment, when Wilson, calling on his boys to fight, and raising the 
' Wild-Cat ' yell, he made at them again, when they gathered up 
the wounded Indian and tied He soon died, and tlie next Sunday 
the Indians gathered in great numbers in the neighborhood of 
Wilson's, with threatening aspects. Wilson, with his boys and a 
few neighbors, was forted in John Frida3''s cabin, where the In- 
dians kept them nearly all day. A runner was sent to Mr. Le 
Claire and Col. Davenport, who settled the matter with the In- 
dians and cautioned them about traveling across the lands of ' Old 
Wild-Cat,' telling them of his threats: that he would scalp the 
first 'red skin' he caught upon that trail. The Indians made a 
new trail from Davenport running further north, through Little's 
Grove, and were never known to pass Wilson's after that affair." 

GILBERT 

This is a small, unplatted village about two miles above Daven- 
port, and has in it one general store, a hotel and two saloons. 
The village and neighborhood are settled principally by Germans. 

RELiGiors. 

The religious history of the township is connected with that of 
the city, there being no churches outside of the city. 



1050 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first scliool in tlie township was about two miles below 
Davenport, and held as early as 1838. Several families living in 
the neighborhood clubbed together and hired a man named Mc- 
Gregor, an Irishman, who taught a three months' term. ' 

The township of Davenport has now nine sub-districts, with 
eight frame and one stone school-house, valued at $15,000. In 
addition to which there are two independent districts, with good 
frame houses in each, one valued at $1,500, and the other at 
$2,500 ; making a total of $19,710 for the township. 

EAKLY SETTLEES. 

Among the earlv settlors of the township was Adam Noel, who 
died in the city of Davenport, Aug. 20, 1872. A local paper of 
that day says of him : 

" Adam Xoel was born Jan. 10, 1300, in Westmoreland Co., 
Pennsylvania. He removed to wliat was then styled the new pur- 
chase in the year 1835, locating in Dubuque Co., Wisconsin 
Territory, now Scott Co., Iowa. He first built his cabin in 
what is sometimes and better known among old settlers as 
Mitchell's Grove, a few hundred feet north of 'Mercy Hospital.' In 
the course of a year or so he entered 160 acres at $ 1.25 per acre, run- 
ning from the present Brad\' street to Gaines street, and from 
Locust street, north, on a porti'in of which ground is the present 
Scott County Fair Grounds. He laid out two additions to the city 
of Davenport, the first on the west side of Brady street, the second 
on the east side and along Harrison street. His tamih' consisted 
of wife, two sons and two daughters. 

Adam Noel was a mechanic, being a carpenter and also a chair- 
maker, having established quite a large furniture manufactory in 
Pennsylvania, which he sold when struck with the "Western 
fever." 

His first business after coming West was working as a carpenter 
on obi Fort Armstrong, on Rock Island, and although he ranked 
among the farmers of the county, he never farmed until he came 
here. He lived and died in full faith with the Roman Catholic 
Church, being a member of St. Marguerite's Church, from which 
his funeral took place. He was all his life a firm, reliable Democrat. 
He was buried by the '• Old Settlers." 

BIOGEAPHICAL. 

John S. AcMey is a native of Pennsylvania, being born in Blair 
County, in that State, April 3, 1837. His parents are Daniel and 
Elizabeth (Shaw) Ackley, also natives of Pennsylvania. The elder 
Ackley was a manufacturer of iron in Pennsylvania, and was 
connected witn the ^tna Iron Works. In 1851 the family came 



UAVENl'OKT TOWNSUIl'. 1051 

to Scott County and located on a farm in Davenjtort Township. 
The father died on tlie lioniestead, November, lb7-t, and tlie 
mother yet resides there. John S. remained with his parents 
until 21 years of age, varying his time in assisting his father 
on the farm and in attending the commcni schools, the only 
educational advantages enjoyed. When he left the paternal home- 
stead he went South and traveled until the commencement of the 
war, when he returned to Iowa and enlisted Aug. li, 1861, in the 
Second Iowa Cavalry and served three years and three months, 
being engaged in various cam])aigns in Missouri, Tennessee, Ala- 
bama and Mississippi. At the expiration of his term of service, 
he returned to Scott County and engaged in farming, which 
occu])ation he yet follows. On the 10th day of November, 1S70, 
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John and 
Eliza (Charlton ) Watt, who was born Nov. 21, 1843, in Fnltou 
Co.. Penn. Mrs. Ackley's parents were also natives of Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. W-dtt died in Pennsylvania, and the widow and 
family moved to Scott Count}' in 1867. Mrs. Elizabeth Ackloy 
died Jan. 6, 1881. Three children have been born unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Ackley — Frank J., Henry M. and John S. In tlie fall of 
1880, Mr. Ackley was elected a member of the Jioard of Supervisors. 
He has also held the offices of assessor and township clerk for 
many years. In 1871 he moved with his family on to the present 
farm, whicli consists of 110 acres, worth !?loO per acre. Mr. 
Ackley's first presidential vote was for Abraham Lincoln, and he 
has been steadfast to the Republican principles as advocated by 
" Honest Abe " to this time. 

Roll'in L. Adams^ was born in Lorain Co., Ohio, Aug. 22, 1831:, 
and was a son of Albert and Lucinda M. Adams, nee llartson. 
His father was a native of Pittstield, Mass., and died Dec. 12, 1881. 
His mother was bt)rn in Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., and died in 
1856; both on the old homestead in Beloit, Wis. The subject of this 
memoir received his ])rimary education at Beloit College, Wis., 
from wiiich he graduated iu 1861, and the same year entered the 
Presbyterian Tlieological Seminary at Chicago, 111., and in 1862 
entered the army as a soldier, and remained to the end of the war, 
then resumed his studie:* in Chicago, graduating soon after. He 
was placed in charge of a church at Linn Grove, la., and remained 
there tsvo years, when he went to Harvard, Mcllenry Co., 111., jaiid 
labored as pastor of a church at that place four years, thence to 
New Boston, 111. In 1871 he removed to Le Claire, la., where he 
had charge of the Presbyterian church si.K years. Since 1879 he 
has been a resident of Davenport. In 1867 he was married to 
Eliza Cummins, who was born in Dayton Co., Ohio, in 1839. Mr. 
Adams is a person of superior nifjutal endowments, and is an elo- 
quent speaker. 

Claus Avp was born in Ilolstein, Germanj", Aug. 23, 1827, and 
was the son of David and Unked Arp, both natives of Germany. 
His mother died in Germany and his father emigrated to America 



1052 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

in 1870, where lie died in 1873. Ciaiis was educated in the com- 
mon schools, and reared on a farm. Previous to his coming to 
America he served in the German army. In 1857 he came to 
America and hired out as a fanix hand for a time; then he and his 
brother commenced farming for themselves, their sister keeping 
house for them. In 1862 he married Elzeba Soperafrom, also born 
in German}^ and came to America in 1861. She died in 1866, 
leaving two children, — Theodore and Hans. Mr. Arp was again 
married in 1867 to Dora Credenckneksh. who was born in llo\- 
stein, Germany, and came to America in 1865. By this wife Mr. 
Arp has five children, — Minnie, Herman, Mattie, Otto, and Delia. 
Mr. Arp owns 210 acres of land in Davenport Township. Ho is a 
Republican. 

Henry Arp, son of Datlef and Anlbee (Untied) Arp, was born 
in Ilolstein, Germany, Aug. 21, 1825. His niDther there die^l, and 
his father came to America in 1870, and soon after died. Henrv 
was reared in his native country and there learned the trade of 
weaver, with his father, and continued with him until 1817, when 
he emigrated to this country and located in Scott Connty. Hero he 
worked for some years as a farm hand, not having the money to 
pay even the Governtilent price of $1.25 per acre for land he might 
own. He was married in 1856 to Caroline Fay, who was likewise 
a native ofHolsteiu, Germany, and who came to this country in 
1851. Soon after his marriage he purchased the farm on which 
he resides, in addition to which he has added other farms, and 
now owns 503 acres in the townships of Davenport, Blue Grass, 
and Hickory Grove. Thirteen children have blessed their union, 
eleven of whom are now livintj, — Dorias, (Emma, now Mrs. Au- 
gust Gottsch), Minnie A. (now Mrs. Ferdinand Rockenkamp), Will- 
iam, Clara, Henry, Augusta, Julia, Tlieresa, Albert. Mr. Arp 
has been identified with school interests for 10 years, and has also 
held the office of township treasurer. In politics he is a Republi- 
can. 

Johb C. BalJuff, son of Bernhart and Margaret (Fisher) Ballhuff, 
was born in Germany, Feb. 26, 1829, and came to America. May, 
1851, his first landing being in Baltimore, where he worked for a 
few montlis as a stone-cutter. From Baltimore he went to St. Louis, 
and from there to Washington, Mo., where he spent his first winter 
in America. Returning to St. Louis in the spring of 1855, he took 
a boat for Davenport, where he located and worked as a painter 
and stone-cutter. His first work here was on the German Catholic 
church and the buildings of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific 
Railroad depot. He worked at these trades liere for about 18 years. 
In 1857 he organized the first band in the place, and continued to 
play with it till 1875. He then engaged in the grocery trade on 
the North Davenport road, which business lie yet continues. In 
1858 he married Matilda Hesse, daughter of Andrew and Anna B. 
He>s, who was born April 9, 1811, and who came with her parents 
to America in 1854. Ten children were born unto tliem — August 



DA.VENPOKT TU\VN^5HII•. 1053 

A., Mary A., Joliii B., Ignatius E., Albert A., Lucy M., Clara A., 
Frank G., Andrew E., Joseph B. Mr. Ballhuffis a Democrat. 

John 11. B<u')\ tanner, was born in Iluntingilon Co., Pa., Feb. 
4, 1824, and was a son of Simon and Susan (Kisling) Barr. His 
father wa* a grocer and druggist, and in IS-tG he came to Scott 
County and opened a farm in Sheridan Townshi]>. John II. re- 
mained with his father six years after coming to Scott County, then 
began farming for himself in Lincoln Township. He was married 
to Jane llerron, a native of Pennsylvania. They have three chil- 
dren — Piiilemon S.. Josephine and Seymour. In 1868 Mr. Barr 
removed to Da\enport Township, where he now resides. He owns 
20 acres in Davenport Township, valued at .sl25 an acre, and a 
farm of 120 acres in Lincoln Township. He is treasurer of the 
School Board. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Barr is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church. Mr. Barr is one of Davenport Town- 
ship's representative mer). 

Giistav Berminann was born in Hanover, Germany, and is the 
son of Alexander and Louisa (Strieker) Berminann. His father 
was born in Prussia and his mother in Hesse, Germany. His 
father came to America in 18.51 and located in Wisconsin, where 
he remained one year, when he came to Scott Countv and resided 
in Davenport three years. In 1855 he moved to Gilbert and en- 
gaged in hotel and saloon business, which occupation lie continued 
until death. In 1853 Gus went to St. Louis and entered Jones' 
Business College, from which he graduated as bookkeeper. Re re- 
turned to Scott County and in due time succeeded to his father's 
business in Gilbert, continuing in the same to tlie present time. 
In 1858 he was appointed deputy postmaster, and in 1861 became 
postmaster, and has since held the office. In 1858 he made a trip 
to Germany, where he formed a matrimonial alliance in IMay, 
1859, with Ida Groene, who was born in Prussia in 1S3!I. They 
soon after came to Scott County, to the home of Mr. Bermniann. in 
Gilbert. Eight children have been born unto them — Alexander, 
Alfred, Lillie, Irwin, Otto, Adolpli, Emil, Adele. In 1876 Mr. 
Bermmann was elected justice of the peace, which office he vet 
retains. In the same yea.v he started a ferry between Gilbert and 
Moline, which he has since continued to run in thesummer of each 
_year. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and the leading 
business man of the town of Gilbert. In 1868 his building was 
burned, and he rebuilt in the fall of the same year. His billiard 
room is furnished with a new and inijirovcd billiard table of mod- 
ern style. 

Levi S. Blachnan was born in the district of Montreal, Canada, 
April 3, ISIO. His father, Gideon Blackman, was a native of Ver- 
mont; and his mother, Mary Blackman, nee Springer, a native of 
Connecticut. His motiier died when he was but five days old. His 
father subsequently married and moved to Geneseo Co., N. Y., 
when Levi was seven years of age, and where he remained three 
years, and then moved to London District, Canada, and remained 



105i HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

21 years. Levi became disgusted with Canada in early life, and 
vowed that he would not remain there. In 1S36, he was united in 
marriage witli Susan Parker, who was born in Ontario Co., N. Y. , 
May 12, 1821. In 1S3S, with his wife, he moved to Iowa, and set- 
tled" in Buffalo Township, where he improved one of the finest 
farms in the county; his orchard being unexcelled. By this mar- 
riage he had eight children — Hall H. ( who at the breaking out 
of the war enlisted in the Second Iowa Cavalry, and who died in 
Memphis), Marion M., Andrew J., Edwin A., S. Grant, Mary E., 
Frank L., and William M. The latter was accidentally killed by a 
fall from an engine that he was oiling near Bloomington, 111. 
Mrs. Blacknian died in 185Jr, and Mr. Blackman again married 
choosing as a companion Mary E. Evans, of Ohio. Six children 
have been born unto them — Levi S., Rush E., Susan, Warden 
L., Kate E., J. L. D. In politics Mr. Blackman is a Republican. 
His presentjplace of residence is in Davenport Township. 

T. P. BorcKers was born in Holstein, Germany, Sept. 6, 1S34. 
His parents were John and Anna Borchers, nee Steel, who were 
also natives of Holstein, and emigrated to America in 1850, and 
settled in Scott County, where they still reside. The subject of 
this biography received a common-school education in his native 
land, where he was reared on a farm. lie came to America in 1854, 
and located in Scott County. He worked as a farm hand until the 
breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Second Iowa 
Cavalry, and served four years and two months, under Colonel El- 
liott. He was in 85 battles and skirmishes during his service ; 
he entered as a private and was discharged as orderly sergeant. 
At the close of the war he returned to Scott County and engaged 
in farming for himself, in Davenport Township, and in 1878 moved 
to his present farm. He was appointed postmaster of Davenport 
Township, Green Tree postoffice, in 187S, a position he still re- 
tains. He was married in 1856 to Anna Peters, who was born in 
Holstein, Germany, Dec. 6, 1832. They have two children — Charles 
and Anna (now Mrs. Jacob Lohr). In politics he is a Republican. 

Hoi'ace Bradley, iovwth son of Benedict and Sybil (Doolittle) 
Bradley, was born in New Haven, Conn., Dec. 5, 1816. His 
father died when he was but five years of age, and Horace remained 
with his mother until he was 22 years old, his time being 
spent in work upon the farm, with now and then a few months 
attendance upon the common schools. At 22 he startep 
to Davenport, and arrived June 4, 1838. He here engaged as a 
farm hand for some months, and then, with Doolittle, Moss & Co., 
in milling, at mouth of Duck Creek, which business he continued 
for seven years. This mill was one of the first in the county, it 
having an uprisrht saw. Many of the first houses in Davenport 
were built by lumber supplied from this mill. In 1840 he united 
in marriage with Elanor M. Lindsay, who was born in Blairsville, 
Penn., Aug. 13, 1820, and who is the daughter of Thomas and 



DAVElfPORT TOWNSHIP. 1055 

Sarah ( McGuire) Lindsay. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have liad five 
children, all of whom have died — Thomas B., died aged two months; 
Sarah A., aged two years; Sylvester, aged 10 years; two in in- 
fancy. They are both members of St. Marguerite Catholic Church. 
In politics, Mr. Bradley is a Democrat. On the oi-ganization of 
the State militia, in 1839, a company was organized in which Mr. 
Bradley was first lieutenant, and William P. Eldridge, captain. 
The company was never called out for active duty but upon one 
occasion, that of the Missouri war, an account of which is given on 
a previous page. Mr. Bradley sold tiie first wheat ever sold for 
shipment, in 1839. 

Johnson Brown came to Scott County in 18.51, via St. Louis, 
from Pennsylvania. lie purchased a farm on his arrival here, but 
could not obtain possession of it, and therefore engaged with Dav- 
enport & Le Claire in their machine shops, wliere he continued 
three years, when lie moved to the farm, where he has since con- 
tinued to reside. Johnson Brown was born in Columbia Co., 
Penn., Aug. 2S, lS13. His parents were William and Mary 
Brown, the maiden name of Mrs. Brown being Rook. His father 
died in 1846, and his mother in 1853. In 1837 Johnson Brown 
and Sarah Price were married in Schuylkill Co., Penn. Two 
children were born unto them — Jarvis and Thomas, the latter of 
whom is dead. Jarvis married Jane Price. Mr. and Mrs. Brown 
are members of the Baptist [church, in Pleasant Valley; and in 
politics, Mr. Brown says that he is a Jackson Democrat. 

J. C. Brownlee was born in Canada West, May IS, 1836, and is 
the son of William and Christina (Miller) Brownlee, both of Scot- 
tish descent. In the fall of 1839, in company with his parents, he 
came to Scott County, where his father located in Long Grove 
Township, where lie died in 1844. His mother continued to carr^^ 
on the farm until her death, in 1875. J. C. Brownlee resided with 
his mother until 1865. His education was obtained in the common 
schools, with one term in Iowa College. He was married Dec. 7, 
1865, to Mary Ann Roberts, who was born in England, February, 
1847. Six children came of this union— Eva May, Minnie, John, 
Jenny, Luelia, Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee resided in Long 
Grove until 1S74, when he moved to his present farm, three miles 
north of Davenport, consisting of 80 acres, worth $130 an acre. 
The}- are members of the Cliristian church, in Davenport. In 
politics, Mr. Brownlee is a Republican. 

WiUiara S. Collins is a native of Connecticut, being born in 
Litchfield. He is the son of David and Jerusha ( Wright) Collins, 
also natives of Connecticut. His father removed to Hampden 
Co., Mass., in 1812, and resided there until his death. William 
was educated in the common sciiools of his adopted State, and when 
18 years of age became a teacher in the public schools. In 1826 
he went to the city ot New York, and there learned the carpenter 
trade, which he followed in that State up to 1837. In 1831 he 
was united in marriage with Orpha Jackson, who was born in 



1056 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTy. 

Blanford, Mass., in 1808. Two children resulted from this union — 
Miles A. and Orpha L. (now Mrs. Field, of Des Moines). Mrs. 
Collins died in 1837. Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Collins 
came West and located in Henry Co., 111., where he remained 
until August, 1838, when he came to Scott County, and located in 
Davenport, where he followed his trade. Ainon^ other public 
buildings erected by him were the McManus Block, Parry & 
Mcintosh Block, besides a large number of private dwellings. In 
1842, he led to the altar Eliza Dillon, who was born in New York, 
in 1823. They had three children — Chester "W., now located in 
Nebraska and Colorado, and who is engaged in railroad building; 
and two children who died in infancy. Mrs. Collins died in 1840, 
and Mr. Collins was married to Mrs. Elinanor Bird, wno was born 
in New York City, April 15, 1815, the widow of William Bird, of 
Davenport, but a native of Maryland. Two children came of this 
union — Sarah E., now Mrs. Watson Graham; McManus, now loca- 
ted ill Omaha, Neb. Mr. Collins was for some years a member of 
the Congregational church, and participated in the organization 
of the first Sunday-school in Davenport, and also elected first clerk 
of church at its organization. Mr. Collins is now a member of the 
Baptist church of Davenport, and his wife of the Congregational. 
Mr. Collins was a member of the Whig party of Scott County for 
eight years, but since the organization of the liepublican party has 
co-operated with it in the campaigns that have followed. He held 
the office of alderman of Davenport several j-ears, and was mayor 
p?^o tem., temporarily. He also served for some time as trustee of 
the poor. At the time land came into market, Mr. Collins loaned 
nione}^ at one per cent, to jiarties buying land. Was for 20 
3'ears engaged with the Sons of Temperance, and one of the active 
members in establishing the prohibitory law by legislation; also a 
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1848. 
Mr. Collins was free-hearted, and was too free in assisting others, 
by loaning money and signing bad notes with good security. 

Miles A. Collins, stock and produce bi-oker, was born in Albany, 
N. Y., Sept. 11, 1832. His father, William S. Collins, was a na- 
tive of Connecticut; his mother, Orpha (Jackson) Collins, a native 
of Massachusetts. In 1836 his mother died, and he was taken by 
his paternal grandparents to raise. His early life was passed on 
a tarm, his time being spent between assisting his grandfather and 
in attending the common schools. After his grandfather's death 
he remained in charge of the farm, dealing meanwhile in stock and 
the manufacture of cheese. He continued this business until 1854, 
when he came to Scott County, his father having preceded him 
some 16 years. For about a year after his arrival he worked at 
the carpenter's trade with his father, then engaged in farming, his 
aunt, jerusha Collins Bruster, living with him as housekeeper, 
and started one of the first cheese factories in Scott County, which 
was continued until the organization of Jerry Ridge union factory. 
Miss Bruster is still an inmate of his household. In 1870 Mr. Col- 




'LcCIl'Q 



DAVENTORT TOWNSUIP. 1059 

lins married Amy Gerge Wilson, who was born in Ohio. March 31, 
1849. Four children liave been born unto them — Ninnia II., Vara 
E., Elnore H., Miles W. Mr. Collins has succeeded in bis resi- 
dence of a quarter of a century' in Scott County in accumulating a 
large amount of property. In Davenport Township he owns 278 
acres, and 160 in Lincoln Township. lie also had 340 acres in 
Guthrie County, all improved, besides houses in Davenport and wild 
lands in Texas and Iowa. Mr. Collins' farm near Davenport is 
known as Glendale stock and sale farm, where is bred Herd Book 
Jersey cattle, trotting horses, sheep, bees, fancy poultry and swine. 
In this department Mr. Collins has been and is now doing a good 
business. He makes a specialty of furnishing family horses 
and cows, receives and solicits consignments tor sale, remitting 
promptly the proceeds on disposal. His stock-yards are on South 
Avenue, east of Brady and north of Locust streets, Davenport, 
where cattle are unloaded from cars. In politics Mr. Collins is a 
Republican, and himself and wife members of the Congregational 
church. 

W. L. Cook was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., June 17, 1804. 
He is the son of Ira and Pauline (Ellis') Cook, the father a native 
of Massachusetts, born in 17sO, and mother of Connecticut, born in 
17S1. His mother died in 1806, and his father married Rachel 
Faxon, who was born in Massachusetts. His father subsequently 
moved near L^tica, N. Y., where he engaged in farming until 1821. 
He then moved to Broome Co., N. Y.. where he continued to farm, 
and for a time engaged in running a saw-mill. In 1831 he sold 
out and moved to Ontario Co., N. Y., where he engaged in the 
tannery business. Here he remained until the fall of 1835, when 
he came to Scott County, arriving Nov. 8, 1835, and where he re- 
mained until his death, which occurred in 1845. Mrs. Cook died 
in 1837. William L. enjoyed few educational advantages, and in 
addition to a few months in the common schools, he studied at night, 
and thus secured the rudiments of an education. When 14 years 
of age he commenced to work at the shoemaker's trade in connec- 
tion with tanning, which business he followed until 1835. Mr. 
Cook was tirst married in New York, April 24, 1827, to Polly 
Brockway, who was born March 10, 1805. One child was born 
unto them — Mary, who subsequently married John Taylor, and who 
died in Idaho in 1879. Mrs. Cook died May 30,1831, in New York 
and William L. Cook married Almira Woodhull, who was born in 
Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1806. In 1835 Mr. Cook built a raft on 
the Allegheny River, and with his family floated down it to the 
Ohio River, and from thence to St. Louis. Here he made the ac- 
quaintance of a Government ofHcer, and secured passage lor his 
family, together with his household eflects, to Rock Island. At the 
latter place he employed an Indian to row him across the river in 
a skin to Davenp(jrt, where his father had settled. Arrangements 
were at once made to bring over his family and household goods, 
and he moved onto his present farm. In the spring of 1836 he 
61 



1060 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

planted a few acres of sod corn, and in the fall he gathered 12 
bnshels, which he placed in the loft of his house, and which during 
the winter following he ground as necessity required, in an old-fash- 
ioned coffee-mill, and had made into bread for his family. At this 
time there was no mill for many , miles from Davenport. Four 
children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook — Ellen, who married 
Dr. French, and who died in 1869; Katy, who married J. P. 
Kidgely; William E., who now resides on the old homestead in the 
house in which he was born, and Julia M., who married Wm. R. 
Ash, a lawyer in Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Cook died Jan. S, 1848, 
and Mr. Cook married Mrs. Elizabeth Sheik, who was born Feb. 
20, ISOS, in Lawrence Co., N. Y. Two children resulted "from this 
union — Elijah B. and Emma L. (now Mrs. August Rohlfe). By 
her former marriage Mrs. Cook had live cliildren, three of whom 
are now living. She died Aug. 15, 1878. Mr. Cook again mar- 
ried, forming nn alliance Sept. 23, 1880, with Mrs. Mai-garet Case, 
whose maiden name was Hartzell, and who was born in Westmore- 
land Co., Pa., in 1819. She moved to Rock Island in 1835, 
and resided there many years. She had 10 children by her first 
husband, three of whom are now living. Mr. Cook has always 
been quite prominent in Scott County afiairs, and has held every 
local othce in Davenport Township, in 1855 he was elected county 
judge and served two years. For 35 years Judge Cook was a 
strong Democrat, but was always an anti-slavery man. In 1855 
he was a delegate to the convention which met at Iowa City and 
organized the Republic in party in this State, and he has since 
been a consistent advocate ot the principles of that party. He has 
been a member of the M. E. church 61 years, and was in the first 
class organized in Davenport. 

Charles Dannacher was bora in France, Oct. 13, lS-19; he is 
the son of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Hebinger) Dannacher, also 
natives of France. At 14 years of age he entered the service of a 
florist, and continued in that calling up to 1869, when he became a 
member of a military school, where he remained one year and then 
entered the regular army and served in the war between F' ranee and 
German}'. At the close of the war he returned to his old business 
as gardener or florist, in which he continued for three years, be- 
coming so expert that he could readily name any plant in the col- 
lection by a single leaf being shown him. In 1874 he emigrated 
to America and located in Charlotte, Iowa, and engaged with Dr. 
Ennis as florist, remaining there for three years. In 187S became 
to Davenport with the intention of taking charge of a garden in 
the city. On arriving he found that other arrangements had been 
made, and he therefore, with the assistance of Dr. Kulp, started a 
garden consisting of 14 acres of land, in which he has now 35,000 
varieties of plants. In 1873 he was married to Mary Gantz, who 
was born near Colmar, France, in 1849. They had four children, 
only one of whom is now living — Louisa. In March, 1881, three 



DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 1061 

of their children died within three days of each other, and were 
buried in one grave. Mr. Daiinaciier is a Republican in politics. 

Oustave Jickerman, fanner and proprietor of Eckernian's saloon, 
section 17, Utica Ridge road, Davenport Township, was born in 
Oidwnhurcr, Gertnany, March 16, 1832. His parents were Glaus 
and Marie (ll.irder) Eckerinan. They had 10 children, four living. 
Gustave attended school until 10, when he followed the carpenter's 
trade until August, ISoti, when lie emigrated alone to New Or- 
leans; was eight weeks at sea. lie came direct from New Orleans 
to Davenport, Iowa, where he followed the carpenter's trade until 
1S65, when lie bought the "Five Mile House;" remained here 
tive years, then bought his farm in section 17, Davenport Town- 
ship, where he has Eckerman's saloon. He married Miss Eliza 
Graute, Nov. 21, lS5i; she was born in Entin Oldenburg, Ger- 
many; she was a daughter of August and Helena (Hener) Graute. 
Mr. and Mrs. Eckernian have had lo children, six living, viz. : 
Clara (wife of Fritz Schaefer, they reside iti Davenport Township), 
Gustave, Jr., Laura, Eliza, Hugo and Adolph. Mr. Eckerman 
has in addition to the farm of 40 acres in section 17, Davenport 
Township, where he and family reside, a farm of 80 acres in But- 
ler Township; both farms are under good cultivation and well 
stocked; he is one of the enterprising farmers of Scott County, 
where he has lived since 1852. In politics, Mr. Eckerman is a 
Republican. 

if icholas tejervai^y WAS horn in Hungary, May 27, 1811; his 

fiarents are Joseph and Mary (Ivonikovich) Fejervary, natives of 
lungary. His mother died while he was a mere infant, and he 
was taken by his grandparents to raise. His father again married, 
but died in 1829; his step-mother yet resides in Hungary and is at 
an advanced age. Mr. Fejervary secured a thorough education and 
graduated from the university of Pesth in 1832. ^fter graduating 
he moved on a farm and engaged in politics. He was elected 
clerk of the court, and also a member of the Legislature, and served 
three years. In 1844 he abandoned politics, and in 1846 married 
Caroline Kars, who was born in Hungary in 1810. Three children 
were born unto them — Celestina F., Mary (who died in Hungary 
in 18411), and Nicholas (who died in Davouport in 1863 1. In June, 
1852, Mr. Fejervary landed in New York, and in the i'all of he 
same year came to Scott County, and purchased and entered 3,000 
acres of land in the counties of Scott, Cedar and Muscatine, Iowa. 
In the spring of 1853 he moved his family to Davenport, ana in 
the fall of the same year moved into his present beautiful residence, 
whicii he had erected during the summer from brick which he had 
burned. From time to time he disposed of a portion of his land 
until his possessions now amount to 600 acres, though he owns 
considerable real estate in the city of Davenport. The location of 
his family residence is a fine one and deserves special mention. In 
politics, Mr. Fejervary is a Republican. 



1062 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

Thomas K. Fluke was born in AVilliamsburg, Huntingdon Co., 
Penn., Aug. 30, 1816. He is the son of Samuel and Lillias (Kerr) 
Fluke, natives of Huntingdon Co., Penn. His father was a cabinet- 
maker and carpenter by trade, and carried on the business for 
many years in Williamsburg. He died Sept. 10, 182S. <His 
mother died Dec. 21, 1836. The educational advantages of 
Thomas were obtained in the common schools of his native town. 
At tlie age of 13, he began work at the cabinet trade in 
Williamsburg, and served an apprenticeship of three years, at the 
expiration of which time he went to Carlisle and served two years. 
Returning from Carlisle, he engaged in business for himself in the 
cabinet-making and undertaking ti-ade, the latter branch of his 
business being quite large. He continued in this line until 184-9. 
On April 27, 1837, he married Anna Y., daughter of William W. 
and Elizabeth (Stewart) Harris, who was born Feb. 25, 1814, 
in Bedford, now Fulton Co., Penn. Her father was a j^ova 
Scotian (from Halifax) by birth, and mother a Pennsylvanian. 
The former died in 1861, aged 86, and the latter in 1863, in her 
75tli year. Mr. and Mrs. t'luke with the family moved to Scott 
County and purchased 160 acres of land and began improving the 
same. In the spring of 1851 tlie family moved into their present 
home. At this time the city of Davenport had but 1.900 inhabi- 
tants, and the countr}^ was but little improved. Mr. and Mrs. 
Fh^ke are the parents of nine children, all of whom are now living, 
all married, namely: Newton K., Lewis H., Orval S., Orlando 
R, Anna V. (now Mrs. Gilbert Cooper), Alverda F. (now Mrs. 
Augustus Reading), Edwin D.. Charles L. and Thomas B. Mr. 
Fluke was one of thelirst members of the County Board of Super- 
visors, and served four years in that body. In August, 1865, he 
was appointed county treasurer by the Board of Supervisors, to till 
vacancy caused by the resignation of John Collins, lu the fall ot 
tlie same year he was elected and served the full term. In 1858 
he became connected with the School Board and served for 12 
years. Mr. Fluke was originally an old line Whig, but has been 
an active Republican since the organization of that party. He is 
a member of the M. E. church, as is also his wife. 

friederick Frahm was born in Schleswig, Germany, April 26, 
1818. His parents were George and Mary (Ulrich) Frahm. ot 
German nativity, and are now deceased. The subject of this 
sketch received a common-school education in his native country, 
and remained with his father until he was 24 years of age, where 
he worked as a farm hand until 1S4S, when he emigrated to 
America, and came at once to Davenport, Iowa, where his two 
brothers had located the year before. He worked as a f;irm la- 
borer until 1853, when he married Catharine Schting, who was 
born in Schleswig, Germany, Dec. 31, 1832, and came to America 
in 1848 with her father. Immediately after his marriage Mr. 
Frahm commenced fartning in Blue Grass Township, on a farm of 
80 acres, which he had bought in 1850. He has added to his 



DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 1063 

original purchase until he now owns 480 acres of rich land. In 
ISTt'i he moved into the place where he now resides, in the suburbs 
of the city ot Davenport. His family consists of two children — 
Minnie (now Mrs. Henry Suhr), and Charles. In politics Mr. 
Fralim is a Republican. 

Peter F reund was born in Bavaria, Germany, Jan. 26, 1S25, 
and was a son of George and Margaret Freund, nee Noe, who were 
likewise natives of Bavaria, wiiere they died. The subject of this 
sketch was educated in the common schools of his native country, 
and remained with his father on the farm until he was 21 years 
old, wlien he enlisted in the regular army in Bavaria and served 
six years. After receiving his discharge he emigrated to America 
in 18-53, and located in Davenport, and engaged as a farm hand in 
the vicinity of Davenport a number of years. He was married 
in lSo-4 to Margaret Ivrause, of Bavaria. In 1S55 he began farm- 
ing for himself, and now owns 309 acres of land, which he has 
accumulated by his own personal exertions. His famih' consists 
of eight children — George, Francis, John, Archie, Joseph, Al- 
ward, Eddie and Katie. He is a Democrat in politics. 

Einil N. J. Geisler was born in Dithmarsen, a province of 
the Dukedom of Schleswig-Holstcin, in April 11, 1S28. After re- 
ceiving a college education he entered the revolutionary army in 
181:8, to battle for the freedom of iiis country. He served as orderly 
sergeant and tookpart in most of tjie battles in the German- Danish 
war during ISIS, '19 and '50. After the cause of freedom was lost, 
he with many others left the dear home for the free country of the 
United States, and landed at New Orleans in the spring of 1852. 
From there lie went direct to the promising town of Davenport, 
wliere he settled and made it his home for nearly 30 years. After 
working on a farm and teaching fgr two seasons, Mr. G. engaged 
in mercantile business. In 1S61 he sold out liis store and opened 
one of the first vineyards in Scott County. In 1865 he established 
a brickyard, which, after two years of successful business, lie sold 
out to his partners. He is now engaged especially in buying and 
improving raw lands, building houses, etc. He opened in Scott 
Count}' several new farms, and built and re-built over a dozen 
houses, besides barns and out-houses in Davenport City and the 
county. Mr. G. also turned his attention to the broad, fertile 
prairies of the western part of Iowa and made five new farms in 
diflferent counties, and also built houses in several new towns. 

In 1875, Mr. G. bought a tract of land on the C, R. I. & P. R. 
R., and in company witli four other gentlemen from Davenport 
formed the Marne Town Company, and platted and laid out the 
flourisliing town of Marne, six miles west of Atlantic. Mr. G. also 
held several public otlices. He was justice of the peace for Dav- 
enport Township, in 1877 and 1S7S; and after his removal to the 
city was elected trustee for the city of Davenport, which ofSce he 
resigned, when he changed his residence again. Mr. G. took active 
part in many public enterprises, and was, and is yet, a prominent 



1064 HISTORY OF SCOTT COTTNTY. 

member of many societies of benevolent, beneficiary and social 
pursuits. In politics he is a Republican ; in religion is a free- 
thinker. Mr. G. was married in 1855, to Miss Sophia D., a 
daughter of Mr. John Ilalkens, a well-known early German settler 
of Scott County. Mrs. G. was born in 1835, in Meldorf, Duke- 
dom Holstein, Germany. Their children are: Adel T., born 
in 1839, married to Mr. Otto Claussen, a merchant at Memphis, 
Tenn.; Sophia E,. born in 1865; and an adopted boy, Louis F. 
Plalkens, born in 1861, now a printer at Denver, Colorado. 

Alexande?' Grant was born in Bainshire, Scotland, July 20, 1820. 
He is the son of Peter and Margaret ( Washington ) Grant, both 
natives of Scotland, who lived and died in their native country. At 
17 years of age Alexander went to sea and for several years served 
as a common sailor, then second and first mate. Tiring of sea life, 
in 1844 he came to America, and located in Scott County. Here 
he made a claim and began farming. In 1851 he married Ann 
Fleming, who was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Aug. 1,1822, 
daughter of James and Margaret (Bates) Fleming, who came to 
Scott County, arriving June 27, 1840. In 1866 Mr. Grant pur- 
chased the farm on which he now resides. Six children have blessed 
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Grant, four of whom are now living — 
Margaret (now Mrs. George Ashford\ Frank, Nettie and Sydney. 
Those deceased are — Belle and Eliza. Mr. and Mrs. Grant are 
both members of the First Presbyterian Church, in Davenport. In 
politics Mr. Grant is a Pepnblican. 

Wulf Hahn was born in Propstie, Germany, Jan. 14, 1813. He 
is the son of Wulf and Ida Hahn, natives of Germany, who are 
now deceased. The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
common schools of Germany, and reared on a farm. He was mar- 
ried in 1845 to Margaret Staltenberg, who was born in Holstein, 
Germany, July 31, 1820. In 1847 they emigrated to America, 
landing in New Orleans, from which place they proceeded to Scott 
County, where he purchased 40 acres of land at the Government 
price of $1.25 per acre, and began farming. The first year he had 
to work in the plow factory or any other place where he could get 
anything to do so as to get either money or bread for his family to 
live on ; but at the same time he still continued farming. In 1856 
he sold his farm for $50 per acre, and bought the farm where he 
now resides. He now owns 356 acres in Davenport Township, 400 
in Tama Co., Iowa, and 240 in Washington Territory. He has 
eight children — Ida, now Mrs. Hans Krouse; Kate, now Mrs. 
Charley Kaler; Minnie, now Mrs. T. H. H. Blunck; Emma, now 
Mrs. C. L. Sutkorf ; Henr}', who married Emma Lay, and resides 
on the home farm; Augusta, Julia, Anna and one deceased. He is 
a member of the German Fire Insurance Company of Scott County, 
and was at one time president of the company. He is a Republi- 
can in politics. 

Clans Horst was born in Propstie, Germany, Dec. 30, 1819. and 
was the son of Hans and Margaretta Gotleib JSorst, who were also 



DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 106$ 

natives of Germany, where tliey both died. Claus received the 
cotnmon-school education ot'liis native country. In 18-17 he came 
to America by New Orleans and St. Louis, where he spent the tirst 
winter, arriving in Davenport the t'oliowinu; spring, where he en- 
gaged iiiniself to a farmer for $10 per month to break ]>rairie, and 
worked at anytiiing lie could get to do to turn an honest penny. 
In 1850 he married Ida Ilahn, who was born in the same place 
that he was born, in December, 1828, and was the daughter of 
John and Margretta Hahn, who were also born at the same place. 
Her father died in 1845, and the mother was married a second time, 
to Oswald Maas, and they came to America and located in Scott 
County in 184-7, where the mother died in 1874. After Mr. Tlorst 
was married he commenced farming on SO acres, and by his in- 
dustry and thrift accumulated an independence. He owned at his 
decease 560 acres of land, worth $S0 per acre. In 1880 Mr. Ilorst 
went to New York on a visit in hopes to regain his health, which 
he had lost by liard woik, but his hopes were vain, and he died 
there May 24, 1881, and the body was brought back to the Daven- 
port cemetery and buried. His widow and five children survive 
him. The widow lives on the farm with two sons and one daughter. 
Of their si.x children five are still living — Louisa M. (now Mrs. 
Herman VossV Adolph J.. Thresa, A. C, Edward N., and Henry H. 
Chrisiiari Kober\s a native of Germany, and came to America 
with his parents when only nine years of age. lie was reared on 
a farm in Pennsylvania, his education being very limited. In the 
spring of 1839 he came to Scott County and located a claim, and 
in the fall returned to Pennsylvania, where he was married, De- 
cember, 1S39, to Sarah Moon, who was born Jan. 29, 1814. In the 
spring of 1840 the couple came to this county, and Mr. Kober be- 
gan improving his claim. lie erected a small cabin, which he 
furnished as well as his means would allow. Some time during the 
fall, while he and his wife were away from home, the cabin and all 
its contents were destroyed by fire. This misfortune disheartened 
the couple, and they would have surrendered all and returned to 
Pennsylvania, but for one reason — they did not have the means 
to get l)aclc. They spent the winter with a kind neighbor, and in 
the spring of 1841 rebuilt, after having sold 80 acres of his 
quarter section for the means to do so. Prosperity now overtook 
tliem, although it was not until about 1845 that they began to lay 
up anything. Mr. Kober has seen many changes in this county 
in his time, and from a life of toil and poverty he now enjoys a 
comfortable subsistence. Mr. and Mrs. Kober have five living chil- 
dren — Celia, now Mrs. Henry Woodford; Charles, who married 
Susan Reed, and resides on his father's homestead; Kate S., who 
married Robert Silks; Sue, now Mrs. James Murray; one deceased, 
Julia S. Mr. Kober is in his 74th year, having been born April 
18, 1808. 



10f)6 HISTORy OF SUOTT COUNTY. 

Claus Kreoger was born in Holstein, Germany, April 14, 1829, 
and was the son of Hans and Lena (Glindermann) Kreoger, who 
both died in Germany. Claus was educated in Germany and 
reared on a farm. In 1856 he emigrated to America and settled 
in Scott County, where he worked as a farm hand for about four 
years. In 1860 he was married to Anna Loage, who was born in 
Germany in 1839, and came to America in 1847. They have six 
children — Henry L., Minnie, Emma, Louis and Augusta. Imme- 
diately after his marriage Mr. Kreoger bought the farm on which 
he now lives, buying 80 acres at first, then SO more in a short time. 
He is a Republican in politics. 

Il.Kuhl was born in Holstein, Germany, in 182C, and came to 
Davenport in 1847, where he worked as a day laborer until 1850, 
when lie engaged in quarrying and in the manufacture of lime at 
Gilbert, Davenport Township, in which business he is still en- 
gaged. In 1850 he married Minnie Strobern, who was also born 
in Holstein, Germany, in 1829, and who came to America in 1847. 
They have had nine children — Josephine, Matilda, Emily, Edward, 
Minnie, Eustaft", Francis, Hilda and Nettie. Mr. Kuhl acts with 
the Republican party. 

Jacob Lahr is a native of Prussia, and was born Jan. 20, 1850; 
his parents were Jacob and Helen (Mitchell) Lahr: his mother died 
in Germany in 1869, and his father emigrated to America in 1871, 
and located in Keokuk County. Jacob preceded his father a few 
months and for three years worked on a farm near Baden, Keokuk 
Co., at the expiration of which time he engaged with Joseph 
Lyfed & Co., in grain and stock trade, in which business he con- 
tinned six months. He was married to Ann Berchers, daughter 
of John and Ann (Peterson) Berchers, who was born in Scott 
County in 1854, of German parentage, her parents being natives 
of Holstein, who came to this country in 1852. Mr. Lahr 
came to Scott County, and for some time ran the Grem Tree 
Hotel in the north part of the township. In the spring of 
1881 he moved to Gilbert and engaged in the saloon business. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lahr have three children — Lillie, Rosa and Jacob. Mr. 
Lahr votes the Democratic ticket. 

John Lambert was born in New Jersey, Jan. 5. 1814. His 
father was Samuel Lambert, a native of New Jersey. His mother's 
maiden name was Rhoda Bailey, likewise a native of New Jersey. 
He was reared on his father's farm and what education he received 
was in the common schools of his native county. He remained 
with his father until 20 years of age. when he engaged with Mr. 
Logan and worked on his farm for sixyeai-s, then with Jolin Black, 
with whom he continued two years. In 1836 he was married to 
Julia Whitaker, who was born in Delaware, in 1812. After mar- 
riage they continued to reside on a farm near where he was born 
until 1844, when he moved to Scott Co., Iowa, and made claim to 
160 acres of land, where he now resides. His means at this time 



DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 1067 

was quite limited, $130 being the extent of his capital. lie at 
once began breaiiing his ground, and by clojc economy he laid up 
enough to pay for SO acres of his claim, which he has since worked 
and improved until it is now one ot the best farms in the town- 
ship, worth $125 per acre. Mr. Lambert has been identified with 
the interests of Scott County many years. lie has served the 
county as supervisor for some years, and for several years was 
president of the Agricultural Society, and has also been secretary 
of the same. In agricultural matters he has always taken a deep 
interest and to promote the welfare of his brother agriculturists 
he has devoted much time. Mr. Lambert has always taken a deep 
interest in educational matters, and has done much for the ad- 
vancement of school interests in his township. When he came to 
the county there were no schools here, and in company with 
several others rented a room and hired a teacher, which they con- 
tinued to do until the passage of the school law. He has filled 
the offices of director and treasurer of the school district of Daven- 
port township. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert have had a family of si.x 
children, five of whom are now living— Emily L., who resides 
with her father on the farm; Maria, now Mrs, Henry Ade ; Caro- 
line, now Mrs. Henry Penemore ; Adaline, now Mrs. Alfred E. 
Campbell. The one deceased. Aaron P., was the oldest sou, 
and enlisted in 1S62 in the war for the Union, and died in Spring- 
field, Mo., during the same year. Mrs. Lambert died on the farm 
Jan. 25, 1SS2. 

Peter Lamp is a native of Holstein, Germany, and is the son of 
Clausund Celia Lamp, nee Croesch. He was born Feb. 12,1842, 
and came to America with his parents in 184:6. The first landing 
was in New Orleans, from which place they proceeded to St. Louis, 
where they spent the winter of 18i6-'7. In tiie spring of the latter 
year they came to Scott County, where the elder Lamp engaged at 
his trade of carpenter, which he followed for some time. He sub- 
sequently purchased the farm on which gthe son now resides, and 
with whom he lives. His mother died in 1869, and the father is 
now in his S2d year. The common schools of Scott County 
served Peter in an educational way. He married Anna Mueller in 
1869. His wife was a daughter of Jacob and Margretta Mueller, 
natives of Germany, who came to Scott County in 1S69; both are 
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lamp are the parents of three chil- 
dren — Celia. Clans Herman and Clara Margretta. He is the 
ownerof .>20 acres of land, one-half each in the townships of Dav- 
enport and Clcona. He lias been school director for 10 years; has 
also served as road su])ervisor, and is a member of the Masonic 
order. In ])olitics, Mr. Lamp is a Re])ublican. 

John Littig. One of the most substantial farmers of Davenport 
Township, is John Littig. Mr. Littig was born in Paris. France, 
on the 9th of March, 1823. Active life in all its stern reality 
appeared to him at an early age, teaching him to rely upon his 
own abilities, a lesson which proved invaluable in after years. In 



1068 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

1835, at the age of 13, he emigrated with his parents to America, 
and landed at New Orleans. Daring his two years' residence there 
John figured amons the news boys, cairying the Picayune, Herald 
&nA trench RepxMican. From New Orleans he went to St. Louie, 
Mo., where he manifested great interest in American agriculture, 
which he afterward made his life-work. In 1837 he followed his 
parents to Rock Island and linally came to Davenport, where he 
was engaged by Harvey Leonard, who employed him in his brick- 
yard to carry the " Irish umbrella." He continued with Mr. 
Leonard for three years and made a taithtul and assiduous hand. 
John subsequently spent seven years with AntoineLe Claire, where 
he was characterized by the same manly traits. One event trans- 
pired during this period of toil and hardship to make it memo- 
rable, namely — the treaty at Des Moines between Gov. Chambers 
and the Sacs and Foxes, whereby the Indians relinquislied their 
rights to the northern half of Iowa. When Col. Geo. Davenport, 
Antoine Le Claire and Geo. L. Davenport were chosen as "white 
friends" of the Indians, to act as interpreters and conclude the 
treaty, John was appointed coachman for the venerable gentle- 
men, and this was accounted no small honor. The part}' remained 
at Des Moines one week and Mr. Littig improvea every oppor- 
tunity to study the life and customs of the savages. On his re- 
turn he was able to sound the war whoop and go through the 
maneuvers of an Indian dance, which though lacking the grace 
and dignity of the " light fantastic," was more amusing. Having 
saved a considerable sum of money by dint of industry and econ- 
omy he made his first investment in real estate, purchasing a 
piece of land near Gilbert town. Here he continued to toil early 
and late and laid the foundatioii for that future prosperity that 
has blessed him in his labors. In 1858 he removed to Duck Creek, 
made extensive improvements and remained there eight years, 
when he finally settled at his present homesteal on section 37, 
four miles from the city^f Davenport. This place became the 
center of his hopes and cares, and having faithfully tilled the soil 
and erected a commodious and substantial dwelling-house and 
barn, it is now regarded as the "apple of his eye." From 
time to time he has added to his other possessions until he 
owns 560 acres of as fine land as there is in Davenport Township 
and which has developad into valuable property. John Littig 
was united in marriage in 1844 to Margaret Stovir. But two of 
their children are now living — Peter Napoleon and Adam. Death 
having claimed his first consort, Mr. Littig was again married 
in 1858, to Louise Roggie, and by this union there were 11 chil- 
dren — Lawrence W., Anthony Joseph, Marguerite Josephine, 
Henry Augustine, Mary Hortense, Regina Eugenie, George Mar- 
cus (who died in early childhood), Marquis De La Fayette, Victor 
Louis, John Vincent and Edward Clarence. Mr. Littig's parents 
baing poor, he did not enjoy the educational privileges he so 
much coveted, and therefore determined his own children should 



DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 1069 

not labor \inder the same disadvantages. Mr. Littig has been 
director of Giinitli's sciiool for nine years, watching over its 
interests witii unremitting attention. In addition to the branclics 
taugiit there, Peter has attended Bryant & Stratton's Business 
College, and Adam studied at the linswold College, Davenport. 
LawrenceW. graduated from St. Vincent's College, Cape Girardeau, 
Mo., being valedictorian of the class of '81; the degrees of A. 
B. and A. M. have been successfully conferred upon him, and 
'83 will witness his completion of the medical course at Iowa 
City. Joseph received instructions at Criswold and for some- 
time has been a successful teacher in the public schools of the 
township. Josephine finished the classical course with high hon- 
ors in '82 at the Immaculate Conception Academy, and Ilortense 
and Eugenie are still attending the same institution. The time 
has not yet come when this generation will figure in the public 
history of their countr3^ or native county, tint it is hoped a useful 
and noble career awaits them. In IbTS Mr. Littig visited the 
scene of his earl^' life in and about Paris, attended the exposition 
in that city, and also visited noted places in England and Ger- 
naany. His sojourn in his native land was greatly enjoyed by 
him and will ever be a subject of unceasing comment. Mr. Lit 
tig is a staunch adiierent of the Democratic ])arty, a liberal and 
charitable Christian, rearing his children in the faith of the Roman 
Catholic church, and instilling into their youthful minds by jire 
cept and example, that "honesty is the best policy." Having, 
amassed a considerable fortune by perseverence and industry, Mr. 
Littig is now enjoying an honorable indey)endence. His progeni- 
tors are noted tor longevity, his father having attained the age 
of 87. His social relations are harmonious and desirable, and 
it is the sincere wish of all who know him, that many years may 
yet be Mr. Littig's portion, which may be as pleasant and happy 
as his early life has been laborious and active. 

Petei' Littig was born in the Province of Lorraine, France, on 
the 20tli day of August, 1794. His childhood was passed in ob- 
scuritv, but at a tender asre he became an enthusiastic admirer of 
Napoleon's daring srenius, and early resolved to follow in the foot- 
steps of the greatest general France ever ])roduced. When Peter 
was 19 years old, he entered the French army, fought under Bona- 
parte at the battle of "Waterloo; took part in the engagement at 
Leipsic, plunging boldly into the river Elster after the great stone 
bridge was blown up by the corporal, and was at the side of the 
noble and heroic Marshal Poniatowski when he (the tnarshal), 
wounded, bleeding and exhausted, fell from his horse while attempt- 
ing to scale the banks of the Elster, and sank beneath its waters. 
Both engagements proved most disastrous to the interests of Napo- 
leon, and ilr. Littig never could talk of the result of these encoun- 
ters without emotion, and thev were subjects of deep interest to his 
children and grandchildren. He was also fond of telling how he 



1070 HISTOET OF SCOTT CO0NTr 

and other young soldiers of Napoleon skulked about the country 
for weeks after the battle of Waterloo, hoping that the emperor 
would lead them again. His parents and sisters, in the meantime, 
had mourned him among the slain. Mr. Littig remained faithful 
to Bonaparte during his exile at Elba, and when the conqueror re- 
turned to France he was one of the escort who went with him into 
Paris. In 1826, five years after the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, 
Mr. Littig went to Paris to reside, and engaged in business as a 
marble-cutter. Tiiere he continued to ply his trade for 11 years, 
bringing it out in all its perfection. But one little souvenir 
now remains of his genius — a small watch-stand carved out of solid 
marble by hand, in the city of Paris, passes down as an heirloom 
in the family. He emigrated with his family to the United States, 
landing at New Orleans, because French friends lived there. He 
resided in that city two years, then came to Stephenson, now Rock 
Island. In New Orleans he had worked at cabinet-making, but 
now he set out as a stone-mason and contractor, following that trade 
and business until 1851, when he engaged in the brewery business. 
Mr. Littig built the first stone house erected in Kock Island, and 
also built Huber's and Wagner's breweries in that city, and op- 
erated them both. lu 1866 he erected the Eagle Brewery, corner 
Fifth and De Soto streets, Davenport. His whole manhood, 
up to his 72d year, was a life of industry and usefulness ; but 
the infirmities of old age coming on, he retired from active busi- 
ness life, taking up his home at the corner of Eighth and Marquette 
streets, where he spent the remaining 15 years of his earthl}' career, 
when death released his spirit. Mr. Littig was a fervent adherent 
of the Roman Catholic faith from his youth up, and expired after 
receiving the last rites of the church, in the S7th year of his 
age, A. t). 1S8L Mr. Littig was married four times. His last 
consort, to whom he was united in 1853, survives him. He was 
the father of nine cliildren — -Augustine N., of Davenport; Peter, of 
Atlantic; John, of Davenport; Mrs. Mary Robida, of Chatfield, 
Minn.; Mrs. MargaretBub,of Winona, Minn. ; Mrs. Rosalie Smith, 
of Camanche, Iowa; Mrs. Alexandrina Enderly, of Moline, HI. ; 
Mrs. Sophia Leeds, of Peoria, and Mrs. Augusta Smith, of Wilton. 
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are numerous. After 
having been very liberal with his children, Mr. Littig died pos- 
sessed of an estate valued at $60,000. 

John L. MoCulIoch was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, July 18, 
1841. His parents were John and Maria R. (Laughhead) McCul- 
loch, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish descent. 
The subject of this sketch received a limited education in the dis- 
trict schools of Ohio; and in 18-19 came with his parents to Scott 
Count}', and located in Hickory Grove Township. From there they 
removed to Jersey Ridge, Davenport Township, where his mother 
died; his father died in 1874. In 1861, John L. enlisted in the 
Civil war, in Company B, 8th Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, and 
served 18 months, being discharged on account of disability and 



DATENPORT TOWNSHIP. 1071 

sickness. He then returned to Scott County, and continued farmiii<r. 
In 1867 lie was married to Catharine Ellen O'Brien, who was born 
in 1S50, in Boston, Mass. From there she went to New York, 
thence to Holmes Co., O., where she was married. They have had 
two children — Ida Liiella and Sarah Rebecca (deceased). The family 
are members of the church, in Davenport. Mr. McCulloch 
owns 58^ acres, worth $100 an acre. He is a Republican in politics. 

Thomas J. McUarg was born in Beaver Co., Pennsylvania, 
Sept. 4, 1825. He was the son of "William and Margaret McHarg. 
The mother was of Irish and the father of Scotch descent. 
Thomas was educated in the common schools of Beaver County 
and was reared on a farm. In 1848 lie emigrated to Scott Co.", 
Iowa, and began work on a farm as a common hand, cradling the 
first summer 26 acres of grain. The following year reapers came 
into use so he did no more work with the cradle. He continued 
working with his brotlier until 1855, when he married Sarah 
Easley, and began farming for himself. His wife was born in 
Saratoga Co., New York. He owns 160 acres of land in Scott 
County. He has been school director for many years; and a 
member of the United Presbyterian church. 

Nicholas Mock was born in the Province of Saxon, Prussia, 
Nov. 19, 1810, son of Andrew and Christina (Desehuer) Mock, 
both natives of Prussia. Our subject was educated in the common 
schools, and learned the wagon maker's-trade from his father at 
an early age. When 20 years old he enlisted in the army and 
served three years. In 1834 he was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Stitz, of Prussia, born in June, 1813. In 1845 they emigrated to 
America, going to St. Louis via New Orleans. He removed to 
Davenport in July of the same year, and went to work in the har- 
vest field, on the railroad, or any other employment that might 
be offered. He then opened a shop in Davenpor t where "he 
worked at his trade four years, and then sold out and went to 
Hampton, 111., remaining there 13 years. On his return to Scott 
County he purchased 40 acres of land on Duck Creek, and subse- 
quently enlarged his possessions to 135 acres. He has given most 
of his farm to his son, and now lives rather a retired life on a 
small tract of 25 acres. They have six children living — John, 
William, George, Catherine, Emma and Margaret. They have 
lost two children — Valentine and Paulina, the former killed at 
Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Mock owns considerable property in Davenport, 
and is in very comfortable circumstances. Politically, he is a 
Democrat. Both are members of the German Catholic church. 
Postofiice, Davenport. 

Henry Parmele was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., March 
10, 1825. His ])arent3 are William and Laura (Treat) Parmele, 
the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. 
His father was a farmer, but engaged for many years in the 
lumber trade. In 1838 he accompanied his parents to Scott County, 
where they located on a farm in his township, which they sub- 



1072 HISTORY OF scorr County. 

sequently purchased from the Government when the lands came 
into market. On this farm the parents lived and died, the father 
in 1874, and the mother in Ajiril, 1875. Henry attemled the 
common school, and for a time the select scliool of Father Pala- 
morgues, which completed his educational course. In 1852 
Henry Parmele and Emma, daugliter of Sylvester and Phoebe 
(Woli) Condit, who was born Sept. 25, 18-32, were united in mar- 
riage. Mr. and Mrs. Condit were natives of Greene Co., Pa., 
the former being born in 1806 and the latter in 1815. The family 
came to Scott County in 1835 and located on a farm near the present 
village of Le Claire, where Mr. Condit died May 27, 1881. Mrs. 
Condit yet lives on the old homestead. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Parmele located on their present farm which consists of 200 acres 
of land, worth -SlOO per aci-e. In 1853 Mr. Parmele lost a leg 
by disease, but he manages to do good service and attend well 
to his business with the aid of one natural and one wooden leg. 
He is the father of 11 children, four of whom ai-e living — 
Rosa Ella, Anna Viola, Clara Belle. Harry Dillon. The seven 
deceased are Mary Ellen, Clarissa Jane, Laura Emma, William 
Henry, Phoebe Louisa, Ilattie Jessie, John Forest. Mr. and Mrs. 
Parmele are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Parmele is a 
Kepublicau in politics. 

Uans Pindsen was born in Schleswig, Germany, Nov. 11, 1833, 
and was a son of John and Jane M. (Heicken) Paulsen, likewise 
natives of Germany. Tbey are both dead. His primary educa- 
tion was received in the common schools, and when he was 15 
years old he entered Meradolp CuUege, which he attended some 
three years. In 1848 he engaged in school teacliing, and followed 
that occupation in various parts of Germany until 1852, when he 
emiiirated to America, and located at once in Scott County. He 
followed farming in Blue Grass Township, until 1858, when he 

Eurchased his present farm of 360 acres in Davenport Township, 
[e was married in 1855 to Christina F. Shrade, who was born in 
Holstein, Germany. Mr. Paulsen is one of the representative 
men of his town.~hip. 

Charles E. Plcherlng is an Englishman by birth, and was born 
Dec. 26, 1826. His father was James Pickering, and his mother, 
Hannah Elliott, also natives of England. In 1842 the family 
moved to America, and located near Saratoga, N. Y., where Mr. 
Pickering engaged in farming. In 1854 Charles came to Scott 
County, and engaged in farming. His father followed in lh58, 
and resided here until his deatli, which occurred in 1875. His 
mother died in New York. In 1869 Charles formed a matrimo- 
nial alliance with Jane Parry, who likewise was English born. 
Four children were sent to bless the imion, tliree of whom are 
now living — Sophia, Bessie and Mary Emily. After marriage, 
Mr. and Mrs. Pickering removed to a farm in the noi-theast part 
of the township, consisting of 215 acres. In 1874 he sold this 
farm and purchased his present farm on section 19. Mr. and Mrs. 



DAVENPORT TOWNSHIP. 1073 

Pickering are both members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Pick- 
ering is a Republican in politics. 

Henry Puck was born at Propstie, Germany, June 26, 1812. 
He is the son of Clause and Katrina (Loggie) Puck, who lived 
and died in CTcrmany. The subject of this sketch was educated in 
the common schools of Germany. He emigrated to Scott County, 
Iowa, 1846, and worked as a wood-chopper until he got money 
enough to buy some land. He was married in 1867 to Catherine 
Brockman, by whom lie has four ciiililren — Minnie (now Mrs. 
Fred AVonder), Henry, Laura and Albert. He served two years 
in the army in Germany. He is a Republican in politics. 

William liiggx was born in Lancastershire, England, and is tlie 
son of William and Ann (Liglitburn) Kiggs. He was educated in 
the common schools of liis native country. In the spring of 18-13 
he came to America, his first landing being in New Orleans, from 
which place he ])assed on to St. Louis, where he remained three 
weeks, and from thence to Springfield, 111., where he put in a 
crop, which he sold in ths fall for a cow and calf. He then went 
to Rock Island, arriving one day at sunset, and crossing the river 
the same evening to Davenj)<)rt. In the fall of 184-1 lie entered 
160 acres of land in Davenport Township, which he proceeded to 
improve. He lived on this farm until 1873, when he moved into 
the city. July 24, 1845, Ijc wa.'s united in marriage with Mary 
Brownie, who was born Feb. 10, 1824. They have had seven 
children, six of whom are now living — William B., Christina (now 
Mrs. C. Murray), George, Isabella (now Mrs. F. B. Campbell), 
Anna, Eddie L. Mr. Riggs has been prominently identified with 
Davenjiort Townshi]) for many years, and has held several local 
offices, including that of member of the Board of Supervisors of the 
county. Mr. Riggs has also for some years been an active and 
consistent member of the Christian church in Davenj>ort, and 
previously was connected with the same church at Long Grove. 

Daniel Riordan., superintendent of the Poor Farm, is an Irish- 
man by birth, and emigrated lo America in 1844. He was born 
in Kilkenny Co., Ireland, Dec. 24, 1821. He first landed in 
New York, and in tiie vicinity of that city worked as a common 
laborer for about 10 years. In 1854 he came to Scott County aiid 
engaged in farming. In 1858 he married Joanna Kelliher, who 
was born in Ireland, Jan. 12, 1833, and came to America in 1840. 
Two children were born unto them — Margaret, born in 1859; 
Mary, in 1865. After his marriage, Mr. Riordan bought a small 
farm, on which he resided until 1877, when he was appointed 
superintendent of the Poor Farm of the county, and has sincere- 
sided on the firm in the discharge of the duties of the position. 
Politically Mr. Riordan is a Republican. 

Ldward Roberts was born in North Wales, Oct. 24, 1816. 
His parents were Thomas and Mary (Foulks) Roberts. Edward 
resided with his parents until he was 13 years of age, when he was 
hired out to a gentleman, whom he served six years. Ho then 



1074 HISTORY OF SCO'IT COUNTY. 

engaged with anotlier party as a gardener, and remained witli him 
until he left his native land for the United States, in 1865. In 1846 
he married Jane Jones, who was born in 1814, in JS'orth Wales. 
Four children blessed this union — Mary Ann, now Mrs. J. C. 
Brownlee; Hannah, now Mrs. Christy; Daniel, and one who died in 
infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Eoberts are members of the First Presby- 
terian'Chureh, in Davenport, and live on the farm which they pur- 
chased shortly after arrival in Scott County. Mr. Eoberts, in 
politic?, is a Republican. 

C. H. SchnecMoth was born in Holstein, Germany, Aug. 21, 1830. 
At 20 years of age he was dralted into the army and served two 
years, and was again drafted, when he ran oft to America, and 
arrived in Davenport June 22, 1852. Here he labored as a com- 
mon day laborer, at $10 a month for a time, and then $90 for a 
year. In 1854 he commenced farming, and in 1855 married Bertha 
Wolf, who was born in Germany. Success has attended him in 
his labors, and lie now owns the farm on which he lives, of 80 
acres, on which he moved in 1872, and which is worth $125 per 
acre, and has also 640 acres in Ida County, worth $10 per acre. 
He is the father of six children — Henry, Peter, Andala, Emma, 
Ernest, Minnie. In politics, Mr. Schneckloth is a Republican. 

Jacob Shepler was bornin Allegheny Co., Pa., July 26, 1820. He 
is the son of Philip and Mary (Hill) Shepler, both natives of Penn- 
sylvania. Tiie elder Shepler was a farmer by profession, a busi- 
ness which he followed up to within 12 years of his death. After 
retiring from the farm he engaged in running a hotel in Pittsburg, 
a business he followed during the remainder of his life. His 
mother is yet living, and resides with her son James in Mononga- 
hela, Pa. Jacob says that he received a common-school education, 
and the commonest kind at that. He remained at home until he 
was 26 years of age, assisting his father on a farm. March 26, 
1846, he was united in marriage with Eliza, daughter of Abraham 
and Hannah Lytic, who was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., Sept. 15, 

1826. Mr. and Mrs. Lytic both died in Pennsylvania. The 
subject of this sketch after his marriage engaged in farming, in 
Pennsylvania, which he continued for 10 years. He then sold out 
and moved to Scott County, and located on section 16, Daven- 
port Township, where he continued to reside until 1870. when he 
removed to his present farm, which now consists of 222 acres of 
fine farm land. Mr. and Mrs. Shepler have had seven children, 
of whom only two are now living — Cyrus C, who married Louisa 
Vogt, Dec. 17, 1879, and Laura H.,n"owMi-s. Louis Smith. The 
deceased are Sarah J. (who married Isaac Patterson), Newton W., 
Stewart A., and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Shepler and 
daughter are members of the M. E. church. In politics, Mr. Shepler 
is an ardent and enthusiastic Republican. 

J. B. Schupp was born in AVittenberg, Germany, March 20, 

1827, and was the son of Frank Joseph and Agatha (Hirscher) 
Schupp, who were also natives of Germany, and who died in t[\^ 



■5^ 



r 



.vs^SK^^s 



iUf-gt 



l\ 







'J'}x^ ,^^o<^^£)L-C>tj>^ 



DAVENPOKT TOWNSHIP. 1077 

country. His father was a farmer, and J. B. was reared on a farm 
and worked witli his fatlier till he was 15, when he was appren- 
ticed to a carpenter, which trade he followed in Germany for some 
time. He received his education in the common schools of that 
country. In 1853 he was married to Cresentia Messmer, who was 
born in Prussia, A]>ril 10, li>'2i. He enlisted in the regular army 
for three j'ears, and after serving one year, he left and came to 
America, and direct to Davenport, where he worked at his trade 
for some time. He then purchased a farm of 100 acres, lying 
part in Davenport and part in Blue Grass Townships. He is the 
father of six children — Mary, now Mrs. Peter Rickard; Agatha, 
now Mrs. Peter Kreitsch; Martin; Caroline, now Mrs. Charles 
Nelson; Hattie and Frank Joseph. Mr. Sclnipp has been town- 
ship treasurer and a member of the School Board. He is a mem- 
ber of the Catholic church, and in politics is not committed to 
either of the great parties. 

T. Siiidf was born in Pro])stei, Holstein, Germany, Nov. 16, 
1824, and was the son of Ilans and Anna (Lamp') Sindt. The 
latter died in Germany, and the father came to America in 1854, 
and died in ISoS. Mr. Sindt was educated in the common-schools 
of Germany, where he also learned a trade. He came to America 
in 1847. lie was married in 1850 to Adel Stoltenberg, who was 
born in Germany. 

Hans Stoltenherg was born in Holstein, Germany, Nov. 26, 
1826. He is the son of Hans and Anna (Schrader") Stoltenberg, 
who were also natives of Germany, and both died in that country. 
Hans was reared on a farm, and received the common-school edu- 
cation of the country. In 1852 he came to America, and located 
in Scott Co., Iowa, and worked on a farm. He was married in 
1854 to Oble Klinojerberg, who was also born in Germany. They 
have one child — Agnes, now Mrs. John Sindt. Mr. Stoltenberg 
first located in Blue Grass Township, where he remained one year, 
and then moved to Davenport Township. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

ClauH Sfoltenberff washorn in Propstei, Germany, April 1, 1831, 
and was the son of Hans and Anna (Mundt) Stoltenberg, who 
were natives of Germany. Hans passed his boyhood on a farm, 
and received the common-school education of that country. In 
1841 he emigrated to America, and settled in Scott County, 
wliere he worked on a farm for some time. He was married in 
1854 to Anna Sindt, who was born in Propjtei, Germany. When 
he first went to farming for himself, he bought 80 acres of land. 
He now owns 240 acres, worth $80 per acre. He is a member of 
the German Mutual Pire Insurance Company. Mr. Stoltenberg 
is a Republican. 

Captain D. Stuhryras born in Holstein, Pretz, Germany, Jan. 
12, 1835, and was a son of Adam and Friederika (Schinkel) 
Stuhr, who were natives of Germany, where they died. His edu- 
cation was received in the common schools of Germany, and when 

62 



1078 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

he was 17 years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, which he 
followed until 1847, when he was drafted into the German army, 
and served four years. After receiving his discharge he worked 
one year at his trade, and in 1852 emigrated to America, and im- 
mediately located in Davenport, Iowa. He followed his trade in 
Davenport nine years, and at tiie outbreak of the Kebellion en- 
listed and immediately raised a company of 103 men, for three 
months' service, and, on account of the supply being tilled, he 
and his men were discharged. He at once re-enlisted, and raised 
a company, composed entii-ely of Germans, for the 11th Regi- 
ment, and soon aftei- was transferred to the ]6th, which was a 
German regiment. The regiment went from Davenport to Ben- 
ton barracks, where his company received arms, and prepared for the 
bloody strife. The most disastrous battle participated in by 
his regiment was that of Shiloh, on April 6 and 7, in which 
83 of his men were killed. He immediately recruited his company, 
and after two years of hard service he was discharged, on account of 
sickness. He i-eturned to Davenport, and for one year lay be- 
tween life and death. In the fall of 1861 he bought a farm of 
2-2 acres, about five miles from Davenport, and established a 
saloon and country tavern, which he still conducts. He also owns 
160 acres in Tama County. He was married in 1854 to Frieder- 
ika Kruse, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, May 5, 1828. 
Of 12 children born of this union five are living — David, Emil, 
Kudolph, Laura and Alveine. Captain Stuhr, in politics, is a 
Eepublican. 

Jo/rn T. Temple, son of Thomas and Mary ( Billsbour^h ) Temple, 
was born M'lrcli 7, 1844. By oscupatioii he is a girdener or 
florist, as his fatlier and grandfather were before him. In 1847, his 
father came to Davenport, and engaged as a gardener to Peter 
Cooper. He was a man well versed in botany, and was employed 
by the Gavei-ninent to gather and classify the plants in the South- 
ern States. He died in 1856. John was brought up as a gardener, 
and in 1862 he commenced to cultivate his present garden, wliere 
he has now over 100,000 diflerent varieties of plants and bulbs, of 
which he can instantly give the name of anv in the coUectiou. In 
1868 Mr. Temple married Josephine A. Hern, who was born in 
L )ndon. Mr. Temple is a member of the Knights of Pythias and 
Odd Fellows, and is a Republican in politics. 

Tliomas Wilkinson, deceased, was born in Albion, Edwards Co., 
111., Oat. 18, 1823. His parents, Wm. and Margaret Wilkinson, TOe« 
Kershaw, emigrated from their native England, and were among 
the early settlers of Albion. The subject of this memoir was reared 
on a farm and received a common-school education. In 1S44 he 
went to St. Louis, where he learned the trade of a brick-lajer. He 
followed this employment in connection with building and con- 
tracting for a number of years in St. Louis. In the fall of 1854 he 
came to Davenport, Iowa, where lie engaged in tiie same occupation 
until 1857, continuing a partnership previously formed with Wm. 



DAVENPORT T0WN8HIP. 



1079 



McManus. From this time until bis death, which occurred Dec. 
24, 1S76, Mr. Willvinsoti was engaged in no active business, bis 
attention being given abiiost exclusively to the management of his 
place, which is a part of the well-kuown E,ose Hill farm (the old- 
est in Scott County ), originally owned by Alexander MacGregor. 
Here bis family, consisting of his wife and two children, still reside. 
On the sixth of January, 1853, Mr. Wilkinson was married to Ellen 
McManus, who was born in Mystic, Conn., and is a daughter 
of the late Hon. James McManus. In politics Mr. Wilkinson was 
non-partisan. He was an independent thinker, and appreciated 
the tine distinctions which may sometimes be drawn between prin- 
ciples of right and justice and principles of party. In his death 
Davenport lost one of her moot prominent and liighly esteemed 
citizens. 




HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP. 

Hickory Grove 'comprises township 79, range 2 east, and was 
first settled in 1836 by Alfred Carter, who made claim and began 
improvement on the northwest quarter of section 16. Mr Carter 
was from Wayne Co., Ind., but was born in the Shenandoah Val- 
ley, Virginia. He was one of the first three county commissioners, 
and served until his death, which occurred Nov. 8, 1841. 

OTHER EARLY SETfLERS. 

Philip Baker came from Muskingum Co., O., in 1837, and set- 
tled on the southwest quarter of section 9. 

Jonathan Porter, from Muskingum Co., O., came in 1837; 
Daniel aTid John Porter, Mr. Binford and others came about the 
same time. 

John Spicer came in the fall of 1836, from Muskingum Co., O., 
and settled on section 9. He returned to Ohio a few years after 
ward, where he married. Subsequently he went to Illinoi.?, where 
he lost his life a little later by falling on a circular saw, which was 
in motion. Wm. and Daniel Porter also came in 1836. 

George Sehuck came in 1838, from the same county in Ohio, 
and settled on the southwest quarter of section 10, where he died 
in 1848. 

John Sehuck came in the fall of 1838,from the same place, and set- 
tled on section 15; built a hewed log house, which still stands and 
is occupied. In tlie fall of 1859 he went to Nemaha, Neb., where 
he 3'et resides. 

Samuel Freeman was born in New London, Conn., on the 13th of 
November, 1800. At an early age he removed to the State of 
New York, where, in 1828, he married Melinda Benedict, who 
died in 1866. In 1834 Mr. Freeman moved to Kalamazoo, Mich., 
then on the outskirts of civilization. He decided to make another 
westward move in a few years, and so on the 3d day of December, 
1839, he landed in the village of Davenport, and remained a short 
time; then settled near Kirtle's Ferry, on the "Wapsie," making a 
claim, and as he hoped, locating for life; but when the lands came 
into market, his claim was entered over his head by some one hav- 
ing more money than he possessed, and thus he lost his all. With 
the pluck and energy of a true pioneer, however, he went to work, 
and before a great while was the owner of two or three yoke of 
steers and an old breaking plow. Then he commenced anew his 
struggle for a home. Tlie old settlers say it is an undoubted fact 
that Mr. Freeman, with his steers and plow, turned up to the bright 

(1080) 



HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP. 1081 

sunlight more acres of tlie virgin soil of Scott County than any 
other man that ever followed a furrow within the county's limits. 
By this means he gathered enough money to purchase a farm near 
Slopertown. Selling this in a few years, he bought another farm 
near Hickory Grove, which he owned and occupied until the day 
of his death. 

In his young manhood Mr. Freeman was a Whig, and a very 
ardent one. lie was one of the first men in Scott County to unite 
with tlie Republican party, and from the first was a staunch sup- 
porter of its principles. He was the father of five children, three 
of whom died in early life, lie died when 72 years of age, and 
now lies by the side of her who shared all the trials and struggles 
of his pioneer life. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first birth was William II. Baker, son of Philip and Cathe- 
rine Baker, who was born Nov. 10, 1S38. He is now a farmer in 
Audubon Co., la. 

The first death was Alfred Carter, who died in 1839, and was 
buried on section 16. 

The first marriage was that of Alexander Wells and Julia A. S. 
Carter, in the house of Philip Baker, by Mr. Grace, a justice of 
the peace in Walnut Grove. The event was solemnized in 1842.- 

The first school was in the winter of 1837, '8, at the house ot 
Alfred Carter, by George F. Etnery. 

Rev. Peter Cartwright was the first to preach the gospel in the 
township. 

EDDCATIONAL. 

The educational work of Hickory Grove Township began in the 
winter of 183T-'S, at the house of Alfred Carter, George F. Emery 
being the pioneer school-teacher. The school was onlv for the 
benefit of Mr. Carter's children. Mr. Emery, the teacher, was an 
old bachelor, who settled in Allen's Grove in 1837. He was a 
native of Boston, Mass., and was highly educated. He went 
to California in 1849, and started on his return home in 1850 by 
water, and died on tlie ocean before he reached Panama. 

There are now in the township three districts, one sub-district, 
with a school-house valued at §500. The county superintendent, 
in his report for 1881, sneaks of this township as an illustration of 
the peculiarity of the school law of the State. The township dis- 
trict is composed of only two and one-half sections, but having all 
the officers that are necessary and prescribed by law for a full town- 
ship district; and all to govern one small school. In addition the 
township has three independent districts — Maysville, Xo. 1; Linn 
Grove, rfo. 2; Fairview, No. 3. In these districts are seven 
school-houses. 



1082 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COTINTT. 

BELIGIOUS. 

That great apostle of Methodism, Rev. Peter Cartwright, was 
the pioneer preacher in this township. Sometime in the year 1838 
he preached a sermon at the house of Alfred Carter. Other re- 
ligious bodies have since promulgated their doctrines in the 
township, but only two are now represented by organizations — 
Methodist Episcopal and Christians. 

The Linn Grove Christian Church was organized in Allen's 
Grove Township, Nov. 10, 1851, by Elder Jonas Hartzell, now of 
Davenport. It was then known as the Allen's Grove Church of 
Christ. It was removed to Linn Grove in 1858, and its name 
changed to suit the locality. Both in Allen's Grove and in Linn 
Grove the congregation for a number of years worshiped in school- 
houses, but in 1866 a frame house of worship was erected at a cost 
of $1,700. Services are held monthly, and a Sunday-school is con- 
tinued in summer. Elder J. Moore now officiates as pastor of the 
church. 

REMINISCENCE. 

At the time Alfred Carter settled here wolves were very trouble- 
some, and often came in daylight and carried pigs from the door- 
yard, while chickens, notwithstanding they roosted between the 
chimney and the wall of the house, were carried oif by wildcats. 
Deer were also numerous, and it is said as many as 100 could 
often be seen ingoing to or from Hickory Grove to Allen's Grove. 
There were at the time the Carters settled here no mills in the 
neighborhood, and they at times had to grate corn on a coarse grater, 
and in making bread to make it adhere mixed stewed pumpkins 
with it. On one occasion, soon after his arrival, Mr. Carter had 
to go to Henderson Co., 111., for provisions. While gone 10 
Indians came suddenly upon the family and asked for a night's 
lodging. They were entertained, but not without some fears. They 
were often seen after that. Mr. Carter had a fine patch of water- 
melons, of which the Indians were quite fond. They would often 
be found lying in the patch at daylight, waiting for some of the 
family to come out and trade with him some melons for venison. 
Alfred Carter and his sons, Charles P., John and Martin, often 
hunted deer with some of the Indian chiefs and braves. 

GE0VE8. 

There are three groves in the township. Hickory, Pilot, and 
Linn, the latter comprising only SO acres of timber, lirm, or bass- 
wood, oak and elm being the varieties. In the two former, hickor}', 
oak. basswood and elmwood. 

Mud Creek runs through the township, heading on section 13, 
and running almost west to section 8; then running north, passes 
out of the township from section 5. 



niCKOBT GROVE TOWNSHIP. 1083 

MAT8VILLE. 

James May, in the summer of 1856, had surveyed aud platted 
by William P.Campbell, then County Surveyor, "part of the 
southeast quarter of section 15, townsliip 79, ran<];e 2 east," the 
plat being recorded Aug. 3, of that year. To this village was 
given the name of Maysville, in honor of its owner. The desires 
of Mr. May have hardly been realized, the village never having grown 
to any e.xtent, its proximity to and not being on a line of railroad 
operating against it. 

The postoilice is known as Amity, and was established in 1849 
Philip Baker being the first postmaster, since which time there 
liave been five different postmasters. The present one is Flenry 
Schultz. 

BIOGRAPniCAI,. 

Hans Arp is a native of Holstein, Germany, born Jan. .3, 1836. 
His father, Claus Arp, was also of German nativity and died at 
sea while on his way tu America, in 1870. Hans Arp came to tliia 
country in 1854. He worked at the carpenter's trade liere one 
year, then located in Hickory Grove Township, where he owns 280 
acres of tine farming land, in section 35. He is classed with Scott 
County's most prominent and enterprising farmers. His marriage 
with Abel Vieths occurred in 1855, in Davenport. To them have 
been born ten children, eight living — Alvina, Celia, Henry, Agnes, 
Emma, Mina, Kudolph and Herman. 

Philip Baker was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Sept. 20, 1814, 
son ot Jacob Baker, of Pennsylvania. Philip was reared on a farm 
and educated in the old pioneer school-house of that early day, 
where the cheerful blaze from the huge fire-place, and the sunlight 
shining through the greased paper window-light wrought fantastic 
shadows on the creaking puncheon floor. His father owned a 
flour-mill, and Philip ran it for a number of years. In 1837 he 
came to Scott County and settled in Hickory Grove Township. He 
had money enough to pa}' for a cow and ])artly pay for a yoke of 
o.xen. Since that time has made six farms. He paid $1.50 for 
the first bushel of corn and carried it from Rock Island to his home 
on his shoulders. Wild game was very plentiful here then. He 
had two greyhounds tliat caught three deer in one afternoon. He 
was married April 1, 1833, to Catlierine Porter, daughter of James 
Porter, who went from Pennsylvania to Muskingum (^o., Ohio, in 
1816. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have had 11 children, six living — 
James K. P., William H., John P., Mary A. (widow of Matthias 
Sattle), Elizabetii P.. (a prominent teacher in this county), and Cassie 
S. (wife of Wm. C. Collins). Mr. Baker has been constable, school 
director and supervisor. 

Ira Burch is a son of James Burch, of Washington Co., N. Y., 
where our subject was born Jan. 28, 1820. He attended school 



1084 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

during the winter and worked on the farm in the summer months 
until he grew old enough to work hard; tlien was compelled to give 
up his schooling and assist on the farm. In the spring of 1855 he 
came to Scott County and settled on section 12, Hickory Grove 
Township, where he still resides. He owns 500 acres of finely 
cultivated land. He was formerly engaged in raising grain exclu- 
sively; now breeds stock also. He was married Feb. 10,18-47, to 
Catherine L. Deyoe. They had five children, two living — Leroy 
L. and Daniel D. Mrs. Burch died Oct. 1, 1868. Mr. Burch was 
married Feb. 19, 1873 to Cynthia C. Curtis, daughter of Daniel 
Curtis, deceased. They liave had three children, two living — Ira 
C. and Hettie M. 

Charles P. Carter, the oldest settler in Hickory- Grove Town- 
sliip, wasborninAVayne County, one mile south of Centreville, Ind., 
April 21, 1829. His father was Alfred Carter, deceased, wlio was 
born near Fredericksburg, Va., in the Shenandoah Valley. He 
came with his family to Scott County in 1836. He was one of the 
first count}' commissioners for the Territory of Iowa, and in 
1839-'40 represented Scott County in the Territorial Legislature. 
The family consisted of eight children — Julia A., John T., Martin 
W. (deceased), Chas. P., James T. (deceased), William A. (deceased), 
Nancy J. (now Mrs. Lafayette Fish, resides in Tahama, Tahama 
Co., Cal.). and Mary E. (deceased). Mr. Alfred Carter died Nov. 8, 
1840. The subject of this memoir had very few educational ad- 
vantajjes, beinsr educated chieflv in the school of hard work. In 
1872 he made a trip to California, returning tlie same year. He 
was married in 1854 to Sarah E. Higgins, daughter of Julius Hig- 
gins, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have had four children — 
Ida E., Lizzie M., Carrie L., and a son Alfred who is dead. Mr. 
Carter owns 207 acres of rich land in Hickory Grove Township and 
193 acres in Allen's Grove Township, and is extensively engaged 
in fai-ming and stock-raising; makes a specialty of the latter. He 
is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 17, Dixon. 

Vincent S. Cartei\ deceased, was born in Virginia, where he 
lived until he was a few years old, then moved to Wayne Co., Ind., 
and from there to Scott County in 1838, and settled in Rocking- 
ham Township; kept store thereabout six months, then went to Pilot 
Grove, Hickory Grove Township, and ensraged in farming there 
until 1850, when he removed to Jersey Ridge, four miles north of 
Davenport. Afterward moved to Davenport, where he died about 
187L 

Michael Connor, section 2, Hickory Grove Township, was born 
in the Province of Ontario (then Upper Canada), March 25, 1835, 
and is a son of John Connor, deceased, a native of Carlow Co., 
Ireland. Jolm Conner came with his family to tliis county in 
1846, locating in Liberty Townstiij), and in 1850 removed to Allen's 
Grove Township. Our subject was a soldier for Uncle Sam in the 
late war, in Co. C, 2d Iowa Cavalry, and was present at the siege 
of Corinth, Nashville, Rienza, Cofteeville and others; for further 



HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP. 1085 

information as to the battles, raids, etc., see the biography of 
Daniel Snyder, of Liberty Township. Mr. Conner went into tiie 
war as a private, and returned as first lieutenant. In 1865 he re- 
moved to his present farm. lie was married Nov. 10, 1869, 
to Jennie, daughter of James Stepliens, of wliom we speak at 
greater lengtli elsewlierc in this woik. They liave four eliildren 
— Jennie J., Nellie L., Adda ^I. and AVilliard K. Mr. Connor is 
the present school treasurer for Hickory Grove. lie is a member of 
the following societies: A. F. & A. K., 1. O. O. F.. and A. O. U. 
W. He owns over 200 acres of land. 

Leander Curtis was born in Rensselaer Co., N. V., Dec. 3, 1817; 
son of Mark Curtis, of Conneclicut. Leander spent his early life 
in working on his fatlier's farm and in attending the district sciiool, 
where he obtained a lair education. He went to Adams Co., III., 
in 1842, where he engaged in farming until 1857, when he re- 
moved to Scott County and settled on section 1, Hickory Grove 
Township, which is his present home. He owns 160 acres in this 
township, 160 in Sheridan Town.-^hip, and 80 acres of timber land 
in Allen's Grove Township. He is known as one of Scott County's 
mo.*t energetic and enterprising citizens. He was married in ISll 
to Hannah Stoaks; she died Jan. 20. 1868, leaving three children 
— Elmore, Ellen M. and Emily J. Mr. Curti.^ married his present 
wife, Mary A. Keed, in Sejiteniber, 1872. She was born in New 
York, and was a daughter of Samuel and Mary Reed. 

John K. Dempster was born in Morgan Co. , Ohio, Jan. 3, 1838, 
son of Thomas I)em])ster, f)f JNIaryland. Joiin E. was reared on a 
farm and educated at Taylorville. Ohio, where his parents moved 
when he was three yeais o'd. In March, 1859, he came to Scott 
County. He taught school in Hickory Grove, Allen's throve and 
Winfield Townships four years. His marriage to Esther E. Burch 
occurred March 5, 1868. She is a daughter of Ira Burch, a resident 
of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Dempster had three children — 
Emma E., Mary .1. and John J. Mrs. Esther Dempster died and 
Mr. Dem|ister was again mai-ried, April 13. 1875. to Josephine 
Fitzsiminons, daughter of Phelix Fitzsiminons, now deceased. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dcmjister have two children — Alden H. and Edna A. 
Mr. Dempster was township cleik two terms; has been director 
and secretary of the independent district of Lynn Grove for the 
past 14 years. His brothcis, Albert. George W. and Francis M., 
were soldiers in the late war. Francis M. died at Cheat Mount- 
ain, W. Va. He was taken pi-isuuer at Winchester, Va., and 
confined in Libby, Belle Island and Castle Thunder prison^. Albert 
was discharged on account of disabilitv; came to Iowa, was drafted 
into the service and^served until the close of the war. He died in 
Crawfordsville, Iowa, in March, 1878. 

Andrew Dengler is a native of Bavaria. Germany, born Oct. 19, 
1827. He emigrated to America, Aug. 12. 1855. He located in 
Davenport, Iowa. Ho obtained employment as a farm laborer, 
working for ^15 and $20 a month for four years. He was married 



1086 HISTORY OW SCOTT COUNTT. 

to Henrietta Eckhoeff, Jan. 15, 1859. After he was married Mr. 
Dengler rented land fur 15 years, then purchased 140 acres in 
Hickory Grove Township, which is his present home. He has his 
farm under good cultivation and well stocked. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dengler have nine children — Henry, Adolph, Lizzie, Charles, 
Earnest, William, Amelia, Bettie and August ; four of them are 
going to school. Mr. Dengler is a consistent member of the 
Lutheran church. 

Conrad Dietz was born in Hegs, Germany, May 1, 18i9. He 
emigrated to America in 1855, landing at Baltimore, Md. From 
there he went to Johnstown, Pa., whei'e he remained two years, 
then came to Scott County and located in hJickory Grove 
Township. His father gave iiim 80 acres of land here,- where, 
he now resides; he also owns 40 acres in Cleona Township, 
making 120 acres. He has his farms under good cultivation and 
leads an economical and industrioiis life. Ho was married to 
Maggie Puck, March 2, 1870. Their union has been blessed 
with seven children — Herman, Willie, Matta, Tilda, Emma, 
Gustave and Bernhardt. Mr. Dietz's widowed mothermake^ her 
home with him. Mr. Dietz, Sr., died in 1878 at the age of 72. 

Caleb Dunn is a native of P^ranklin Co., O., born May 14, 
1820. He went with his 'parents to Fountain Co., Ind., in 
the fiiU of 1834, and came to this county and located in Allen's 
Grove Township the spring of 1837. When they came here the 
Indians still inhabited the county and wild game was to be had 
in abundance. At that time there was no settlement between 
Allen's Grove and Davenport. The Indians frequently staid over 
night with them. Caleb worked for his father until he was 25 
years old; the latter then gave him $100, with which he bought 
80 acres of land on section 3, ILickory Grove Township. He 
moved on it in June, 1844, and it has been his home since. He 
now owns 335 acre* and is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. 
His marriage to Eleano Cease, of Bed.ord Co., Pa., occurred 
in June, 1844. To them have been born six children — George 
F., born in 1845; Isabella J., in 1847; Chandler K., in 1849; 
William A., in 1851; Lvdia E, in 1854, and Mary V., born 
in 1859. 

J. H. Qasseling was born in Holland, Nov. 23, 1823. He 
emigrated to America in 1854 and landed in New York, where he 
worked in a lumber yard six months, then came to Iowa and lo- 
cated in Davenport in the spring of 1855. He worked in a saw- 
mill two months, then hired as a farm hand for one year, at $120 
a year. Then worked by the month, receiving $20 in the summer 
and $13 in the winter for some time; he then commenced farming 
for himself. In corapan}' with Mr. Will Ghoering they rented 120 
acres ot land at $3 an acre for one year, then leased the same for 
five years. In 1863 they dissolved partnership and Mr. Gasseling 
continued to work the farm alune. He bought it in 1863, and in 
1864 bought 80 acres more, making 200 acres in all. He has his 



HICKORT GROVE TOWNSHIP. 1087 

farm under good cultivation and well stocked. He was married 
in Davenport in 1861 to Mary Kamper. To them have been born 
nine children— Theodore, born in 186::; Hannah, in 1863; Mar- 
garet, in 1865; Henry, in 1870; Lizzie, in 1872; Barney, in 1874; 
Allie, in 1876, and Harman, in 1880. Hannah married Theodore 
Mullenback in May, 1881; ihey reside in this township. Mr. 
Gasseling is a member of the t'atholic church. 

George Golinghorst is a native of Hanover, Germany, born May 
8, 1830. ■ He emigrated to the United States, landing in New Oi-- 
leans in November, 184:7, having been on the ocean 10 weeks. 
As he was quite yountr wlien he came to this country lie could not 
do heavy work. He obtained employment in a hotel in New Or- 
leans some time, then accepted a situation as bar-tender on a 
steamboat. In 1851 he came to Davenport and shortly afterward 
settled on the place where he now resides. He bought SO acres 
of land, to which he has since added 260 acres, making 340 in all. 
He has speculated to some extent in stock, in which he has been 
very successful and has accumulated a comfortable fortune. He 
has always been strictly honest and upright in his dealings with 
men and takes this as liis standard of religion. Pie was married 
July 4, 1S60, to Lizzie Ilaman. To them have been born uine 
children— Mary B., born Dec. 12, 1863; Henry, July 3, 1866; 
Fred, June 18, 1867; George, June 19, 1869; Leena.Dec. 20, 1870; 
Kodolph, Jan. 21, 1872; Emma, April 23, 1876; Lizzie, Oct. 3, 

1879, and Agnes, Nov. 4, 1881. 

Mathias Gries is a native of Prussia, born Feb. 5, 1829. He is 
a son of Mathias Gries, Sr., born also in that country. The sub- 
ject of this biography came to Scott County in 1854, and worked by 
the montii three years. In 1857 he went to Nebraska, where he 
helped to settle the town of Grand Island. He returned to this 
county in 1863. He was married to Anna Lamp, June 13, 1865. 
Their married life has been blessed with four cliildren — Sopiiia, 
Minnie, John and Alvina. Mr. Gries and family reside on section 
22, this township, where he is the owner of 153 acres of rich land, 
under good cultivation and well stocked. 

Thomas Joens is a son of Henry Joens, a native ot Hol- 
stein, Germany, where Thomas was born Oct. 4, 1S5S. They 
came to this country in 1865. Thomas was educated in the 
English and German languages. After coming to this coun- 
ty, he engaged in farming three years, then bought the hotel, 
saloon and four acres ol ground on which it is situated, in 
January, 1882, which he still runs. It is known as the Seven-]\[ile 
House of Hickory Grove Township. He was married, Nov. 28, 

1880, to Emma lloclian, daughter of Fred. A. Rochan, who is a 
resident of Sheridan Township. Mr. Joens has his hotel in lirst- 
class order, and has a thriving trade. 

Henry Kanhl was born in Ilolstein, Germany, April 5. 1840. 
His parents were John and Minnie (Ervors) Kardel; the former 
was born in Hoistein, Germany, April 27, 1807. They were mar- 



1088 HISTOET OF SCOTT COtJNTY. 

ried in 1833, and had three children — Frederick, Fridrecke and 
Henry. The mother died in 1853, in America, four weeks after 
arrivino; here. In 1855 Mr. Jolin Kardel married his present wife, 
Anna Christina. The subject of this sketch emigrated witli his 
parents to the United States in 1853, and came at once to Scott County 
and bought their present farm in Hickory Grove Township, which 
consisted of 2-iO acres. Tlie farm has been divided between the 
brothers, Henry and Frederick, giving each 120 acres. Henry 
Kardel was married in 186i to Catherine Hagedorn. They have 
three children — John B., born May 5, 186.5; Amanda, June 5, 
1867, and Theodore, born April 16, 1869. Mr .Kardel is engaged 
in raising grain and stock, and is making his mark as a first-class 
farmer. 

John Ktrker was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 16, 1817. 
He emigrated to America in 1838, and landed at New Orleans, 
thence to St. Louis, Mo. From St. Louis lie went to Illinois and 
worked three years; tlien when to Zanesville, O., where he re- 
mained four or five years. In October, 1853, he came to Daven- 
port. He obtained employment in Wickersham's hardware store 
one year, then accepted a situation in Mitchell's store, which he 
held three years; then bought 100 acres of land on section 9, 
Hickory Grove Township, which he settled upon in 1857. Since 
that time he has added 60 acres to his farm, making 160 acres ot 
as fine land as there is in the country, all under good cultivation. 
He was married in Ohio, on Jan. 21, 1845, to Maggie Rock. By 
this union there were 11 children, nine living — John E; Peter, 
now married; Adam, also married; Margaret, now the wife of 
John Whitman; Louisa, wife of John Souther; Joseph H., Wil- 
liam II., Tilda M. , and Clara H. Mr. Kerker is a member of the 
Catholic church. 

Henry Clindt is a native of Holstein, Germany, born March 12, 
1846, son of Henry Klindt, Sr., who died in 1879. The subject of 
this memoir came to the LTnitod States in 1868, and located in 
Scott County. He worked for several years in Maysville, Hickory 
Grove Township; then estriblished tiie hotel there, which lie still 
runs. He was married in 1877 to Celia Sindt. They have had 
three children — Metta, Albert and Henry. Mr. Klindt is a mem- 
ber of the Maysville Shooting Club. 

David EJnonse was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., March 24 
1840, son of David Knouse, a native also of that place, who 
came with his family to Moline, 111., in the spring of 1850, and 
to Davenport in the fall ot that year. The subject rd" this sketch 
received a common school education; he enlisted in Company D, 
20th Iowa Infantry, in the late war, and served three years, partic- 
ipating in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, siege of Ft. Morgan, 
Ft. Blakely, Mobile and others. He was married April 24 
1869, to Temperance Day, a native of Washington Co., Pa., and a 
daughter of George W. Day, now of this township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Knouse have had si.x children, five living — George W. 



HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP. 10S9 

"William D., Mary T., Frank L. and Lewis G. Mr. Knouse owns 
160 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. 

Clans H. Lamp was born in llolstein, Germany, May 6, 1S48. 
His father, Claus Lump, was born at that place in ISOO. He came 
to America with his family in November, 1846, and located in 
Davenport, Iowa, in the spring of 184-7. He is a carpenter by trade; 
his wife was a physician; siie died in 1870. He is still living. 
Claus II. Lamp came with his parents to Davenport in 1847, 
and attended school in Davenj)ort. When 10 years of age his 
father bought a piece of unhroken prairie, and commenced to 
make a farm. He was married Aug. ly, 1861, in Davenport, to 
Catharine Lamp. By this union there are six children — Matildii, 
born April 30, 186-4; Caroline, March 7, 1869; Julius, Jan. 28, 
1872; Clara, Jan. 22, 1876, and Adolphus, born Dec. 26, 1878. 
Mr. Lamii owns 160 acres of land where he resides; al>o 320 
acres in llickery Grove Township, and 160 acres in Liberty 
Township, which he inirchased for his wife, making 640 acres in 
all, mostly under cultivMtion. 

Tennis Lietage was born in Germany, Jan. 6, 1831. In 1856 
he left his home in Germany, and emigrated to the United States. 
He located at once in Davenjiort, and engaored in speculating in 
horses some four years; then, in paitnership with \\\i brother, he 
bought a farm in Hickory Grove Township, which his brother 
managed, while he still continued in his business of horse trading. 
In 1.^70 his brother died, and in 1881 he married his widow. She 
had four children by her first husband — Emma, Mary, Christ and 
Eddie. Mr. Lietage is now residing in Maysville, where he owns 
a tine residence, and conducts a saloon and boarding heuse. He 
also manages his farm of 88 acres, near the town, and is making a 
financial success of it. 

David Lougher was born in South Wales, three miles from 
Swansea, Sept. 19, 1819. His father, Eben Lougher, was a na- 
tive of Wales; brought his family to Quebec in 1832, and to Car- 
bondale, Pa., the same year. In 1833 they moved to Pittsburg, 
Pa. From there David Lougher went to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 
1837. He was employed as second engineer on the Alabama 
River, from Mobile to Montgomery, two years. Then worked in the 
Wire-drawing Works in Cincinnati several years. In 1S50 he 
came to Scott County, and in 1S51 entered 320 acres of land on 
sections 14 and 23, Hickory Grove Township. He now owns 192 
acres on section 14, where he resides. He was married June 13, 
1843, to Margaret Price. They have had six children, five liv- 
ing — Elizabeth, John, Lina, Mary, and Timothy. Mr. Longijcr 
lias held several local offices in the gifts of the people in this 
township. 

John G. Mattlieios is a native of Pennsylvania, born Dec. 22, 
1835. His lather, Benjamin Matthews, was born July 11, 1804, in 
Sussex Co., N. J. From there he removed to Pennsylvania in 1812, 
thence to Davenport in 1848. He located in Hickory Grove Town- 



1090 HisTOKY OF SCOTT couimr. 

ship, where he bought 140 acres of land, which he sold and bought 
a t'arm near Davenport; afterward returned to Hickory Grove 
Township. He now resides with his son near Hickory Grove. 
The subject of this sketch came to Scott County with his parents 
in 1848. He remained in Davenport a short time, then pnrcliased 
his present tarm in Hickory Grove Township. He has his land 
under good cultivation aud in a flourishing condition. He was 
married to Elizabeth Mc Knight July 11, 1851:. To tliem were 
born six children — Adda, now Mrs. William Knouse, of Eldridge; 
Kate, born N"ov. 21, 1864; Charles D., Oct. 15. 1866; Jobn E., Oct. 
23. 1868; Arthur S., May 21, 1870. and Walter S., born Jan. 3, 1873. 
Mr. Matthews has held the ofBces of justice of the peace and town- 
ship clerk for the past 10 years, filling both with credit to himself 
and to the satisfaction of the people. 

Charles Rathjeti was born in Hickory Grove Township on the 
27tli of May, 1858. He was reared and educated in the district 
schools of that place. On Dec. 7, 1877, he was married to Ma- 
tilda Eichman. Their union has been blessed with two children — 
Hellena, born in October, 1878, and Albert, born Nov. 15, 1880. 
Mr. Rathjen owns a fine farm of 160 acres, on section 6, this town- 
ship, and raises grain and stock for the market. He is a thorough- 
going young man, and will make his mark as a good farmer. He 
does not take a very active interest in politics, but votes for the 
best man. 

Chr. Roclc was born in Waldock, Germany, Jan. 15, 1829. In 
1853 he emigrated to America; landed in New York, and came at 
once to Davenport, Iowa. He worked as a farm laborer at $8 a 
month for some time, then worked on the railroad until 1854, 
when he went to New Orleans; failing to find employment there 
he returned to Davenport and worked as a farm hand some three 
years; then rented land for four years; afterward bought 160 acres, 
to which he has since added until now he owns 630 acres of good 
farming land. He was married in 1857 to Williamence Rock. 
They have five children — Christe, Louisa, Caroline, Williamence 
and Frederick. Louisa is now married. 

Fred&inck Rohs was born in Holstein, Germany, Aug. 8, 1824. 
His father, John Rohs, is a native also of that country and came to 
America in 1851; he resides with his son Frederick. Tiie subject 
of this memoir came with his parents to this country in 1851, and 
landed in New Orleans, and came at once to Davenport. He went 
to work at the carpenter's trade and continued in that business 
three years, then purchased a farm of 160 acres in Hickory Grove 
Township, where he has since resided. He now owns 640 acres of 
valuable land. He was married to Dora Bt)sh in August, 1851. 
They have four children — Mary (who married Henrv Paustian), 
John, Lois and Henry. Mr. Rohs, in politics, is a Republican. 

Joachim i?(?A/^ is of German nativity, born Dec. 1, 1832. He 
emigrated to America in 1852 and came to Davenport, Iowa, June 
21 of that year. After working two years by the month, he rented 



HICKOEY GROVE TOWNSHIP. 1091 

a farm, which he purchased live years later. It consists of 160 
acres in section 33, Hickory Grove Townsiiip, and is under good 
cultivation, lie was married to Bettie Arp, in Davenport, Feb. 
17, lS6:i. To them were born eight children, seven living — Hcnrj' 
(\\\\o is attending college in Davenport), Willie, Amelia, Emma, 
Charley, Lizzie and James. Mr. Joachim Rohlk has been an in- 
valid for the past six years, not being able to attend to business. 
His wife, who is a very efficient manager, takes care of the farm. 
Mrs. Rdhlk's father. Air. Peter Arp, resides with her. He celebrated 
his 90th birthday Sept. 2, 1881. He was born in Gertnaiiy, Sept. 
2, 1702, and emigrated t'> this country in 1852, and has been a res- 
ident ot Davenport and vicinity since that time. Since the death 
of his wite, which occurred eight years ago, he has lived with Mrs. 
Rohlk. 

Adolph Rotsch was born in Prussia, Germany, March 21, 1833, 
and was a son of Francis Rutsch, of Bohemia, who emigrated with 
his family to Indianola, Te.xas, in 1845. He built the third house 
in that place and kept store there. Adolph and his brother 
tished and caught oysters and crabs to sell. They went to Mis- 
souri in 18-18; from there to Madison Co., III., and to Scott County 
in 1866. The subject of this sketch was married, Feb. 18, 1855, 
to Augusta Iloen. To them were born 11 children, eight living — 
Frances, Bertha. Herman, Emma, Otto, Elizabeth, Theodore and 
Matilda. Mr. Rotsch is engaged in farming and stock-raising on 
section 14, where he owns a line farm of 147 acres. He has been 
school director for several years. 

Henry Ruwe was born in Prussia, Oct. 12, 1835. He came to 
this country in 1841, landing at Plymouth, Mass., where he en- 
gaiied in the cod fisheries, during their season, which lasts from 
May until Octoijer, for several years. During the winters he en- 
gaijcd in coasting between Now York, Baltimore and New Orleans, 
in 1S52 he left Plymouth and came to Davenport. He located on 
a farm in Hickory Grove Township. He sold 80 acres of land in 
1855 for $10 an acre, and in 1872 bought it back again, paying $40 
an acre for it. He owns 550 acres of land, all under good cultiva- 
tion. He was married to Fredericke Kerdel Feb. 20, 1855. They 
have had 11 children, viz.: Henry, born Jan. 25, 1856; Frederick, 
Jan. 8, 1857; John, Nov. 30, 18.59; Minnie. Aug. 8, 1861; Charles, 
June 8. 1863; Mary, March 27. 1865; William, Jan. 3, 1867; 
David. Nov. 20, 1869; Emma, March 27, 1871; Louie, June 20, 
1873; Fredericke. Oct. 26, 1876. All are living at home. 

John Jacob Scheisser, deceased, was born in Switzerland, Oct. 4, 
1801. He was married there to Magdalinc Mensie. She died in 
Russia leaving three children. He was again married in St. Peters- 
burg, Russia, to Ilellen Eidiohn, in 1S45. She was born in Russia 
in 1816, and came to America in 1847. Jlr. and Mrs. Scheisser 
were blessed with eight children, six living — John, Theodore. Uel- 
len, now Mrs. Joseph Galliner; Amelia, now Mrs. E. B. Dick- 
inson; Matilda, now Mrs. John Rose; and Jacob, who lives at 



1092 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTT. 

home with his mother. Mr. J. J. Scheisser died March 7, 187S, 
leaving his family and a large concourse of friends to mourn his 
loss. Mrs. Scheisser and her son manage their farm of 80 acres in 
Hickory Grove Township, which is all under good cultivation. 

Henry Schultz, son of FredericI^ Schultz, was born in Holstein, 
Germany, Sept. 24, 1845. He attended the common scliools of 
that county and received a tolerably good education. He came to 
this country in 1869. In 1871 he and 16 or 17 others employed a 
teacher at Maysville, who gave them lessons at night. They all 
progressed rapidly, and learned to read and write in the English 
language in four months. Mr. Schultz was married, March 22, 
1873, to Johaima Euge. They have had six children, of whom 
Carl, Ella, Emma. Gustave and Martha are living. Mr. Schultz 
was appointed postmaster, Amity P. O., of Maysville, Aug. 11, 
1875, which position he still holds. He is the proprietor of a 
store ot general merchandise in Maysville, where he does a profit- 
able business. Has held the office of town clerk for the past three 
years, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge. 

M. Spelletick is a native ot Hungary, born Sept. 27, 1845. He 
is a son of Felix Spelletick, a native also of that country and a 
refugee from the Revolution of 1848. He was district commis- 
sioner of the Full Powers tiiere. On coming to America he located 
in Scott County where he entered 1,200 acres of land. He returned 
to Hungary, where he now resides. The subject of this record came 
with his father to the United States in 1851. He was educated in 
Griswold College, of Davenport. He was married in 1873 to Isa- 
bell Stevens. Their children are — Ella, Adeline, Felix and Adam. 
Mr. Spelletick resides in Hickory Grove Township, whei-e he is 
engaged in farming and stock-breeding. He owns a fine farm of 
300 acres of valuable land. He lias held several township offices 
and is one of the prominent men of the county. 

Hans Strath^nmi is a native of Holstein, Germany, born June 
21, 1841. In 1856 he came to the United States, and located in 
Davenport on July 2 of that year. He worked on a farm some 
time, then learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for several 
years. He afterward kept a saloon for 10 years, and in 1877 
moved to New Liberty and engaged in the dry-goods business 
there three years; then moved to Hickory Grove Township and es- 
tablished his present business. He keeps a complete line of gen- 
eral goods, and has a steadily increasing trade. He was married 
on Jan. 3, 1865, to Mary Hass. Three children have been born ot 
this union — Louisa, born Nov. 26, 1866; Willie, July 11, 1873, and 
Lanra, Dec. 4, 1878. 

Lemuel D. Wh'ite\& a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Stout) White, 
natives of Lewis Co., Va., where Lemuel D. was born, Dec. 19, 
1816. Mrs. White is still living, at the age of 85 years; she re- 
sides with the subject of this sketch. He was reared on a farm and 
obtained an education in the old pioneer school-houses of that day, 
which were furnished with slab seats, puncheon floor, and a fire- 




(/-^y* /%^ 



cie/T_^ 



HICKORY GROVE TOWNSHIP. 1095 

place in each end of tlie room ; a piece of greased paper pasted over 
a hole cut in the logs served as a window light, and an ox gad was 
used by the teacher to enforce order. Mr. White came to Scott 
County July 7, 1843. He was married in 1840 to Elizabeth Blake, 
by whom he had three children — Mary E., Virgil A. and Rebecca 
J. Mrs. Elizabeth White died in 1845. Mr. White married for 
hiB second wife Mrs. Sarah Alger, jieeHiWs, in 1856. Mr. White 
is the owner of 160 acres of land in Hickory Grove Township, and 
20 acres in Allen's Grrove Township. He is engaged in growing 
grain and stock for the market. 

Detlef Vt under was born in Germany, July 15, 1827. He emi- 
grated to America in 1854, and came to Davenport, la., arriving 
July 10, of that year. He followed the carpenter's trade for two 
years, then bought a threshing machine, which he operated for ]1 
years. During that time he rented a iarm which he cultivated 
when there was no work to be done with the threshing machine. 
In 1861 he bought the farm where he now resides. It contains 
245 acres and is mostly under good cultivation. He was married 
to Catharine Megor, Jan. 1, 1S57. They had four children, Henry 
(deceased), John, Gustaand Julia. He lost his wife in 1866, and in 
October, 1867, he married his present wife, Bettie Girch. Tliis union 
has been blessed with six children — Henry, born Julv 11, 1868; 
Fritz, July 22. 1870; Maggie, Nov. 12, 1871; Charles", June 20, 
1874; William, Dec. 22, 1875, and Louis, born June 3, 1877. Mr. 
Wunder has baen very successful in a financial way and owns a fine 
property and comfortable home. 




•8 



TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF LE CLAIRE. 

Le Claire Township was first settled in 1834 by Eleazer Parkliurst, 
who purchased a claim just above the north line of the "reserve," 
of George W. Harlan, who built the cabin thereon. The cabin 
was built as early as February, 183-i. The reserve spoken of was a 
tract of 640 acres at the head of the rapids, given Antoine Le Claire 
by the Indians when they made their treaty with the whites in 
1832. They had at the same treaty presented Mrs. Le Claire with 
a similar amount of land where the city of Davenport now stands. 
The reason of this gift was out of friendship for Mr. and Mrs. 
Le Claire. He had been with them from boyhood, either in the 
employ of the Government, or agent for the Fur Company, as inter- 
preter, and was very popular with them. The American Fur Com- 
pany at an early day had a trading house on a small island some 
three miles below Le Claire, called Davenport's Island, afterward 
Smith's Island, and then Fulton's Island. The Indians came 
across Kock River, Meredosia Swamp, and trom the Wapsipine- 
con River to this " post" to trade. The Indians loved to dwell 
along the thick-timbered lands of the Pau-ke-she-tuck (rapids), or 
swift watei^s, where they found an abundance of tish and also 
much game. The forest was dense all through the country lying 
along the Mississippi River, from Spencer's Creek, at the head 
of Pleasant Valley, to Princeton, and was of large growth. The 
Indians often returned to their forest home at the head of the rap- 
ids, and in 1837 one thousand of them encamped where the town 
of Le Claire now stands. 

EABLT SETTLERS. 

Martin W. Smith was the second settler inLe Claire Township, 
and was followed the same season, 1834, by Nathan and Ira F. 
Smith, who settled just below the present town of Le Claire. Phil- 
lip Suiter came in the fall of the same year. Laurel Summers, 
now, in 1882, one of the oldest settlers living in the township, says 
that when he can"ie to the township, in 1837, there were living in 
the neitchborhood of the present town of Le Claire, Eleazer Park- 
hurst, T. C. Eads, Sterling Parkhurst, J. W. Parkhurst, M. W. 
Smith, Ira F. Smith, Eli Smith, William Conroe, James Haskell, 
Phillip Suiter, A. W. Finley, Paul Follmer, S. G. Condit, Gris- 
wold Vanduzer, J. M. Vanduzer, Rockwell McKinstry, Josiah 
Scott, Dr. Z. Grant, Jonas Barber, William Rowe, B. F. Pike, 
Benjamin Barber, H. E. W. East, Wald Parkhurst, Goodrich Hub- 
bard, L. Parkhurst, W. W. Upton, Alfred Prather and John Lewis. 

1096 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1097 

Between 1837 and IS-IO tliere settled in the township, James 
Jack, James Spear, William Hopson, Robert Carleton, Puree 
Barber, George Long, Jacob Carber, Stephen Piircell, Samuel 
Stopher, Aaron Lancaster, Thomas Lancaster, D. V. Dawley, 
William Allen, Charles Ames, John Allen, Joseph Turner, Na- 
thaniel Wilson, Ralph Letton, William McCTinnis, William Wil- 
son, William Gardner, Isaac Cody, John II. Sessions and James 
Turner. 

.TUMPING CLAIMS. 

It was several 3'ears from the time the land in this vicinity was 
ceded to the general Government before it was surveyed and placed 
upon the market. In the meantime the settlers made their claims 
and their rights were held inviolate, and woe unto the man who 
attempted to jump the "claim" of a settler. The man who had 
the temerity to do such a deed was looked upon as one likely to 
do worse things when opportunity offered. A laughable farce of this 
kind took place in September, 1837. At a meeting of the inhabi- 
tants of tlie settlement, matters had been talked over as to the peace 
and good order of the community, and the meeting was about to ad- 
journ, when ayoungman, a stranger, ratlier casually remonstrated 
against anyone holding more than one "claim," and not that unless 
he lived on it. He was from Hennepin, 111., and most evidently 
had not "traveled the country all over," assuming rather more airs 
than was necessary for the occasion. His remarks were heard by 
one Simeon Cragin, a discharged soldier, and one of those uncere- 
monious, backsvoi^ds, frontier, half-civilized persons that lurk around 
the border settlements, who immediately presented himself before 
him and thus addressed him: " My name, sir, is Simeon Cragin. 
I own fourteen 'claims,' and if any man 'jumps ' one of them I 
will shoot him down at once, sir. I am a gentleman, sir, and 
scholar. I was educated in JJangor; have been in the United 
States army and served my country faithfully; am the discoverer 
of the ' Wopsy '; can ride a grizzly bear, or whip any human that 
ever crossed the ilississippi; and if you dare to jump one of my 
claims, die you must. My name is Simeon Cragin, sir, all the 
way from Bangor. Maine, and you must leave these diggins with 
but few remarks." He left. 

The tirst couple living in Le Claire Township, united in mar 
riage, were Griswold Vanduzerand Mrs. Van Dyke. Scott County 
not then being organized, Dubuque was the point where licenses 
had to be obtained, and tlie distance being so great the couple 
crossed the river into Rock Island Co., 111., and were there made 
one. 

The first death was that of Simeon Cragin. 

The first frame building erected was in the winter of 183G-'7, by 
Col. T. C. Eads, in the village of Parkhurst, now Le Claire. It 
is yet standing, and was long regarded as one of the land-marks of 
the place. 



1098 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

The first preaching was at the house of Dr. Grant, by a Method- 
ist circuit rider, a Jiev. Mr. Hobert. Soou after him came Rev. 
Ezra Fisher, of the Baptist church, and Rev. A. B. Hitchcock, of 
the Congregationalist. 

A private school was taught in Parkhurst in 1840 by Miss Clark, 
the first in the town. The first blacksmith shop was started by 
George W. Warren, in 1841. Davenport & Rogers built the first 
flouring mill in 1848. The first carpenter shop was in 1840, by 
John and Isaac Williams. The first representative in the Legis- 
lature from Le Claire Township was Laurel Summers. Tlie lands 
in this section were first offered for sale by the Government in 
1840. Eleazer Parkhurst opened the first farm up on the prairies 
back of the village of Parkhurst. 

VILLAGE OF PAKKHUBST. 

In the summer of 1837, Eleazer Parkhurst having disposed of a 
part of his claim to T. C. Eads, they jointly laid out the town of 
Parkhurst. 

The first important improvement made in the place was by Col. 
Eads in the erection of a large frame building in the summer of 
1837. This building was one of the wonders of the age, and is yet 
standing. Ralph Letton, of Cincinnati, in the spring of 1S38 pur- 
chased a portion of Col. Eavls' interest in the town, and a disagree- 
ment among the owners retarded the settlement of the place for 
several years, and no improvement took place until 1841. 

Tiic first store opened in the place was in 1839, by Lemuel Park- 
iiurst, in a little stone building erected for that purpose. 

The town grew but slowly and witnessed some trying periods, 
and in 1848 could boast only of about a dozen dwelling-houses, 
while the country back of it had been settling up quite rapidly. 

During the summer of 1836, Eleazer Parkhurst applied to the 
postoffice department for a postofiice at his place, lie immedi- 
ately received a favorable answer, with the appointment of post- 
master, and the office was named Parkhurst, after the name of the 
petitioner. 

VILLAGE OF LE OLAIRE. 

The mania for laying out villages and becoming rich from the 
sale of town lots began at a very early date. The desirable location 
here for a prosperous town early attracted the attention of parties 
passing up and down the Mississippi River, and who were not 
blind to the coming future. The following is a copy of a contract 
made between Mr. Lo Claire and the parties named the year after 
the treaty, and even before the land came into market. 

Whereas, It is agreed by and betwesn Antoine Le Claire of the one part, and 
George Davenport, Enoch C. March and John Reynolds of the other p^irt, witness- 
eth : That the aaid Le Claire agrees to convey by deed in fee simple, to the 
said Davenport, March and Reynolds, 40 acres each— to be taken out of a se.tion 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1099 

of land at the head of the rapids, which Wiis granted to said Le Claire by the late 
treaty with the Sac and Fox Indians. Said land is situated on the Mississippi 
River, on the WL'st side thereof . S.iid Le Claire reserving 40 acres himself of said 
section, making in all one quarter section. 

Said quarter section is to be located so as to be most suitable for laying out a 
town thereon. And all the p irties to this contract agree further to lay out a town 
on said quarter section of land, and to be equal partners and proprietors thereof. 

Said quarter section of land is to be located and surveyed as soon as practicable, 
and the same surveyed also, as soon ;us practicable, into lots. 

Said Davenport. Mar.h and Reynolds, in consideration of said land, agreed to 
pay him (Le Claire) §80, each one. 

Attest, K. MoKenzey. 

27th March, 1833. 

(Signed) 

Antoine LeCi.aire, 1 
Gkouge Davknport, '\^ Seals. 
E.NOcu C. March, .' 
John Reynolds. J 

At a subsequent date tl\e interest of Enoch C. Marcli was pur- 
chased b}' Capt. James May. 

The town of Le Claire was first laid out in the spring or sum- 
mer of 1S37 bj the town coinpanj, surveyed by William R. Shoe- 
maker, assisted by Henry S. Howell, both United States sur- 
veyors. 

In 18-tl Charles Ames, William Allen. A. K. Philfeo and Mar- 
tin W. Smith made improvements and settled in the town of Le , 
Claire. Mr. Ames was from Pt)rt Byron, on the opposite side f 
the river, and brought with him a stock of goods, the first ever 
oflFered for sale in Le Claire. Mr. Ames died in 1.^46. 

Like the town of Parkhurst, the village of Le Claire was of slow 
growth. Li the Le Claire Republic of March 23, 1859, Edward 
Russell, now editor of the Gazette, Davenport, thus speaks of his 
first view of the two towns : 

" In 1818, when we first visited the locality, Le Claire and Park- 
hurst were separated by a ' gulf,' which, though easily passed, kept 
each town entirely separate from the other. A beautitul dense grove 
of oaks extended from Reynolds street up to Holland street, and no 
' cabins' or fences marred the scene. Le Claire then contained nine 
frame dwelling-houses, two brick dwelling-houses, one brick store, 
one frame store occupied, and one or two unoccupied, one brick 
building used as a pork house, one blacksmith shop, the Baptist 
church, occupied but not finished, and the old Methodist church, in 
course of erection. Parkhurst boasted of eight frame buildings, 
one brick, one stone, and two logs; two stone store buildings, one 
frame barn and one log barn." 

Cirr OF LE CLAIRE. 

It was not until about 1850 that either of the towns began to as- 
sume the appearance of a village, but from that time both increased 
in population and buildings, as well as in extension of the limits 
of their towns. In 1851 Davenport and Rogers purchased of Mr. 



1100 HISTOEr OF SCOTT COtJNTT. 

Le Claire the remaining strip of land lying between the two 
towns of Le Claire and Parkhurst, and laid it out into building lots. 
This gave a new impetus to buildings of all kinds. Mills and manu- 
factories were erected; mechanics of all kinds settled in the place, 
and many large brick stores were erected, so that in 1855, on peti- 
tion of the inhabitants of both towns, the Legislature by act incor- 
porated the city of Le Claire, including within its limits the town 
of Parkhurst. 

At this date there were within the limits of this city no less than 
eleven dry-goods stores, two clothing stores, one watchmaker, one 
saddler, two boat and provision stores, one bakery, rive blacksmith 
shops, three wagon shops, one tin shop and stove store, one hard- 
ware store, one boot and shoe store, fivecliurches, two cooper shops, 
two tailor shops, two shoemakers, two livery stables, live hotels, 
one banking house, one printing ofhce, two steam flouring mills, 
one steam saw-mill, three lawyers, si.x physicians, two cabinet shops, 
candy shops and oyster saloons in any quantity, house and ship 
carpenters, stone masons and brick-la3^ers, a boat yard, where 
steamers are repaired and keel boats made and repaired, and a ferry 
across the Mississippi River. 

As an illustration of the condition of Le Claire and vicinity in 
1851, the following questions, written by a gentleman in Indiana 
to and answered by a gentleman in Le Claire, are given : 

1. I would like to known if a poor man can get along better there 
than here ? 

2. Is there any Congress land to be had within 50 miles of that 
place that is timbered ? 

3. What is the kind of rock, water, timber and soil in the 
county ? 

4. What is the usual price for wheat, corn, oats, hay and po- 
tatoes. 

5. AVhat is the price per acre, or rent of land; how paid, cash or 
shares ? 

6. What is the common price of horses, cows and sheep ? 

7. The price of labor per day, month, or year ? 

8. The usual quantity of wheat, corn, oats, and potatoes per 
acre ? 

9. The political cast and population of your county, and the 
number of its townships ? 

10. Sl'.all I bring horses, wagon and farming utensils with me ? 
Horses are worth here from $G0 to $100, wagons $70, plows $5 
to $9. 

11. What chance is there for merchandising ? 

12. Is there any chance for renting a house in that place ? 

13. What are the prices of wood and coal ? 

14. What is the size of your town, number of meetinghouses, 
denominations, and how far are you from tiie county seat ? 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1101 

ANSWERS. 

1. If a poor man cannot get along here he has no business to be 
a poor man, as we don't believe there is another portion of our 
Union where greater facilities are oifered for the same amount of 
mone}'. 

2. Very little if an)'. But then tliere is prairie land to be had 
in the vicinity ot saw-mills, where luinbertbr building, fencing, 
etc., can be purchased at low rates. 

3. Hock, limestone of a superior (]uality for building purposes. 
Water very good. Timber the best in the county. Soil, rich and 
arable — " black as your hat," to the depth of three or four feet. 

5. Good improved farms may be purchased within from three 
to live miles of Le Claire at from $10 to $20 per acre. Rent of 
land at from $2 to $3 per acre, pavment generally cash. 

6. Horses rate from §60 to $100; cows, $15; sheep, $3. 

7. Labor per day from 50 to 75 cents; by the year about $150. 

8. The average yield of wheat per acre is about 2o bushels, corn 
60 bushels, oats 30, and potatoes ;'.00. Onions are a reliable and 
staple article, and yield about 300 bushels per acre. 

9. Scott (Jounty is Democrati';, though not hopelessly so. Popu- 
lation in 1S50, as shown by the census, 5,9S7, since which time 
there has been a continual influ.K of emigration. Scott County 
contains about l-t townships, or a little more than 500 square 
miles. 

10. We have stated the price of horses; you must judge for your- 
self whether it would be advisable to bring them. Farming uten- 
sils of eveiy description can be purchased here quite as reasonable 
as you could import them. 

12. There are three stores in Le Claire, but from the business 
they do and the slight exertions they make to extend their custom 
we should conclude the opening favorable. 

12. There that spoils your store — you can't get a house. Lots 
however are cheap, building materials low and mechanics plenty, 
so that tiiat obstacle may soon be overcome. 

13. Wood sells at $1.50 per cord;* coal, 10 cents per bushel. 

14. Population of Le Claire, 600 to 800. There are four meet- 
ing-houses — Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist and Disciple. Le 
Claire is about 12 miles from Davenport, the county seat, which 
contains 2,500 inliabitants, and is populating and improving with 
& rapidity unsurpassed by any town on the upper Mississippi 
River. 

In 1862, by vote of it« citizens, the city of Ls Claire surrendered 
her charter, and was incorporated as a town under the general laws 
of the State. 

* This estimate is at least one-half too low. 



1102 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

POSTOFFICE. 

Le Claire postoffice was established in 1836, under the name of 
Parkhurst, with Eieaznr Parkhurst as postmaster. It was subse- 
quently changed to Berlin, with T. C. Eads as postmaster. Dr. 
Metcaif succeeded Mr. Eads in 1842, and was in turn succeeded 
by Jacob Eraeigh and Lemuel Parkhui-st, and the name of the 
office changed back to Parkhurst. A short time after the office 
was taken to the village of Le Claire, and name changed to that 
of the village. The following named have served as postmasters 
from that time to the present: James Gamble, Thomas Newman, 
John F. Newman, Mr. Harrington, William Laycock, and D. V. 
Dawley, the latter assuming charge of the office in the spring of 
1881. 

Le Claire was made a money-order office in 1870. The first order 
was issued August 1, to A. M. Gardner. About $25,000 are an- 
nually issued, and about $6,000 paid. 

FIKST BIRTB. 

The first birth in the village of Le Claire was Ellen L., daughter 
of Laurel Summers, born in April, 1842. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school taught in the township was in 1837, in the 
house of Phillip Suiter, Wm. Cannon being the teacher, and Mr. 
Suiter's five children the scholars. 

The first school-house was built in 1838, on the claim of John F. 
Smith, in fractional section 4, Mr. Smith granting the right for the 
consideration oione lead hullet. In this house one Thos. Dinnison 
was the first teacher. 

The next school-house was built in 1839, on the land of the late 
James Turner, in the north half of the northwest fourth of section 
3. Dr. Periander Pollock was teacher. This Periander Pollock 
and wife were murdered at Silver Canyon, Col., on Dec. 4, 1881. 
He was a brother to Milo M. Pollock of this township. 

The first brick school-house in the township was buit in Park- 
hurst, in 1851, and is yet standing on the premises of Mr. D. 
Hathorn. 

The second brick school-house built in the township was the 
Suiter school-house, on the river bank, near Sycamore Creek, about 
three miles below town, in 1853. It was built by voluntary con- 
tribution, and took the place of the former two houses. The late 
Christian Lembach did the work. 

Tlie first school taught in Le Claire, then familiarly known as 
" the Point " or Parkhurst, was taught in 1840, by Miss Clark. 
At this time a local regulation required each unmarried man to 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1103 

subscribe and pay for at least one scholar, renjardiess of future re- 
sponsibilities. In tlie next year, 1841, Miss II. Parkhurst taught 
school here. 

In lS-16-'7 the Baptist church was built on the corner of Wis- 
consin avenue and Second street. The want of a proper school- 
room beinor seriously felt, Win. Allen, D. V. Dowley with others, 
engaged to furnish the basement of the church as a school-room, in 
consideration of a lease of the same for a term of 12 years. This 
was the only school in Le Claire proper, until the district pur- 
chased, in 1854, the frame building used as a Presbyterian church, 
on lot o, block 18, now owned :md used by J. S. Huntington. In 
1853 the school district of Le Claire was subdivided by State laws 
into four districts, but under one organization. A union school- 
house had been projected by the citizens, and the present site of 
the public school-house purchased in 1851, bnt this subdivision of 
districts by tlie Legislature prevented a realization of the object at 
that time. In 1850 a new frame school-house was built on lot 1, of 
7, at the corner of Ferry and Cass streets. These were the only 
school-houses occupied until the completion of the present large 
and substantial stone building on Ferry street. 

The present public school building was commenced in 1870, and 
dedicated July 4, 1871, at a cost of $13,000. Its estimated value, 
including furniture, philosophical and chemical apparatus, and three 
acres of ground, is $25,000. 

Since its dedication its principals or superintendents have been : 
J. W. Coates, J. W. Austin, C. A. Birchard, J. F. Sauender, J. 
T. Marvin. J. A. Holmes, E. E. Hamilton. Number of pupils 
enrolled, 265. Average attendance, 185. Teachers employed, five. 
Departments, first and second jirimary, intermediate, grammar and 
high school. 

The township now has six sub-districts, with a frame school- 
house in each district, with an average value of $500, or a total of 
$3,000. In these sub-districts there are at present between the ages 
of five and 21, 180, with an enrollment of 150. There are in the 
township two independent districts, Le Claire No. 1, with 54 chil- 
dren of school age, an enrollment of 49, and a good stone school- 
house valued at $1,700; town of Le Claire, with 359 children of 
school age, an enrollment of 265, and a school-house with five 
rooms, valued at $13,000. 

RKI.IGIOUS. 

The village of Le Claire is represented by five religious societies 
MethodistEpiscopal, Christian, Baptist, Presbyterian and Catholic. 

The Baptist 6'/*'<wA of Le Claire was organized June 10, 1839, 
and known as the Bath Baptist Church. Those composing the 
original organization were: Mary Rowe, Polly McKinster, .Vmanda 
Palmer, Sarah Turner, S'i])hia Blanchard, William Rowe, Daniel 



1104 HISTORY OF SCOTi' COUNTY. 

A. Davidson, Robert Hilton, Orleans Blanchard, William Palmer, 
Joseph Turner and Benjamin F. Pike. Tiie tirst services were 
held at the house of William Ro we, July 28, 1839. Joseph Tur- 
ner was appointed clerk ^^ra tern. The tirst regularly elected 
clerk was Daniel 0. Davidson, on the 19th of March, 1841. Elder 
Fisher was invited to the care of the church July 17, 1841. The 
first church edifice was erected in 1843, Joseph Turner, Benjamin 
F. Pike and John Campbell being the trustees appointed to super- 
intend its erection. The first regular pastor was Rev. C. E. Brown, 
who was employed in June, 1844, since which time the following 
named have served: Revs. Mr. Rutlege, Philemon Shirley, William 
J. Parkhurst, Mr. Barrows, Mr. Paul, Mr. Miles, Mr. Dunlap, Mr. 
Lewis and G. W. Prescott, the latter assuming charge o\ the church 
in 1875. At present no regular pastor is employed. The present 
church edifice was erected in 1875. A Sabbath-school was organ- 
ized in 1873, which has now a general attendance of 70. Mrs. 
Lucius Collins is superintendent, and Lillie Hilburn, secretary and 
treasurer. The teachers are Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Hewlett, 
Mrs. Hilburn and Mrs. Perney. 

Presbyterian Church of Le Claire, la. — In the year 1841, when 
the State of Iowa was only a Territory, the present city of LeClaire 
was only a small village, and there were scarcely any Presbyterians 
in the village or in the country. Mr. James Jack, from Allegiieny 
Co., Peim., had settled here some time previously, and being 
an elder and having a desire for the ordinances of the gospel ad- 
ministered by his own church, formed with his family a nucleus for 
the future. The Rev. Michael Hummer at this time was settled in 
Davenport, and occasionally performed missionary labor in the re- 
gion around. We are informed by the session book that on the 9th 
day of January, 1841, after a sermon by the Rev. Michael Hummer, 
and after a long deliberation of the members present, it was unani- 
mously resolved that a church be organized after the manner and 
according to the form of government of the Presbyterian church 
in the United States of America, to be denominated" "The Presby- 
terian Church of Berlin." The following persons were received as 
members at the time of the organization: James Jack, Eliza Jack, 
Christian Kilsey, Ralph Letton and Mary Van Horn. Mr. James 
Jack having been an elder in the Presbyterian church of Pennsyl- 
vania, was elected ruling elder. The sacrament of the Lord's Sup- 
per was administered to the young church for the first time on 
Jan. 10, 1841, by the above Rev. Michael Hummer. We are told 
not to despise the day of small things, and though the church con- 
sisted of only six members, yet the importance of tlie place, and 
being early in the field, justified the proceed! n<rs. The place now 
became a preaching station, supplied irregularly by the ministers 
of Davenport. The next record on session book relates the obser- 
vance of the Lord's Supper on March 28, 1841, by Rev. M. Hum- 
mer, at which time two more members were added, John C. Jacks 
and Rachel Scott; and shortly three others were added, making 11 



LE CLAIRE TOW>fSHrP. 1105 

in all. Then followed a long interval, I'rom March 23, 18-11. to 
Nov. 27, 1847, during which time some of the members removed 
elsewhere and the place was destitute of Presbyterian preaching, 
with the exception of an occasional sermon by Rev. Clelland, of 
Daven]wrt. Nov. 27, 1847, another session and another Lord's 
Supper was observed, and a few more members added to the church. 
The officiating minister on the occasion was the Rev. G. S. Rea, a 
new minister who had come to Davenport. On Monday following 
the service Mr. John Moore was duly elected, ordained and installed 
as ruling elder in the church, making another besides Mr. Jack. 

The town having changed its name from Berlin to LeClaire, at a 
congregational meeting it was resolved to change the name of the 
church, and to petition the Presbytery of Iowa to grant the request 
and to changd the name from Berlin to LeClaire, which request 
was granted. On April 27, 1850, the communion was administered 
by the Rev. James 1). Mason, the ne.xt minister of Davenjiort who 
succeeded ]\[r. Rea. On this occasion several new members were 
received into the church, mostly by certificate. In August, 1850, 
a church building was commeticed. By this time the members 
had increased so as to be a ground of thankfulness and encourage- 
ment, yet they were all comparatively poor, and their edifice was 
built in ])roportion to their means. It was a frame building, 24 x 
32. One hundred dollars were received from the Board of Missions 
and >i75 by subscription, and the rest was furnished by the time, 
labor and means of Elder James Jack, to whom the credit of this 
building is largely due. The church was finished in May, 1851; 
though small, it was a considerable effort for the little church at 
this time, and was a vast improvement on the previous state of 
things. In September, 1850, during the time the house was build- 
ing, the Lord's Supper was again administered by the Rev. J. D. 
Mason, and four members received into the fellowship of the church 
by certificate. 

We now ari'ive at the time when the church enjoyed the privilege 
of a settled pastor. The number of members at this time was 
about 40. 

There are no records of anything until May 25, 1851, when a 
session was held, the Rev. J. D. Mason, moderator, at Princeton, 
five miles farther uj) the river, the two charges to be at present 
under one minister, and the said ap|Jit'ation being granted, the 
Rev. Hugh Hutchinson, and Mr. Janjes Jack, elder, the Rev. J. 
D. Mason being absent, the committee, appointed by the Presby- 
tery, met at Princeton by appointment, <'n Sabbath, Nov. 12, 
organizing a new church, by the name of " Princeton Presbyte- 
rian ('hurch;" 12 members were received from the Le Claire 
church, and five new members, making 17 members composing 
the organization. Three elders were iluly elected and ordained, 
viz.: Denton D. Culbertson, Samuel Knox, and John L Gast. 
The Lord's Supper was adminstered to the young church. The 
church now enjoyed the privileges of a settled pastor. Appli- 



1106 HIS'TOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

cation having been made by the session to the Presbytery which 
met at Le Claire in October, 1854, that a new organization be 
formed. 

The First Congregational Church of Le Claire was organized by 
the Rev. J. A. Reed, agent of the A. H. M. Society tn- Iowa, on 
the 1st of September, 1849, in the basement of the Baptist church. 
Eleven persons united in forming thi-^ church. Public service 
was held in the north room, under the Baptist meeting-house (not 
then finished), alternately with the Baptists until the summer of 
1850, when, by agreement, the alternation of the church proper 
for four years with our Ba];itist brethren was received. 

A union Sabbath-school was also held there every Sunday, until 
the formation of a Congregational school, which was organized in 
their new chui'ch in December of 1853, and was by them contin- 
ued in that building until tlie liou>e was burned dawn on the 12th 
of April. 1874, at which time the school was in a prosperous con- 
dition, the average attendance for the year previous having been 
90. Tne school afterward met in Caristian Chapel, until the 
Presbyterians opened their new house in January, 1875. The 
school was then removed there, and its name changed from the 
Le Claire Bible Sabbath-school, to the Union Bible Sabbath- 
school. 

The clniroh building erected by the Congregationalists was a 
frame structure, 42 x 26 feet, with a seating capacity of 140. 
The cost of the lot and erection was $1,065, $300 'of which 
was furnished by the Congregational Union, the balance being 

fiven by friends in Le Claire and members of the church, 
here is now on file a full and particular account of all money re- 
ceived and expended, showing by whom given, and to whom 
paid, an example all intrusted with the expending of other 
people's money would do well to follow. The building had, a few 
raontlis before the tire, been insured for $500, in the American 
Central Insurance Company, which was prompth' paid by that 
company. Failing to secure the aid necessary to enaMe them to 
build again, and the Presbyterians having recently re-organized 
their society, and taten steps to erect a place of worship, and 
most of the members of the Congregational church liaving ex- 
pressed a wish to unite with them, a sp-jcial meeting of the Con- 
gregational church was called to consider the prapriety of dis- 
banding, at which meeting, held on the 22J of July, 1874, it was 
unanimously voted to disband the church organization. The 
money received from the insurance was ordered to b3 disposed of 
as follows: $300 to be paid over to the Congregational Union, in 
repayment of the money advanced by them to aid in building the 
church, and the remaining $200 was given to the trustees of the 
Presbyterian church to aid them in procuring a bell. Tiie lot was 
donated to the A. H. M. Society. The organ was given to the 
Sunday-school; the seats, windows, etc., saved trom the fire, were 
given to the Presbyterian church. Daring the 25 years the 



I.E CLAIKK TOWNSIIIP. 1107 

clmrch orijaiuzatioii existed, SO persons were received as meinbers 
tlie nuinber by deatbs. removals, etc., was reduced to 17 at the 
time of its dissi lutioii. 

The tbllowiiig persons held the office of pastor: Revs. H. L. 
Buller, H. W. (Jol.b, L. Tl. AVhite, J. L. Marsh, A. Alvord, D. 
N. Boardwell, A. Harper, and W. H. Hayward. 

Tha Church of Christ at Le Claire. — (in the third Lord's day 
of December, A. D. 18-13, a small number of individuals, male and 
female, gave to each other the hand of fellowship, pledging them- 
selves to God and to each other to keep the commandments of God 
and the faith df Jesus Christ, to take the word of God as the only 
rule of faith and practice, and as a congrciiation took upon them- 
selves the name of Church of Christ, meeting at Le Claire. 

James Brownlee, of Long Grove, Scott Co., la., having preached 
the gospel among us, mainly through his instrumentality, being 
accompanied with Brother William Davenport, the above organi- 
zation was effected, in December, 1813, with the fo. lowing origi- 
nal members: Phillip Suiter and'IIannah Suiter, L'a V. Smith and 
Nancy Smith, William McGinnis, Griswold Vandnzer and Louisa 
Vanduzer, Mary Ann Suiter. 

In February, 1816, Stevan Burnett visited the church and 
preached the gospel. Milo M. Pollock and Mary Ann Pollock were 
united by letter of commendation. 

Early in ISK! the church was called toijother, and came to the 
conclusion to build a house to worship in, and the same fall was 
ready for occupation. 

In the years of 1816 and 1817 Charles Levan was called as an 
evangelist. In November, 1817, N. A. McConnell commenceii to 
labor among them as an evangelist. The Lord, through his instru- 
mentalities, added quite a number to the church. In 18.53 and 
1851 Dr. Getcbell tilled the pulpit. In 1856 Ephraiin(Phillip8 was 
employed by the congregation. 

The first elder of the organization was Wm. McGinni^, who 
filled the position for the first 10 years, and also held the ofKce of 
secretary and treasurer. 

The first deacons were Griswold Vanduzer and Ira F. Smith. 

First pastors: Charles Levan, 1817; N. A. McConnell, 1847; Dr. 
Lusey, paid the church several visits; Ephraim Phillips, 1856, wiio 
supplied the pulpit some three years, and quite a number taken into 
the church; G. W. Sweeney, 1863-1864, and through his ])reaching 
quite a number came into the church; W. D. Swaim, in 1874; N. A. 
Smith, in the latter partof{1875, remaining two years; N. C. Wilson, 
Their present pastor is Joseph P. Martindale. Meeting regular 
every Sabbath. 

Tiieir old church, which was built in 1846, becoming unfit to hold 
services in, they sold it and bought an edifice of the Presbyterians. 
The building is a frame structure, and has a capacity of seating 
400 persons. The original cost of building was $1,200, but tlicy 
Lave expended some 400 more. William McGinnis took an 



1108 HISTOBT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

active interest in the welfare of the church. Tiie present elders 
are Wm. McGinnis. W. P. Hadlej, J. C. MjGinnis. The present 
deacons are J. W. Arnold and Evans Penrv. There is a member 
ship of between 30 and 4t) working members. They have a Sabbath 
school connected with the church, havinu; an attendance of about 
70 on an average. The present superintendent of the Sabbath- 
school is Rev. Martindale. 



MODNT PLEASANT EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

BY F. R. SCHERER. 

This congregation was organized by the writer in May, 1862, 
with 14 members, who had previously held their church connec- 
tion at Salem's Church. From the time of our location here in 
1856, we had preached in "Jones' school-house" every two or three 
weeks, and at other convenient points, for the accommodation of 
the above members who were too far from the church to attend 
regularly there. 

In the wisdom of man, in the fall of 1861, we and the Methodists 
were deprived of preaching in "Jones' school-house." At this 
time "greenbacks" were among the things that never bad been to 
any considerable extent, if at all, and every thing very low; but we 
determined to have a house where we could worship God accord- 
ing to our conscience, under our own " vine and fig tree," "none 
daring to molest or make afraid." To this end we purchased the 
lumber, hoping to be able to complete the church that fall, but the 
weather prevented it until spring. The largest cash amount paid 
by any one person previous to the dedication was $10. After pro- 
nring the material, being alone responsible for the erection 
of the church, and having but precious few dimes, we de- 
termined to experiment on the house of the Lord. We 
bougi^t a chisel, borrowed a few augers, took our old hatchet 
and went to work to make the joints, etc, and have them come 
together as near as possible as the work ot the " great temple" did. 
In this, not being carpenters, we succeeded somewhat commend- 
able. Borrowing a " stone hammer" and making a trowel of a 
stout shingle, we prepared a resting place for the former work and 
put it on it. This done, and to make a proper " finishing touch," 
we procured the services of Lacock, ot Davenport. At the dedica- 
tion, May 20, 1862, the debt of some $450 was easily liquidated. 
Dec. 25, 1865. we commenced a meeting in this church that lasted 
49 days, and the result added 34 members to the church, aside from 
those added to other churches. 

During our labors here we have added, aside from those who organ- 
ized, 56 members, a number having removed, etc.; there are but 
about 40 left. It is truly remarkable that during our labors of 
11 years as pastor of these churches, but two members have 
been removed by death. 



LE CLAIKE TOWNSHIP. 1109 

UNITED I'RESBYTEEIAN CHURCH. 
CONTRIBUTED BT A MEMBER. 

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian congregation of Le Claire 
Prairie was organized Ma}' 21,1849, the original membership be- 
ing 12. Tiie first elders were: William .Janiisoii and William 
McCool._ 

The first pastor was Rev. J. B. Clark, who served the church 
very acceptably for two years, at the end of which time he was 
killed l)y lightning. The second pastor was Rev. S. McKee, who 
served for two years, till 1859. 

For the satisfaction of persons not familiar with the origin of 
the United Presbyterian Clitirch, it is proposed to give a brief ret- 
rospect of certain ecclesiastical changes, which gave rise to the 
denomination now known by that name. 

E^rly in the last century immigrants came from Scotland and 
the North of Ireland, known as Seceders, or Associate Presbyte- 
rians, and others of substantially the same faith, knoivn as Cove- 
nanters or Reformed Presbyterians. Both being weak, and there 
being no good reason for continued separation, a union of the two 
was effected in 1782; and by combining their former names the 
denomination was thenceforth known as Associate Reformed 
Presbyterian. Thus originated that branch of the Presbyterian 
iamily in which the congregation was organized. 

But, unhappily, the union of 1782 was not satisfactory to all 
There was a remnant of each of the tormer bodies that refused to 
unite; and this remnant received considerable accession by immi- 
gration from abroad. Hence, there resulted three denomina- 
tions instead of two. Both the Associate and Associate Reformed 
bodies had prospered during the former half of the present cent- 
ury; and after considerable time spent in negotiation they uni- 
ted in 1858, and assumed the name IJnited Presbyterian. 

The United Presbyterian Church now consists of nine Synods, 
one of which is on the Pacific coast ; 61 Presl^yteries, one 
of which is in ?Egypt and one in India. Two denominational 
colleges and several academies are sustained; also two theological 
seminaries in this country besides one in Egypt. Two foreign 
missionaries are maintained by this body, that of Egypt having 
been unusually successful. Two schools are sustained among the 
freedmen, and the home missions are extensive. This brief sum 
mary of the denomination may suffice. 

Since the union of 1858 the congregation has been known by the 
new name of United Presbyterian. In 1860, Rev. S. S. Ralston, 
D. D., became pastor; these relations have continued to the pres- 
ent time, 21 years, concord and unity having generally prevailed ; 
and a good measure of success. 

Encouraging accessions have been realized every year; and the 
congregation would have become (juite large, could the people have 
been retained; but emigration has depleted its strength. 



1110 HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

Many went West in searcli ot" cheap lands. The present member- 
ship is about 120. 

The ciinreh edifice was originally 32 x 40 feet ; to which an ad- 
dition of 20 feet was made to the west end in 1866. 

Monthly collections are taken in the congregation, and weekly 
collections in the Sabbath-school, manifesting a commendable lib- 
erality in sustaining the boards of the church. Also a ladies' 
missionary societ}' has been opsrating for over 20 years, whose 
annual contributions have ranged from about $50 to $100. The 
session now consists of Elders Thomas McConnell , James Long, 
J. 0. Jamieson 

METHODIST CH0KCH. 
BY R. W. COATES. 

Methodism has ever been on the march, with the great motto : 
"The field is the world, and the world my parish." It has been 
an important factor in the growth of the country, and as far back 
as the memory of the oldest citizen there are interesting reminis- 
censes of Methodist preachers, and their methods of religious 
work. The church records were imperfectly kept in the earlier 
days, hence the value of memory in the old settlers' filling the 
blanks, whiL-h occur in the records. The first mention of the 
M. E. church in Iowa was in 1835. Two years later it was intro- 
duced into this vicinity, then a Territory. The first Methodist 
preacher in Le Claire (before it was called Le Claire) was Rev. 
Mr. Hobert. The first organization of the church here was in 
1839, with Rev. Mr. Ilolman pastor, and ever since it has had a 
regular pastor or supply, and in many respects, for over 40 years, 
has passed a useful career. Much of valuable history of tlie 
growth of Scott Count v is connected with tliis church, its mem- 
bers and ministers. We give below the names of the ministers 
who have served the church as pastors since 1839 : Rev. Ilolman, 
Joel B. Taylor, Rev. Simjjson, Rev. Burris, Sidney Wood, Joseph 
Maxon, Solomon Ingham; J. C. Smith, from 1852 '3; D. N. Holms, 
1854-'5; S. C. Freer, 1856.'7; E. C. Wortz, 1858-'9; Rev. Faulk- 
ner, 1860; Bio. Guyberson, 1861; Andrew, appointed pastor 1862; 
Rev. Mr. Henderson 1863-'4; Emory Miller, lS65-'6; Rev. Bro. 
Catlin, 1867; Elias Van Sandt (a supply), 1868; Landen Taylor, 
1869; L. S. Kiagle, 1871-'2; J. F. Baker, 1872,-'4; E. G. Waite, 
1875-'6; J. F. Wilcox, 1877-'8; W. O. Glassner, 1879; R. W. 
Coates, 1880-'81. The foUnwiiig have served as presiding elders : 
H. W. Reed, B. Weed, J. Bowman, Andrew Coleman, J. C. Ayres, 
A. J. Kynett, R. W. Keeler, Emory Miller, S. Anderson, W. 
Frank Paxton and W. Lease. 




'M.J'^^^^-^^ 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1113 

SOCIETIES. 

Snow Lodge, No. 44, A. t. c& A. J/., Le Claire. — Tliis lodge 
was instituted Jan. 4, 1854, under dispensation from tlie Grand 
Master of Iowa. Tiio ])etitioners were ,T. C Brotton, Horatio J. 
Earner, TIenry Saddonus, J. C Smith, T. J. Calloway and Wm. 
C. Evans. The first regular meeting was hehi Jan. 24, 1854, 
J. C. Brotton, W. M.. ])residing. At the meeting on M irch 10, 
Ancil Humphreys, Gran 1 Mister of Iowa, was jiresent and pre- 
sided. At this meeting A. H. Davenport, James Gamble and 
Wm. H. llewitt were made Master Masons. 

At the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, June 8, 1854, at 
Mount Pleasant, a charter was granted, and the lodge named 
"Snow Lodge, No. 44." J. C. Brotton, W. M.; H. G. Earner, 
S. W. and Ily. Saddonus, J. W. From that time forward the 
lodge has maintained its organization and held regular monthly 
meetings. Its presiding officers have been : J. C. Brotton, James 
Gamble, Carlos C. Applegate, Wm. C. Evans, Charles Kelley, 
Tho. H. L. Lee, George L. Bolton and J. VV. Rambo. 

In 1875 they purchased the ground and building on Main 
street, in which their hall is located. It is vahud at $3,000 and 
free of all incumbrance. Their present membership is 48. 

Howard Lodge, No. 55, ^4. 0. U. W., was organized March, 
1876, with the following named charter members : M. B. Harris, 
William G. Scott, Thonns James, G. L. Hiinfingfon, J. N. Cox, 
J. H. Edwards, T. J. Dodds, John Elliott, M. V. Ilolsapp, Will- 
iam Suiter, J. W. Rambo, R. A. Edwards, Andrew Stone and 
Geo. Stacv. The first officers were : M. B. Harris, M. W.; 
William G. Scott, M. W.; Thomas James J. F.; G. L. Hunting- 
ton, 0.-,J. X. Co.x, R.; J. H. Edwards, F.; T. J. Dodds, R. fi. 
C: John Elliott, Guide; M. V. Ilolsapp. W.; AVilliam Suiter, 
J. W. Rambo, R. A. Edwards, Trustees. The lodge has always 
been, and is now, in a flourishing condition, its merabeivhip con- 
stantly increasing, until it now immbers 74 in good standing-, and 
has §900 in the treasury. Meetings are held every Satui'day 
evening. The followina: nauicd are the offit-ers the fir-^t term in 
1882: E. Fowler, P. :\I. W. ; A. M. Smith, M. AV.; William A. 
Davenport. G. F.; R. 8. Hileman, O.; J. V. Pollock, R.; G. L. 
Huntington, F. ; James H. Davenport, R. ; Hugo Lumbard, Guide; 
F. A. Edwards, L W.; J. Stocker, 0. W. 

LE CLAIKE LODGE, NO. 38, I. O. O. F. 
BY DR. JAMES 0.\MBLE. 

A lodge of I. O. O. F. was organized in Le Claire in lSn2-'3, 
and for several years was in a flourishing condition. The late A. 
II. Davenport and Dr. Jas. Gambh' were among its first presiding 
officers. When in its palmiest days there were 80 members en- 
rolled. For several years previous to the war of the Rebellion 
64 



1114 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Le Claire shared in the universal business depression of the coun- 
try, to a great degree. The members of the lodge were mostly 
yoLing business men or mechanics, and were obliged to seek other 
fields for the exercise of their business or industrial faculties, so 
that tlie members gradually became so reduced that the charter 
was finally surrendered to the Grand Lodge in 1859. 

BIOGEAPHICAL. 

i?icA'f?Y7 5'trt/, hotel keep3r, Le Claire, was born in Blair Co., 
Pa., June 5, 1S19, son of Richard and Elizabeth (D.inlap) Bard, 
who were married in Franklin Co., Pa., June 3, 1806. There 
was a family of nine children, si.x sons and three daughters; four 
are now living, viz. : William, Harrison, Catherine and Ricliard. 
Tiiose who are dead are James, David, Mary, Elizabeth and John. 
In 18-14 Mr. Richard Bard left his home in Pennsylvania and came 
to Iowa, locating in Scott County, where he entered 120 acres of 
land, paying Government prices. Coming to the county in limited 
circumstances, by hard work accumulated a good property and 
home. He died" Jan. 16, 1859. Mrs. Bard died Feb. 12, 1866. 
The subject of this sketch married Miss Phoebe Livingston, July 
8, 1858, a daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Livingston, of Mercer 
Co., Pa., who came West in 1850, and are at present residents 
of Pottawattamie Co., Iowa. She was born in Mercer Co., Pa., 
May 17, 18-35. The fruits of this marriage are seven chil- 
dren, viz. : Elizabeth, Adalie, John L., Fannie L., Nettie P., Zelpha 
and Richard I. Mrs. Bard and two daughters are members of 
the Presbyterian church. They commenced their early married 
life on a farm, where they remained*for 22 years, when he moved 
to Le Claire, and embarked in the hotel business, which he has 
followed since. Has a farm of 80 acres, all under cultivation, 
valued at $50 per acre. Mr. Bard can remember when he first 
came to the county, of the people living in sod houses, log 
cabins, and prairie wolves, wild turkeys and deer were roving 
over the prairies. 

Dennis Barnes, Le Claire, Iowa, was boi-n in Essex Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 22, 1806, son of Elijah and Sally (Bogur). They 
were married in Massachusetts where two children were born — 
Laura and Lucy. Abnit 1796 he emigrated to Addison Co., 
Vt., where two more children were born— Benjamin and Thomp- 
son, where he remained about five years. He then removed 
to North Hudson, N. Y., where two children were born, Sally 
and Dennis, but shortly moved to Schroon Lake and was among 
the first settlers in that part of the country, where he re- 
mained until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when he 
enlisted and participated in the battle of PLattsburg. He then 
was ordered to Niagara where he was engagcii in the battles of 
Lundys Lane and Chippeway. His health failing he received a 
furlough to go home and got as far as Greenbush, went to the 
hospital, where he shortly after died, leaving a widow with a large 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1115 

family ot small children in a new country, perfectly destitute. 
Mrs. Barne.-? being a woman of enterprise went to work and koi)t 
the family together. l<\)r her second husband she married Mr. 
Asa Seamans. She died in Schroon. When Dennis was 19 years old 
he left his home for Troy, N. Y., when he shipped aboard a sloop 
on the Hudson River two years, lie then shipped on a schotmer 
running between New York and Charleston, S. C. Tlien made a 
tri]) to the East Indies wlucli took him one year. In the fall ot 
1S32 shipped for New Orleans, when he embarked in the steamboat 
business, which he followed for 11 years. In lS3ti married Emily 
Dauforth, of Cincinnati, 0. in 1842 came to Scott County, where 
he engaged in forming for five years. This being about the time of 
the gold fever in Calitbrnia was i)ersuiuled to sell out and go and 
seek his fortune. After making all the arrangements the man 
Cody, who was to accom])any him, gave up the notion, leaving Mr. 
Barnes in a condition so he could not go. He linally bought four 
lots in Le Claire, where lie has resided since. Mrs. Barnes died in 
Cincinnati, O., in 1859, leaving a family of three children, viz.: 
Albert, Joseph and Laura. lor his second wife married Jane 
Leonard, a widow of Geoi-ge Leonard. She died and he was again 
married, to Mrs. Mary A. Kambo, a widow of James Kambo, of 
Le Claire. 

J^eixlimoid Beckel, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire, was born 
in Baden. Germany, Dee. 17, 1817. In 1855 came to this country 
and landed in New Orleans, then came to Alden where he stopped 
a short time; trom there came to Le Claire where lie rented a farm 
for si.x years, and in I8ti0_settled on the place where he now lives. 
"Was married in Germany in 184:2 to Catherine Roth. She was 
born in 1S17. The fruit of this marriage was 12 children, viz.: 
Ferdinand, Charles, Mary, Mariah, Sophia, llellena, Josephine, 
Carlina, Ma.\, AVilhimine, Amelia and Herman. They are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church. Mr. Beckol owns 160 acres of land 
under a good state of cultivation, valued at !?50 per acre. Ferdi- 
nand was a soldier in the Union army. Second la. Vol. Inf ; served 
three years and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. 

Oeorge Birchird. retired farmer, was born in Middleton, Sus- 
quehatma Co., Pa., June 17, 1815, son of Jabez Birchard, who 
was born in New London, Conn., March 29, 1775, and Folly 
(Downer) Birchard, a native of Norwich, Conn., born April 22, 
1776. They were married in Connecticut, Jan. 27, 1799. One 
year later they moved to Susquehanna Co.. Pa., where the follow- 
ing named children were born: Mary M., born Aug. 1, 1801; 
Jabez A., Aug. 22, 1804; Fannie, Dec. 2, 1806; Charles D., Sept. 
27,1809. George, the subject of this sketch, was married Feb. 
11, 1845, to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Stockwell, ot Clark Co., 
Ind. She was born July 15, 1819. Their married life has been 
blessed with five cliildren, three living — Charles E. (born Nov. 23, 
1845; married Laura M. Edwards, Sept. 9, 1874; they have 
two children — George R., and Edna), Martha J. (born Aug. 8, 



1116 HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

1849, married Orlando B. Grisswell, Jan. Si, 1S77; they 
have one child, Sydney), Henrietta (born April 21, 1S52, married 
Edfij^r Warner, Feb 11, 1875, and has three children — Gertrude, 
Lottie and Mattie). Mr. Jabez Birchard was a weaver, which 
occupation he followed until his removal to Pennsylvania in 1800. 
He then purchased land and engaged in farming. In 1847 he 
came to Iowa and located in Pleasant Yalley Township, where he 
remained until his death, which occurred Dec. 18, 1848. His wife 
died Nov. 22, 1830. Mr. George Birchard has been identified 
with Scott County for 40 years, and is one of those pioneers who 
can look with satisfaction on the result of their labors in bringing 
this county to its present prosperous condition. He owns a tine 
property and beautiful home as the reward of years of industry 
and toil. 

Oeorge M. Boyd, attorney at law, Le Claire, Iowa, was born in 
Allegheny Co., Pa., on the 7th of October, 1846, son of Robert H. 
and Pebecca (Mc Connell) Boyd. They were married in Alle- 
gheny Co., Pa . in 1844. B\' this union there were three children 
born in Pennsylvania — George, Jennie (now engaged in teaching 
in Colorado), J^oseph (a minister of the gospel and located at Long- 
inont, Col.). Mr. Boyd by occupation was a farmer. He 
came to Scott Co., Iowa, in 1857, and located in Le C.aire Town- 
ship, where two more children were born — Samuel E. and Mary E. 
In 1867 removed to Monmouth, 111., wht-re he still resi les. The 
subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and received a classical 
education. When 23 entered the ofhce of Judge Porter, of Mon- 
mouth, 111., where he remained ab nit a year and a half He then 
returned to Scott County, where he was engaged as the principal 
of the school at Princeton. In October, 1878, was admitted to the 
bar, and has prosecuted his profession since in Le Claire. Feb. 
28, 1874. he married Flora L. Hale, a daughter .of H. L. Hale. 
She was born in New York, July, 1855. The fruit of this mar- 
riage is three children — Gertrude M., Robert H., Jr., and Mary E. 

C'lj^t. D. F. Darrence, Le Claire, was born in Rock Island Co., 
111., Oct. 5, 1843, son of P.iscal and Betsy (Clark) Darrence; his 
father a native of Rhode Island, and motjier of Massachusetts. 
They were married in Rhode Island where three children were 
born — Delos, Du Boyce and Amy. In 1842 embarkeil on a 
steamer for New Orleans, and then came up the Mississip])i River, 
his father working his pas-age to Rock Island, where he followed 
farming. He afterward located at Le Claire where they both died. 
The captain wlien a boy worked at anything he could get to do. 
He went on the river first on a raft to pull an oar, and by working 
on barges and rafts he soon learned the rapids, and in 1864 had 
succeedeil so well he was licensed as a pilot, commencing at the 
time of the low water in 1864, the lowest ever known on the river. 
With liis long experience lie is conceded one of the most trusty 
pilots on the rapids, ami has made it a financial success. Is at 
present engaged in building a boat in company with Capt. Mc 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1117 

Caften^ of Le Claire. Cii|)t. 'Dnrrance ha.'j a beautiful home in 
Le Claire, besidesa farm in Filliimre Co., Nel)., ot 320 acres, umler 
cultivation, valued at $15 per acre. Married Eliza Lancaster in 
1SG7, a widow of Silas Lancaster (deceased). She was born in 
Indiana. By this marriage tliere were four children, two of whom 
are living, viz.: Irena aiidlleichel. 

Josip/i Coe, farmer and stock- raiser, postoffice, Le Claire, was 
born in Allegheny Co., Pa., on the 2d of November, 1820, son 
of Beiijaniin and Nancy (Shields) Coe. They were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and married there about 1814, where lo children 
were born, eight of whom lived to be adults, viz.: Rebecca, Mar- 
garet, Joseph, Benjamin, Eliza J., John, James, Sarah, Mary died 
in iiifanc^'.Mr. Coe was a farmer and stock-raiser and died in 
1S73, in' Allegheny County. Mother died in 18ti2. The subject 
of this sketch was raised on a farm and received a limited educa- 
tion. When 20 years of age he left his father's home, came out and 
located in Scott Co., Iowa, in the year of 1816. The following 
sprins- he purchased 160 acres of wild land, and commenced to 
make a farm. In May, 1847, married Elizabeth Jack, a daughter 
ot James Jack, one of the early settlers of Scott County. She 
was born in Pennsylvania; she died in 1848. On Aug. 24, 1854, 
married Catherine Moyer, a daughter of John Moyer. The fruit 
of this marriage is four children, viz.: Benjamin F., Saiah J. 
(now the wife ot Mathew Wilson) John A. and Joseph C. In 
politics is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Coe are members ot the 
Presbyterian church. Mr. Coe came to the county in limited cir- 
cumstances, with $350 ready money, but by good management 
has accumulated a fine property and is one of the prosperous 
farmers of the county. He has 398 acres of land in Scott County, 
valued at $55 per acre; also has 400 acres of land in Jasper Co., 
la, valued at $40 per acre. 

James H. Davenport was born on Credit Island, Mfiy 4, 1838. 
Married Miss Sevilla Reynolds, a daughter ot Louis Reynolds, of 
Bloomington. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport have been blessed with 
five children, viz. ; Winfried, Harrison, Otho, Lewis, McCoy. In 
1867 he engaged in the mercantile business and carries a full line 
of groceries, (jueen's-ware, wooden ware and everything usually' 
kept in a first-class store. 

W. A. Davenport, one of the enterjirising grocery men of Le 
Claire, and a son of one of the piimeers of Scott County, was born 
in Le Claire on the lOtli day of June, 1856. In April, 1878, married 
Miss Kate Henderson. She was born in Le Claire, Aug. Sth, 1861. 
By this union there were two children, both of whom died in in- 
fancy. Member of Howard Lodge, Xo. 55, A. O. U. W^, of Le Claire. 
Mr. D.ivenport carries a full line of groceries, crockery, hardware 
of $2,000. 

Captain Daniel F. DawJey, Postmaster, Le Claire, was born 
in Burlington Co., Vt., Aug. 3, 1811. He was a son of Daniel and 
Hannah (Vary) Dawley, the former a native of Berkshire Co., 



1118 HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

Mass., born June 29, 1771; the latter of Eensselaer Co., N. Y., 
born in 1780 or '81. They were married in 1801, and were the 
parents of nine children. In 1818 Daniel Dawley, Sr. , moved to 
Otsego'.Co., N. Y., near Cooperstown, where he engaged in farm- 
ing. Mrs Hannah Dawley died in Vermont in April, 1815, and 
Mr. Dawley married Mary Brimmer, of German descent; by this 
union there were two children. Mr. Dawley, Sr., died Oct. 15, 1831. 
When the subject of this record was 16 years of age he was em- 
ployed in a wiiolesale grocery store in Troy, N. Y., where he re- 
mained four years. Then went to New York City and kept books 
' for three years. His health failing he was advised to go West. In 
December, 1831, started for St. Louis by boat, canal and stage; mak- 
ing the trip in 15 days. He landed in St. Louis on Christmas day. 
He went to Jacksonville, 111., where he purchased a horse and 
rode to New York City. The trip proved very beneficial as he 
gained 45 pounds. The summer following he returned to Illinois and 
engaged in tiie mercantile business in Schuyler County for two 
years. He tiien sold his interest and was employed as clerk of the 
steamer "Hero," and followed the river for 38 years, in the capacity 
of clerk and captain, doing business on nearly every navigable 
river in the West and South. In 1811 he married Sabina, daughter 
of Robert Carlton, a native of Maine, where she was born, Jan. 24, 
1822. Tliey had nine children, of whom Daniel C, Albert L., 
Arthur H., Henrietta A., S. Larma, Ganion B. and Gertrude W. 
are living. In the spring of 1881 Capt. Dawley was appointed 
postmaster of Le Claire. 

Capt. L. A. Day, Le Claire, was born in Portage Co., Ohio, on 
the6thday of September, 1837,- son of AlvaO. and Minerva (Higby) 
Day. They wei'e married Dec. 25, 1821. Qy this union there 
were three children. In 1854 his parents emigrated to Wisconsin, 
and located in Winnebago County, where they followed farming, 
and remained there until 1866, when they removed to Dodge Co., 
Minn., where tliey still reside. The Captain, when 16 years of 
age, commenced river life, and for the last 15 years had charge 
of a boat, principally running between St. L(^uis and Stillwater, 
Minn. In 1861 enlisted in the three months' service. At the 
expiration of this term of service, he rc-enlisted in the First Wis- 
consin Cavalry, and was discharged before the regiment left the 
State, on account of disability. He again enlisted in the Fifth 
Wis. Infantry, Co. K, and participated in the battles of Win- 
chester, Cedar Creek, and saw Gen. Sheridan the morning he 
came in on his 20-mile lide; also was at surrender of Gen. 
Lee, and the grand march to Washington and grand review. 
Was mustered out at Washington, and discharged at Madison. Wis. 
In February, 1863, married Matilda Noble, a daughter of W. A. 
Noble, of Wisconsin. She was born in Walworth Co., Wis., in 
1844. She died July, 1863. He again married. Miss Sarah Mc- 
Intyre, in 1865. She was born in" Madison Co., Ohio, June, 1837. 
By this union there were five children, four of whom are living — '■ 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1119 

Alva O., Lewis A., George and Alice. Emma died June, 1881. 
The Captain is a member of the Masonic f'raternitj', and a member 
of the A. O. U. W., of Le Claire, and Rodman's Council, No. 580, 
R. A., Molinc, 111. 

J. A. De Armond^ 31. D., Le Claire, Iowa. Among the voung 
practicing physicians of Scott Co., la., is Dr. J. A. Dc Armond, a 
self-made man, who, by his own exertions, has secured a position 
in the noble and iuunane calling he has chosen, such as justly to 
entitle him to great praise, and at the same time his position serves 
as an e.>;ample for young men who are not the possessors of wealth, 
but who do desire to make for themselves a name among men of 
professional worth. The Docttir was born in Blair Co., Pa., on the 
7th day of March, 1852; is the son of James D. and Catherine (Al- 
bangh) De Armond, who are natives of Jr'ennsylvania, where they 
were married and si.x; children were born, four of whom are now 
living — -David A., now an attorney at law of Dade Co., Mo., and 
at present a member of the State Legislature; James M., princi])al 
of Grammar School No. 5, Daven])ort; Wm. W., a law student ot 
Iowa City. In 1S66 Mr. De Armond left Pennsylvania, and with 
his family emigrated to Scott Co., where he stopped a short time 
in Pleasant Valley, and the following year removed to Davenport, 
where he resided until 1874, when he again removed to Dade Co., 
Mo., where he at present resides. After coming to Davenport, the 
Doctor attended the common schools for a few years, when he en- 
tered the High School. During the two years previous to gradu- 
ating therefrom,' the Doctor, being short of means, was compelled 
to teach night school in order to purchase books and defray other 
exjienses connected with his schooling. In June, 1872, he gradu- 
ated from the High School, being valedictorian of his class. After 
graduation he entered the office ot Drs. French and Grant, remain- 
ing with them for two years, and in the meantime taught school to 
pay for his collegiate course, which he entered upon in 1S74 at 
Philadelphia, in the medical department of the L^niversity of 
Pennsylvania, where he graduated witii honors in 1S76. The Doc- 
tor then returned to Scott County, and immediately commenced 
his profession at Le Claire, Iowa, where lie has remained since. 
The Doctor is still a comparatively 3'oung man, with a reputation 
for all the good (jnalities of a thorough ])li3'sician. From the be- 
ginning of his professional career he has met with Hattering success 
in the treatment of all diseases, and enjoys a reputation not com- 
mon for one of his years as a successful practitioner of medicine. 
In the Doctor's life, young men can find much to emulate with 
advantage. By his own unaided exertions he schooled himself, 
and while pursuing his professional study he practiced the strictest 
economy, and was thereby able, by teaching school, to pay his way 
through college and procure needed books. A large and increasing 
practice has rewarded the Doctor's labors. In August, 1878, he 
was married to Miss Alice M. Doughty, daughter of Thomas and 
Mary Doughty, of .Le Claire. She was born April 5, 1859. By 



1120 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

this union there was one child, Louis Grant, born in Le Claire, 
March 14, 1880. The Doctor is a member of the A. O. U. W., and 
has been medical examiner for the order in Le Claire since its 
organization. lie is also a medical examiner for the U. O. A. T., 
an insurance order havins^ a large membership in Le Claire. 

Charles P. Di.sney. coal dealer and steamboat agent, Le Claire, 
Iowa, was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Feb. 8, 1824, son ot 
Mordecai and Sarah (Tudor) Disney, natives of Baltimore, Md., 
where they were married and three children were born — Mariah, 
Elizabeth, and one died in intancy. In 1818 he left his home in 
Maryland, coming with teams acrofs Pennsylvania to Pittsburg, 
and not being able to get transportation by steamboat, he, in com- 
pany with another man, built a flat-boat, and emljarked their fami- 
lies and made for Cincinnati, Ohio, landing in the fall. "Was by 
trade a painter, but was employed, shortly after landing, in a 
wholesale paint store. Four more children were added to the i'amily, 
Edward, Charles, Alice, Clarence. In 1841 came to Iowa to look 
up a home, and being favorably impressed with the location 
around Davenport and vicinity, returned to Cincinnati, and the 
following year, in company with his family, came to Scott County, 
locating in Davenport, where he remained until 1843, when he 
purchased land in Le Claire Township, where he moved and 
opened up a farm, remaining on the same until 1851, when he sold 
out and moved to Le Claire, where he died in 1863, his mother died 
in 1866. The subject of this sketch came to the State when he 
was 18 years old where he took up the carpenter's" trade, and made 
the window frames for the tirst Methodist Espicopal church that 
was built in Davenport, and was at work for L. J. Center, a car- 

E enter and contractor. A young man by the name of Ewing and 
is brother Edward gave two days work laying brick, and when 
six o'clock came they quit, and a man by the name of Shaw asked 
them where they were going, and they said they were going home. 
Thus started the ten-hour system in Davenport with the brick- 
layers. He came to Le Claire Township with his father, and 
worked on a farm until he came to Le Claire, when, in company 
with W. F. Gault, built a cabinet shop, and embarked in cabinet 
business, which he followed until 1854, when he embai'ked in the 
mercantile business, as the firm of Disney & Stonebraker, and 
continued until 1860, when he sold his interest to W. H. 
Hewitt, and embarked in the livery business; in the meantime 
was employed by the steamboat line, which position he has held 
since. In 1854 married Elizabeth "Wilson. She was born in But- 
ler Co., Ohio, June, 1835. There were two children — one 
dying young and Charles "W. Mr. Disney has held several local 
ofiices of trust in the township. Held ithe office of mayor for 
seven years. 

T. J. Dodds, Lg Claire, Iowa, was born in Butler Co.. Pa., 
May 4, 1830, son of Jani'^s Dodds, who was born in 1 7i»6, and 
Elenore Sproll in 1803. They were married in Butler County, in 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1121 

1819, where a family of 14 children were born. Mr. James 
Dodds in early life was a farmer, and in alter years engaged in 
the tanninfr business, which he followed until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1855. Mother still living at the advanced age of 78 
years. The subject of this sketch commenced his trade when li 
years of age, which he has virtually followed since. In the year 
1860 he took a trip to the Rockies, where he spent one year pros- 
pecting, and partly for Ids health. In 1857 marjied Sarah Van- 
aken, of Erie, Pa., where she was born in 1830. By this union 
there were twochihlren — W. V. A. Dodds (who is taking ascientilic 
course in Agricultural College at Anie?, Iowa) W. V. A. I 
am pleased to mention in this sketch as an intelligent, indus- 
trious boy, who, by his own exertions jiaid his college expenses, 
by teaching through vacations, never receiving a dollar from any 
source, anil Ilattie, who died when seven years old. Mrs. 
Elonore died in xipril, IStio. June 10,1867, Mr. Dodds married 
Almira Graham. She was born in Butler Co., Pa., in 1830. 
By this marriage there were four children, three of wiioin are now 
living — Harry J., Lola B., and Aggie. Mr. Dodds is a member 
of the Masonic Snow Lodge, No. 44, having joined the lodge in 
1860, and carries a jiolicy in the Mutual Aid Association of Iowa; 
and also a ineinber of the A. O. U. W.. in \vhich he carries a policy 
of $2,000. Mrs. Dodds also is carrying a policy of $1,000 in the 
Mutual Aid Association, of which she is a.charter member. 

Ja?ties Dtdin, a. retired farmer and one of the early settlers of 
Scott County, was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Sept. 14, 1812, 
son of John and Rebecca Dulin, wiio were married in Loudoun 
County, where a family ut' six children were born, four sons and two 
daughters, all of whom have passed away with the exception of 
James. Mr. Dulin died wliea James was 14 years old, and was 
left with nothing but a good constitution. He engaged on a turn- 
pike driving cart, and afterward was employed by Stogden & Stokes 
in tlie stage business, driving in the Allegheny Mountains, between 
Ft. Cumberland, AVheeling and Washington. In 1833 he went to 
Columbus, Ohio, where he remained a short time, then to Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, where he remained five or six years. March 17, 1838, 
married Elmira Danforth, a daughter of Simeon Danforth, of New 
England, who emigrated to Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1817. By this 
union there were 11 children. In the spring of 1S43 he left Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, for Scott County, coming by water to Keokuk, where they 
found the ice, and from there by team. Being in the spring the roads 
were very rougli. Mrs. Dulin got so tired riding over the rough 
roads, would lay her boy baby in the feed box and walk behind the 
wagon. After a hard journey landed in Lo Claire Township, where 
Widow Carpenter now resides. Sold out soon after and purchased 
land on section 18. Their first cabin was a rude structure made 
out of sols covered with broad boards, wiiich would warp up after 
a rain, leaving large cracks. At one time Phillip Suiter came to 
his cabin in a storm, and Mr. Dulin placed him under a broad 



1122 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

board. Mr. Diilincame to the county empty-handed, but with a 
strong arm went manfully to work to develop his farm, and by 
judicious management accumulated a competency, and to-day is liv- 
ing at ease on his hard-earned gains. Mr. Dulin has been identi- 
fied with the county for nearly iO years, and has seen its many 
changes. 

t/atnes Ga?}ihJe, M. D., Le Claire, was born near Londonderry, 
Ireland, March 6, 1821. His parents emigrated to the United 
States when he was a mere child, and settled near Wilmington, Del., 
where they remained until 1836, when they removed to Pittsburgh, 
Pa. An older brother being engaged in the printing business, James 
and a younger brother. Dr. Thos. D. Gamble, were early initi- 
ated into the m3'steries of that art. In the spring of ISiO he re- 
moved to Warsaw, III., and in connection with the Hon. T. C. 
Sharp, published the Warsaw Signal. The paper was an ardent 
supporter of Gen. Harrison and the Whig principles of that ex- 
citing campaign, though being under age he could not vote at the 
October election of that year. When the Mormon troubles began 
in Hancock County he sold iiis interest in the Signd to his part- 
ner, and removed to New Orleans, where he commenced the study 
of medicine under the direction of the celebrated Dr. Warren Stone. 
In 1814- he came to St. Louis and entered the office of the late Prof. 
Joseph N. M'Dowell, where he remained until his graduation in 
184:7, in the medical department of the Missouri University. In 
July of that year he came to Le Claire, and at once entered upon 
the practice of his chosen profession, in the active duties of which 
he is still engaged. 

Dr. Gamble is a member of the American Medical Association, 
and of the Iowa Medical Society, of which he was treasurer in 
1857, and president in 1870. He is also one of the oldest members 
of the Scott County Medical Society, having united with it in 1857. 
He is by many years the oldest practicing physician in Scott County. 
In 1862 he served as assistant surgeon in the Third Regiment of 
Iowa Volunteer Infantry in Tennessee and Mississippi. Dr. Gam- 
ble has held many public offices in Le Claire, and is at present 
president of the School Board; is noted for liberality and the inter- 
est he has ever taken in promoting the cause of education, as well 
as many other public enterprises. In July, 181:8, he was married 
at Springfield, 111., to Eliza, daughter of Robert Goudy, Esq. 

George L. Gast, one ot the enterprising farmers of Scott Co., 
la., was born in Huntingdon County, now Blair Co., Pa., son of 
George and Susan (Leamer) Gast, natives of Pennsylvania, and of 
German descent. They were married in Huntingdon County in 1820, 
To them was born a tamily of 12 children, 10 of whom lived to be 
adults, nine of whom are now living, viz.: Henry C, George L., 
John L., William. Samuel, Jane (now the wife of James Clark), 
Sarah (wife of Michael Shriek), Margaret, Polly (wife of John 
C. Leamer, deceased), Matilda (wife of C. B.Jones). Mr. Gast was 
a former by occupation. He left his home in Pennsylvania, and 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1123 

with his I'ainilj emigrated to Scott County, where he purcliased 
wild, unbroken prairie lands, and opened up a farm, where he re- 
mained until 1S6S, when he removed to Le Claire, where he re- 
mained until his death, which occurred March 27, 1872. Mr. Gast 
died Jan. 19, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Gast were lite long members of 
the Lutheran cliurch, and were among the original members ot the 
Salem Lutheran cliurcli of Princeton. In politics was an old-line 
Whig, and at the time of the organization of the Repul)lican party 
joined them, and affiUiated with them up to the time of his death. 
Tiie subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and received a 
common-school education. He married Mary Clark, a daughter 
of J. W. Clark, of Pennsylvania, who came to the county in 1855. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gast iiave been blessed with four children, three of 
whom are living, viz.: Eila J. (now Mrs. William Hayes), Sarah A., 
James W. (deceased), and George C. Mr. Gast up to a few years 
has been extensively engaged in fanning and stock-raising, but of 
late has turned his attention to bee and fish-culture. 

WiUiii'in S. Glass, farmer, section 13, Le Claire Township; was 
born in Cambria Co.. Pa., May IS, 1810. His ]«irents were William 
and Martha (Smith) Glass; tiiey were members of the Catholic 
church. William, the subject of this sketch, was the only child. 
When ho was some three years of age he went to live with his 
uncle on a farm, wiiere he remained until he was 19, when he 
worked at the wagon-maker's trade at Watersburg. Pa., eight years; 
he then worked at Pleasant Valley, Pa., 12 years, when he came to 
Daveniwrt, Liwa, and soon after began faiining in Pleasant Valley 
Township. One year after he purciiased his present farm in Le 
Claire Township, where he has since remained. Mr. Glass married 
Miss Mary Glass, Dee. 3, 1835, she was born in Pennsylvania; her 
parents were James and Annie (Krampton) Glass. Mr. and Mrs. 
William S. Glass have had nine children, six living, viz.: Minerva; 
wife of William L. Scott; James, who married Miss Julia Shiminel, 
Mary, wife of Richard Thompson; Maria, wife of William Metteu, 
and Jliss Hazeltine and iS^ancy residing on the old homestead 
with their parents. Mr. Glass owns 160 acres of land on section 13, 
Le Claire Township, where he and family reside. He is one of 
the enterprising representative men and farmers of Scott C.ainty. 
David Hawthorn, LeClaire, la., was born in Concord Co., N. H., 
Jan. 13, 1795, a son of Peter and Tamison (Cornor) Hawthorn, 
natives of New Hampshire, who emigrated to Rutland Co., Vt., in 
1795. In 1816 Peter Hawthorn removed t^ Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, where 
he conducted a hotel until his death. The subject of this sketch mar- 
ried Annis Eddy, a native of Rhode Island. Her grandfather, Peter 
Eddy, moved to Rutland Co.,A't., at the timeof the Revolutionary war, 
but was shortly after driven off by the Indians. Mrs. Hawthorn 
was born Oct. 13, 1797. The fruit of this marriage was 11 
children, six of whom are living — Temperance (now the wife ot 
Ebenezer Scofield. deceased), John, Willis A., Wales, Robert B. 
Joseph M. after marrying moved to Cincinnati, Ohio; from thence 



1124 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

to Cliataiiqua Co., N. Y., where he followed farming and re- 
mained 15 years. Thence to Erie Co., Pa., where he lived until 
1850, when they removed to Kendall Co., 111.; remained there 
until 1856 when they came to Scott County, where they have re- 
sided since. Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorn are the oldest married couple 
in the county, if not in the State, having lived together nearly 63 
years as man and wife, and are both hale and healthy and good for 
many years. Mrs. Hawthorn has done her own house work for a 
family of three; besides that, in the last 10 years has woven 5,000 
yards of carpet. Mr. Hawthorn is 86 and Mrs. Hawthorn 81 years 
old. In politics was an old-line Deini)crat and gave his first vote 
for Jackson. 

Samuel G. Hopkins w&s, born in Huntingdon (now Blair) Co., Pa. 
July 9, 1821. He was a son of James and Mary (Turner) Hopkins, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch and Irish descent. They 
were married in Clearfield Co., Pa., Feb. 22, 1820. By this union 
there were five children, two living — Samuel G. and Miles S. 
James Hopkins died in Pennsylvania Nov. 10, 1828. Mrs. Hop- 
kins married James Long, March 9, 1813. She died Aug. 12, 1876. 
Samuel G. Hopkins was apprenticed to the tinner's trade when 17 
years old. He went to Philadelphia when he was 22 years old and 
worked at his trade there a short time, then engaged in building 
railroads in Maryland. He worked at his trade in Wheeling, Va., 
a few months then embarked in the river traffic. Pie run between 
Cincinnati and JNew Orleans. Having a shop on board his boat 
he manufactured tinware and dealt in produce. Subsequently pur- 
chased a canal boat, which he run between Pittsburgh and Pliila- 
delphia for two years, dealing in produce, whisky, etc. In 1819 
he came to Scott County. In March, 1850, in company with a 
party of men he started for California with four ox teams, making the 
journey in 165 days. They arrived at their destination with one ox 
and an Indian pony, having lost the remainder of their oxen on 
the Big Desert. They were then compelled to burn their wagons 
and plunder, with the exception of what they could load on to tlieir 
remaining ox and pony. Their provisions gave out and for seven 
days they sulisistcd on a little flour which they bought of the Mor- 
mons. Their first two years in mining were unsuccessful, but the third 
year they cleared $20 a day, Mr. Hopkins then returned to Scott 
County and purchased the farm wliere he now resides. His mar- 
riage with Harriet Young occurred Oct. 10, 1851. She is a native 
of Blair Co., Pa., born in August, 1829. Of their lamily of seven 
children six are living, Thaddeus, James, William, Harr3', Luetta 
and Mabel. In 1880 Mr. Hopkins again engaged in mining and 
has made several claims which promise richly for the future. He 
has lield several local offices of trust in the gifts of the people. He 
owns 205 acres of land, which is worth $75 an acre. Has a fine 
orchard and raises a variety of small fruits. 

Thomas Hopson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Le Claire 
Township, on the place where he now resides, Feb. 22, 1816, son 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSUIl'. 1125 

of William and Rosetta (Hubbard) Ilopson. Father a native ot 
Kentucky, and mother, of Indiana. They were married in Wis- 
consin. By this union there were nine ciiildren, seven of whom 
are living— George L., Mary A., Willis, AVin. H., Alonzo, Madi- 
son and Tiiomas. Mr. IIf)pson came to Iowa and located on 
the place where the subject of this sketch now resides, made 
a farm where he resided until he died, in 1868; mother still liv- 
ing in Princeton, Scott Co., la. Mr. Ilopson owned 335 acres of 
land and was one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. In 1877 
Mr. Thomas IIo])son married Mary Van Aken, a daughter of 
Benjamin and liebecca Van Aken; father of Pennsylvania and 
mother of Indiana. She was born in Le Claire Township, Jan. 
23, 1861. The fruit of this marriage is two children — ^Clara, 
born Apr. 2, 1879; William Harr^-, born Aug. 7, 1881. In 
politics lie is a Democrat; has 135 acres of land, valued at $50 
per acre. Mr. Ilopson has been identified with the county all 
his life, and has seen its many changes. 

Samuel Ilubhdl, farmer, Le Claire, was born near Cincinnati, 
O., Aug. 2, 1809, son of Daniel and Cbristianna (Miller) Hnbbell. 
Father a native of New Jersey and mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ilubbell were married in Ohio. To them nine children 
were born, four living — Thomas, Catharine, Susan and Samuel; 
Mr. Hubbell died in Illinois. The subject of this sketch 
when 16 years of age learned the ship carpenter's trade, which 
he followed for 20 years, on the lakes. In ISIO he married Ann 
Moore, a daughter of John and Mary (Picking) Moore. She was 
born in York Co., Pa., Oct. 6, 1813. The fruit of this mar- 
riage was one child — Agnes, now the wife of Jacob Garlow, and 
resides in Princeton Township, Scott Co., la. In 1846 Mr. Hub- 
bell emigrated to Jackson Co., la., where he purchased a farm and 
followed farming. At that time there were plenty of deer, wolves, 
turkeys and all kinds of wild game. They moved into a log 
cabin, covered with clapboards, 16 x 20, with a mud and stick 
chimney of the rudest kind. In 1864 he sold his place and pur- 
chased a farm in Le Claire Township, where he has resided since. 
In politics he was an old-line Wliig, and at the time of the 
organization ot the Republican ])arty he joined them, and has 
affiliated with them since. He has a line farm on the shore of 
the Mississippi under a liigh state of cultivation. 

Richard Unlet, retired farmer, was born in Grand Isle, Vt., 
Oct. 31, 1818, son of Benjamin and Robey (Peters) Unlet. Father 
born Feb. 27, 1788; mother born May 12, 1785. They were mar- 
ried about ISlrt, and had eight childi'en. Benjamin Ilulet, Sr. , 
was in the war of 1S12 and participated in all the engagements on 
Lake Champlain, and while in the arm}' met his father, not know- 
ing that he was in the service. In 185-1: he came to Iowa, where 
his mother died; father died in Joliet, 111. The subject of this 
sketch, when 1-1 years of aire, left his home in West Port, N. Y., 
and went to Addison Co., Vt., where he lived for two years, then 



1126 HISTOET OF SCOTT COrNTT. 

returned to West Port and remained until lie was 21 years of age. 
He then worked on a farm and in a saw-mill for three years, and 
in the fall of 1843, having heard much of the broad prairies of 
Iowa, and being advised by his employer, he left Northern New 
York, in company with Hiram Stacy and Myrou Stone, for Iowa. 
Coming to the country in limited circumstances he worked by the 
day and month for a couple of years. In 18i5 went to Black River, 
Wis., and built a mill and remained one year, when he sold his 
interest and commenced trafficking on the river, which he followed 
until 1852, when he commenced to open up a farm. In 1851 he 
married Delia Ann Stone, a daughter of Henry and Abigail Stone. 
She was born in West Port, N.^Y., Apr. 30, 1822. There were 
three children born, viz.: Eva (now the wife of Francis Lambach), 
Frank and Richard G. Mr. Hulet has a farm of 200 acres under 
cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. He enlisted Aug. 25, 1862, 
in the 20th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company K, 
and served nearly three years. He participated in the battle of 
Prairie Grove and siege of Vicksburg, where he was wounded in 
the leg with a minie ball. After the capture of Vicksburg he 
was sent to Memphis and laid in the hospital 22 months, when he 
was discharged May 25, 1865. 

Robert Hunter, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire Township, 
was born in alitilin Co., Pa., March 28, 1818, son of John and Mar}' 
Hunter, of Irish descent. They were married in Ireland and imme- 
diately started for the United States, landing in Philadelphia, and 
thence to Mifflin County where there was a family of eight children 
born. In afterlife his parents moved to Allegheny County, where 
they died. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and 
received his education at a subscription school. When 27 years of 
age he married Eliza Jane Coe, a daughter of Benjamin Coe, of 
Allegheny Co., Pa., where she was born Feb. 15, 1825. The fruit 
of this marriage was nine children, eight living — Joseph, a practicing 
physician of Dubuque, Iowa; Luretta J., now the wife of Augustus 
Culburtsen; Mary A., now the wife of Harvey Robinson; Sarah, now 
Mrs. James White; Margaret E. ; Eliza Bell; Adie M., whc died in 
infancy, John A. L. and Robert S. In 1854 he left his home in Penn- 
sylvania and came to Iowa and located in Le Claire Township, 
upon the place where he now resides. He purchased 160 acres 
of land, 40 acres of which were partially improved and had a small 
log house on it, in which they lived the first year; a large and com- 
modious dwelling-house has taken its place. Mr. Hunter has 209 
acres of land, ISO under a high state of cultivation, the whole of 
which is valued at $50 per acre; has also 215 acres of land in Boone 
Co., Iowa, valued at $50 per acre. In politics was an old-line 
Whig, and at the time of the organization of the R-jpublican party 
he joined them and has affiliated with them since. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hunter are members of the Old School Presbyterian cliurch. 

Andrew Jack was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., Dec. 30, 1827. 
His parents were James and Eliza (Crawford) Jack, natives of the 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1127 

KeN'stone State, where they were married July 3, 1S23. Tliey had 
seven children. In 183S James Jack made a tour through the 
West comini^ by river to St. Louis, where he purchased a pair of 
ponies and drove to Scott County. He bought a claim here, paying 
§600 and giving iiis ponies in part payment. He returned to his 
home in Pennsylvania on foot, traveling some days 50 miles a day. 
The following year he brought his family to Scott County, arriving 
here on the 10th day of April. Being in limited circumstances he 
was forced to hire money to pay for his land, paying an interest of 
50 per cent. In ls4!i he came to Le Claire Townshiji, and embarked 
in the mercantile business, in corajiany with Rogers »i: Daven- 
port, which continued until lSo2; subsequently removed to Le 
Claire, where he resided until his death, Sept. 20, 1871. His wife 
followed him Jan. 10, 1S77. The subject of this memoir was mar- 
ried in January. 1851, to Martha Jemison, a native of Westmoreland 
Co., Pa., born Jan. 28, 1829; her parents were William and ilartlia 
Jemison. Mr. and Mrs. Jack, had one child, John C, born March 
4, 1852, and died Jan. 23, 1S73. Mr. Jack owns 205 acres of land, 
160 under good cultivation, and estimates its value at $60 an acre. 
Tfiomas Jamcx, retired farmer, was born in South Wales, son of 
John and Mary (Davis) James, who emigrated to the United States 
and located in Ohio. In 1835 Thomas came to Ohio and was ap- 
prenticed to the tailor's trade and remained here a couple of years. 
In 1S14 went to Missouri. In 1815 went to Dubuque, Iowa, and in 
the spring of 1816 enlisted in the Mexican war, in what was known 
as Maj. Clark's Flying Artillery, their first rendezvous being at 
Leavenworth. He first enlisted in the Missouri Militia, but was after- 
ward transferred to the Government service; was at the insurrection 
in New Mexico at the time Gov. Chas. Bent was killed; from there 
went to Lanbooth hauling their artillery across the mountains in 
the snow by hand; participated in two engagements at L'^as Yalle\' 
under Gen. Sterling Price; from there he went to Luntan Tonce, 
where the wife of Kit Carson lived, and remained about five days; 
he afterward returned to Santa Fe and went into camp. From 
there was sent to the lied River country to fight the Indians. In 1847 
was discharged and returned to St. Louis, thence to Ohio, aad from 
tliere he went to the pineries of Wisconsin, where he was engaged 
for five years, when he came to Princeton, Scott Co., improved a farm 
and purchased other land. In 1851 married Elizabeth Beers, a 
daughter of Peter Beers, a native of Ohio, who emigrated to Iowa 
in 1841, and located in Des Moines County, where they remained 
until 1851. ^Irs. Boers died in Burlington while Mr. Beers was in 
California. lie returned in 1856 and settled in Decatur Co., la., 
where he is still living. Mrs. James was born in Richmond, 
Wayne Co., lud. By this marriage there wore four children, three 
of whom are living — Florence, Fannie J., Albertine. Mr. James 
has always taken an interest in the public schools, and has man- 
fully worked for the support of the same. He was a director for 
about 20 years. 



1128 HISTOEY OF SCOTT OOrNTT. 

TJsher M. Kehey, farmer, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., in the 
year 1834, son of William J. and Isabell (Burns) Kelsey, 
natives of Ireland, where they were married, and imme- 
diately started for the United States and located in Pennsyl- 
vania, where five children were born, viz.: James, John, Henry, 
Mary, Harriet. In 1843 he emigrated to Iowa, and settled in 
Le Claire Township. He traveled on foot to Dubuque, to enter his 
land. Mr. Kelsey came to the county a poor man, only having 
$100 in cash, with which he bought his 80 acres; but by hard work, 
he accumulated a fine property, owning, at the time of his death, 
450 acres of land. In politics lie was a Democrat. He died Dec. 
16, 1877. His mother died July 28, 1S70. The subject of this 
sketch was reared on a farm, and received a limited education. 
His first scliooling was in an old blacksmith shop, owned by James 
Jack. After his parents came to Iowa there were five children 
born — Elizabeth, WilliamD., and Jsme. Two died in infancy. Mr. 
Kelsey has 143 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre, $7,150; 40 
acres of timber, $10 per acre, $1,600. Total, $S,750. In politics 
he is a strong Democrat, and has held several local ofKces of trust. 
In 1862 he enlisted in the Second Iowa Cavah-y, Company C, 
being a recruit. He joined the regiment at La Grange, Tenu., 
immediately after the second battle of Corinth, and was following 
Price to Cufieeville, Miss. He participated in all the engage- 
ments in the regiment up to the battle of Tupalo and Guntown. 
He was discharged at Salina, Ala., and also at Davenport. low^a, 
in October, 1865. Mr. Kelsey is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and also of the A. O. LI. W. 

Francis Lumbach was born in Prussia, near the River Rhine, 
Nov. 17, 1812. When 14 years of age he was apprenticed to the 
trade of hricklayer and mason, where he remained two years. In 
1838 he left his native country and embarked on a sailing vessel 
f jr the United States, taking 75 days to make the voyage. He 
landed in Xew York about the middle of July. After remaining 
in New York a short time lie went to St. Louis, Mo., where he 
remained until 1839, when he boarded the steamer Des Moines 
and came to Port Bj-ron, where he crossed the river to Iowa. The 
town of Parkhurst being just commenced, and wishing to build up 
their new town, Capt. Eads and Mr. Parkhurst gave liiinself and 
brothei-s a lot, if thej' would put up a building. He and his 
brothers spent two winters working at their trade in Dubuque and 
Galena. In 1841, purchased land and commenced to open up a 
farm. In 1842 he built a small stone house, which bears the in- 
scription of A. D. 1842 over the door. In December of the same 
year he married Armelia McElyea. By this union there were eight 
children, four of whom are living, viz.: Helena (now tlie wife of 
William Hafkey), Matilda, Francis (who married Miss Eva Hulet i, 
and Louisa. Mr. Lambach runs his farm in connection with his 
trade, and has done the work on some of the substantial buildings 
of Davenport. He has 70 acres of land under a good state of cul- 




fF'ceo'f ^/&^;^ 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1131 

tivation, valued at $75 per acre. Mrs. Lambach is a member of 
the Christian church of Le Claire. 

Jacob Long, fanner and stock-raiser, Le Claire, la., was born in 
Blair Co., Pa., Nov. 27, sm of Jacob and Magdaleiia I'acht. By 
this union there was a family of 11 children, eight of whotn are 
living, viz. : Peter, David J., Jacob, Martin, Susannah, Elizabeth, 
Margaret and Sarah. Mrs. Long died in 18-12 leaving a large 
family to niouru her loss. Mr. Long again married, Mrs. Mary 
Hopkins, a widow of James Hopkins. Mr. Long died April 29, 
1S77. Mrs. Long died in Le Claire, July 22, 1S76, where Mr. Long 
first located after coining to the county in 1851. The sulrject of 
this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common -school 
education. When 15 years of age he learned the tradeof a carpenter 
and joiner which he followed until he came to Scott County. Dec. 
20, 1854, married Elizaiieth Davidson. She was born in Blair Co., 
Pa., June 7, 1835. By this union there was a family of six 
children, viz. : William, born Jan. 28, 185(5; Edmund, born May 
19, 1857; James E., born June 18, 1862; Mary Ann, born Aug. 
17, 1870; Sarah M., born March 10, 1873; Aramelia, born Jan. 4, 
1876. Mr. Long has loS acres of land under cultivation, valued 
at $65 per acre. In politics Mr. Long was an old-line Whig, 
but at the time of the organization of the Republican party joined 
them and has affiliated with them since. 

Rohert Lowrij, retired farmer, was l)orn in Huntingdon, now 
Blair Co., Pa., Jan. 12, 1827, son of Lazarus Lowry, wlio was 
born June 1, 1794, and Sidney Holiday, born Aug. 22, 1792. They 
were married in Huntingdon Co., Pa., where 10 children were 
born, three of whom are living — John 'IL, born April 17, 1817, 
of Le Claire; Robert, and Lazarus, Jr., born June 17, 1830, of Rock 
Island Co., III. Mr. Lowry by occupation was a farmer, which he fol- 
lowei] until the fall of 1850, when he emigrated to the West. He spent 
the first winter in Muscatine, then came to Le Claire, purchased a 
farm, where he remained until his death. Mother died in Le Claire. 
In politics he was an old-line Whig and at the time of the or- 
ganization of the Republican party joined them. They were mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church and were staunch members and 
did much for the interest of the church. The subject of this 
sketch was raised on a farm and received a limited school edu- 
cation. Came to the county at the time of his parents and has 
followed farming principally since. Has 332 acres of land, 300 
under a high state of cultivation, all of which is valued at §65 
per acre. Mr. Lowry is one of the substantial farmors of the 
county. In ])olitics he is a Republican. 

Ciipt. John McOaffer;/, Le Claire, la., was born in Irelaml, 1842, 
son of Jatnes and Mary (Murray) McCaffrev, natives of Ireland, 
who emigrated to the United States when the ('aptain was a mere 
child, and located in St. Louis, where he resided until his death, 
which occurred in 1850. Mother died about the same time leav- 
ing a family of five children, viz.: Mary (now the wife of Henry 
65 • 



1132 HISTOET OF SCOTT COrNTY. 

Spinsby), Phillip, Kate (qow the wife of George Truraley), Sarah , 
(now tlie wife of Stephen Rhodes), and John. The Captain com- 
menced his river life in 1S56, as a raft hand, and he said then if 
he got tlirough with his trip he would leave the river, but becoming 
acquainted with the life still prosecuted the business. In the spring 
of 1864 he took charge of boat and ran the iirst lumber raft from 
Reed's Landing, and has been engaged in the same business since. 
March 2i, 186S, married Miss Sarah J. Davenport, a daughter of 
A. J. Davenport, an early settler of Scott County, where she was 
born Oct. 10, 1844. The fruit of this marriage was four sons, 
three of whom are living, viz.: Frank D., born Aug. IS, 1869; 
Henry S., born Sept. 29, 1870; Jack, born March 21, 1873. The 
Captain came to Le Claire in 1856, where he has resided since. 

J. H. McCoy, hardware, Le Claire, was born in Galatin Co., 
III., Jan. 30, 1836, son of William and Mary (Henderson) 
McCoy, natives of A^irginia. They were married in Galatin Co., 
111. The family consisted of seven children, four of whom lived 
to be adults, viz.: J. IL, Nancy J. (who was the wife of John 
Sim), Annetria (wife of George Watts), Samuel M. Mr. McCoy by 
occupation was a fanner and died in Galatin County in 1840. 
Mother died in 1849. In politics he was an old-line Democrat. 
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a 
common-school education. When 21 years of age he engaged, in 
company' with John Gilbert and James McCoy, in buying horses 
for the Mexican war. Afterward ran a wood yard on the Illinois 
river for a few years. Thence to Le Claire, where he embarked in 
the livery business in company with Richard Buskirk for a short 
time; he sold out this but afterward bought it back in company 
with C. S. Disney, afterward selling to J. II. Davenport. He then 
went to Port Byron where he again engaged in the livery business, 
which he ran for two years; at this time he was married to Eliza 
Reynolds, of Pekin, 111. He then started a livery stable in 
company with A. F. Stonebroker for a short time. He then em- 
barked in the mercantile business in company with Win. and John 
Allen, of Port Byron, which did not prove a success. He then 
returned to Le Claire, where he went into the saloon business for 
13 years. At present is engaged in the hardware business, carries 
a stock of $2,-500 to §3,000, and the only regular store in the city. 
William McGinnis. Br., farmer; postoffice, Le Claire; was born 
in County Antrim, Ireland, May, 1815, son of John and Esther 
McGinnis, natives of Ireland, where they were married and seven 
children were born. When 16 years of age he came to the United 
States and located in Philadelphia, where he had a brother, who 
had previously sent him some school-books from Philadelphia, and 
among them was the speech of Henry Clay on the freedom of 
America, which caused a desire to visit this country. After arriv- 
ing in Philadelphia he got employment in a cotton factory, where 
he remained nearly two years, accumulating some money during 
that time. 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1133 

He came to Galena, 111 ., at tliat time one of the principal busi- 
ness centers of the Northwest, where he was employed in Burton's 
smelting works for a few months; then went to Plattvllle, where he 
followed mining five years. Saved some money and made a 
claim in Jo Daviess Co. ,111.; he made some improvements and sold 
it for §S0o. After selling his farm lie made a trip down the river, 
where he purchased sugar, coffee, apples, etc., and took them to 
Galena and sold them. On his first trip up the river Mr. McGin- 
nis was delighted with Davenport, and in his second trip his at- 
tachment became so strong for this section of country, that he came 
and made his claim, and afterward purchased 160 acres of land. 
Having wild-cat money he was forced to pav 15 per cent, in ex- 
change for money to purciiase his land. In ISll he built iiis first 
log cabin. In iSlS married Miss Mary Canijibell, a daughter of 
John Campbell. Slie was born June 22, 1821. By this union there 
were 12 children, eight of wlioin are living, viz.: John C, Esther M., 
Martha J., Eliza L., Isapiienia, William H., Barclay J., Preston H. 
Mr. McGinnis came to tiiis country when a pojr boy, and to 
Iowa when it was in its infancy, and by hard work and good judg- 
ment has accumulated a fine property and home, and is one of 
the representative farmers of the county. Has 360 acres of valu- 
able land, worth $75 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis are mem- 
bers of the Ciiristian church Mr. McGinnis is one of the pio- 
neers of Scott County, and has done much for the elevation of its 
morals and institutions. 

Nicholas M ill er was born in Clermont Co., O., Oct. 15, 1815, a 
son of John B. and Annie Miller, who were married in Clermont 
County, and were the parents of seven children, three living — 
Jacob, John B. and Mohdey. John B., Sr., followed farming in 
early life. In later years he followed the river trade, carrying 
farm produce from Louisville, Ky., to New Orleans, making three 
trips in two years. While on one of these trips, during the yellow 
fever epidemic of IS2.j, he was'takon sick and died, and was buried 
on Fairchild's Island. The mother died two months after, leaving 
a family of orphan children to battle with the world. They all suc- 
ceeded in getting good homes, and are now influential farmers. 
The subject of this sketch was bound out to Ilenry Lutz, of Clark 
Co., Ind.,and remained with him until his 21st year. He then 
learned the millwright's trade, wliicli he followed two years; then 
engaged in farming. He was married to Jane Providence Clieno- 
weth, P^eb. 27, 1810. Her father was Absalom Ciienoweth, of 
Warwick Co., Ind., where she was born in 1824. The fruit of 
this union was five children; fourare living, viz.: Mary J., Henri- 
etta, Josai)liine and Marion; one died in infancy. In ISKJ he left 
his home in Indiana, and catne to Scott County, where he landed 
on the !Uh day of April, and settled in Blue Grass Township, where 
lie remained but a few months, being the only house they could 
obtain at the time. Putting up a temporary house on th^ place 
where he now lives, he moved his family into it and commenced 



1134 raSTOEY OF SCOTT COtJNTr. 

to open his farm, and a large and commodious dwelling-liouse has 
taken the place of the cabin. Mr. Miller has the premium farm of 
the county, with grounds beautifully laid out, with nearly e%'ery kind 
of evergreen growing in his yard. Mr. Miller has a farm of 281 
acres of land under a high state of cultivation, and all the surround- 
ings which go to make up a beautiful home. 

John Afoore, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire, was born near 
Londonderry, Ireland, March 4, 1813, son of Samnel and Mary 
(Teas) Moore. They were married in 1810. Hy this union there 
were nine children. In 1849 Mr. Mooie emigrated to the United 
States and located on section 19, Le Claire Township, Scott Co., 
son and dauuhter coming as early as 1836. The subject of this 
sketch kft Ireland for the United States in 1834 and landed in 
Philadelphia, where lie followed the weaving business for six 
years. From there went to Pittsburgh and worked as a laborer about 
a year and a half. Having a sister in that vicinity he thought of 
settling, but hearing much of the broad prairies of the West he con- 
cluded to come and see for himself. Being favorably impressed 
with the country, he settled on section 19, Le Claire Township, 
where he has resided since. The fii-st winter was spent in a cabin 
with his brother-in-law; the following spring he built a log cabin 
upon his brother's place w'here he remained six .years, and in the 
mean time made a claim where he now lives. There were but a 
few neighbors on the prairie, their cabin being the farthe.-t west at 
the time. He married Mary Stewart Dec. 29, 1836. She was born 
in Ireland in 1816 and came to ihe United States in the same 
vessel with Mr. Moore. The fruit of this marriage was 10 chil- 
dren, five of whom are living, viz.: Samuel D., John P., Rebecca 
J., Elizabeth, Malinda S. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of 
the Old School Presbyterian church, and were members of the first 
organization in the township. Has been identified with the 
count}' from its infancy and has seen its various changes. He 
came to the county in limited circumstances, but by hard work and 
good management has accumulated a fine property and home; has 
120 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, valued at $65 
per acre; 20 acres of timber land, valued at §75 per acre. Ilis 
sister Mary, who came to the LTnited States in 1836, died some 
years later by the bite of a rattlesnake, about 1845. 

Benjamin I*. Moore was born in Blair County, Pa , on the 21st 
day of October, 1830, son of David II., born Jan. 2S, 1798, and 
Caroline Ltiwry, born March 28, 1800. Tliev were married in 
Blair Co., Pa'., Dec. 28, 1819, where a tam'ily of 10 children 
was born, viz.: Elizabeth, born April 5, 1821. died Sept. 30, 1867; 
Mary F., born Nov. 9, 1822, died Oct. 13, 1861; Lazarus L., May 
26, 1824; KaturaM., born Oct. 5, 1826, died June 28, 1853; 
Peninah E., born Oct. 1, 1828, died Sept. 23, 1864; and Benj. F. 
Two died in infancy — David H., born Aug. 24, 1836, died April 
4, 1858; Robert A.', born July 8, 1840, died Jan. 31, 1858. David 
H. Moore in the spring of 1S54 left his home in Pennsylvania with 
his family and emigrated to Scott Co., Iowa, locating in 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1135 

Davenport Township, where he ])urcliased a farm and remained 
until his death, whicli occurred Sept. 25, 1862; mother died Oct. 9, 
1874. Mr. and Mn. M lore were life-long members of the Presby- 
terian church, and were lionest, ujiright and respected citizens. 
The subject of this sketch married Miss Catharine Ililman, a 
daughter of Phillip Hileman, Jan. 17, 1S54. She were born in 
Blair County, Pa., July +. 1831. By this union there were lo chil- 
dren, viz.: Rebecca P., born Xov. 4, 1854; Caroline B.. boruDec. 
1, 1856; Edena K., born Mav 22, 1859; David A., born Jan. 12, 
1861, died May 17, 1870; Amelia B., born Jan. 29, 1863; Evaline 
K., born Oct. 13, 1865; Lillie Mav, born July 3, 1878; Prank L., 
born April 12, 1870; Cora B., b )rn May 18, 1823; Lydia M., born 
Oct. 1, 1875. Immediately afcer marrying h'i came to Scott Co., 
and embarked in farming in Lincoln Township, where they re- 
mained until 1ji76, when he removed to Le Claire, where he has 
resided since. Has 143 acres of land under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, valued at 875 per acre; also 32 acres of land in the city 
limits of Le ('laire, valued at 84,000. 

John B. Peaalee was born in New Boston, N. H., on the lOtli 
of September, 1824, son of Ezekiel and Eliza (Balch) Peaslee. 
Father, a native of Lewiston, Me., mother of Xew Ilainpsiiire, 
where they were married and where six children were born. Father, 
by occu])ation, was a farmer, and when John B. was one year old 
he moved to Danvers, Mass., and remained in that vicinity until 
he was 14 years old. He then moved to Franklin Co., N. Y., 
where they remained until 1844. when he came to Scott Co., 
lovva; came by teams to Ogdensbnrg where they took a boat, 
and while on the lake was struck by a hurricane, and was blown 
ashore at Stoney Point, 12 miles from Oswego, losing all their 
worldly effects but a team of horses and wagon. They made their 
way to Oswego where a ])ortion of the family took a boat, his 
father and brother coming through with a team. Father, brother, 
team and little dog lived on 36 cents a day while making the 
trip, John B. working his ])assageon a propeller, and from Chicago 
walked to this place, not having a cent in his pocket. His father 
.came to Rock Isl ind and thence to Port Byron, crossing the river 
to Le Claire on the ice; his mother came near losing her life while 
crossing. The first year rented land near the river, and the next 
season moved on to a farm owned by James Jack, where tiiey lived 
in a log cabin f>r four years. In the meantime John B. worked 
on the river and accumulated money enough to jiurchase 160 acres 
of land at $1.00 per acre. They then moved on'to the place build- 
ing a sod house in which they lived four years, then moved to the 
house where they now reside. He died Jul}' 14, 1S79; mother died 
Dec. 22, 1867. Mr. John B. Peaslee was married to Isabella L. 
Barr, Mov. 1, 1855. She was a daughter of James Barr, a native 
of Scotland, and was born May 23, 1834, in Allegheny Co., Pa. 
The fruit of this marriage is two children, viz.: Eliza J., born 
Jan 2, 1857, and the wife of Benj. F. Coe; and Walter J., born 



1136 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Nov. 28, 1S59. Mr. Peaslee has 160 acres of land allot which is 
under a high state of cultivation; value, $65 per acre. 

Kdward Perry, fanner and stock-raiser, Le Claire, was born in 
Delaware Co., O., about 1818, son of David and Mary{Pugh) 
Ferry, who were among the early settlers of tiiat county. There 
was a family of 13 children ; 12 lived to be adults. His father was 
a farmer and lived and died in the same county. The subject of this 
sketch was reared on a farm, and received a limited scliool education 
When 21 years old learned the trade of plasterer. In 1865 mar- 
ried Miss Athiel N. Brown, a daughter of John and Candis 
(Langenway) Brown, natives of Canada. She was born Oct. 19, 
1846. The fruit of this marriage is three children — Edmer, 
Edward and Tilla. In 1816 came to Iowa where he purchased 
the land he now owns, and made a farm and worked at his trade. 
Mr. Perry made a trip to California in 1852 where he worked in 
the mines, and in 1855 returned by water to New York. In August, 
1862, he enlisted in the 2d Iowa Cavalry, Company C, and was in 
all the skirmishes up to Colliusville, Tenn., where he was wounded 
by a minie ball in the breast, and feels its effects until this day, 
which caused him to leave the army, securing an honorable dis- 
charge. Has the bullet which struck him. Has 187^ acres of 
land, 120 acres under cultivation, valued at $50 per acre. In poli- 
tics is a Democrat. 

Evan J. Perry was born in Delaware Co., O., Oct. 27, 1822. 
He was a son of David and Mary (Pugh) Perry, of Welsh descent. 
They were married in Wales, and immediately started fur the 
United States, landing in Baltimore, Md., where they remained a 
short time, thence to Delaware County. Thej' had 13 children. 
Their eldest son, David, was the first white child born in that 
county. Mr. Perry was among the pioneers of Delaware Countj'. 
Previous to leaving there the Indians became very troublesome, 
and manv times they were driven from their homes. At one time 
his father had loaded his family into a lumber wagon and started 
for the Fort, and while on his way one of the children fell out. He 
did not miss the child until one of his neighbors brought it to 
him. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and received, 
a common-school education. In 1846 he left his home in Ohio and 
came to Iowa, and located in Le Claire Township, where he took 
up land and made a farm. In 1858 he was united in marriage 
with Isaphronia Pollock. By this union there were three chiU 
dren — Walter, Mary A. and Joseph. Mrs. Perry died Jan. 23, 
1865. He again tAarried in 1867, Mary Suiter, a widow of Phillip 
Suiter. One child was born which died young. Mrs. Mary Perry 
died in the fall of 1868. Mr. Perry married his present wife, 
Margaret McKinney, March 10, 1870; she was born in Delaware 
Co., O., Oct. 9, 1836. Mr. Perry has 28 acres of land in the 
city limits, valued at $5,000. 

M'do M. Pollock, Le Claire, Iowa, was born in Washington Co., 
Pa., May 26, 1812, son of Dr. Joseph and Pachael (Moorehead) 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1137 

Pollock. They were married in Pennsylvania in ISO!). By tiiis 
union there were ten cliildren, nine of wliom are liviiifr, viz.: Peri- 
ander, Milo M., Carniilla, Josephine, Hiram, Balinda, Adeline, 
Laura, Isaphronia. Dr. Polloclc was a practicing physician in Wash- 
ington Co., Pa., for seven years. He tlien bought a farm in Beaver 
County, wiiere he remained 10 years; from there went to Law- 
rence County, where lie l)uilt a small boat and followed the river 
for several years. Milo M., at tlie age of 12 yeai-s, was employed 
as clerk in a store for two years. He then rented his father's 
mills and ran them three years. In 1837 he married Mary Ann 
Van Horn, a daughter of Samuel Van Horn, Sr., a native of Penn- 
sylvania, where slie was. born in 1815. There was a family of ten 
children, four of whom are living — Milo, James V., Emiline, Ger- 
trude. Mrs. Pollock died in 1S72. She was a member of the Chi-is- 
tian church, and was highly respected by all who knew her. Mr. 
Pollock has been identified with the county 35 years, and has lived 
to see its many changes; has 120 acres of land, valued at $10 per 
acre. In politics is a Republican. 

Carlide Pollock, farmer, was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., June 1, 
1835, son of John and Sarah (Mc Call) Pollock, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, Tlicy were married in Crawford Co., Pa., in 1828. 
There was a family of nine children, four ofVliom are living, viz.: 
Addison, Amanda, Isabel!, Carlisle. Mr. John Pollock was a me- 
chanic by trade, which he followed for some years. Afterward was 
engaged on t]ie»river, between New Castle and Pittsburg, on a 
packet. He then moved to Rochester, Pa., where he embarked in 
the.lumber trade. In the spring of 1850 came to Scott Co., la., 
where he built a mill, which business he followed a short time. 
He died in 1879; mother died in the sameyear. The subject of this 
sketch was raised on a farm, and recived a common-school educa- 
tion. In 1860 married Harriet A. Smith, daughter of Martin O. W. 
and Harriet C. (Bertis) Smith. Mr. Martin O. W. Smith came to 
Scott County, as near as can be learned, about 1823, from Pennsyl- 
vania, and followed tra])])ing for a number of years, when he lived 
among the Indians. He built his cabin on Fuller's Island, which 
is now known as Smith's Island. He built the first frame building 
in Le Claire proper, which is still standing; was one of the first 
rapids pilots, which he followed for years. "While taking a flat- 
boat to Davenport was drowned oti' the head of Campbell Island, 
in the spring of 1816. He was in the war of 1812, in which he 
took an active part. He was well thought of among the Indians, 
and acted in the capacity of interpreter. Mrs. Carlisle Pollock was 
born in Le Claire Township, April 25, 1814. She is the mother of 
three children — Rosa M., born June 8, 1861; William S., born 
July 29, 1S63; Hugh II., born Aug. S, 1S6(;. Mr. and Mrs. Pol- 
lock are members of the AI. E. church of Le Claire. 

Willii/m Porter, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Donegal, 
Ireland, in 1817, son of James and Isabell (Irvine) Porter, who 
were married in Ireland, and raised a family of nine children, eight 



1138 HISTOET OF SUOTT COUNTY. 

of whom are livino; — William, Joseph, John, James, Samuel, Fin- 
ley, Robert, Mary, Jane. The subject of this sketch, in Ma}', 1844, 
married Ann Buchanan. Slie was born in Donegal, Ireland. He 
immediately started for the United States; landed in New York, 
where he was employed in a rolling mill, and remained four years. 
In May, 1848, came to Scott County, and located on the place where 
he now resides; entered land, and fcom the wild, uncultivated 
prairie has made a beautiful farm. Mrs. Porter died in 1879, leav- 
ing a family of five children — Isabel!, Eliza Jane, Mary, William, 
and Samuel. Mr. Porter came to the county a poor man, having 
about $150 ready mone^', but having a strong arm and good con- 
stitution, went manfully to work, and by good judgment and econ- 
omy has accumulated a fine property, and is one of the large and 
well-to-do farmers of the county; has 400 acres of land, valued at 
$65 per acre. Mr. Porter married for his second wife Mrs. 
Martha Kerb}', widow of James F. Kerby, October, 1881. 

Eev. S. S. Ralston. Le Claire, la., was born near Nashville, 
Tenn., on the 11th day of May, 1809. He was a son of James 
and Esther (Shannon) Ralston; his father was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and mother of Virginia, and of Scotch and Irish descent. 
His grandfather was direct from Ireland and came to this country 
and lived to be lOOyeSirs old: grandmother came from Scotland. 
James Ralston and Esther Shannon were married near Nash- 
ville, Tenn., about 1809, where two children were born — S. S. and 
David. His father moved to Lincoln Co., Tenn.,. when S. S. was 
very yonng, where four more children were born — John, Jane, 
Mary and Catherine A. His father was by trade a cabinet-maker, 
but had a farm on which he spent much of his time. Mr. Ralston 
was an elder of the U. P. church, in which he took an active in- 
terest, always working for the elevation of its members. He died 
in Giles Co., Tenn., in 1854. Mother died in 1837. The subject 
of this sketch was reared on a larm and received his earlj' school- 
ing in a log cabin. When 21 yeai-s of age he left his father's 
home, with 50 cents in his ])ocket, to gain an education; picking 
up some here and there he finally met a friend, Ilenr}' Brysen, D. 
D., who invited him to liis house, whore he gave him a home, 
tuition and board free for four years, where he prosecuted his class- 
ical studies, reciting to him. He then spent a short time with 
Eev. Robert Galloway, of Maury Co., Tenn., in the prosecution 
of his studies, and in the year 1832 spent one year in Jackson 
College, but was subsequently moved to Columbia, where 
he finished his course; was the first theological student in the Theo- 
logical Seminary at Due West, where he finished his theological 
studies. By too close application to his studies his health failed 
and he was licensed prematurel}' and sent out as a missinnary, 
traveling over several States for one year, when he partially re- 
gained his health, and was settled as a pastor May, 1838, in Mar- 
shall Co., Tenn., where he remained five years; thence to Lincoln 
Co., Mo., where he had charge of Mount Zion congregation, re- 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1139 

maining there 17 years. In November, 1860, came to Le Claire 
Township, where he has h id cluirgo of L'3 Claire Prairie LT. P. 
church since. In 1838 he married Mary A. IJill, of Teun. I3y 
this union there were four chilihvn, three of whom arc living — Mary 
J., Martha and James, and Robert S., who died at the hospital at 
Springfield, Mo. Mrs. Ralston died in 1845. He married 
Sarah Yeagle, of Ky. S!ie died A])ril 11, 1873. He married his 
present wite, Rebecca Mc Gorey, in Armstrong Co., Pa., in 1875. 

Captdin J. \V. Riimho, Le Claire, was born in Rapids City, Rock 
Island Co., 111., on the 27th day of July, 1844, son of William 
and Jane ( Peterson ) Rambo; father a native of Pennsylvania, and 
mother of (^hio. They were married in Carrolton, Ohio, and set- 
tled in Beaver Co., Pa., where a family of three was born, viz.: 
Harriet, Jamos and Rebecca, in 1843, Mr. Rambo left liis native 
State and emii^rated to Rock Isla)ul Co., 111., and located at Rapid 
City, remaining one year, and then returned to Le Claire, where 
he embarked in the milling business as the firm of Scott tt Rambo, 
on the site where Ira Smith's mill now stands, and continued up 
to 1853, when he moved to Le Claire, wliere he was employed as 
a rapids pilot, which he followed u|) to the time of his death, 
which occuired Jan. 10, 1871. Mrs. Rambo died in ISot]. Capt. 
Rambo. the subject o.' this sketch, was rearc^l in Rock Island and 
Scott Counties, and received a limitetl education. In 1>S(J2 com- 
menced on the river as a ratt hand, and the following year re- 
ceived license as a ])ilot, which business he has followed since. In 
1864 married Miss Josephine Slaughter, a daughter ot Joshua 
Slaughter. She was born in Essex Co., N. Y., in 1846. Tlie fruit 
of this union was four children, two of whom are living, viz.: 
Elnola and George. Mr. and Mrs. Rambo live in the house where 
they attended school when children, 25 years ago, having pur- 
chased the i)roperty of their old teacher. Capt. Rambo has 160 
acres of land in Nebraska, valued at $15 per acre; also a line res- 
idence in Le Claire. The Captain is a member of Snow Lodge, 
No. 44, of Le Claire, and was .Master for six years; also a member 
of the Roval Arch Chapter, No. 16, of Davenport. Is a member of 
theA. O.'U.W. ; Damon Lodge of K. P., of Davenport, No. 10, 
and a member of the L. W. Masonic Aid Association, of Chicago, 
and carries an insurance of 88,50<). 

Mile« Scandrett^ farmer, of Le Claire Township, was born in 
Huntingdon Co., Pa., July 6, 1814, son of William and Sarah 
(Coleman) Scandrett. Tliey were married in Huntingdon County, 
where a fiinily of 12 children were born, five of vvhom are living — 
Nancy, Miles, William 13., Isaac R. and Franklin. The subject 
of this sketch was reared to hard work. In an early day he fol- 
lowed for a livelihood chopping wood and making coal. In 1849 
he married Miss Julia Ann Nelson, a daughter of John Nelson. 
She was born in Pennsylvania in 1825. The fruit of this union 
was seven children, two of whom are living, viz.: William M. and 
Margaret E., now the wife of David P. Beales. In 1849 ^Ir. 
Scandrett emigrated to Scott Co., Iowa, coming overland with 



114U HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

teams. For a couple of years lie rented land; he then purchased 
land where he now resides. Mr. Scandrett came to the county a 
poor man with his aged father and mother. Being without money, 
but having a good constitution, set himself to work, and by his 
industry accumulated a fine property and home. lie has 90 acres 
of land ;dl under cultivation, valued at $65 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. 
Scandrett are members of the Baptist church, and among the 
original member.-. 

Louis Schvjorm <& Son, of Le Claire, Iowa. Among the busi- 
ness interest of Le Claire, we would mention the firm of Louis 
Schworm & Son, which was established in the year of 1851, as 
the firm of Schworm & Werner, who manufactured np to 1856, 
when they opened a retail trade in coimeetion with their manufact- 
uring business, which partnerslnp continued up to 1869. when 
they divided up their stock, Mr. Sch«-orm still continuing up to 
1880, when he took his son, Louis L., in partnership, and the busi- 
ness has been conducted as the firm of Schworm & Son. They 
are doing a good, safe business, and carry a stock of $1,600, Mr. 
Schworm being one of the oldest busine.-s men in the city. 

Louis Schwann, boot and shoe dealer, of Le Claire, was born 
in Bavaria, Germany, on the 6th day of May, 182-3. son of George 
and Catharine ^Linn) Schworm. There was a family of six sons 
and one daughter, all of which lived to be adults, three of whom 
are living, viz.: George, FreiJerick and Louis. In 1846 the sub- 
ject of this sketch came to the United States, coming on a sailing- 
vessel, making the trip in 38 days, landing in New "i'ork, where 
he immediately went to work at his trade, and remained two years. 
In 1848 lie married Miss Johannah Latour. She was born in 
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, July 11, 1825. The fruit of this 
marriage was six children — George (who died in 1863), Louis L., 
Louisa (now Mrs. J. K. Flaire, of Marysville, Cal.), Emma, Fred 
P. and Albert L. After marrj'ing he moved to Chicago, wtiere 
he remained ui>til 1851; thence to Le Claire, coming by canal to 
La Salle; thence down the Illinois River to St. Louis; thence up 
the Mississippi River to this point, where he commenced his present 
business, which he has followed since. Mr. Scliworm has held 
several local ofBces of trust. He is at present one of the Board of 
Supervisors of the county; was township trustee for 13 years; 
school treasurer for 14 years, and two years in the Town Council. 
Mr. Schworm came to the county in limited circumstances, but by 
close application to business has secured a line property and home, 
and is one of the substantial citizens of Le Claire Township. 

William, O. Scott, farmer, was born in Beaver Co., Pa., on the 
9th day of April, 1834, sonof Robert and Lucy (Todd) Scott. They 
were married in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1825. By this union there 
were eight children, three living — Samuel J., Sarah and William 
G. In 1851 Mr. Robert Scott left his home in Beaver County and 
came to Scott County, and located on the farm where William G. ' 
now resides, purchasing the same from James Jack, and followed 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1141 

tanning until liis death, wliicli occurred in 18*>8. His niotherdied 
in 1S80. Mr. Scott has lield several ottices of trust; was elected 
to the Legislature of 1858, and also repiesonted the township in 
the Board of Supervisors of Scott County. In politics lie was an 
old-line Whig, and afterward atiiiiated witli the Kcpublican 
party. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and re- 
ceived a conuuon-school educittifni; and was also a student of Cor- 
nell College bei'ore it had a charter. In 1871 he married liebocca 
jM. Etlelbluter. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1837. By this 
marriage there aie two children — Eva and Mary. Mr. Scott is at 
present assessor of Le Claire Township. Mr. Scott has 93 acres 
of bmd, GO acres nnder cultivation, valued at ^50 per acre. 

Ira F. Smith, retired farmer, Le ('laire, was born in AVashing- 
ton ('o., Pa., on the oth of December, l80-±, son of Joseph 
and Elizabetln^Fuller) Smith. The family consisted of live sons and 
two daughteis, three f)f whom are now living. Mr. Smith 
was a farmer, which occupation he followed until his death, in 
1807. His mother again married, a Mr. Wolf, and three children 
were born. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, his 
lather dying when he was three years old. and was thrown among 
strangers, picking uj) a limited school education, and worked out 
as soon as he could dress himself, for his clothi s and board, until 
he was old enough to work for wages, and then worked for seven 
to eight dollars per month; also cut cord-wood for 12^ cents a cord. 
In January, 182it, married Miss N'ancy Huffman. She was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1809. By this union there was a family ot 
12 children, 10 of whom lived to be adults, viz.: Martin, Peter, 
ElizHbeth, John E., Nathan, Cynthia, Clarinda, George, Hen- 
rietta and Ira F. In June. 1834, left his home in Pennsylvania, 
and with his wife and three children, started for the lar West. 
Having two brothers in Iowa, and giving a glowing account of 
the county, he concluded to come; coming b}' water via St. Louis, 
and landing in Le Claire, July 12, 1834, and located on Smith's 
Island, which was named after him, where he remained three years, 
then moved on the main shore, where he has since resided. Mr. 
Smith came to the county in very limited circumstances. He 
landed in St. Lnuis with but. 50 cents in his pocket; he went to the 
captain of the steamer "Adventure," and told him his Hnancial 
condition, and asked him to take him to Fuller (now Smith's Is- 
land) and land him. In return he gave him his note for $12, 
which he paid in steamboat wood. His ])resent ])rosperous cir- 
cumstances are am))le evidence of his industry juid attention to 
business since his arrival here. Mrs. Smith died April 13, 1876, 

Hiravx O. Stocey, farmer, Le Claire Township, was born in 
Essex Co., N. Y., on the 31st day of October, 1822. His father 
was a carpenter and joiner, and Hiram took up the trade when 15 
years of age. In 1843 came to Scutt County. Having heard 
of the broad prairies of Iowa, thought he would visit and see for 
himself, ami being much jtleased with the country, returned to 



1142 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

Essex County, where lie married Miss Sarah M. Westgate, a 
daughter of Benj. and Poll}' (Chapman) Westgate. She was born 
in Esse.x Co., N. Y., 1825. By this union there were two chil- 
dren — Elsie II. (now the wife of J. C. McGinnis) and Clifton B. 
In 18.50 moved to Scott Co., Iowa, and located on ItIO acres of 
land in Lincoln Township, wliere he remained three years, when 
he sold out and purchased another farm in the same township, 
where he remained four years. He then moved to Le Claire and 
worked in the boat yard for eight years, when he purchased and 
moved to his present home. Has 90 acres of land, valued at $25 
per acre. In ]iolitics was an old-line Whig, and at the time of 
the organization of the Kepublican pai-ty joined them, and has 
affiliated with them since. 

J. C. IStncy, Le Claire, was b irn in Essex Co., N. Y., July 4, 
1833, where he was reared on a farm and received a common- 
school education. In 1866 married Miss Anna E. Byerley. She 
was born in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Fa., May 24, 1820. In 
1845 married Andrew Long, by whom there were three children, 
viz.: Willard. Mary, one died in infancy. Mr. Long died Feb. 22, 
1859. Mrj. Stacy came to the pineries of Wisconsin in 1844, and 
for many months at a time did not see the face of a white woman. 
Mr. Stacy enlisted in the 20th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company 
K., Capt. B. Byron. Particip:ited in the battles of Prairie Grove, 
siege, and capture of Vicksburg, Yazoo River, Fts. Morgan and 
Blakelj'. While in the service was rnptured and lost his health, 
receiving for his injuries a pension of $10 per month. 

Jonas G. Stacy, retired farmer, Le Claire, Iowa, was born in 
Westport, Essex Co.. N. Y., July 22, 1826, son of William and 
Clarasa (Stone) Stacy, natives of York State. They were married 
in Essex Co., JS^. Y . There was a family of nine children. William 
Stacy by occupation was a millwright and ship carpenter, and in 
connection with his trade carried on a farm. In 1849 emigrated to 
Scott County, where he purchased 100 acres of wild prairie; then 
returned to New York and forwarded money to J. G., who pur- 
chased 80 adjoining, improved land. He afterward traded 20 acres 
of the 100 for 40 acres, making 200 acres in a body. In 1851 
moved his family out, where he resided, in Le Claire Township until 
his death, which occurred August, 1877. Mother died December, 
1879. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received 
a coiumon-school education. When 21 years of age left his home 
in New York. Having an uncle in Scott County made that his ob- 
jective point, arriving in the fall of 1847, bringing with him 
fixtures for making daguerreotypes, doing the first business of the 
kind in Scott County, which he followed for a few years. Previous 
to his father's family coming bought a team, and put in a crop on the 
land purchased by his father. June 29, 1859, married Miss Helen 
Carleton. She was born July 19, 1839. Bv this union there were 
three children— Clyde Le Roy, born Feb. 28, 1862; Geo. C, born 
Nov. 5, 1866, and Fred B., born May 27, 1870. Mr. Stacy fol- 



LK CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1143 

lowed t'ariiiiiio; until 1S7S, when he sold his t'arni for $li,500 and 
moved to Le Claire, where he has resided since. In politics is a 
Republican, and has held several local offices of trust. 

Horatio G. Stone, farmer and stuck-raiser, was born m Essex 
Co., N. Y.,oii the 25tii day of November, 1811, son of Abrani and 
Eunice (Ilaskins) Stone. They were natives of Connecticut and 
moved to Moriah, N. Y., where the}' lived fot more than 40 years. 
They removed to Iowa in 1S50, where Mr. Stone died Jan. 28, 
1860, and Mrs. Stone, Jan. 22, 1860. They lived together for 67 
years. Mr. Stone cast his first vote for Georije Washington and 
his last for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. "Stone by profession was a sur- 
veyor. In that cajiacity was familiar with and i):irticij>ator in the 
hardships and inconveniences attending the early settlement of 
Northwestern New York. Governed through long life bv principal 
of strictest integrit}', his fellow citizens of Esse.x County frequently 
placed him in a position of honorable responsibility, the duties 
of which he ever discharged with fidelity. There was a family of 
three sons ami three daughters, which lived to be adults, viz.: 
Henry, who settled in Scott (younty, where he died July, 1877; 
Fruman, located in Wyandotte, Alic-h.; H. G.; Clarissa, married 
William Stacy, died in Le Claire in the spring of 1880; Malissa, 
wife of C. C. Applegate, died in 1846; Harriet, wife of Wil- 
son L)we, died in Essex Co., N. Y. The subject of this sketch 
was reared on a farm and received a limited education; remained on 
the farm until he was 22, when he was employed in an iron-ore 
mine for a couple of years. In 183f> was em])loyed by a man by 
the name of Spencer to work by the month for a couple of years. 
In 1839 made a claim where he now resides and the following 
spring commenced to open up a farm. In 1841 married Hannah 
Von Hoskirk, a daughter of Aiulrew and Passa Von Boskirk, natives 
of Union Co., Pa. In 1832 they moved to Licking County, where 
they remained until 1839, when they removed to Wisconsin and 
remained one year. In 1840 came to Le Claire Township. She 
was born May 12, 1820. The fruit of this marriage was 11 chil- 
dren, 10 of whom are living, viz.: Henry, Clarissa, Eunice Ann, 
Horatio, Andrew, Ida Adelaide, Perry, Euphemia, EfFa. Fred. 
Henry died July 19, 1871. Mr. Stone has been a member of the 
Republican party since its organization. He owns 32n acres of rich 
land, valued at §65 an acre. His farm is one of the finest in the 
county. A large and cotnmodious residence has taken the place 
ot tie log cabin, 14 x 16, which they occupied on coining to Scott 
Count}-. 

Henry Stone, deceased, (-ne of the early settlers of Scott Co., la., 
was born in Hiiiesburg, Vt., Dec. 2, 1793. Wiien a young man 
he engaged on Lake Cham plain as captain of a sailing vessel 
for several years. In 1815 married Abigail Knapp. They had 
a tkmily of seven children, who lived to be adults. She died 
Dec. 31, 1836. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and 
respected by all who knew her. He again married Betsev 



1144 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Nichols, a daughter of John Nichols, of Connecticut, and Rachael 
Chapman. Fatlier died in Clinton County and mother in Essex 
Count}'. In 1S44 left their home in New York, and came to 
Whitehall by steam, and by canal to Buffalo, and by steam to Chi- 
cago, when it was a small village; thence by teams to Scott County. 
Tlie roads were very muddy, and the}- were nine days in making the 
trip, and located near where H. G. Stone now resides. Moved in- 
to a shanty with a large family; made a farm and made a good, 
comfortable home. He died in Le Claire, July 26, 1876, leaving 
his companion to travel on alone. She is now residing with Mr. 
and Mrs. Hulett, at the age of Ts. 

Austin F. Stonebroker. farmer, LeClaire Township, was born in 
Blair Co., Pa., Aug. 1, 1S39, son of Samuel W. and Elizabeth 
(Eobinsun) Stonebroker. His father by trade was a tailor, which 
he followed for some years, and then embarked in the mercantile 
business, which he followed a i^"^' years when he failed, and re- 
sumed his trade for a few years; he again engaged in the mercan- 
tile business, which he followed nntil he died, in 1874. Mother 
died in 1842. In the winter of 1854 AnstinF. came to Iowa and located 
in Le Claire, where he worked at the tailor's trade one year; then en- 
gaged in the batcher business for a short time. At the time of 
the Kansas trouble, went there and participated in the squabble. 
After the trouble was over returned to LeClaire, where he engaged 
in the livery business. In 1861 enlisted in the 2d Iowa Infantry, 
Co B; participated in the capture of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg 
Landing, at the siege of Corinth. Was discharged for physical 
disability in the fali of 1862. He then went to Memphis, Tenn., 
where he was employed in Government detective force until the 
close of the war. He afterward formed an independent office in 
company with C. P. B., where he remained one year. He was then 
connected with the metro]iolitan force. In 1868 returned to Le 
Claire, where he purchased the farm where he now lesides. Lias 
80 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation, valued at $65 per 
acre. In February, 1869, married Miss Maggie Jack, a daughter 
of Leslie Jack, of Allegheny Co., Pa., where she was born, July 20, 
1852. The fruit of this marriage is two children, viz.: Beaumont 
E. and Mearle I. Is a member of A. O. U. W. of Le Claire. 

Henry H. Strohheen, lumber merchant, Le Claire, was born in 
Holstein, Germany, on the 14th of September, 1827, son of Fred- 
erick and Magdalina Strohbeen. They were married in 1825. The 
fruit of this union is three children, viz.: Minnie, Dolly and 
Henry. Father by trade was a tailor. He emigrated to the 
United States and located in Davenport, la., where he died in 
1854, of the cholera. Mother died in Bslle Plaine, la, 1863. In 
early life Henry H. learned the tradeof a weaver. At 20 years of 
age he came to the States. In 1851 he located in Blue Grass 
Township, where he bought a farm and resided until 1858, when 
he sold out and rented the three following years. In 1861 he 
bought land at Belle Plaine, and made a farm and remained live 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1145 

years. In 1853 he married Christianna Puis. She was born in 
German)' in 1S37. By this union there were nine children, two of 
whom are living; — Louisa and Edward. Mrs. S. died in 1S69, and 
in 1870 he married Amelia Goldsmith. After returning to Scott 
County he bought a small place in Le Claire Township, and while 
living on this place he embarked in the lumber trade. In 187S he 
bought a mill in Le Claire, and after putting ai)out 82,000 repairs 
upon it, it was burned to the ground, causing a loss of $2,400. He 
has since built a mill on the same site, and has furnished it with 
new machinery and is ready to do all kinds of work in his line. 
Mr. S. carries a stock of 800,000 feet of lumber. 

John II. Suiter, Le Claire, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in 
Lawrence Co., Ohio, Aug. 15, 1822, and came to Iowa in 1S35, 
with his parents, being 14 years of age. Married Eliza Jane 
Wright in tlie winter of 1842. She was born in Greene Co., 
O., Dec. 16, 1817. There was by this union a family of eight 
children, six living — Agnes, born Nov. 16. 1843; John W., born 
Mar. 28, 1846; Zachariah G., born May 20, 1851; George P., born 
Mar. 14, 1853; Jeremiah J., l)orn May 24, 1855; William A., 
born Sept. 29, 1861. He has 200 acres"of land in Scott County, 
valued at $75 pei- acre. Also has 360 acres in Keokuk County, 
valued at $20 per acre, which is used for grazing. Mr. Suiter has 
been identified with the county nearly half a century, and has 
seen the various changes whicii Scott County has undergone. In 
politics he is a Democrat. In the fall of 1843 he commenced as 
))iloton the Le Claire Rapids and followed it until 1875, when he 
gave it up on account of liis landed property. In 1864, in the 
time of low water, he was the only pilot that took rafts over the 
rapids, receiving from $10 to $15 a trip. 

Williitm M. Suiter, one of the pioneers of Scott County, was 
born in Illinois on the American Bottoms, Nov. 13, 1S26, son of 
Piiillip Suiter, and Hannah Pancake. His father came to the 
county in 1835, and moved his family in 1836, when William 
was 10 j-ears of age. The facilities for schooling were lim- 
ited. At an early day he engaged in the river trade, first as 
a raft hand, but before he was 21 years of age was running 
as rapids pilot, which occupation he has followed since. Oct. 
lO, 1848, he married Miss Alice M. Disney, youngest daugh- 
ter of Mordecai Disney, of Baltimore, who emigrated to Davenport 
in 1842 She was boVn in Cincinnati, O., Oct. 28, 1828. Tliey 
have been blessed with seven children, five of wliom are living — 
Alice F., born July 28, 1850, now the wife of J. H. Manwaring; 
Mordecai P., conductor on the B. & M. R. li. ; Noah was born Jan. 
2ij, 1853; Wm. Edward, July 9, 1857, also a conductor on the same 
road; Ciiarles J., born Nov. 11, 1859, engaged in railroading; 
S.ir.^h I., bjrn Oct. 20, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Suiter have been 
identified with the county for many years. Commenced at the 
lower round of the ladder and liave succeeded in accumulating a 
fine property and home. Mr. Suiter has 160 acres of valuable 



lliG HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

land in Nebraska, besides several lots in Le Claire, and a fine res- 
idence in which he lives. Is a member of Howard Lodge, No. 
55, A. O. U. W., of Le Claire. 

Laurel Summers was born in Montojomery Co., Ky., Oct. 2, 1812; 
was a son of Enoch and Elsie Summers, ?i«e Hadden, natives of 
Kentucky, who were married in 1811, in Montgomery County of 
that State. In 1823 they removed to Morgan Co., Ind., where 
Enocii Summers entered land and farmed until his death, which 
occurred in 1S45-. Tlie family then removed to Iowa, where the 
mother died in Jackson County, in 1807, having been the mother 
of six children — Laurel, Presley, Redman, Shelton, Dolly and Caleb. 
Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Summers in early life were members of the 
Baptist church, but upon the oro'anization of the Cliristian church, 
joined that denomination, and affiliated with them until their death. 
He gave time and money to the building up of the churcii. and was 
one of its most zealous workers. The subject of this memoir re- 
mained on the farm in Morgan County until 1830, when he went 
to Indianapolis, where he learned the trade ot brick mason. This 
he followed until 1837, when, being drawn thither by the then pre- 
vailing current, he came West, and located in the Territory of Wis- 
consin, in what is now Scott Co., la. He here made a Government 
claim and embarked in fanning. He also established a cattle ranch 
partnership with his brother, buying cattle from Indiana. The in- 
vestment did not prove a lucrative one, and it was aband(.)ned soon 
after. In 1838 he was elected to the first Territorial Legislature, 
and was re-elected the two succeeding years. in May, lSJ-1, he 
married Miss Mary Parkhurst, who was born in Ontario Co.. N. Y., 
Jan. 11, 1822, and was a daughter of Sterling and Ann Paikhurst, 
the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New Hamp- 
shire, wlio were married in the State of New York. The union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Summers has been blessed witli five children — -Helen L., 
now Mrs. C. P. AVhitford; Elsie A., widow of E. S. Curtis; Sarah, 
now Mrs. W. P. Headley, Lewis C. who died in infancy, and Au- 
gustus D. Mr. Summers followed liis trade until 184-4, when he 
was elected to the Legislative Council, and served two years. In 
1850 lie was elected to the State Legislature, and in 1853 was ap- 
pointed United States Marshal of the district of Iowa under Presi- 
dent Pierce; served through his administration and was reapjiointed 
under James Buchanan, and served eight years. Since 1861 he 
has followed contracting and varions other occupations. He was 
elected to the mayoralty of Le Claire four terms, and served as 
deputy sheritf of Scott County tor three years. In 1874 he was 
elected one of the trustees of the Iowa Agricultural College at 
Ames, and served in that capacity four years. Mr. Summers was 
educated in the Democratic school of politics, and still adheres to 
the principles of that party. 

Frederick Thelemanii, Le Claire, was born in Hanover, Ger-' 
many, Nov. 21, 1823. In 1849 he came to the United States, land- 
ing in Baltimore, Md., May 17, and immediately proceeded to 



LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP. 1147 

Pittsburg, where he embarked in tlie cabinet trade, where he re- 
mained until the followingfall, when he went to St. Louis, working 
at his trade, and was afterward employed in an organ factory for 
one year; afterward was employed in the car shops for three years; 
from there he went to Davenport, where he got work in a cab- 
inet shop. In 1S56 he came to Le Claire, wiiere lie has remained 
since. Aug. 4, 1850, he married Miss Sophia Ehlar. She was 
born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1S33. There was a familvof seven 
children, six of whom are living — Wm., Emma, Edward, Ida, Fritz, 
and Robert. Mr. Thelemann has 72 acres of land on which is a 
valuable stone-qnarry ot limestone, and valued at $4,000. 

Jacob Vogler, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire, was born in 
Switzerland", Oct. 2, 1822. In 1850 came to the United States in 
a sailing vessel and was 56 days in ci-DSsing; landed in New York, 
where he remained a short time and thence to Canton, Ohio, where 
he Worked as a laborer. In 1852 came to Moline, 111., where he 
was employed by Deere it Co., in the plow shops a short time, and 
afterward worked for a man by the name of Dump in a ilouring 
mill, also worked on tlie river, when he drifted to Princeton, when 
he was emploj'ed in milling for 10 years. In 1870 married Mrs. 
Edwin Small. She was born in Switzerland, .hiiy 22, 1830. By 
this union there are two children — Jacob, born March 11, 1871; 
Frank, born June 19, 1873. lias 66 acres of land all under a high 
state of cultivation, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. Vogler came to 
the United States in limited circumstances, but by judicious nian- 
agement has accumulated a line proparty and home. 

J. W. Van Sant, ship-carpenter, Le Claire, was born in Burling- 
ton Co., N. J., on the 9th day of January, 1810, son of Nicholas 
and Mercy (Davis t Van Suit. They were married in Burlington 
Co., N. J., where a familv of nine children were born, eight of 
whom are living. Mr. Van Sant died at his residence near Lower 
Bank, N. J., March 0, 1870, at the advanced age of 90 years and 
4 months, leaving his beloved companion within a few days of 
90, and with whom he liad lived most happily for more than 
70 years, to plod her weary way alone for a slurt season. Twj 
daughters and seven sons also survive him, two of whom are 
ministers of the New Jersey Conference, two of the Newark, and 
one a local deacon residing near the homestead; the remaining two 
witli the two daughters arc honored members of the M. E. church. 
He himself united with the church when 17 years of age, and not very 
long after received in succession exhorters' and local preachers' 
licenses. Witlunit the advantages of an early education lie became 
a man of more than ordinary intelligence on general subiccts; was 
a diligent and devoted student of the Bible, of whic-h he acquired 
an unusually full measure of knowledge. J. W. in early life 
learned the trade of ship carpenter under his father's instruc- 
tions. When 22 years of age married Miss Lydia Anderson, of 
Monmouth, now Ocean Co., N. J., where she was born May 15, 
1812. By tliis union there was a family of eight children, six of 
SO 



1148 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



whom are living, viz.: Asa, E^tller Ann, Elias A., Sam'l R., 
Nicliob'S Gr., Nellie. In 1835 left his home in New Jersey, and 
came to Toledo, Ohio, and in 1837 came to Rick Island County, 
when he embarked in farming, which he followed for four years. 
When the boat business began to brighten up lie came to Rock 
Islard Hnd engaged in that, building the fir-t keel-boat built in 
Rork I-land, and also workcxl on the fir^t steamboat; also built the 
first sailing boat that was ever built here; has been engaged in the 
boat business for 40 years. In 1862 came to Le Claire. Mr. Van 
Sant has been a member of the M. E. church since he was 13 
years of age. 

Jamis Wihon, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire. Iowa, was 
born in Donegal, Ireland, in 182.5, and came to the United States 
in 1855 and located in Le Claire Township, where he has followed 
fariiing since. In 1849 married Jane Galligher; she was born in 
Irelau'l. There was a family of 13 children, nine of whom are 
living, viz. : William, Susan, Nathaniel, Thomas, Sarah J., Andrew, 
Johir, Margaret Hud Mary E. Mrs. Wilson died in 1S72. She 
was a member of Seceeders church. Mr. Wilson has 320 acres ot 
land ^ alued at $75 per acre in Le Claire Township, and 160 acres in 
Powesliiek Co., Iowa, valued at §35. Nathaniel Wilson, deceased, 
a l>roth' r of James Wilson, was born in the same county; came to 
S' oT C unty in an early day and was among the earliest settlers 
of the county. Through the influence of Nathaniel, the large 
famih of James Wilson was induced to come to this county and 
settle in Le Claire Township. Nathaniel Wislon at his death 
had aecumuhited a fine property. He died in 1878. 










LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies in the northwest portion of the county, and 
comprises township SO, range 1 east. It was first settled in 1837 
by the Goddards, Laughreys, Hellers and Woods. The township 
is mostly rolling prairie, in some parts very much broken. There 
are several very fine groves in tiie township, and several creeks. 
George W. Parker thus describes the township : 

" There is a small creek running tiirough the central part of the 
township called Walnut Creek, wliich enters Allen's Grove Town- 
ship at Little Walnut Grove, near Di.xon. A small branch of 
Mud Creek heads in the southwest corner of the township and 
passes along the north side of Round Grove and enters Cicona 
Township. Rock Creek heads in Cedar County and enters Liberty 
Township in Paaten's Grove on section 6, and crosses sections 6 
and 5 in a northeasterly direction to the north line of the town- 
ship and the line between Scott and Clinton counties. It meanders 
back and forth along the line cast to section 4, and then leaves the 
township. A portion of section 1 has some timber. Little Walnut 
Grove is on sections 12 and 13, and contains 100 acres. Big Wal- 
nut Grove is on sections 13, 14, 23 and 24, with about 000 acres, 
oak, walnut, basswood and hickory being the principal kinds. 
Pasten's Grove is on sections 6 and 7, and is principally oak, and 
comprises not far from 450 acres. Round Grove is nearly all 
on section 33, and contains 40 acres, mostly hickory," 

Mr. Parker, in a communication to the Historical Committee of 
the Academy of Science, further says of this township : 

"In the month of September, 1830, Mr. Burt, a citizen ot 
Michigan, received the contract from the general Government to 
run the 5th principal meridian line through this part of AViscon- 
sin Territory, as it was then called. lie spent some days near 
Fairport, below Buflalo, in getting coimection with the line on 
the opposite side of the river. lie then ran that line due north 
to the river above Dubuque, and then returned to a point just east 
of the present town of Durant, ami ran the correction line due 
east to the river just below Le Claire. These were the first lines 
run. Mr. Burt and his son, then commenced running the township 
lines north of the correction line, and were engaged all winter and 
until the month of May, 1837, in surveying the 5th meridian, 
which is the west line ot Liberty Township. lie passed through 
Pasten's Grove Sept. 20, 1836. The other lines of the township 
were run some time in the fall or winter." 

In the summer of 1837, a man by the name of Van Sant, a tailor 
by trade, and a citizen of Cincinnati, O., came here with a contract 

(1149) 



1150 HISTOKT OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

to sub-divide four townships, 80 and 81 east, and 80 and 81 west 
of the 5th principal meridian. He was an acquaintance of the 
surveyor general, wlio had his office in Cincinnati at that time. 
Van Sant had picked up bis hands in Cinciimati and tliej were 
little litted for tiie work, and he knew but little about practical 
surveying. The result was, after spending double the time 
necessary, and having any amount of trouble with his help, a very 
poorly surveyed township, and he had to give up a portion of his 
contract and go back home." 

Mr. Van Sant while surveying the township located a claim at 
Round Grove, which included the whole of the timber. He hired 
the Pastens, father and son to put up a log cabin. He also iiired Peter 
Laughrey to break an acre of prairie in the fall of 1837. Before 
he left the Territory he sold the claim to A. T. Russell, for $300. 

The first claim located in the township was in the spring of 
1836 by Henry Pinckley, then living with Captain Clark, at Buf- 
falo. It was on section 12, where the town of D i.xon now stands, 
and called at that time Little Walnut Grove. About the same 
time George Washburne, another of Captain Clark's hands, lo- 
cated a claim at the east end of Big Walnut Grove, one mile south- 
west of Di.xon, on section 13. Ezra Allen and the Pastens hauled 
the logs together and put up the house in April, 1837. 

In the fall of 1816 John Heller located a claim in the grove on 
section 15. In the fall of 1836 or spring of 1837 Horace Wood 
located a claim on section 11, in the timber, and built a cabin on 
the bank of Walnut Creek, in the spring of 1837. and moved into 
it, his family being the first that settled in the township. 

Jacob Heller purchased the claim of Henry Pinckley in Little 
Walnut Grove in the fall of 1836, and in the spring of 1837 John 
Grace and M. C. Jacobs broke up some of the prairie on the north 
side of the creek, on section 12. This was the first breaking done 
in the township. A variety of produce was planted which yielded 
an abundant crop that summer. Mr. Heller moved on to the claim 
the last day of July, 1837, his son John and family going with 
liim, making three families in the township on the first of August, 
1837. 

Those living in Liberty Township, Aug. 1, 1837, were Jacob 
Heller, wife, and daughters Elizabeth, Hannah and Harriet; John 
Heller, wife and son Jacob, and daughter Eleanor, now Mrs. 
Feigley; Horace Wood, wife, and two children; John G-race and 
Mark C. Jacobs, two young men who lately came from Ohio, who 
were at work for Mr. Heller. 

M. C. Jacobs located a claim on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 21, and lived there until his death in 1877. -John Grace lo- 
cated his claim in Allen's Grove Township, and lived there until 
his death in 1879. He was buried in the Dixon Cemetery. 
Horace Wood died many years ago, and nothing is known about 
his family by the old settlers. Jacob Heller and his wife both 
died in 1815, in the house that they first moved into at Little 



LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1151 

Walnut Grove, and are buried in the cemetery near by. Cornelia, 
wife of John Heller, died at Toronto, Clinton Co., March, 1S73, 
and was buried in the cemetery at Little Walnut Grove. Harriet 
Heller married Leroy Dutton, Jan. 1, 1844, and died in March, 
1845. Of the 1.5 perdons in the township on the 1st of August, 
1837, eight are known to be dead. There are living at the present 
time in the township, Mrs. Hannah Heller Parker. Mrs. Eleanor 
Heller Feigley and Mrs. Elizabeth Heller Haile. These are all that 
are left of the settlers of 1S37. The settlers of 1S3S were : John 
Trucky, wife, and son Abraham, and daughters Eleanor, Eliza- 
beth and Ruth; James Laughrey, wife and two children. John 
Trucky died at Toronto, Clinton Co., and was buried at that place. 
Eleanor and Ruth Trucky died near Di.xon, and were buried there. 
M. C. Jacobs was buried at Dixon. James Laughrey and wife 
died at Union Grove, years ago. In the summer ot 1S37 Mr. 
Heller broke considerable prairie and sowed the first fall wheat 
sown in the township. The seed was brought from McDonoagh 
Co., HI. 

I-AND SALES. 

The land in this section was advertised for sale at Dubuque in 
1839, but the sale was adjourned until July, 1840. There was a 
meeting largely attended by the settlers along the Wapsipinecon 
held at the house of Jacob Heller, in June, 1840, for the purpose of 
self-protection at the sale. Resolutions were passed, and James 
Mc Intoih selected as bidder for Scott and part of Clinton Counties. 
This was necessary as but few had the money to pay for their land, 
and there were plenty of sharks ready to take their improvements. 
The plan was for the settlers to attend the sale en maese, give the 
number of his land to the bidder, and when the auctioneer called 
that number the bidder let it pass, but if a speculator was to bid, 
he was to be settled with on the spot. Only one had the temerity 
to bid on a claim belonging to another. The words had hardly 
passed his lips before he was lifted over the heads of the crowd 
and passed out of Iowa in a hurry, and when they pitched him on- 
Illinois soil he was in a demoralized condition. 

FIRST THINGS. 

In the summer of 1842 the citizens of Long Rock Creek and 
Posten's Grove united and built a log school-house on the west side 
of section 4, and near the banks of Long Creek. This was the 
first school-house in the township, and had split puncheon seats. 
Mary Parker, now Mrs. Walraven, of Wheatland, was the first 
teacher. Rev. Mr. Clienowith was probably the first to preach the 
gospel in the township. The first claim was made by Henry 
Pinckley. The family of Horace Wood was the first to perma- 
nently settle in the township. A daughter of Horace Wood was 
drowned in 1838, the first oeath in the township. The first break- 



1152 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

ing was done on the claim of Jacob Heller. The first produce was 
raised by Jacob Heller. Jacob Heller also sowed the first fall 
wheat in the fall of 1837. Tlie first, parties married were James 
Haileand Elizabeth Heller and G. W. Parker and Hannah Heiler, 
March 13, 184-2. Kev. Mr. Chenowith performed the marriage 
service. At this time Mr. Chenowith boarded at the house of 
William Cook and was in charge of the Davcnp.irt circuit. He 
afterward married Hanr.ah Logan, daughter of Andrew Logan, 
editor of the Iowa Sun. He soon after quit preachins-, built a 
small house north of Duck Greek and tried farming. He then 
studied law, moved to Maquoketa, remained here a few years, then 
left for Oregon. His wife died on the way at Fort Kearney. Mr. 
Chenowith subsequently became judge in Washington Territory. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

As already stated, in the summer of 1842 the first attempt was 
made at the improvement of the mind by the establishment of a 
school near Posten's Grove. It was not much of a school but still 
was a beginning, out of which has grown the present excellent 
school system. 

Liberty Township has eight sub-districts, witli 365 children of 
school age, and an enrollment of 306. There are one stone and 
seven frame school-houses, the total value estimated at .$5,125. The 
town of Dixon is an independent district, having 105 pupils and 
an enrollment of 90, and a frame school-house valued at $2,000. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The religious element in the township is represented by Catho- 
lics, Christians. Congregationalists and Methodists, with churches 



at Dixon and Big Rock. 



VILLAGE OF DIXON. 



The village of Dixon was platted and plat recorded, April, 1S5-1-, 
by Jonathan Parker, for R. S. Dickenson. It was originally lo- 
cated on the southeast quarter of section 12, Liberty Township, but 
subsequent additions have extended it into Allen's Grove Town- 
ship, on a portion of section 7. Mr. Dickenson was a man of 
enterprise, and for a time gave his personal attention to the build- 
ing up of a thriving village. The location chosen was a good one, 
and at the time it was made was on the public highway between 
Davenport and the great Northwest. 

About the time he laid out the town, Mr. Dickenson started here 
a hotel for the accommodation of the traveling public, and a store 
for" the benefit of the inhabitants living in the vicinity. This was 
the first store and first hotel in the place. 

The village was of slow growth 'until 1870, when the railroad 
was completed to the place. It then took on a new lease of life, 
and for a time was in a very flourishing condition. 



LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1153 

The postofBce was established liere in 1S54, witli Mr. Dickenson 
as postmaster. He was succeeded by C. B". Snyder, who lieid the 
office about two years. In 1867, W. H. Ilickson received the ap- 
pointment, and has since been re-appointed every four years. His 
management of the office has been pleasing to its patrons.' In 
July, ISSO, it was made a money-order office, and the first order 
was drawn July 7, by Ole Bjlkan, in favor of Peter C. Bolkan, for 
the sum of $6. 

The elevator was erected in 1876, by a stock company, the prin- 
cipal shares being taken by the farmers in the community. Its 
entire cost was something over $1-J,000, and it is supplied with the 
latest improved machinery. It was built in a very substantial 
manner, and is conveniently arranged for the rapid liandling of all 
kinds of grain. 

'Ill* 

The citizens of Dixon manifest great interest in the ])ublic 
schools of the place. A graded school is maintained, witli William 
M. Grace as principal, and Mrs. Jennie Grace as assistant. Prof. 
Grace has introduced many of the most improved Normal methods 
in the schools, greatly to the advantage of the pupils. 

The Christians and Methodists maintain public worship in the 
place, the former having a house of worship. 

In the spring of 1882 the village contained 250 inhabitants, with 
two general merchandise stores, one grocery, one hardware, one 
drug, four saloons, one machine shop, one hnnber yard, one agri- 
cultural implement store, four blacksmith shops, one meat market, 
one elevator, one furniture store, two stock dealers, two physicians, 
two shoemakers, one hotel, and a postoffice. 

VILLAGE OF BIG ROCK. 

This is a pleasant village, in the northeast part of the township , 
and was laid out by Peter Goddard, in July, 1855. Previous to 
this time a settlement had been made, and a start made in building 
up a new village. A stage route was located through here from 
Davenport to Anamosa, and a postoffice was established in 
1853, with Eli Goddard as postmaster. He served until 1855, 
when Don C. Gates was appointed. Mr. Gates was succeeded in 
turn by G. W. Parker and George Goddard, and was re-appi)i:ited 
in 1865, and served until December, ISSl, when he resigned, and 
O. E. Wright was appointed. 

The first store started in the place was in 1853, before the town 
was platted. A Mr. Garrison was tiie pioneer in the mercantile 
trade. 

The first hotel was also established about tiie same time, by Peter 
Goddard, and known as the Big II )ck Hotel. 

The religious wants of the people are here supplied by the Con- 
grcgationalists and Catholics. The former organized a congrega- 
tion here as early as 1866, Rev. O. Emerson being the officiating 
minister. Nine persons signed the articles ot agreement — Isaac 



1154 HISTORY OF SCOTT OOtJNTY. 

Fellett and wife, Orlando B. Clark and wife, Orson E. Wright and 
wife, Mrs. Orpha £. (xoddard, Mrs. Eliza B. Parsons and Ru- 
dolphus Bennett. Officers were not elected on its organization. 
The first holding the office of deacon were Josiah L. Perkins and 
Cyrus M. Parsons, who were appointed October 31, 1862. The 
first meetings of the congregation were held in the school-house. 
In 1868 they built their house of worship, 28x40, 16 feet high, at 
a cost of $2,500. A bell was subsequently put in at a cost of $140. 
Those serving as pastors were Eevs. J. R. Upton, S. N. Grant, 
George Smith, A. W. Allen, George Ritchie, T. Canfield, Rufus 
Apthorp, W. L. Coleman and A. Graves. Services are held every 
Sabbath, morning and evening, and a prayer-meeting and Sabbath- 
school are maintained. The- present deacons are OrsMi E. Wright 
and D. F. English. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Church .vas erected in lS75-'6, prior to 
which time services were held in private houses. Father Scallion 
held the first services here, and afterward Fathers Rice, Murphy 
and Smith. Father Brogan was the first after the house of wor- 
ship was erected. The building is a frame, 32x50 feet, and cost 
$1,600, in addition to some labor performed by various parties. 
The congregation commenced with four or five families, and now 
numbers 30. 

The Big Rock Creamery is one of the institutions of the place. 
It was established in the spring of 1880, by John A. Bassett and 
M. T. Blazer. About 400 pounds of butter are made dailj'. 

BIOGEAPHICAL. 

Jo/iti L. Andre was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 25, 
1825, and is a son of Simon Andre, deceased. His grandfather, 
Philip Andre, settled in Columbiana County in a very early day, 
when the Indians were their nearest neighbors, and wild animals 
made the nights hideous. Mr. Andre came to Liberty Township 
in 1865. He now resides on seeticn 8 and owns over 400 acres of 
valuable land, besides 160 acres in Calhoun Co., la. He was 
married Oct. 15, 1846, to Miss Rachel Ann Taylor, a native ot Ohio. 
They had eight children, seven living — Mary J., William H., 
Racliel A., Abigail E., Jefterson, James F. and Elias A. Mr. 
Andre has been school treasurer for the past seven years. 

Henry Arp was born in Germany July 22, 1832. He came to 
America in 1846, landed at New Orleans, and came at once toJDav- 
enport on board a steamboat. He worked two years on a farm; 
after that he rented a farm and engaged in farming. He continued 
that for six years, and then bouglit 40 acres in Davenport Town- 
ship; stayed there six years, and sold out. In 1876 he bought 
200 acres of land where he now lives, tlis farm is in a good 
state of cultivation. He mairied Catherena Buck, Dec. 2, 1860. 
From this union there are five cliildren — Alvina, born Sept. 20, 
1861; Herman, Oct. 11, 1862; Adolphus, Dec. 23, 1863; Lizzie, 



LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1155 

July 23, 1870; Cliarles, Sept. 12, 1873. They are all living at 
home. Mr. Arp raises stock and grain of all kinds; he belongs to 
the Lutheran church, and in jiolitics he is a Ilejniblicaii. 

Riley C/iaj)man. son of Tracy and Polly (Rosier) Cha])inan, is 
a native of Onondaga Co., N. V He was born Oct. 12, 1813. 
Tracy Chapman was a sjldier in the war of 1812. Our suljject 
emigrated to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1838, where he engaged in 
farming until ISfiO, when lie came to this county and farmed until 
1875, and then sold his farm. He was mariied in 1837 to Harriet 
Holcomb, by whom he has had eight children, seven living — James 
It., Grove L., Cliarles A., Harriet M., Marcus A., Mary E. ;md 
Louis A. One son, George H., died Jan 22, ISSO, at the age of 
36. James R. and Grove L. were soldiers in the late war; James 
was in the 102d 111. Regiment, and Grove L. in the 33d 111. 
Regiment. The latter was wounded and draws a pension. James 
was with "Sherman to the sea." 

G. Cmcles is a native of New Haven Vm , Conn., and was born 
May 17, 1808. His parents were Oliver and Tempy (Atwater) 
Cowles, also natives of Connecticut; they removed with their 
family to Granville. N. Y., and located on a farm near that place. 
Gamaliel was educated in the Granville schools. In 1824 he re- 
moved to Crawford Co., Pa., and settled in Oil Creek Township. 
He engaged in tanning there until. 1832. when he removed to 
Seneca Cd.. Ohio, and farmed until 1867, when he came to Big 
Rock and bought the Peter Goddard larm, consisting of 400 acres, 
lying ])artly in Clinton County. He has also been keeping hotel in 
connection with farming since he located in Big Rock. He was 
married in 1832 to Miss Hannah Cornell, a native of Jefferson 
Co., Ohio. They have had nine children, of whom live are living, 
viz.: William H., Julia, Laura, Horace and Frank. John J., the 
second son. lost his life in the late war; he was a member of the 
3d Ohio Cavalry. William H. was in the 100-day service. 

WilJiam Da/tms, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, on sec- 
tion 34, Liberty Township, and the ])resent clerk of the township, 
was born in Prussia, Sept. 23, 1839, and is a son of David Dahms, 
who emigrated to this county in 1854, and settled in Blue Grass 
Township. Our subject came to this township in 1866, and pur- 
chased 160 acres on section 27. He owns 120 acres on section 34 
and 194 acres just across the line in Cleona Townslii]>, making 
470 acres in all. He was married, Feb. 24, 1862, to Miss Dina 
Brus, by wdiom he has seven children — Theresa, Charles, Willy, 
Clara, Ellen, Rosa and Henry. He has held the otRce of town- 
ship clerk for the jiast five years. 

Duer J. Elmer was born in Chenango Co., New York, Jan. S, 
1828, and is a son of Ira and Nancy J. (Johnson) Elmer, the for- 
mer a native of Vermont, and the latter of New York. Mr. Elmer 
left his iiome at the age of 13, to battle for himself. At the age of 
19 he embarked in a sea-faring life. He went around Cape Horn in 
a whaling ship to China, under Capt. Marshall in 1847; he was 



1156 HISTORY OF SCOTT CODNTT. 

on tliissliip 17 months. He then went on a Peruvian coasting ves- 
sel tor one year; after whicli he embarked on an English brig, 
bound for Liverpool. He then sailed between Liverpool and Charles- 
ton, S. C, and Liverpool and New York. He then sailed on the 
great American Lakes for two years, and in the fall of 1S65 came 
to Liberty Township and located on section 10, where he owns 200 
acres of line land. Mr. Elmer has labored hard, the fruits of which 
one can see only by observing his well-improved farm, his large 
house and barns. He was married June 13, 1857, to Miss Eliza 
J. Sellick, by whom he has six children — William A., Walter D., 
Theodore B., Edward J., Carrie M. and Ruth E. William and 
Walter are in the Griswold College of Davenport. Walter grad- 
uates with the degree of B. S. in the class of 1SS2, and AYilliam 
with the degree of A. B. in the class of 1SS3. 

Don C. Gates, the leading merchant of Big Rock, is a native of 
Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt., and was born Aug. 18, 1824; his 
parents were Elisha and Betsey (Kingsley) Gates, also natives ot 
Vermont. Mr. Gates received his education in the common 
schools and in the Troy Conference Academy, at Poultney, Vt., 
a Methodist school. He came to Big Rock in lS5i; the first 
15 years he spent in farming, and also kept a hotel a portion of the 
time. He was the second postmaster at Big Rock, having received 
the appointment in 1856; he served two years, and was reappointed 
and has served in that capacity for 16 years. He was married 
March 21, 181:9, to Cornelia Hawkins, daughter of Joseph and 
Laura Hawkins; the latter is now living, and is over SO years 
old, in De Witt, L)wa. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have had 11 children — 
Velma, Albert, Peter, Nellie, Mary, Charles, Emma, Edgar and 
Don; two are deceased, viz.: Frederick and Harriet. Peter is resi- 
dent superintendent of the Eureka silver mines at Gunnison, 
Col.; Charles is in Texas; Albert is manager of H. M. Gil- 
christ's store at Rapids City, HI. Mr. Gates held the offices of 
justices of the peace, township clerk and assessor for many years 
and that of county supervisor two years. He has h^en a member 
of the Sons of Temperance for the past 34 years. 

Hans Gottsch, section 19, Liberty Township, is a native of Hol- 
stein, Germany, and was born March 23, 1837. His father, Peter 
Gottsch, died wlien our subject was quite small, and he was com- 
pelled to work hard for his own subsistence. He came to this 
county in 1854, and worked as a farm hand for two years; he then 
bought a team of oxen and broke prairie one season, when he pur- 
chased some prairie land in Cleona Township; this he improved 
and farmed for four years, when he removed to Davenport Town- 
ship, where he remained on a farm three years. He then removed 
to Winfield Township. He afterward lived two years in Blue Grass 
Township, and tour years in Cleona Township, when he purchased 
a farm of 142 acres on sections 19 and 20, Liberty Township, where 
he now resides, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He 
was married in 1860 to Miss Anne Schlapkohl, by whom he has had 



LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1157 

nine children, eiu;lit livino; — Henry, Emma, Willy, Mina, Rudolph, 
Georsje, Laura and Edward. Mr. Gott<ch has filled the offices of 
school director and supervisor. 

William M. Grace, of the Dixon schools, is a native of Scott 
County, Allen's Grove Township, and was born July 1, 1852. He 
was reared on a farm until 1S09, and educated at Wilton Junction, 
and at the State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa. In the 
fall of 1S73 he began teaching school, which avocation he has ])ur- 
sned since, except three terms. He was admitted to the Scott 
County bar in 1877, and is also engaged in the legal practice. He 
was married Dec. 15, 1877, to Miss Jennie Davis, daughter of 
George W. Davis, of Daven))ort. They have one child, Sadie 
Genevieve. Mr. and Mrs. Grace are members of the Christian 
church. 

Alexandei- Grace, farmer and stock-raiser, section 13. Liberty 
Township, was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, l4ov. 17, 1854. 
He came with his parents to this county in 185f>. He was reared 
on his father's farm and educated in the common school and at Iowa 
City Academy. His father, George Grace, deceased, was born 
in Tyrone Co., Ireland, Sept. 1, 1813, and was a son of Francis 
Grace, who emigrated to New Brunswick when George was quite 
small; thence to Harrison Co., Ohio. He was married Dec. 6, 
1838, to Nancy Fawcett, by whom he had 10 children; of these, 
seven are living, viz.: Margery, Francis C, Henry, John, Alex- 
ander, Mary E., and Geo. Eddie. One son, Matthew L., died 
May 8, 1881, aged 28 years. Francis and Henry were soldiers for 
the Union in the late war; the former in Company C, 11th Iowa 
Volunteer Infantry, and Henry was in the 2d Iowa Cavalry. Mr. 
Grace died June 22, 1869. He was a worthy member of the M. 
E. church. Mrs. Grace is also a member of the same church. 

liev. Alj)/teus Graven, jiastor of the Big Rock Congregationalist 
Church, was born in Sunderland. Mass., March 15, 1815, and is a 
son of Alphens (Graves, also a native of Massachusetts. He was 
reared on his father's farm, and educated at Union College, New 
York. He graduated in theology in 1841, from the Theological 
Institute of Connecticut, then located at East Windsor, but now at 
Hartford. Mr. Graves was installed into the ministry Nov. 11, 
1841, in Halifax, Vt., where he remained as pastor of the 
Halifax Congregational Church for 10 years. He afterward was 
pastor of the church at Edgewood, Iowa, Iowa Falls, and other 
places in Iowa and Minnesota. In September, 1881, he came to 
JBig Rock. He was married Nov. 1. 1841, to Miss Fannie Goodell, 
by whom he has had three children — Herbert W., Fred A. and 
Walter E. 

Willuim Jl. nickison, an old settler of Scott County, was born in 
Monn)Outh Co., N. J., Nov. 6, 1832, and is a son of John 
and Edith (Shumard) Hickson, natives of New Jersey, who 
removed with their family to Davenpart in August, 1830. The fol- 
lowing spring the}' removed to a farm in Rockingham Township, 



1158 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

wliere they remained three years, when they moved to Buf- 
falo Township, 10 miles below Davenport. Alter two years' resi- 
dence in Buffalo, tliey removed to a farm on the old telegraph road, 
five miles west, of Davenport. In 1850 they came to Liberty 
Township. The country then was moitly wild prairie, there being 
but one house betrt'een the Five Mile House and Allen's Grove. 
Mr. Ilickson was married in 1859, to Miss Emeliue, daughter of 
Thomas Graham. Thew have had eight children, of wliom four 
are living — William, Carrie, Lillian and John. Our subject was a 
soldier during the late war, in Company C, 2d Iowa Cavab-y. 
His three brothers, James, Joseph, and George, also in the war. 
James died at Vicksburg from a mortal wound. Mr. Hickson held 
the office of township trustee for Liberty Township for four 
years, and was appointed postmaster for Di.xoa in 1867, which 
position he still holds. He also runs a grocery store in connection 
with the otfice. He is Junior Warden of the Masonic Lodge at 
Wheatland, Iowa. 

Joseph lliclvon was born in Monmouth Co., N. J., Nov. 13, 
1836. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry, in which he served three years, and participated in the 
battles of Tupelo, West Point, Guntown, and others. He was 
married Dec. 27, 1866, to Mary M., daughter of John J. Trucks, 
who came to Scott County in 1836. They have four children — 
Charles L., Frederick, Mar}' £. and Sarah E. Mr. Hickson resides 
on section 10, Liberty Township; owns 120 acres of valuable land, 
and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a member of 
the A. O. U. W., of Dixon, and is one of the township trustees. John 
Hickson, deceased, the father of the above, was born in New Jersey, 
April 21:, 1808. He came to this county in 1839. He remained in 
Davenport until the following spring, when he removed to a farm. 
He was married Sept. 8, 1831, to Editli A. Shumard, by whom he 
had 11 children; of these eight are living — William IL, Joseph, 
Lydia A., George, John F. , Caroline, Marietta and Edith; one son, 
James, was killed at the battle of Champion Hills, a member of 
the 24th Iowa Infantry. 

Ant07i Hoepnei\ an enterprising young merchant of New Lib- 
erty, was born in Ilolstein, Germany, Jan. 25, 1S52, and is a son 
of Jerry Hoepner, deceased. He came to Cook Co., III., in 1870, 
and to St. Louis in 1874. He remained at the latter place for one 
year, and while there lost his left hand b}' blasting rock in a well. 
He came to Scott County in 1875. He spent a portion of his time 
in Cedar Co., la. He peddled goods through the country for four 
years, and in April, 1880, established a general store in N ew Liberty, 
where he does a good business. He v/as married February, 1880, 
to Miss Lena Hagge, daughter of A. Hagge, of Cedar County. 

Mark C. Jacobs, deceased, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 9, 1813. His father was Richard Jacobs, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. Mark received a limited education. He came to Ohio 
in 1834, and to Scott County in 1837. He worked here as a farm 



LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1159 

laborer, and broke the lirst pniiiie in Liberty Township for Jacob 
Heller, the first settler in that townshij). In 1839 lie entered 80 
acres on section 22, and the same number in Walnut Grove. He 
settled on this land in 1840, and was there en<>;aged in farming and 
stock-raising until his death, which occurred July 24, 1877. He 
was married Aug. .1, 18-10, to Lois Grace, a daughter of Michael 
Grace, who came to this county in 1839, from Ohio. At that time 
there was only one house between Hickory Grove and Davenport. 
They had to goto Illinois to mill. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jacobs had 
a family of eight children, seven living, viz.: George W., ISarah A., 
Melissa A., Eliza, Augustus D., Mary E. and Lota. When Mr. and 
Mrs. Jacobs came to their present liome, they had to move on a 
sled drawn by oxen. Tiicy had no stove, had three chairs and a 
few dishes. There was a hole dug under tiie floor of their cabin for 
a cellar. By toiling early and late, they cleared their land and 
made for themselves a comfortable home. Mr. Jacobs was one of 
the prominent men of the county, and his loss was deeply felt by 
the community. 

Oeorge II. Jacohfi was born in Liberty Township, this county, 
^fov. 2, 1841, and is a son of Mark C. Jacobs, deceased, whose 
sketch appears in this work. Mr. Jacobs is the eldest of eight chil- 
dren. He was reared on his father's farm, and attended the common 
schools. He was always engaged in farming until within the past 
three years, since which time he has been dealing in stock. He 
was a soldier for the Union in the late war three years, and served 
in Company C, 20th Iowa Infantry. He participated in the battles 
of Prairie Grove, siege of Vicksburg, Fort Morgan, Fort Blakelj', 
and others. lie was married Jan. 1, 1874, to Miss Emma Pen- 
nington, daughter of Eli Penninaton, deceased. They have four 
children— Sadie E.. George E.. Edith E. and Mark C. 

Thomas Keteh>''n, son o'" Peter Ketelsen, of Dixon, was born in 
Ilolstein, Germany, Aug. 18, 18.51. He was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools of that place. Accompanied 
by his ])arents ho came to tlie United States in 18C1. He wasmar- 
ried in 1874 to Laura 8teften, of German birth. Their children are 
Rosa and Peter Ketelsen. Mr. Ketelsen owns 200 acres of rich 
land on section 35. He is one of the prominent grain-growing 
and stock-breeding farmers of the county. He has seen the vari- 
ous changes whicli Scott County has undergone, from an uncul- 
tivated ]>rairie to one of the finest grain-producing counties in the 
State. 

ThnntJiy Killeen is a native of Roscommon, Ireland, and was 
born in the month of June, 1840. His father, Timothy Killeen, died 
in Ireland, and our subject came with his mother to Woonsocket, 
R. I., in 1850. He went to Kentucky in 1853, and to this 
county in 1856, settling in Liberty Township. He was married in 
November, 1804, to Bridget Learv, by whom lie has three chil- 
dren — Bernard, John and Mary A. Mr. Killeen and family are 
members of tlie Catholic church at Big Rock. He resides on sec- 



1160 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY, 

tion 4; owns 82 acres of land here and 160 acres on section 16. 
Business, farming and stock-raising. 

John Klahn, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Holstein, 
Germany, and was born May 19, 1844. His father, John Klahn, 
came with liis family to this county in 1857. Mr. Klahn worked 
as a hired farm hand for nine years, then rented land for eight 
years, and in 1878 purchased 80 acres on section 19, Liberty 
Township, where he is engaged in general farming. He was mar- 
ried in 1871 to Miss Mary Clausen, a native of Holstein. They 
have had three children — Mina, Agnes and Johanas, (deceased.) 

frajicis H. Le Claire was born on the Bird farm, near Daven- 
port, March 8, 1842. His father was A. D. Le Claire, half-brother 
to Antoine- Le Claire, the first settler in Davenport. The family 
moved to this city when Francis H. was quite small. He was 
reared and educated here. He ran as pilot on the river from 1857 
to 1861, then enlisted in the war in Co. B, 8th Iowa Inf., being 
the only one of that name who served in the LTnion army. He 
participated in tlie battles of Shiloli, Springfield, Vicksburg, 
Island No. 10, Corinth, luka, Arkansas Post and others. He 
piloted on the •' Charley Mc Doiigall," a Government hospital 
boat, 23 months of his service. From Shiloh to Corinth lie was 
under lire 27 days in succession, but he kept the colors llj'ing all 
through that campaign. Since leaving the service he has kept a 
livery stable and dealt in liorses. He has been twice married; first 
in 1866 to Dora, daughter ot Capt. Henry White, by whom he had 
one child — Georgia. Mrs. Dora Le Claire died July 19, 1870. In 
1877 he married his second wife, Mabel Hoyt, of Maine. They 
have three children — Bertie, Mabel and Frank II. 

Hic/def I,unscAe/i was born in Oldenburg, Germany, Feb. 7, 
1840, and is a son of Frederick Lunschen, a native of the same 
place. He was brought up on a farm and received a common- 
school education; aLo attended for some time the college of Obel- 
gonne. He came to Davenport in 1868, purchased 320 acres ot 
land in Liberty Townsiiip, to which he removed the same fall. This 
land is located on section 20, and is still occupied by our subject, 
where he is engaged in farming and stoclc raising. He was mar- 
ried in 1868, just prior to leaving for America, to Miss Sophia, 
daughter of Frederick Volkmann. They have had eight children, 
but three of whom are living, viz.: Cliarles, Paulina and Ricklef. 
The names of the deceased were — Anne, Lena, Helena, Sophia and 
Frederick. Four of these died in 1881, within the space of three 
months and six days, two of scarlet fever and two of brain lever. 

George Mewes was born in Holstein, Germany, June 19, 1825. 
His father, George Mewes, was also born in Holstein. He came 
to Scott County in 1853. For three years lie worked as a hired 
hand, when he bought a farm in Butler Township. He now 
resides on section 18, Liberty Township, and is engaged in fanning 
and stock-raising. He owns 179 acres, besides some timber land; 
was married in 1852, to Anne Kragen, by wliom he had one child, 



LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1161 

and he was again married to Anne (Jornelius. Tlicy have three 
children, — Katie, Hans, and Augusta 

James M. Mitchell, son of Abie! and Sarah Mitchell, ?i«e Ling- 
liain, is a native of llutiand Co., Vt., and was reared on a farm, 
and educated in the graded schoids of Salisbury and Pittsfield, 
Vt. lie went to Albany, N. Y., in IS45, and clerked in hi.s brother 
Henry's store until 1848, wiien he came to Scott County. After 
arriving here he engaged in school-teaching some nine years. lie 
was married Jan. 26, 1S50, to Matilda S., daughter of Revilo 
^'oble. She was born in Beniungton Co., Vt., and came with iier 
parents to this county when a sm.ill child. Mr. Mitchell located 
in Big Rock, Liberty Township in 1871, where he was station 
agent for the C, M. & St. P. II. R. Co. for seven and one-half 
years. He is a faithful worker in the cause of temperance, and an 
active member of the Congregational church at Big Rock. 

Peter F. Mohr. Alt'.iough not an old settler of Scott County, Mr. 
Mohr deserves a mention in our county history. He was born in 
Ilolstein, Germany, May 23, 182G, and is a son of Peter Mohr, Sr. 
lie came to this county in 1872, and now owns 1(J0 acres of val- 
uable land on sections S and 17, Liberty Township. He is en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising, at present on the Peter Wheeler 
^arm. He was married in 1852, to Miss H. Thompson, by whom 
lie had si.\ children, live living — -John H., Maggie, Alfred, Theo- 
dore and Herman. The deceased's name was Emma. Mr. Mohr 
was a soldier for Ilolstein and Schleswii; during the war with Den- 
mai'k in 1848, and held the rank of lieutenant. 

Henry Petersen, a son of John P. Petersen, was born in Ilolstein, 
Germany, Oct. 29, 1828. He obtained an education in the public 
schools of that place. He came to Scott County and located in 
Davenport in 185(5. He went to Illinois and remained there two 
years, then returned to this county, where he has resided since. 
He was married in 1854, in his native country, to Wheapky Klink. 
They have five children — Maggie (now the wife of John Ohdie), 
George, Charley, Mary and Katie. Mr. Petersen is the owner of 
a large farm of 400 acres on section 26, this township, which is 
under good improvement, and well stocked. He is one of Liberty 
Township's most enterprising and energetic citizens. 

Fred A. Quisforf, section 25, Liberty Township, was born in 
Holstein, Germany, Nov. 28, 1835, and is a son of Ludwiir A. 
Quistorf, who came from Germany in 1850, and settled iti Blue 
Grass Township, Scott County,, where he purchased 40 acres of 
land for $200. After taking three crops from it he sold it for 
$1,200. For three vears our subject worked as a common laborer 
on the farm. He was married in December, 1860, ti) Miss Helen 
Steflen, daughter of Joachim Steffen, who emigrated from Ger- 
many to America with his family in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Quistorf 
have had eight children, six livin^', — Anne A., Ferdinand A., Ele- 
nora IL, Emma A., Minnie M. and Meta A. Mr. Quistorf is at 
present justice of the peace for Liberty Township, and county 



1162 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

supervisor. He has also held the office of township trustee tor 
several years. Our subject is a member of the A. O. U. W., in 
good standing. He owns 160 acres of valuable land where he 
resides, besides SO acres in Cleona Township, and is engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. 

Henry t. Quistorf, a native of Holstein, Germany, was born 
Feb. 26, 1838. His father, Ludwig Quistort, a native also of that 
place, came to the United States with his family, and located in 
Blue Grass Townshi]) in 1850. Scott County was then in its in- 
fancy; its bioad and fertile prairies were unbroken, and were the 
liomes ot deer and wolves, but these hardy pioneers went to work 
with strong hearts and willing hands, and cleared the land and 
cultivated the soil. Mr. Ludwig Qui&torf died in Blue Grass 
Township at the age of 6^ years. The family came to Allen's 
Grove Township in 1857, and settled on section 25, where they 
now own a finely cultivated farm, large barn and granary, and a 
comfortable home. Henry Quistorf married Louisa Pardy Dec. 
3, 1861. She was born in Hanover, Germany. They have had 
eight children, seven survive, viz.: Ilermann, Amelia, Theresa, 
Amanda, Josephine, Anne, and Adolph. They also have adopted 
his brother Bernhardt Quistorfs son, Julius. Mr. Henry Quis- 
torf has held the offices of trustee, constable, and school directoi-. 

Michael Rasjp is a son of John Hasp, deceased, and the eldest * 
of eight children, viz.: Michael, Mary, Margaret, Ellen. Eliza, 
John, Bridget, and Thomas. He was born in Canada West, in 
Marcli, 1826, and came to this county with his parents in 1849. 
He was married in 1859 to Mary O'Neil, by whom he has four 
children, Hannah, Mary A., Theresa and Margaret. Mr. Rasp 
resided in Scott County until 1860, when he located just acioss 
the line in Clinton County, on section 32, Spring Rock Township. 
He owns in the two counties 140 acres of land. 

John Hasp, section 5, Liberty Township, is a native of Canada 
West, and was born in December, 1837. His father, John Rasp, 
a native of Germany, was a soldier for England, and came to 
Canada as such in 1812. He afterward obtained 100 acres of land 
there as a reward for his services to the I5ritish government. The 
family ren^oved to this county in 1849, and settled on section 5, 
Liberty Township, where our sui^ject now resides, and is engaged 
in farming and raising stock. In 1864 Mr. Rasp, being of a rov- 
ing nature, went to Montana, remaining in Virginia City 18 
months. He then traveled through Idaho and Wyoming. He 
pursued Willard Barress' trail to Walla Walla; tlien around through 
Oregon and back to Salt Lake City. lie was eye witness to many 
Indian depredations, yet himself was never molested. He was 
within 10 miles of Fort Julesburg when it was burned, and had 
been at the fort in the evening just a few hours previous to its 
being fired by the savages. Mr. Rasp was a soldier in the miners' 
expedition to drive the Indians from the mines. He returned to 
hie home in 1865. 



LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1163 

Christian Schwien, born in Holstein. German}', Nov. 7, 1824, 
was a son of Henry Scliwicn, also of that country. Christian was 
married there to Mary D. Ausborn in li<54. They liave had si.x 
chihlren, four livinir. viz. : Emma (married Henry Reinhold), 
Rudolph, Gustav and Charley. The subject of this memoir was 
educated in the common schools of his native country. Soon after 
his marriage lie came to the United States and located in Daven- 
port, Iowa, where he remained tive years. He came to Liberty 
Township in lSo9, rented land until 1S66, then boiight a farm of 
80 acres in section .30. He now owns 120 acres of iine larming 
land; has a large barn 36 x 44 feet, and a good house ou his farm. 
His wife died Sept. 19, 1881; his mother died in Davenport, Dec. 
8, 1881. Mr. Schwien has been school director three years. 

Charles E. Shaw, farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, Liberty 
Township, was born in Oneida Co., New York, Dec. 6, 1828, and 
is a son of Anthony and Sophia (Spinning) Shaw, also natives of 
New York. He was brought up ou his father's farm and attended a 
subscription school, which was taught in a log cabin, with a huge 
fire place in one end of the cabin, board desks (which were fastened 
to the wall by wooden pins), slab seats and puncheon floor, and 
one house had a dirt floor. The family came to Lee Co., Iowa, in 
1843. In 1S4S he went to Lake Co., 111., and to this county in 1853. 
He tir.st settled in Dixon and engaged in farming for nine years, 
when he removed to his present farm. He was married Oct. 27, 
1851, to Experience Buck, daughter of Steplien Buck; she is a 
native of Canada. They had 10 children, eight living — Martin, 
George, Jeannette, Anthony, Julius, Minnie, Lizzie and Edna; one 
daughter, Mary, was four years old when she died, the other, Emma 
C, wife of George Fouke, died Nov. 15, 1880; they had one child, 
Florence E. Mr. and Mrs Shaw are members of the Christian 
church. 

William I*. Smallfield was born in Holstein, Germany, Sept. 
8, 1828. His father, James Smallfield, also a native of that place, 
came with his son "William to Coimectieut in 1846. He was a tanner 
.by trade, and our subject learned that trade when a boy. In 1848 
they came to Scott County and located in Davenport, where Will- 
iam worked tor Harvey Leonard, the present sheriff", two years. In 
1850 he went with ox teams across the plains to California, and 
was engaged in mining there four years, then returned to this 
county and kept a store in Davenport some years. In 1873 he 
came to Liberty Township and purchased 80 acres in section 23, 
and 80 acres in section 24, where he now resides. He married 
Mary Steiidiilber in 1854. They have had eight children, three 
deceased; the living are Adolph, Frank, John, Charlie and Eddie. 
Mr. Smallfield has his farm of 160 acres under cultivation, and is 
extensively engaged in farming and breeding stock. 

Calvin'B. Snyder was born in Huron Co., Ohio, May IS, 1838. 
He came with his parents in November, 1846, to Allen's Grove 
Township, where they labored hard to make a farm; this was be- 
67 



1164 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

fore Iowa became a State. They lived in a small log cabin, which 
had previously been built on the land; our subject was active in 
assisting the (rovernment during the war; he was commissioned 
2d Lieutenant by Governor Stone, and he raised recruits and 
drilled them at home for service. Mr. Snyder was married Feb. 1, 
1863, to Miss Harriet J. Haile, daughter of James Haile, an early 
settler of Liberty Township. They have had nine children — Charles 
D., James S., John F., Ella, Sarah E., Harry H., Henry B., Lee H. 
and Rudolph. Mr. Snyder has held the offices of assessor, justice 
of the peace, constable several years, and has been president of the 
School Board of Liberty Township almost constanth' since he was 
old enough to hold office; is a member of the Good Tem])lars. He 
resides on section 12, Liberty Township, owns 241 acres of land 
and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Simon Snyder, the 
father of the above, was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Oct. 9, 1806. 
He learned the tanner's trade when young; he renmved to Tomp- 
kins Co., New York, in 1820, and to Huron Co., Ohio, in 1S34, and 
as above stated, to this county in November, 18-46. He was mar- 
ried in December, 1827, to Susan Jacobs, by whom he had seven 
children, live living — Ephraim, Rudolph, Caliou B., Daniel and 
John; the deceased, Roswell B. and Richard J., were drowned 
in the " Wapsie " while bathing. Mrs. Snyder died in Decem- 
ber, 1873, and he again married, Oct. 10, 1875, this time to Jennie 
Negus. 

August Treimer was born Nov. 4, 1843, in Holstein, Germany. 
He was reared on a farm and attended school in Germany until 
1865, when he emigrated (o this country and located in Scott 
County, where he rented a farm of 160 acres on section 24, Lil>erty 
Township. After renting four j-ears he bought this farm, which is 
now under a high state of cultivation and well stocked. He is one 
of the representative farmers of Libert}' Township, and an enter- 
prising citizen. He was married in January, 1879, to Sophie 
Cruse. Tj them have been born two children — Emma and Annie. 
Paul Treimer, father of August, resides in Cleona Township. He 
is a native of Germany. 

Henry Thielvoldt is a native of Holstein, Germany, and was born 
in 1849. Ill 1853 he emigrated with his parents to America and came 
at once to Davenport. lie attended school in this city until 1872, 
when he went to Muscatine Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming 
there two vears; then rented the farm which he now owns, until 
1881, whH{i he bought it. He has his farm under good cultivation, 
and well stocked. He was married on the 8th of December, 1872, 
to Abie Puck. Their union has been blessed with three children — 
Johami;!.. b irn April 5, 1873; Willie, April 2, 1875, and Amanda, 
March 14 1879. Mr. Thip,voldt is a member of the Presbj terian 
church, HTi 1 in politics is a Republican. 

IJenry Van Bergen was born in Holstein, Germany, Jan. 7, 
1848, and i^ a son of John Van Bergen, also a native of Holstein. 
He WHS hr. Might up on a farm and attended the public schools of 






LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 1165 

Holstein. He came to this county in Aui^ust, 1S70. lie worked 
as a farm hand for six yeais, tlien engaged in business for himself 
at New Liberty. He is proprietor of the New Liberty dance hall, 
and of the saloon. The liall is 30 feet wide and 42 feet long. He 
was married in ISZ'J to Miss Lena Trode, daughter of John Trede, 
deceased, who came to this county about 28 years ago. 

Ificholas White, an enterprising farmer of Liberty Township, is 
a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, and was born in August, 1819. He 
came to New York State in 1S4S, remaining there until 1852; then 
to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked in Kidgeway & Kimball's car 
factory for two years. Mr. White is a wagon-maker by trade. He 
came to this county in 1855, aild established a wagon shop in 
Dixon, which he ran for 10 years. He then located on a farm on 
section lii, Liberty Township, where he now resides. The land 
was then wild prairie. He has worked hard and has his land now 
well improveii, of which he owns 200 acres, besides 80 acres in 
Louisa Co., Iowa. He was married in December, 1849, to Miss 
Alice McDonald, by whom he has had nine children; six of 
these are living-Julia, Thomas, Edward, Katie, Bridget and James. 
One son, Daniel, died at the age of 15 years. The family belong to 
the Catholic church at Big Rock. 

Orson E. Wright, the popular druggist of Big Rock, is a son of 
Edward and Anna ( Schutt ) Wright, and was born in Berkshire 
Co., Mass., July 11, 1830. He was brought up on a farm and 
received a common -school education. His fatlier was a mill- 
wright, and our subject early learned the use of tools. He came 
to Huron Co., Ohio, in 1851, where he worked at the cabinet- 
maker's and carpenter's trade until 1854, when he came to this 
county. He engaged in farming for several years, and in 1872 
established a drug store in Big Rock. He also keeps a full line of 
notions, school-books, wall-paper, etc., and is doing a good business, 
Mr. Wright was married in September, 1851, to Miss Julia A. 
Mead, daughter of Jesse H. Mead. She was also born in Berkshire 
Co., Mass. Both are members of the Congregational church at Big 
Rock, of which he is deacon. 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 

Lincoln was one of the last organized townships in the county, 
its corporate existence dating from 1866. Like all other prairie 
townships, the land was not entered until all the timber was dis- 
posed of, and settlements were not so early made. The township 
comprises township 79, range i east, save one tier of sections on 
the east. 

EARLY SETTLEKS. 

Robert Criswell came from Pennsylvania in 18i4, and located 
in Long Grove, where he resided three years, and then moved to 
what is now Lincoln Township. He was the first settler in the 
township. He improved a farm on section 23. In 1S67 he moved 
to Princeton, in this county, and there died, July 22, ISSl, being 
81 years of age. William H. Jones came to this county in 1849. 
He is a native of Wales. Mr. Jones improved the east half of 
section 23, where he now resides. Eldad Scott, from Indiana, came- 
in 1851, and improved on section 27. Both himself and wife are 
now dead. H. E. Mason settled in 1S50, on section 35. He came 
from the State of New York, and remained here until 1859, when 
he moved to Missouri. He has since become a Methodist preacher. 
M. J. Rohlfs, now county treasurer, settled in Lincoln Township 
in 1850. In 1853 came Peter N. Lau, who located on section 29; 
J. Schuckloth, section 17; Henry Mueller, section 20; and Hans 
Plagmann, section 32. From this time forward the township 
settled quite rapidly, the names of parties it would therefore be 
impossible to give. 

Tne first birth in the township was Ellen, daughter of William 
H. Jones, who was born in 1850. She is still living. 

The tirst marriage was that of Mr. Scott and Mary Ann Cris- 
well. They now reside in Jasper Co., la. 

The first death remembered by P. B. Criswell was that of Caro- 
line Stacy, aged about 12 years, who died in 1854. 

The first school-house was built on section 23, and was known as 
the Jones school-house The first school was taught by J. O. 
Jameison. The house was burned down a few years since, and 
another erected in its stead. The township as a school district has 
eight sab-districts, with 324 pupils of school age, and an enroll- 
ment of 273. It has also eight frame school-houses, with an aver- 
age value of $1,200, or a total of $9,600. 

The first religious services were held in the Jones school-house 
in the winter of 1S53-4, by Rev. Mr. White. There is now but 
one religious denomination represented by an organization — the 

(1166) 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1167 

Summit Presbyterian Church, which was organized July 6, 1858, 
by Kev. J. D. Mason, assisted by Kev. J. M. Jones and Elder 
James Jack. Previous to this time services were held tirst at tlie 
house of William Yocum. Those signing the Articles of Covenant 
on organization were David II. Moore, Mrs. Caroline Moore, Will- 
iam Walker, Mrs. Maria Walker, Miss Emily Cadwallader, Miss 
Eliza C. Walker, AVilliam Yocum, Mrs. Sarali Yocum, Mrs. Rachel 
Dapp, Miss Amy Ella Yocum, Y. K. Torrence, Mrs. Catherine 
Torrence, John Walker, Martha Ann Walker, John McMonegal, 
Mrs. Elizabeth McMonegal, Mrs. Catherine Moore, Benjamin Sny- 
der, John Port, Levi Reddick. Mrs. Margaret Proudfoot, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Crisswell, Mrs. Mary Ann Le Grange, Robert English, 
Mrs. Esther English, James M. English, Mrs. Sarah Jane English 
— a total ot 28. On organization, Robert English, D. H. Moore, 
V. R. Torrence were elected elders. A house of worsiiip was 
erected on the north line of section 25 in 1S5S, at a cost of $1,200. 
The building is frame, 32 x 40 feet. Those serving as pastors 
since organization were Revs. J. D. Mason, Hugh Barclay, R. L. 
Adams, C. R. Yon Emraan, H. Bishop, C. P. Spinning and N. 
Williams; the latter the present incumbent, who has associated with 
him in thegovernment of the congregation, Samuel McDowell,Will- 
iam Walker and John ^loore. elders. Since organization 176 
persons have been connected with the congregation, 110 of whom 
have been dismissed by letter, 21 died; present membership 40. 
At the same time the congregation was formed, a Sunday-school 
was organized, which has been in active existence from that time 
to the present. Its first superintendent was Robert English. The 
following named are the present officers of the school: Samuel Mc- 
Dowell, Superintendent; Assistant Superintendent. A. J. Greene; 
Secretary, J. C. Walker; Librarian, Blair Kepler. 

Lincoln Township is bounded on the east by Le Claire, on the 
west by Sheridan, on the north by Butler and the south by Pleas- 
ant Valley Townships. No tiner body of land can be found in 
Scott County, and evidences of thrift are seen upon everj' hand. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

A history of the people of a country is a history of the country it 
self. For this reason is here given sketches of many of the most 
prominent citizens of the township: 

Delter Arp was born in Holstein, Germany, Jan. 1, 1831, where 
he lived until he was 22 years ot age, when he emigrated to the 
United States, landing in Xew Orleans, July, 1S53. He came to 
Davenport and worked on a farm some time; then helped to build 
the road from Davenport to Warcourt, after whicii he worked for 
different parties until he rented a farm in Sheridan Township. 
Soon after he purchased SO acres of land in Lincoln Township, to 
which he has since added 80 acres, making a fine farm of 160 acres, 
where he now resides. lie was married tj Burtlui Weise in March, 
1865. She was born in Holstein, Germany, and was a daughter of 



1168 HISTOKY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Hans and Anna (Peipel) Weise. Mr. and Mrs. Arp have had a 
family of ei»ht children, two living, viz. : Hans and Adorf The 
parents of Delter Arp were Clans and Ewoltd (Awoltd) Arp, of 
German nativity. They had eight children. Mr. Dalter Arp 
came to this country a poor boy; could not speak one word of 
English, and to say that he is to-day one of Lincoln Township's 
most enterprising ftirmers, is sufficient to show what hard work 
and perseverance has accomplished. He has held many local offices 
of trust in his township, having been elected supervisor and school 
director. 

William Barr was born near Indiana Town, Pa., Bee. 16, 1816. 
He lived there on his father's farm until Nov. 10, 1813, when he 
was married to Ellen Davis, who was born in Ohio, and a daughter 
of Samuel and Susan Davis, nee Elliott, natives of the Keystone 
State. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barr lived in Pennsyl- 
vania until 1818, wlien they removed to Miami Co., Ohio, where 
he followed farming some five years. In June, 1819, Mrs. Barr 
died, having been the mother of one child, who died in infancy. 
After his wife's death Mr. Barr lived one year on the farm, then 
engaged in the milling business, which he continued in until July, 
1861. He was married the second time to Mahala Redman, July 5, 
1853. She was born in Huntingdon Co., Pa., and was a daughter 
of Samuel and Esther Redman, nee Rench. In July, 1861, Mr. 
and Mrs. Barr came to Iowa, and resided in Davenport a few years, 
when they moved on to the farm where they now reside, on section 
27, this township. Mr. Barr has a tarm of 120 acres under a high 
state of cultivation. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
church, and the parents of eight children, five living, viz.: Scott 
W., Fannie E., Canada B., Rosa E. and J. Florrence. Mr. Barr's 
parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Evans) Barr, natives of Penn- 
sylvania. The former died in November, 1860; the latter In 1819 
or '20. Politically Mr. Wm. Barr is a Republican, and has held the 
offices of supervisor and school director of this township. 

IritzBostian, son of Yocum and Mary Bostian (the former died 
in America in 1868, the latter in 1875), was born near Plan, Ger- 
man}', Jan. 1, 1822. He came to the United States when 27 years 
of age; landed at Quebec, Canada, then came to Chicago, from there 
went to New Orleans; worked in Mississippi and Louisiana, until 
1852, when he came to Davenport, la. ; worked for different parties 
for two years, then bought a farm of SO acres in Butler Township, 
where he remained until 1867, when he sold his farm and purchased 
160 acres in Lincoln Township, his present residence. His land is 
worth $75 an acre, and is well improved. He is one of the repre- 
sentative farmers of Scott County. He was married in June, 1856, 
to Frederica Shultz. She was born in Germany. They have two 
children, viz.: Anna M. married John Peters, and lives on a farm 
in this township, and Laura. In politics Mr. B. is a Republican. 

Benjamin Crlswell was born near Lewiston, Pa., June 18, 1819. 
"When he was 13 years of age his parents moved to Blair County 



LINCOLN TOWNSniP. 1169 

and settled on a farm near Williamsburg, lie was married bere 
to Catbarine Eiielblute, Marcb 12, 1S42. Sbe is a native of Blair 
County, and a duigbter ofJacjb and Rebecca (Crocket) Edelblute, 
wlio were natives of tbe Keystone State, lie died in 1861. JUr. 
and Mrs. Benjamin Criswell remained in Blair County until 1852, 
wben be came to Iowa, wbere be purcbased 80 acres of land in Lin- 
coln Townsbip, to wbicb be bas since added 182 acres, making a fine 
farm of 262 acres, wbere be now resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Cris- 
well bave been born tbree cbildren, viz.: Orlando B. (wbo was 
married Jan. 24, 1877, to Mattie Bircbard, a native of Scott County, 
and a daugbter ot George and Eiizabetb (Stockwell) Bircbard. Sbe 
is a member of tbe Cbristian Cliureb, and tbe motberof one cbild — 
Sidney Criswell), Asberry Criswell (wbo married Dora Moore), and 
Orvilie Criswell (wbo married Flora Hart, a daugbter of Hiram 
and Mary Hart, and resides in Crawford Co., Iowa). Robert Cris- 
well, fatber of Benjamin, was born in MitUin Co., Pa., and died 
June 22, 1880. His wife, Mary A. McElvain, was born at tbe same 
place, and was tbe mother of 12 children, f)ur living, viz.: Mary 
A., wife of James Scott; Margaret, wife of Sam Scott; William and 
tbe subject of this sketch. Tbe mother died in Pinceton Township, 
this county, in November, 1867. Mr. Benjamin Criswell is one of 
tbe leading stock and grain-growers in this county. He has held 
various local offices in tbe townsbip. In politics he is a Djtnocrat. 

Ashurij S. Criswell was born Jan. 10, 184-7, near S])ringfield 
Furnace, Pa. His ]>arents came to Iowa wben be was five years 
old, and settled on the farm wbere his fatber now lives, in Lincoln 
Townsbip. He was married to Eldora T. Moore, Feb. 22, 1S75 ; 
sbe was born in Galena, 111., and was a daugbter of David Moore, 
a native of Ireland, and Martha (Hood) Moore, born in Pittsburg, 
Pa. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Asbury Criswell moved 
on tbe farm wbere they now reside, in Lincoln Townsbi]>. Tbree 
cbildren bave been born to tliein, one living — Benjamin H., horn 
July 11, 1880. Mrs. Criswell is a member of tbe Presbyterian 
cburcb. Benjamin Criswell, tbe fatber of Asbury S., was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1819; bis wife Catbarine (Edelbute) Criswell was 
born also in Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch has his 
farm of 50 acres all under improvement and valued at $75 an acre. 
He was appointed towu clerk in 1875 and reelected to this otfice 
five years in succession. He votes tbe Democratic ticket. 

John D op p. son of John and Rebecca (Kylor) Dopp, tbe former 
a native of Virginia, and the bitter of Pennsylvania, was born on 
a farm near Huntingdon, Pa., July 19, 1833. His tatberdied when 
lie was five years old and be went to live with bis uncle, near 
Williamsburg, Pa. When be was 13 years old be resolved to go 
to work on his own responsibility. He worked in a brickyard one 
season and for difierent ]iarties until 20 years of age, when he 
rented a farm for two years near Huntingdon, at tbe expiration of 
wliicli time he rented another farm near tbe same locality. He was 
here married to Margaret Irwin, March 27, 1857 ; she was a native 



1170 HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

of Frankstown, Pa., born Dec. 5, 1S34, andwas a daughter of John 
and Elizabeth (Rhule) Irwin, the farmer a native of CountjDerry, 
Ireland, the latter of Blair Co., Pa. Ot their family of 11 
children eiglit are living, viz. : William, John, Mr.-. Sarah Mc- 
Bean, Mrs. Isabell Snyder, Mrs. Mary Holten, Mrs. Martha Camp- 
bell, Emeline, James G.. who enlisted in Co. M, Pa. Cav. Vols. 
He vFas out on picket duty while in Virginia and was surrounded 
by the rebels. (J])on liis refusing to surrender they tired upon him 
and wounded him in the leg, not until after he had killed one of 
their number however. He was then comi)elled to walk to Rich- 
mond prison, 30 miles, then to Libby prison, I where he died from 
exposure in that horrible den two days afrer. In the spring of lS6o 
Mr. and Mrs. Dopp came to Iowa and went to Pleasant Valley Town- 
ship, Scott Co., where he farmed with his brother Jacob on shares one 
year; then bought a farm in Lincoln Township; subsequently pur- 
chased 91 acres iin section 34, same township, where he now resides. 
He is now the owner of 208 acres, valued at .s70 an acre. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dopp have had seven children, viz. : Mary E., Jacob H., 
William I., John C, Minnie C, Frank B. and Eihe E. Mr. Dopp 
has held the oftice of supervisor a number of terms. Is a member 
of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 182, at Summit. In politics 
he is Democrat and a man well respected in his community. His 
Great-grandfather Beales was a soldier in that great war which 
gave to America her libert,y, the Revolution. John Dop]) is one of a 
family of six children, live living, viz.: Jacob B., Mrs. Rachel 
Smith, Mary, Mrs. JSTancy Clulcot and John. 

William Dougherty, a native of Tiperary Co., Ireland, was 
bom Aug. 15, 1811. Margaret Bryan was born in Ireland 
in 1855. They were there married about 1833 and caiue to 
the United States and landed in New York, where they re- 
mained three years, thence to Davenjiort, Iowa, arriving in April, 
1854. He worked at this place in a brick-yard two years, then 
purchased a farm of 160 acres on section 10, this township, where 
he lived 20 years; subsequently bouglit 122i acres more in section 
six, where he is living at present. Mr. Dougherty values his land 
at 875 an acre. He is considered one of Scott County's most ener- 
getic farmers and has seen the various changes which it has un- 
dergone, from a vast prairie covered with srajs to one ot the finest 
counties in the State, abounding m highly cultivated farms and 
comfortable homes, ample evidence of the thrift and economy 
which the early settlers and their posterity practiced. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dougherty have had four children, viz. : Bridget, who mar- 
ried John Kennedy, and lives in Le Claire, Le Claire Township; 
William, who married Kate Kelly, and makes her home in Win- 
field Township; Edward, married Alice Glenn and resides with his 
father in this township; and Ellen, who married Patrick Glenn, 
and resides in Winfield Township. The parents of William 
Doiigherty, Edward and Margaret (Lubey) Dougherty, were of 
Irish nativity and the parents of two children. Mrs. Wm. Dough- 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1171 

crtydied March 12, 1S72, and was laid to rest at "Walnut Grove ; 
she was a member of the Catliolic cliurch. 

John Drenter was born in Prussia, Germany, Feb. 28, 1829. He 
came to tlie United States alone, when 15 years old. He landed 
in Baltimore and from there went to Huntingdon, Pa., where he 
worked as a farm laborer seven years, then purchased a farm of 
his own. He was married here Oct. 20, ISoi, to Mary J. Port, of 
Pennsylvania, a danijhter of John and Martha (Fox) Port, natives 
also of that State. They were tlie i)arentsof 10 children. In May, 
1855, Mr. and Mrs. Drenter came to Iowa and purchased a farm of 
160 acres in Lincoln Townshi]^. He subsequently sold that farm 
and bought -to acres in Le Claire Township; lived there two years, 
then purcliased his i)resent farm of 2'JO acres on section 22. His 
farm is well cultivated and valued at $75 an acre. The parents of 
our subject were Andrew and Anna M. (Schister) Drenter, of Ger- 
man nativity, where he died in 1838. Tiiej' were the parents of 
three children ; she died in this county. Mr. and Mrs. John Dren- 
ter have had a family of eight children, seven living, viz.: William, 
John M., Ora M., Cemantha, Ellen, Martha and Harry. Mr. 
Drenter is one of the leading farmers of this county. 

John Gahagan, a descendant of Scotch and German ancestry, was 
a son of John and Sarah (Watson) Gahagan, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania; the former died in January, 1813, the latter in lS-16. Our 
subject was born Nov. 10,1812, near Huntingdon, Pa. He learned 
the carpenter's trade and, when 21 years of age, began to work for 
himself He was engaged in building bridges on the Pennsyl- 
vania canal for 1-i years. He tiien worked on thePensylvania Cen- 
tral Uaih-oad five years. In June, 1S56, he came to Scott County 
and bought tlie farm of SO acres in Lincoln Township, where he 
now resides. He was married to Leah Brown, in Alexandria, Pa., 
in 1841. She was born in Huntingdon Co., Pa., and was a daughter 
of William and Mary Brown, of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Galia- 
gan liave two children, viz.: Mary, who married Richard Hoover 
and is residing with her uncle, Samuel Isenburg, in Huntingdon, 
Pa., and Silas, who married Lilly Balstafi", and is now a resident of 
Denver, Col. Mrs. Gahagan died in February, 1818. Mr. Gaha- 
gan married for iiis second wife Amanda Wood, Dec. 26, 1851. 
She was a daughter of George H. and Catharine (.Shively) Wood, 
natives of Penn.sylvania, where she was also horn; her mother died 
in March, 1817; her father resides witii them and is in his 82d 
year. Mr. and Mra. Gahagan have had eight children, seven living, 
viz.: Gary N. (who married James A. Pollock, Dec. 21, 1877; 
they had three children, two living, viz. : Homer and Samuel L. 
Mr. Pollock died May 29, 1881), John W., Frank C, George A., 
Rosella, Clarence and James W. Mr. Gahagan came to this county 
in limited circumstances, but by hard work has amassed a fine 
farm of 180 acres, valued at $100 an acre. In politics he is a 
Democrat. 



1172 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Christian H. Gertz was born in Oberwholdac, Oldenburg Prov- 
ince, Germany, Jan. 28, 1837. His parents were John H. and 
Anna (Beck) Gertz, natives of Germanj', and the parents of five 
children, four living, viz.: Christina, Catherine, Christian II. and 
Henry P.; the father died in 1866, and the mother died on the 
way to America in 1S47, and was buried at sea. Christian H. 
Gertz came to America when he was 10 years old, accompanied by 
his parents, arriving here the fall of 1847. They went to St. 
Louis, thence to Qnincy, 111., where they remained until 1850, 
when they came to Davenport, this State. His father bought a 
farm in Sheridan Township, lived there until 1856, then moved to 
a farm in Lincoln Township, where our subject was married to 
Lena Peiper, Sept. 22, 18C0. She was born in Holsteiu, Germany, 
and catiie with her parents to the United States when 13 years of 
age. Her mother, Anna (Brockman) Peiper, died Feb. 8, 1853, 
and her father was again married, to Maggie Weise. After Mr. 
and Mrs. Gertz were married they lived on the farm with his 
father until 1862, then moved on a farm on section 20, where he 
purchased his present farm in 1864, of 160 acres, valued at $75 an 
acre. He has a nice dwelling-house and one of the finest barns in 
the county on his place. He and wife have had one child, Louisa 
M., born "May 3, 1862, and died Aug. 14, 1863. In politics he is 
Kepublican. 

Hiram Goodwin was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 
1819. Delila Hibbetts was born in Knox Co., Pa., Feb. 19, 1819. 
They were married June 14, 1842. She was the daughter of James 
and Susanna (Kheidinger) Hibbets, natives of Pennsylvania, and 
the parents of 14 children. He died Feb. 16, 1861. She is still 
living in Ohio, in her 89th year. Previous to his marriage, Mr. 
Goodwin had worked on his father's farm and piloting on the 
river. After that event, himself and wife lived on a farm in In- 
diana one year, and in October, 1843, came to Henry Co., Iowa, 
settling near Mt. Pleasant; afterward bought a farm of 84-i acres 
in Lincoln Township, to which he has since added 43 acres, making 
a line farm of 127^ acres, valued at §75 per acre. The union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin has been blessed with nine children, viz.: 
Emily, who married Henry C. Ilighley, and resides in Fulton, 
Iowa; Alonzo L., who married Emma Highley, and now resides 
in Cleona Township, this county; Theodocia, who married George 
C. Murray, and lives in Sioux Co., Iowa; Melissa, married 
James Mc^Iurray, and resides in Meringo, Iowa; Thomas, married 
Eutli Swain, and lives in Cleona Township, this county; Theodore 
W., married Martha Foster, and lives in Wiota. Iowa; Rebecca, 
Hiram P., and Orval F. Goodwin. Hiram Goodwin, Sr., was a 
son of James and Nancy (Faulkner) Goodwin, the former a native 
of Ohio, and died in 1822; the latter born in Kentucky, and died 
in 1855. They were the parents of three children, viz. : Ephraim, 
Hiram, and Emily. "When he came to this county Mr. Goodwin 
liad about $300, and his family were just recovering from sickness. 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1173 

He at once went to work to break the prairie, and prepare his farm 
for planting. Being possessed of a strong will and untiring energy, 
lie has by hard work accumulated a comfortable home and an 
abundance of this world's goods. He has served his township in 
the offices of supervisor and township trustee. lie is a Democrat. 

Allen J. Greene was born near Yellow Springs, Pa., on Jan. 
10, 1821. When he was ab mt eight years old his father died, and 
his mother remained on the farm until 1815, with the I'amily. 
Feb. 6 of that year he was united in marriage with Sarah Shannon, 
who was born in Frankstown, Pa. Her parents were John and 
Kesiah (Stewart) Shannon, natives of Penns3'lvania. He was a 
merchant, and both were members of tiie Presbyterian church, 
and had a family of 12 children. Mr. and Mrs. Greene lived on 
the farm with his mother after they were married until 1810, when 
he rented a farm, which he occupied until the spring of 1855, 
when he came to Iowa, and bought 80 acres of land in Lincoln 
Township, where he now resides. Coming here with limited 
means, he had to apply himself energetically to cultivating his 
land, and his fine farm of 121 acres, valued at $100 an acre, all 
under improvement is the reward of his industry. Mr. and Mrs. 
Greene have been members of the Presbj'terian church since 1S5S. 
They have had four children, two living, viz.: Edwin (who was 
born in Peimsylvania; he graduated at the Iowa State Univer- 
sity in 1869. and is now taking a medical course at the Louis- 
ville Medical College, Louisville, Ky. ' He married Sallie Pitner, 
of Ozark, Ark. He was county clerk six years, postmaster 
four years, and surveyor two years at Clarksville, Ark.), and 
Wesley (born in Pennsylvania, is a graduate of the Iowa Agricult- 
ural College, and also of the law deiiartment of the Iowa State 
University, he resides with his father ou the farm). Samuel L. 
Greene, father of Allen J. Greene, was born in Chester Co., 
Pa., and died in November, 1828. He participated in the war of 
1812. His wife, Elizabeth (Stewart) Greene, was a native also 
of Pennsylvania, and the mother of six children, three living, 
viz.: Johnson, Allen J., and Henry. She died in 1865 or "66. 
Mr. Allen Greene has held various offices of trust in his town- 
ship. 

E. S. Green, Lincoln Township, was born in Loudoun Co., Va., 
Jan. 23, 1839, son of John L., and Mary E. (Moore) Green; 
father a native of Virginia and mother of Ohio. There was a 
family of 13 children, six sons and seven daughters. In 185G Mr. 
Green left his iiome in Virginia and emigrated to Iowa and lo- 
cated in L)aven]>o;-t Townshi)). In 1S64: married Carrie R. Collins, 
a daughter of Lucius Collins, of Massachusetts. She was born in 
Wisconsin in 18-44. By this union there are five children, viz.: 
Arthur P., Lewis C, Sarah F., Abigail A., and Charles A. In 
1862 Mr. Green enlisted in the 20th Iowa Infantry, Company D. 
Mr. and Mrs. Green are members of the Baj>tist church. 

Jacob C. Ili(jhley was born on a farm near Norristown, Pa., 
Nov. 16, 1843. At the age of nine years he, in company with his 



117-i HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

parents, moved to the city of Norristown, where his father was em- 
ployed in a rolling-railL Jacob attended school at this place until 
1854, when he came with liis parents to this county; lived in 
Davenport one year, when his father bought a farm of SO acres in 
Lincoln Township, on which he died in October, 1879. Jacob 
Highley was married Feb. 7, 1S67, to Amanda Humphrey, born 
in Belmont Co., Ohio; she was a daughter of James and' Mary 
(Kidwater) Humphrey, natives of Maryland. The parents of 
Jacob Highley were Henry Z. and Mary (Custer) Highley, natives 
of Pennsj'lvania; the foi-mer was one ot the early settlers of Scott 
County, having been identified with that county 27 years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Jacob Highley have one child, Lilly M. In January, 
1862, Mr. Highley enlisted in Company A, 16th Iowa Infantry 
Volunteers, and was in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, 
luka and Siege of Vicksburg; was mustered out in January, 1865, 
in Davenport. He is a Republican. 

Mrs. John Hughes, a daughter of James and Eliza (Reed) Parks, 
was born in County Armagh, Ireland. Iler maiden name was 
Eliza Parks; she was married in March, 1814, to David McMurray. 
They had two children — James, born in New York State, is now 
married and resides on a farm near Marengo, la., and Jane, born 
in Ireland, married John Kehoe, and lives on a farm in Wintield 
Township. In 1S17 Mr. and Mrs. McMurray and family came to 
the United States and went to Mercer Co., Pa., where they 
remained three years; then came to Illinois and settled on a farm 
in Rock Island Co., where Mr. McMurray was accidentally killed, 
Dec. 30, 1853, by b^ing thrown against the side of a wagon. Mrs. 
McMurray remained in Illinois two years, then came to Lincoln 
Township and located on a farm of 83 acres which her husband 
bad entered some two years before. In March, 1857, Mrs. 
McMurray married Jolm Hughes, a native of Cuuntj' Monaghue, 
Ireland, and a son of Patrick :ind Rosa Hughes. John came to this 
country when a young man and worked in New York some three 
years, then came to Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have two chil- 
dren — John F., who is studying law with W. A. Foster in Daven- 
port, and Thomas B. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have their farm of 83 
acres in Lincoln Township, all under good cultivation, and valued 
at $75 an acre. 

Joel 0. Jamiesoii is one of a family of 11 children of David 
and Mary J. (McKnight) Jamieson, the former a native of Ire- 
land, and died Sept. 23, 1877; the latter was born in Pennsylvania. 
Joel O. was born on a farm near Barnesviiie, Ohio. April 30, 
1831. He learned the marble and stone cutter's trade when 16 
years of age, and followed that business three years, when he 
joined his father in Iowa. He taught school in Henry and Scott 
Counties until his marriage to Mary A. Pattison, Oct! 11, 1856; 
she was born in Antrim, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1836. Her parents 
were Alexander and Sarah (Wherry) Pattison; they were Pennsyl- 
vanians by birth. Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson have had a family 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1175 

of eight children, seven living, viz.: Casner M., a graduate of 
Monmouth College, 111., is now teaching in this township; Al- 
vin W., F., Samuel R., Sarah J., Howard M., and J. A. 
Air. Janiieson has his farm of SO acres on section 16, all un- 
der cultivation, and valued at $75 an acre. In politics J. O. 
Jamieson is a Republican and cast his tirst vote for John C. 
Fremont. He has held various local offices in this and Princeton 
Township. He was a member of the School Board a number of 
years; was elected three terms justice of the peace, served two, 
refusing the last election. 

Jo/tn Kepler., a native of Adams Co., Pa., was born Oct. 21, 
1831. His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Fisher) Kepler, the 
former a native of CTorinanj-, the latter of Pennsylvania. They 
were the pirents of 11 children, two living, viz. : John and Theresa. 
AVhen John was about three years old his parents moved on a form 
near Ebensburg, Pa. He attended school at this place until he 
was 10 years of age, then worked at brick-making for nine years. 
Afterward clerked in a store for Johnston Moore; was admitted as 
a partner two years later; remained in this relation until 1855. 
Jan. IS, 185.3, he married Ann Douojlas, who w-as born near Car- 
roUton, Pa., and was a daughter of William and Temperance (Bur- 
goon) Douglas, natives of the Keystone State; the former died in 
1S73, the latter in August, 1S80. Soon after his marriage, Mr. 
Kepler came to Davenport, Iowa, arriving in April, 1856. He 
purchased two acres of land in Le Claire Centre on which he 
erected a house, and embarked in the mercantile business which 
he followed until the spring of 1S61, when he purchased a farm of 
160 acres in Lincoln Township, where he has since resided. He 
also owns 110 acres in sections 21 and 22 of the same township. 
He has his land under a high state of cultivation, and is one of 
the well-to-do farmers of his townshiji. Mr. and Mrs. Kepler are 
the parents of 11 children, eight ot whom are living, viz.: Henri- 
etta (who married Charles Vau Evera, resides in Lincoln Town- 
ship); Thomas B., Worth D. (who married Maggie Paul); Gideon 
M., Washington E., William D., Malbourne II. and Richard. Mrs. 
John Kepler de]iarted this life Feb. 2, 1877, and was buried at 
Summit Cemetery. Mr. Kepler has the held offices of trust in the 
gift of the people. 

Rudolph Koch was born in Holstein, German3% Oct. 18, 1831. 
When 21 years of age he came to the United States, landing in 
Xew Orleans. He came at once to Daveimort and worked for dif- 
ferent parties in Davenport and Sheridan Townships until his mar- 
riage to Kate Gertz, March 25, 1S59. She is a native of Holstein, 
and a daughter of Fritz and Christina (Hepsen) Gertz, of German 
nativity; they settled in Seott County in 1S57. Rudolj)h Koch 
was a son of John and Maggie (Rimer) Koch; mother died in Ger- 
many and father died in Scott County in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kocii are thej)arents oF eight children, viz. : Caroline, John, Chris- 
tina, Laura, Henry, Matilda, Rudolph, Jr., and Walter. In October, 



117fi HISTORY OF SCO'rr COUNTY. 

1S75 Mr. Koch purchased his present tarm of 160 acres, in section 
31, Lincoln Townsliip, which he lias well stocked and cultivated, 
and values it at $75 an acre. He is one of the representive fann- 
ers of Scott County, and has lived here since 18.53. In politics 
he is a RepublicHii and cast his first vote for xVbrahani Lincoln. 

Christian Lehmkuhl, a son of Ciiristian and Elizabeth (Witherft) 
Lebmkuhl, of German nativity, was born in Holstein, March 11, 
1846. When six years of age he, in company with his parents, emi- 
grated to the United States, landing in New York City. They 
came to Davenport in May, 1852, and settled on the farm where 
the subject of this record now resides, in section 31, Lincoln Town- 
ship, The fatlier died here in 1851 and the mother again married, 
Claus Schlopkohl, who died in September, 1879. She resides in 
Mt. Joy. Christian Lehmkuhl, Jr., was married to Lena Meyer 
June 28, 1867. Her parents, Henry and Esther (Stelke) Meyer, 
were natives of Germany, where she was born. Her father died 
there, and in 1865 she and her mother came to this country. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lehmkuhl have had eight children, seven living, viz.: 
Augusta, Anna, Henry, Julius, Amiel, August and Amanda. Mr. 
Lehmkuhl has his farm of 80 acres under improvement and 
thoroughly stocked He affiliates with the Republican party and 
voted lirst for U. S. Grant. 

James Long was bora in County Londonderry, Ireland, July 12, 
1821. In isis he came to the United States, landing in New Or- 
leans with $5 in his pocket an entire stranger. He obtained em- 
ployment on a farm in White Co., 111., where he remained one 
summer; he then went to Pillsbury, Ra., to meet liis father and 
mother, brothers and sisters, who had come to the United States. 
They came to Iowa and located in Le Claire Township in 1851, 
where his father purchased a farm of ICO acres. James Long's 
parents were John and Rebecca (Morrison) Long, natives of Ire- 
land, and the parents of four children, viz.: Andrew, Rachel, James 
and Elisha. John Long died in August, 1862, having been one of 
Le Claire Township's early settlers; his wife died in Novemlier, 
1869. In 1857 James Long married Anna Henry, a native of Ire- 
land, and the daughter of James and Anna Henry, also natives of 
the Emerald Isle. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Long they 
resided on his father's farm until November, 1858, when he moved 
on his present farm, which he purchased in 1854, while working 
at the mason's trade; it contains 120 acres of land, valued at S50 an 
acre. Mr. Long also owns 80 acres in Crawford County, and 10 in 
Princeton Township. As he has accumulated his property by his 
own personal exertion, he claims the honor of being a self-made 
man. Mr. and Mrs. Long are members of the United Presbyterian 
church, in whicii he has lield the office of elder for 12 years. They 
have one adopted child, wliose parents were John and Mary J. 
McCool. Mr. Long has been identified witli the Republican party 
since its organization. He has held several local offices in his 
township. 



LINCOLN TOWNSIIII'. 1177 

George Martin WAS, born on a farm in County Lowd, near the 
city of Ardee, Ireland, in 1S31. Wlien 21 years of age he caine to 
the United States, lauding in New York in 1852. lie worked in 
New York City a short time, then went to Altona and be^jan learn- 
ing the trade of briek-laying. He remained here fonr years, then 
removed to Davenport, Iowa, where ho was married in Angust, 

1856, to Mary Toot, who was a native of Ireland. He resided in 
Davenport after his marriage some seven or eight year.«, wiien he 
purchased a farm of 30 acres on section 10. He now owns 80 acres 
of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Martin's married life has been 
blessed with 11 children, viz.: Margaret, who married C Herald, 
and resides on a farm in Lincoln Township; Mary, Kose, Bridget, 
Fannie, Theresa, Anastasia, George A., James W., Isabella and 
Thomas. The parents of Geo. Martin were Jaraes and Fannie 
(Flanagan) Martin, of Irish nativity, and the parents of 10 children. 
When George came to tliis country he was the sole owner of 25 
cents, but thought to increase this amount greatly in a short time, 
as he had been led to believe that gold was to be found scattered 
over the earth plentifully. But he soon found he must work if he 
must live, consequently he went to work with a brave heart and 
strong arm to win his way in the world, and he is to-day one of 
Scott County's most enterprising citizens. In politics he is rather 
independent, always voting for the best man. 

Sarau el McDowell, hovn near Altoonn, Blair Co., Pa., Dec. 25, 
1835, is one of a family of six children of Samuel McDowell, born 
in MifHin Co., Pa., died in August 1862, and Sussannah (Brown) 
McDowell, born in Center Co., Pa., and died Oct. 11, 1877. The 
subject of this biography lived on his father's farm until he was 
22 years of age, when he came to Iowa, and located in this county. 
He remained hei"e working for ditterent parties until November, 

1857. He then returned to his home, where he stayed until the 
spring of 1858 when ho returned to Scott County. In June, 18C0, 
be left this county and went to Ogle Co., 111. He again returned 
to his home in December of that year, and remained there until 
January, 1863, when, coming again to this county, he rented the 
farm, which he afterward })urchased, of 160 acres, where he now 
resides. He was married Jan. 29, 1863, to Amy E., daughter of 
William and Sarah (Do])p) Yocum, natives of Pennsylvania, where 
she was born. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel McDowell are members of 
the Presbyterian church, and to them have been born nine children, 
viz.: Maggie M., William G., Nellie A., Harry C, George B., 
Mary E., Mabel J., Cora P. and Chas F., who died in infancy. 
Mr. McDowell has his farm of 160 acres well improved and esti- 
mates its value at $75 an acre. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., 
Lodge No. 182, at Summit. He has held various offices in his 
township; he was elected town clerk, but did not accept the office. 
He votes the Republican ticket. 

Clans II. Meyer was born on a farm near Ilolstein, Germany, 
Oct. 20, 1831. When he was 21 years of age he left his native 



1178 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

country and came to the United States; landed at New York and 
came direct to Iowa. He worked for different persons until his 
marriage to Katrina M. H. Lehupuhl, Aug. 21, 1860. She was 
born in Germany and was the mother of two children, viz. : Henry 
and Anna. Mrs. Meyer died in April, 1866. Mr. Meyer then mar- 
ried Gretchen Paustian, September, 1871. She was of German na- 
tivity, and the mother of six children, three living, viz.: Albert, 
Louisa and Adelia. After Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were married he 
bought 166 acres of land in tliis township, to which he has since added 
land, until he now owns 246 acres, worth .^75 an acre, and finely 
cultivated. Mr. Meyer's wealth is all due to his own exertions, as 
he came to the countrj' a poor boy, and has worked hard for what 
he has. His parents were Henry and Ester (Stelk) Meyer, natives 
of Germany, at which place tlie former died in 1863. Mrs. Meyer 
came to the United States and lived with her son until her death, 
which occurred in May, 1880; she was the mother of seven chil- 
dren, four living, viz. : The subject of this sketch, Henry, Anna 
and Lena. Mr. Meyer is a Republican. He has seen Scott County 
develop from an uncultivated county to one of the greatest grain 
growing counties in the West, and has been identified with the 
township 25 years. 

Chas. Miller was born on a farm in Davenport Township, June 
8, 1848. His parents were Henry and Anna (Sneklotli) Miller, 
both of German nativity. Henry Miller was a farmer, and im- 
migrated to the United States in 1846, landing in jS'ew Orleans. 
After several changes of residence he located in Daveni^ort Town- 
ship, in 1847. He died in October, 1872; his wife in 1861. They 
were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living, viz. : 
William, who married Dora Faige, and resides on the old home- 
stead in this township; Ferdinand, married Mary Arbreg; Henry, 
married Mary Datilsf; and the subject of this memoir. Cliarles 
lived on the farm with his father until he was 21 j^ears of age; 
he then worked for different farmers, until his marriage to Dora 
A. Evoldt, March 5, 1876. She was a native ot Holstein, Ger- 
many, and came to this country when 18 years of age. She was 
a daughter of Frederic and Kate (Schrader) Evoldt, who were 
the parents of six children, and are now deceased. After Mr. 
and Mrs. Chas. Miller were mariied, he purchased his pi-esent 
farm of 120 acres in sectioTi 16, valued at §60 an acre. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican. He was the recipient of a good educa- 
tion, and is classed with the enterprising farmers of his township. 
Mrs. Miller is a member of the German Lutheran church. 

Glaus H. Moeller was born in Holstein, Germany, Nov. 29, 
1845. He is a sou of Hans and Anna (Weise) Moeller, who re- 
side on a farm in this township. They had a family of five chil- 
dren, four living, viz.: Silke, Claus S., Henry and Anna. When 
Glaus II. was quite young, his parents came to America, and 
located in Lincoln Township. He remained with his father until 
his marriage, Feb. 8, 1873, to Anna Stoltenberg, a native of 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1179 

Holstein, Germany. Her parents were Henry and Wiebke 
rWeise) Stoltenberg, who came to tliis country in 1857; he died 
Sept. 8, 1857. on his way to America, and was buried in the briny 
deep. They were the ])arents of five cliihiren. After Mr. and 
Mrs. Glaus Mocller were married, he rented a farm of 160 acres, 
where he now resides. They are the parents of tlie following 
named children, viz, : Anna L., Henry J. and Kate M. ; one de- 
ceased. Mr. Moeller is classed among the early settlers of 
Scott County, having seen it change from a wild, uncultivated 
country to one of the finest grain-growing counties in the United 
States. In politics he is a Rejiublican. 

Henry S. Moeller, a native of Holstein, Germany, was born 
June 21, 1809. He was married at this place to Anna Weise, 
Dec. 30, 1812; she was born in Germany, Doc. 15, 1815. Mr. 
Moeller and family immigrated to this country in 1.817, landed at 
New Orleans, and came up the Mississippi River to Davenport. 
He entered a farm of SO acres, in Davenport Township, where he 
resided 10 years; he then purchased his present farm of 320 
acres in Lincoln Township. He and wife have had a family of five 
children, four living, viz. : Silke, born in Germany, and married 
Hans A. yneckloth; tiiey have seven cliihiren, and reside in Lin- 
coln Township; Clans 11., born also in Germany, married Anna 
Stoltenberg; they have three children; Henry, who married 
Alvine Schuman and has one child; Anna, who married Nicholas 
Van Dohren, and has four children. Henry Moeller was a son 
of Claus and Silke (Wcise) Moeller. Thev were the parents of four 
children, of whom Hans is the only surviving one. 

T. U. 2[ofn\ farmer, section 10, Lincoln Townshij), was born in 
Holstein, Germany, Dec. 27, 1S2S. His parents, Paul and Catheriua 
Mohr, had seven children. T. II. Mohr was their youngest son; he 
attended school until he was 10 years of age, when he learned the 
carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1853, when he came alone 
to the United States. He landed in New Orleans, and then came 
direct to Davenport, Iowa, and worked at the carpenter's trade 
seven years, then purchased a farm in Lincoln Township, where he 
has followed farming ever since. He married Miss Catherina 
Daw, Sept. 10, 1853. She was born in Germany. Her father was 
Detlef Daw. Mr. and Mrs. Mohr have had 10 children, viz.: 
Amelia, Henry, Anna, Gustave, Wilhelm, Adolph, Katy, Emma. 
Emiel and Herman. Mr. Mohr owns a farm of 110 acres in Sheri- 
dan, six acres of timber land in Butler Township, and Ififi acres of 
land in Lincoln Township, where lie and family reside. He grows 
grain and stock for the market, and is one of the representative 
farmers of Scott County, and in politics a Republican. 

Wilfiarn B. Murraij was born in Summerhill, Cambria Co., Pa., 
Mch. 30, 183i, where he attended school, and worked in his father's 
mercantile store; was also time-keeper and paymaster on the Pan 
Handle Road while it was being built. In March, 1855, he came 
to Iowa, and settled in Lincoln Township, and worked on his 
68 



1180 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtTNTY. 

brotlier's farm until Oct. 30, 1S62, when lie married Clara Criswell, 
who was born in Juniata Co., Pa., and was a daughter of James 
and Jane (McNatt) Criswell, Pennsylvanians by birth. They had 
three children. Mrs. Jane Criswell died in 1841. William B. 
Murray is a son of George and Esther (Croyle) Murray. George 
Murray was born in Scotland, and came to the United States when 
18 years of age, and after following the mercantile and canal con- 
tracting business in Pennsylvania some years, he came to Scott 
Co., la., wiiere he has since resided. He is a large land-owner, 
and has retirtd from active business. Mr. and Mrs. George Murray 
had a family of 10 children, three living, viz.: James C, Mrs. 
Mary E. Higland and William B. After Mr. and Mrs. William 
Murray were married, they moved on the farm where lie now 
resides; it contains 1-16 acres, alb under improvement, and valued 
at $75 an acre. They are the parents of seven children, three 
living, viz.: George C, James E. and Albert. Mr. Murray has 
held Several ofBces of trust in his township; has been supervisor 
two terms, assessor, justice of the peace, township trustee, school 
director, and overseer of the poor four and one-half years. Politi- 
cally he is Democratic. 

tritz Petersen was born near Segebery, Holstein, Germany, Dec. 
19, 1849. He is a son of Henry and Magdalena(Suman) Petersen, 
natives of Germany, where the latter died in 1850, having I)een the 
mother of six children. Henry Petersen came to the United States 
in 1873, and now resides in Chicago. The subject of this sketch 
came to the United States when 19 years of age. He came to 
Davenport, and worked for Christian Vogt, in Sheridan Township, 
until his marriage to Amelia Moore, Jan. 7, 1878. She was born 
in Davenport, and was a daughter of John and Katrina Moore, nee 
Dua, of German nativity. They came to the United States in 1851, 
and now reside on a farm in Lincoln Township. They are the 
parents of 10 children. After Mr. and Mrs. Petersen were married 
he bought a farm of 80 acres in Lincoln Township, which is his 
present home. He has his farm well improved. They are the 
parents of two children, viz.: Charles and Katy. In politics Mr. 
Petersen is a Republican, and will vote that ticket as soon as he 
receives his naturalization papers. 

Isaac N. Port was born on a farm near Huntingdon, Pa., Nov. 
9, 1831. He lived there until 22 years of age when he came to 
this State. He worked for different parties in Lincoln and Le 
Claire Townsiiips until his marriage to Catharine N. Hoover, Jan. 
5, 1858. She was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of 
John D. and Margaret (Hanson) Hoover, also natives of the Key- 
stone State. They had a family of 12 children. Mrs. Hoover died 
Feb. 17, 1880; he is still living in Nebraska. The parents of Isaac 
Port were John Port, Sr., and Martha (Fox) Port, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and the jiarents of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. I. N. 
Port resided in Le Claire Township until March, 1877, when they 
moved on his father's farm in Lincoln Township, where they now 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1181 

reside. They have bad ei<rht children, six living, viz.: John C, 
Emma J., Martha A., Frank H., Sarali A. and Elsie L. Mrs. Port 
is a member of the Le Claire Christian ciinrch. 

John Port, Jr., was born near Huntingdon, Pa., Nov. 7, 18.3,1 
He is one of 10 children of John and Martha (Fox) Port, natives 
of Huntingdon Co., Pa., and now residents of Davenport. In 
March, 1S56, John Port, Jr., came with his parents to this county 
and settled on a farm in Lincoln Township; subsequently moved 
to Le Claire Township. Aug. 14, 1S()2, he eidistcd in Co.'^K, 20th 
Iowa Inf. Vols. He was at the sicse of Vicksburg and other bat- 
tles; was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., July S, 1865. He then 
returned to the old homestead in Lincoln Township, and was mar- 
ried here to Susan A. Eoyer, March 24, lSf57; she was born in 
Huntingdon Co., Pa., and was a daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Zim- 
merman) iioyer, who were the ])arents of six children. After his 
marriage, Mr. Port rented land until January, 1872, when he 
purchased the farm of 80 acres where he now resides. He has 
his farm well stocked and highly cultivated. He is classed with the 
well-to-do, enterprising fai-mers of his township, and has been 
identified with this county since 1856. He was elected supervisor 
two terms, and holds the office at present; has also been school 
director. He and wife are the jjarents of four children, viz. : 
Evalena, Laurena, Ulysses G. and Fannie M. In politics he is a 
Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. 

Mathi(t-s I'roudfoot was born in Cambria Co., Pa., May 24, 
1834; worked there on the farm and learned the carpenter's trade. 
He came to Iowa with his father, May 16, 1861, and located in 
Lincoln Township, on the iarm where he now resides. He was 
married here to Eliza Walker, May 22. 1873; she was born in 
Blair Co., Pa., and was a daughter of William and Maria (Kin- 
cade) Walker, natives of Pennsylvania. Mathias Proudfoot's 
father. Richard J. Proudfoot. was born in London, England, Aug. 
26, 171)8. He came to the United States with his parents and set- 
tled in Philadelphia. He was married in Cambria Co., Pa., to 
Rebecca Hoover. In the spring of 1861 he came to Iowa and set- 
tled on a farm in Lincoln Township, where he died Nov. 25, 1853. 
They were the parents of 10 children, five living, viz. : Richard, 
Mrs. Jane Osborne, Mathias, Eliza (now Mrs. Douglas) and 
Emma. Aftei- Mr. Mathias Proudfoot was married he settiied 
on the farm where he now lives. He lost his wife Oct. 22, 1877; 
she was laid to rest in the Summit Cemetery. He has his farm of 
120 acres in Lincoln Township and one of 120 acres in Le Claire 
Town#hi|i, all under cultivation. He is one of the leading stock- 
raisers of Scott County. He is a member of Lodge No. 182, A. 
O. U. W., and at present is Master AVorkman of this lodge. His 
father, R. J. Proudfoot, was a member of the Pennsylvania Legis- 
lature and was auditor of Cambria Co., Pa. In politics Mr. M. 
Proudfoot is Republican and cast his first vote for John C. Fre- 
mont. 



1182 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

William C. Schutter was born in Eock Island, 111., Oet. S, 1854. 
His parents were Henry and Lonisa (Creik) Schutter, natives of 
German_y. They settled in Iowa about 1856, and now reside in 
Valley City, Pleasant Valley Township, where they moved when 
our subject was two years old. William C. was married to Eachel 
Winroe Feb. 26, 1879; she was born in Pleasant Valley Township, 
and is a daughter of Henryj and Catherine'' (Donaldson) Winroe, 
residents of Pleasant Vallej^ Township. Mr. Schutter has his 
farm of 120 acres in section 35, Lincoln Township, well improved 
and stocked. He is known as one of SoottJ County's most ener- 
getic and enterprising farmers. He and wife have one child, 
Louisa Sclmtter. In polities he is a Eepublican, and cast his first 
vote for IT. S. Grant. 

Hans A. Shnekloth, ^on om%T\ry z.x\A Margaret (Lage) Shnek- 
loth, of German nativity, was born near Keil, Holstein, Germany, 
Dee. 19, 1836. In 1851 his parents emigrated to the United States 
in the ship " Gutenberg," landing in New Orleans; from there 
came to Davenport. Previous to coming to this country his mother 
died, in 1812, and his father was again married, to Silke Gotsh, in 
1844. Hans A. is one of four children, all of whom are living, viz. : 
Abel, Hans, Jochin and Thomas. Upon coming to Davenport 
Hans was employed as a farm laborer by Peter Lage; afterward 
worked for Henry Veitz. He was married to Silke Moeller, Marcli 
17, 1864. She is a native of Germany, and is a daughter of Hans and 
Anna (Weise) Moeller. After his marriage Mr. Shnekloth bought 
a farm of 80 acres in Lincoln Township, to which he has since added 
80 acres, making a farm of 160 acres, all well improved and valued 
at $50 an acre. Mr. and Mrs. Shnekloth are the parents of nine 
children, seven living, viz.: Anna M., Louisa A., Emma E., Iler- 
menie S., Henry J., Clara T. and Hugo W. In politics Mr. Shnek- 
loth is a Eepublican. 

Lemuel C. Stanley was born near Freeport Township, Pa., Aug. 
20, 1842. When eiglit years of age he came with his parents to 
Iowa, and after several months located on the farm where Lemuel 
C. now resides, on section 8. His father was born in Pennsylvania, 
where he was married to Eebecca McAllister, a native also of 
the Keystone State. She was the mother of seven children, tiiree 
living, viz.: Lemuel C, Amelia (now Mrs B. F. Berkey) and Har- 
riet N. Edward M. enlisted in Company K, 20th Iowa Infantry 
Volunteers, and died at Eolla, Mo., April 23, 1863, of disease con- 
tracted in the army. Lemuel C. Stanley participated in the late 
Eebellion, having enlisted in Company A, 16th Iowa Infantry 
Volunteers, Jan. 28, 1862, at Davenport; was in the battles of 
Pittsburg Landing and luka, where he was taken prisoner; was 
paroled and exchanged in January, 1863; returned to his company 
and was in the seige of Vicksburg and other battles; re-enlisted at 
Vicksburg, Jan. 27, 1864, and remained in the service until the 
close of the war. He was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 19, 
1865. He then returned to his home in Lincoln Township. He 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1183 

has bis fannot' 80 acres, well cultivated, and valued at §75 an acre. 
He has held the offices of secretary of the township School Board 
township trustee, constable, supervisor and school director. 

Valentine Vogt, farmer, section 15, Lincoln Township, was born 
in the city of Strassburg, ;Gertnany (at that tirn e Strassburgj 
France), Jan. 1,1826. Ilis parents were Valentine and Magda 
lena (Fox) Vogt. They had seven children. The subject of this 
sketch. Valentine Vogt, Jr., was the second son. He attended school 
until 14, when he learned the carriage-maker's trade; worked ia 
Strassburg until 18-18, and in Paris, France, until 1850, when he 
emigrated alone to the United States; was 43 days at sea; landed 
in New York City, March 4, 1850. He worked at his trade in 
Rochester, N. Y., 18 months, then at Cincinnati, O., until August, 
1853, when he worked in St. Louis, Mo., IS montiis, then came to 
Davenport, la. He worked for Woeber Eros., carriage-makers, 
seven months, when Mr. Vogt opened a carriage manufactory in 
East Davenport, where he remained two years; then made a trip 
to France, and visited the home of his boyhood three months; then 
returned to Davenport and bought a farm in Lincoln Township, 
where he has followed farming ever since. He married Miss Eliza- 
beth Klafeldt, May 25, 1853," at Cincinnati, Ohio. The fruit of 
this marriage is four children^Louisa (wife of Cirus Shepler, re- 
siding on their farm in Davenport Township), Charles, Miss Caro- 
line and John, residing on the old homestead with their parents. 
Mr. Valentine Vogt is one of the representative farmers of Scott 
County. He owns a fine tarm of 340 acres, which is under a high 
state of cultivation and well stocked. Mr. Vogt has lived in Scott 
County since 1857. In politics he is a Democrat. 

James V. Walker, a descendant of Irish and English ancestry, 
was born in Petersburg, Pa., Dec. 1, 1830. When ho was about 
eight years old his parents moved on a farm at Blair's Gap, at the 
base of the Alleghany Mountains. He attended school at Hollidays- 
burg. He became self-supporting at 17 3'ears of age and went to 
work in the Colerain Iron Works, as timekeeper. In the spring 
of 1852 he came to Davenport Township, where he followed farm- 
ing two years; then went to Chicago and was employed in the pro- 
vision store of O. A. Crary & Co.; remained there until October, 
1858, when he returned to Davenport. He was married Feb. 14, 
1860, to Sarah Ilixson, who was born in Washington Co., Pa., 
and was a daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Gray) Ilixson na- 
tives of New Jersey, and the parents of 11 children; the latter 
died July 3, 1876. After ilr. and Mrs. Walker were married, 
they lived on a farm in Davenport Township until March, 1876; 
then moved on the farm of 160 acres, where they now reside. 
They are members ot the Presbyterian cliurcli, and have two 
children, viz.: iMbert B. and Jesse A. The father of James C. 
W^alker is W^illiam Walker, born in Pennsylvania, and now re- 
sides with his son Charles, in Davenport Township; his wife, Eliza 
Crawford, died Oct. 5, 1837. She was the motlier of live chil- 



1184 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

dren. Mr. James "Walker has been identified with this county 
since March 22, 1852, and has seen the yarious changes which it 
has undergone, springing from an uncultivated state to one of the 
finest counties in the great grain-producing State of Iowa. lie 
has held various otRces of trust in his township; was elected town- 
ship clerk, a position he still retains. He is a member of A. O. 
U. W. Lodge at Le Claire. 

Henry Welleiidorf, a native of Holstein, Germany, was born 
June 20, 1830. He was a son of Henry and Margaret (Stelk) 
Wellendorf, of German nativity, and the parents of live children, 
four living, viz.: Henry, Ida, Hans and Bertha. The subject of 
this biography came to the United States when he was 22 years 
old; landed in New Orleans with but five dollars in ii pocket. 
He came to Davenport and here learned the carpenter's trade, 
which he followed some five years. During this time was married 
to Abel Shnekloth, Oct. 9, 1853. She was born in Holstein, 
Germany, and is a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Lage) 
Shnekloth, natives of Germany. Mr. Wellendorf worked at his 
trade four years after his marriage, then rented a farm for five 
years, at the expiration of which time he rented the farm where 
he now lives, and which he owns. It contains 160 acres of land, 
highly cultivated. Mr. "Wellendorf, like many other pioneers of 
those early days, deserves great credit for his perseverance and 
industry, as he came here poor and unknown and is now one of 
the representative farmers of his township. Mr. and Mrs. Wel- 
lendorf 's married life has been blessed with 11 children, four of 
whom are living, viz.: Gustave, Julius, Emma and Ferdinand. 
In politics Mr. Wellendorf is a Republican, and has held the 
offices of supervisor, township trustee, commissioner of highways 
and school director of his township. 

Daniel Wertz was born on a farm in Holmes Co., Ohio, Dec. 
6, 1837. When he was 12 years of age his parents moved to Iowa 
and settled on a farm in Winfield Township. They remained there 
until 1863, when they purchased a farm of 160 acres in Lincoln 
Township, where they both died, and where Daniel now resides. 
His father, Jacob P. Wertz, was born in Virginia, and when a 
young man went to Ohio, where he married Catherine Wertz, a 
native of Pennsylvania. They had a family of 13 children, nine 
surviving. Jacob Wertz was one of the early settlers of this State; 
he died in April, 1865. His wife died in June, 1879. Daniel 
Wertz received a good education, having attended school in Ohio, 
and at Mount Joy, in this county. In politics he is a Democrat, 
and cast his first vote for Douglas. 

James H. Wilson, son of William and Sarah (Sharlow) Wilson, 
native of Ireland, was born in Le Claire Township, Iowa, Sept. 
22, 1842. Aug. 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, 20th Iowa 
Infantry Volunteers; he participated in the siege of Vicksburg, 
Fort Morgan. Fort Blakely, and other engagements. He remained 
in the service until July 8, 1865, when he was mustered out at 



LINCOLN TOWNSHIP. 1185 

Mobile, Ala. lie tlien returned to the old liomestead in Le Claire 
Township, and remained tiiere until his nnarriage to Mary J. Cal- 
derwood, Feb. 15, 1871. She was born in Fulton Co., N. V., and 
was a daughter of John and Jane (Bickett) Caldcrvvood, of Scotch 
nativity. The latter died July 22, 1873; tlie former is still living 
on his farm in Le Claire Township. Mr. and Mi's. James Wilson's 
married life has been blessed with six children, three living, viz.: 
William A., Jennie and David T. They reside on their farm of 
160 acres in Lincoln Township, which is under a high state of cul- 
tivation, and valued at 875 an acre. Mr. Wilson has been identi- 
fied with this county since 1842, and is classed among its most 
extensive stock-raisers and grain-growers, lie is a Republican, 
and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the L^. P. church. 

Willlaiii Yocum, a descendant of Irish and German ancestry, 
was born in Huntingdon, Pa., Feb. 21, 1810. He attended school 
at this place until he was 16 years of age, when his parents moved 
to Woodcock Valley, Pa., and settled on a farm at that jJace. He 
was married here to Sarah Dopp, on Feb. 11, 1834. She was born 
near Huntingdon, Pa. Her father, -lohn Dopp, was a native of 
Germany, he died in 18-19; his wife, Rachel i^Swisher'i Dopp, was 
born in Virginia, and died in 1872, at the advanced age of 91 years. 
John Yocum, father of William, was born near Philadelphia, Pa.; 
he was 17 years of age the day of tiie battle of Bunker Hill; he 
was plowing some miles away, and could hear the tiring of the 
cannon; he died in 1817. His wife, Sarah Dowler, was born in 
Chester Co. . Pa. Her fatlier was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
war under Washington. Mr. and Mrs. William Yocum came to 
Iowa, arriving in Scott County April 13, 1854, and settled on 
their present farm in Lincoln Township; it contains 181 acres of 
well-improved land. They are both members of the Pn sbyterian 
church, and the parents of seven children — four living, viz.: Mrs. 
Mary Jane Ivipe, Mrs. Sarah A. Walker (wile of John Walker, 
who resides in Lincoln Townshi))*, Amy E. (wife of Samuel 
McDowel), and Isaiah C. Mr. William Yocum was elected jus- 
tice of the peace in his township, but never had any occasion to 
exercise his authority in that capacity. 

James Yocum, of Scotch and (Tcrman descent, was born in 
Huntingdon, Pa., in 1816. Wiien he was 18 years of age he went 
to Alexandria, Pa., to learn the blacksmith's trade. He was mar- 
ried here March IG, 1843, to Mary J., (laughter of Jesse and Char- 
lotte (Crisswelli Ash, born Sept. 26, l82t). Jesse Ash was a 
minister of the Baptist church; he died in April, 1858. After his 
marriage Mr. James Yocum worked at his trade in Alexandria 
until May, 1855, when he came to Iowa and bought a farm of 80 
acres in Lincoln Township. In November, 1855, he brought his 
wife and family here, and thcj still reside on this farm, which is 
now under a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Yocum have 
had three children, two living, viz.: C. Dallas and David A., who 



1186 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



married C. Virginia McCausland, and resides in Butler Township, 
this county; they hare three children. The pai-ents of the subject 
of this sketch were John and Sarah (Dowler) Yocum, natives of 
Pennsylvania; they had a family of eight children. Mr. James 
Yocum received a common-school education. He is one of the rep 
resentative farmers of Scott County. 




A 



PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 

Tlie natural beauty of that portion of Scott County lying upon 
the river above Davenport, called Pleasant Yalley, terminating at 
the point of bluff at the mouth of Spencer's Creek, is one that once 
seen can never be forgotten. "A short distance above East Dav- 
enport," says Willard Barrows, writing in 1860, " the bluffs recede 
from the river, leaving the bottom lands a mile wide, very little of 
whicli ever overflows. The gently sloping bluffs continue for sev- 
eral miles, sometimes approaching and then recedinff from the 
river forming at times landscape views of unsurpassed beauty. Now 
that these lands are dotted over with tasteful and well-cultivated 
farms and gardens, from the river even to the top of the bluffs in 
places, it presents one of the most lovely rural scenes on the Upper 
Mississippi." 

The first settlement in the township was made by Rosweil H. 
Spencer, in the fall of 1833, when he built a log cabin upon the 
bank of tlie river a little above the present ferry-landing from 
Hampton, on the opposite side of tlie river, to Valley City, a town 
laid out upon this side of the river. 

During the winter of JS33-'34 J. B. Chamberlain moved into the 
cabin built by Mr. Spencer, his being the first white family in the 
valley. In the spring of 1834 Mr. Chamberlain built a cabin upon 
the bank of the river, a little above the mouth of ('row Creek. In 
addition to Mr. Spencer and Mi"- Chamberlain during the year 
1S34, there came in Daniel Davison, Calvin Spencer and J a mes 
Thompson. 

In 1835 a few more families were added and improvements were 
made of lasting benefit to the township. The immigrants this year 
were: M. J. Lymaii, James Ilaskel. Thomas Davis, B. F. Pike. D. 
C. Davison, G. il. Pinneo, II. II. Pinneo and Avery Pinueo. 

Among the immigrants in 1836 was John Works, wlio was sub- 
sequently elected to the office of county commissioner, which ofHce 
he tilled till 18-11. He was a plain, unassuming man, of excellent 
judgment and sterling integrity. Among others were Tiiomaa 
Jones, Stephen Henley, Andrew Hyde, Alfred White, II. G. Stone, 
J. A. Birchard, Samuel and Wheeler Hedges, Anson Howe, Louis 
Blackmail, William Trask, Franklin Ilowp, Hiram Green, John 
Wilson, Royal Gilman, S, II. Gilman, John J.Clark, John Tuttle, 
Daniel Wynian and George W. Thorn. 

The immigrants ot 1837 were Lyman Smith, Ernest Gould, D. 
N. Pope, Captain Isaac Ilawley, Cyrus P. Ilawley, William P. 
Eldridge, G. J. Hyde, Jerry Payne, Robert Scroggins, John Camp- 
bell, and William Nichols. Among the pioneers of Pleasant 

(1187) 



1188 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Valley Township was C. T. Myers. He emigrated from Steuben 
Co., N. Y., to Scott County, in 1837. His father was pilot on the 
first steamboat ever invented. He died in Princeton Township and 
was buried in Pleasant Valley. 

In 183S came G. W. Fenns, Thomas Hall, Isaac Hedges, John 
Emerson, Lucius Moss, Horace Bradley, and A. B. Lathrop. From 
that time on changes were of frequent occurrence, and the town- 
ship was in time settled by a thrifty, enterprising people. 

FIRST BIRTH. 

In March, 1834, a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Chamber- 
lin. which was the first white child born in the valley. In the fall 
of 1837 the child and its mother both died, as also an older sister. 

MILLS. 

In 1835 Davis & Haskel built a grist-mill, the first ever built 
in the county, or in this part of the State. It was situated on Crow 
Creek, just above where the present river ro:id crosses tliat stream, 
and altlioughof the most rude and primitive kind, having two com- 
mon boulders, rough hewn, tor stones, yet it was one of the most 
essential improvements of that day. Settlers came from a great 
distance for several years to this mill, whiqh was a log structure, 
which, after eerving the public faithfully for many years, was 
permitted to go to deca}'. 

A saw-mill, the first in the county, was also built in this valley 
in 1835, by Captain Clark of Buffalo. This was situated on Duck 
Creek, near its mouth. These two mills, humble as they were, sup- 
plied the wants of the early settlers, not only of Pleasant Valley, 
but all the surrounding country for many miles. 

In 1830 Haskel & D.ivis built a saw-mill near the mouth of Crow 
Creek, on the Mississippi River, which was afterward purchased by 
Stephen Henley, who made important additions and improvements. 

Spencer & Work built the third saw-mill in the county, in the 
summer of 1837, on Spencer's Creek, a small stream that empties 
into the Mississippi near Valley City. This creek was called by 
the Indians, Wau-pe-me-sepo ( White Pigeon Creek ). During this 
year Samuel and Wheeler Hedges built the second grist-mill in the 
county, on Crow Creek, some four miles from its mouth, having 
the first Fi-ench burr-stones that ever came into this part of the 
country. It is a remarkable fact, that up to this time, although 
settlements had been made and rapid progress made up and down 
the river, and back into the interior as far as Cedar River, where 
mill privileges were numerous, yet Scott County had moi'e mills 
in operation than all the country for 40 miles, and many settlers 
came that distance to mill. 

The first steam mill was built by Spencer and Stafibrd, in 1856 
or '57, at a heavy cost. It was sold in 1859 to Cable & Mitchell, 



PLEASANT VAI.LET TOWNSHIP. 1189 

of Rock Island, who disposed of it to a Mr. Wells, in whose posses- 
sion it was burned. 

DISTILLERY. 

Johnson and Boyington were among the settlers of 1839. They 
built this year a distillery, the first, it is believed, ever introduced 
into Scott County. Like many others who have undertaken the 
manufacture of spirituous liquors, they failed in the enterprise, and 
removed to other parts. 

POSTOFFICE. 

In 183G a postoffice was established in this township, called 
'' Pleasant Valley," with J. A. Birchard as postmaster, an appoint- 
ment which is said that he held longer than any similar office in 
the State. He was succeeded in 1S56 by R'^swell H.Spencer, 
who retained it a few years and was succeeded by C. C. Cole, who 
was succeeded by Henry W. Fernald. His successor was Mr. 
Baxter. The present incumbent is Mr. Monroe. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Pleasant Yalley has the honor of having within its borders the 
first school in Scott County. In the winter of lS35-'3fi, Josiah B. 
Chamberlin united with Capt. B. W. Clark, and probably one or 
two others, in hiring Simon Cragin, of Bangor, Maine, a dis- 
charged soldier from the fort, who taught a four-months term of 
school in Mr. Chamberlin's house. It is doubtful whether one of 
Mr. Cragin's qualifications would be employed in the township 
to-day. 

In 1S36 and 1837 there were schools held in private houses a 
portion of the time; and in 1838 a scliool-house was erected on 
section 13, and Miss Julia Rowe (now Mrs. George J. Hyde) was 
the first teacher. She was succeeded by Austin B. Lathrop, and 
from that time to the present, school has been held in the district 
from six to ten months each year. When the township was divi- 
ded into districts, the neighborhood in which this first school-house 
was situated became District No. 1. In 1S56 this district built a 
substantial brick school-house, about a half a mile east of the origi- 
nal location, at a cost of ^3.000. 

In 1845 District Xo. 2 was formed, and a school-house was built 
near George J. Hyde's, the district embracing a portion of the 
township of Le Claire, now Lincoln. The latter portion was detached 
in 1S59. The present school-house was built in 1S71, at a cost of 
$l,OoO. In 1875 the house was removed to its present location, 
this being necessary in order to secure a more central location, for 
the accommodation of the school population. This change was 
not effected without the usual contention arising from its removal. 



1190 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtJNTr. 

In 1846 District No. 3 was organized, and built a house near C. 
L. Meyer's. Tliis house was burned in 1869, and in 1870 a new 
school- house was erected, which cost, including furniture, $2,000. 
It is now called Belmont Sciiool-house. 

District No. 4 was set oft' from No. 1 in 1855, and held school 
in private houses until 1869, when a house was built on the river 
road, near Duck Creek, at a cost (including furniture) of $1,600. 

District No. 5 was formed in 1873, of a portion of No. 2, and the 
northeast part of the thwnship, which had been attached to a dis- 
trict in Le Claire Township. A neat school-house was erected, 
which cost, when furnished, $1,500. 

In 1873 the sub-districts, which had been under the township 
district system, all voted to become independent, and organized 
independent districts. No. 1 took the name of Pleasant Valley; 
No. 2, Hopewell ; No. 3, Belmont; No. 4, Duck Creek; No. 5, For- 
est Grove. In the township there are 288 between the ages of 5 
and 21, and an enrollment of 218. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The first religious service in the township was in 1835, at the 
house of J. B. Chamberlin. There is now in the township but one 
church edifice, owned by the Methodist denomination. This was 
the first organized Methodist church in Scott County. 

BIOGEAPniCAL. 

Pleasant Valley has furnished her quota of men to fill stations 
of public trust, and has had in times past, and has now within her 
borders, men who have reflected honor and credit, not only upon 
the valley, but count}' and State. In this connection are given 
biographical sketches of a number of old settlers and prominent 
men, the lives of whom are worthy a record in a work snch as we 
here present to the citizens of Scott County. 

Memoir of the Birehard lamily. — The Birchards who settled in 
Pleasant Yalley were descendants of pioneers. By tie family 
record of Backus Birehard they trace on their father's side unbroken 
descent to Thomas Birehard, who came to Massachusetts about 
1635, and who married Mary Rolnnson, (probably a daughter of 
John Robinson, pastor of the congregation of Dissenters, who to 
escape prosecution in England, emigrated to Holland in 1608, and 
whose family after his death came to New England to join that 
portion of his society who came over in the Mayflower and settled 
at Plymouth, Mass., in 1620). Their son, John Birehard, was 
one of the proprietors to whom Uncas and his sons by formal deed, 
in 1669, for a consideration of £70, granted a tract nine miles 
square, on which Norwich, Conn., was built, and in which he set- 
tled in 1660. On their mother's side they trace their descent 
from John Dixwell, who came from England in 1660, on account 



PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 1191 

of a little unpleasantness between him self and Ciiarles II., in conse- 
quence of the part he took in acting as one of the judges that 
condemned and sentenced Charles I. to be executed in January, 
1649. 

John A. Birchard, Jr., barn in 1804, who settled in Pleasant 
Valley in 1836; Backus Birchard, born in 1812, who came in 
1839, and George Bircliard, born in 1815, who arrived in 1840, 
were born at Bircliardville, Susquehanna Co., Pa., and are sons of 
Jabez A. and Mary Birchard, nee Downee, who were married at 
Bozra, Conn., Jan. 27, 1799, and settled at Ruby, Luzerne Co., 
Pa., in 1800. Jabez A. Birchard, Sr., located in Pleasant Valley 
in the spring of 1846, and died at the residence of his son, Jabez 
A., Jr., on Dec. 18, 1848, aged 73 years. He was the first post- 
master in Bircliardville and held that office through several ad- 
ministrations. 

J. A. Birchard, Jr., was appointed post-master at Pleasant Val- 
ley in 1837, and held the office until 1856, when he resigned, 
recommending K. II. Spencer as his successor. He was a mem- 
ber of the first Territorial Legislature, and held many county and 
t'lwnship offices. Pie died Oct. 20, 1871, aged 67 years, leaving 
his wife, Lydia A., daughter of Daniel Chamberlain, to whom he 
was married at Silver Lake, Pa., Jan. 1, 1829, and who survived 
him until July 17, ISSl, when she died at tlie residence of her 
daugliter, Mrs. Samuel Heagy, in Hampton, 111. They were farm- 
ers bv occupation and lived on the land bought in 1840, on sec 
tion 13. 

Backus Birchard purchased a portion of section 12 at the land 
sale at Dubuque in 1840, on which he is now living. In the sum- 
mer of 1840 he was engaged as foreman of the masonry of the 
Rock River improvements at Van Rupp's Island, now Milan, and 
returned to New York after the work was completed, and was en- 
gaged as foreman and contractor on various railroads in that State 
and Pennsylvania, for some time, when he commenced improve- 
ments on the land he had bought in 1840. In 1842 he married 
Marie, daughter of William J. and Lucv Marlette, atGlenville, N. 
Y. Of five children born of this union, tliree are living — Lucy (wife 
of W. A. Foster, resides in Davenport), William J. and Ida. 

George Birchard married Elizabeth Stockwell in 1845, and set- 
tled in Le Claire. 

Eugene Bircliard, son of Tabez A., Jr., was born in 1840 and oc- 
cupied the old iiomestead until his death, Dec. 12, 1879. He was 
a member of the 15th and 16th General Assembly of Iowa, and 
for several years president of the Scott County Agricultural 
Society. His widow, a daughter of James Donaldson, removed to 
Big Rock, in April, 1881. 

Stephen S. JHucJcmaii was born in Seneca Co., X. Y.. on the 
14th day of March, 1815, son of Ebenezer and Mary (Smith) Black- 
man; father a native of Massachusetts, and mother of New York. 
They were married in Seneca Co., N. 1"., about 1806. The fruit 



1192 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of this marriage was eight children, six of whom lived to be adults, 
viz.: Lewis, who died in 1861; Ebenezer, died in 1S60, in Wiscon- 
sin; Alden, died in Wisconsin in 1S45; Eachael, died in New York; 
En by, now the wife of G. W. Alvord, of Scott County; Nancy, 
died in Des Moines, la., about 1874; one child died in infancy. 
When Stephen S. was three years old his parents moved to Yates 
County, wliere they remained five years, then removed to Steuben 
Co., N. Y., where lie followed the carpenter's trade and ran a farm 
at the same time, and remained until 1838, when he emigrated to 
Scott County and located in Pleasant Valley. The following year 
bought a farm in Davenport Township, where his wife died two 
years later. Sold his tarm and then lived retired in Davenport, 
where he died in 1847 or '48. Mrs. B. died in 1829. He again 
married, Sarah Look. She died in 1843. The subject of this sketch 
learned the trade of saddle and harness maker, but soon after 
dropped it on account ot his healtii; came to Iowa in 1837, and in 
1842 married Martha Work, a daughter of John Work, who emi- 
grated to Scott County in 1836. He married Miss Elizabeth 
Owens. There was a family of nine children, six living — Henry, 
Andrew, Milton, Sarah, Martha and Rebecca. Mrs. B. was born 
in Clark Co., Ind., May 8. 1821. By this union there were eight 
children, four living, viz., John, Julia, Clarence and Benton. Mr. 
B. came to the county a poor man, and the first few years worked 
bv the month. In 1849 took a trip to California in coinpany with 
G. H.' Donaldson and Alexander Work, crossing the plains taking 
six months, when they embarked in mining, where he remained 
one year, then returned to Scott County, when he bought a place 
and embarked in farming. Has 200 acres of land, valued at $60 
per acre; also has 160 acres in Poweshiek Co., la., valued at $25 
an acre. 

Anthony JP. Case, farmer and stock-raiser; postoflBce, Davenport, 
Iowa; was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., July 23, 1822, son of 
Judge Anthony and Rebecca (Sheldon) Case; father a native of 
New Jersey and mother of Connecticut. They were married in 
York State, where seven children were born, three living, viz.: 
Philetus, Frederick W. and Anthony F. Mr. Case left his home 
in New York and emigrated to Marshall, Mich., when Anthony 
F. was four years old. He was an active business man and en- 
gaged in various branches of business, and held several local offices 
of trust, being elected to the offices of count}' judge, etc. He re- 
mained in Marshall until his death. In politics he was an old 
Jacksonian Democrat. Anthony F., when IS years of age was en- 
gaged on the railroad, which he followed for 10 years, operating 
on tlie Michigan Central. In 1850 took a trip to California to 
seek his fortune; went by steamer via Panama. After arriving he 
embarked in mining, which he followed one year. In 1851 he re- 
turned to Michigan, and the same year came to Iowa, where he 
bought land in Hickory Grove Township, and in the fall of the 
same year made another trip to California, where he spent three 



in 



PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 1193 

years more. In the fall of ISS-i lie married Ellen Miller, a daui^h- 
ter of James Miller, of Michigan, where she was born about 1831. 
By this union tiiere were four children — Aretta (now the wife of 
Wm. Brownlec, of Gilman, la.), Kittie, James, Arthur Le Roy. 
Mr. Case has a beautiful farm of 185 acres, all under a high state 
of cultivation, valued at .^"5 per acre. Mr. and ilrs. Case are 
members of the First Presl)yterian Church, of Davenport. 

Adam Donaldson, farmer, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., 
on the 22d day of May, ISOQ, son of Peter and Catharine, 
(Clute) Donaldson. They were married in York State, where there 
was a family of 11 children born — three daughters and eight sons, 
five of whom are living, viz.: Gerardus, of New York; James, 
of California; Adam; Jane .Vnn, now the wife of James D. Blake, 
of Marshall, Mich.; Garrett, of Scott County, and Henry. In 
early life Adam learned the trade of miller, which he followed 
until he came to this county in 1S39. In 1828 married Rachael 
Hoghkerk. She was born Oct. 17, 1808. By this union there 
were 11 children, si.x of whom are living, viz.: Garrett II., 
James R., Adam C, Catharine (now the wife of Henry Winrow), 
Egbert B. and Peter A. When thc}' first came to this county 
located on the river, where they stayed a short time, when he pur- 
chased theclaini where lie now lives, and has remained on the same 
place siitce. Mr. D. is one of the pioneers of the county and 
has worked manfully to develop the countrj'. Has 160 acres of 
land undera high state of cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. 
Donaldson has been engaged in raising pure-blooded Berkshire 
pigs, and was the first to bring the iiure-l)lood into the county, if 
not this State. Mr. Donaldson says, at the time they came to the 
county there were five pigs and three babies in the wagon. Crossing 
Illinois, it was liard to tell which made the most noise, the ]iigs or 
children. They had two sons in the union army. James enlisted in 
the Second Iowa Vol. Inf ('ompany C, where he served three 
years, and was wounded at Corinth, and afterward re-enlisted 
and served until the close of the war; was with Sherman on tiie 
march to the sea. Egbert B. enlisted iti the 20th Iowa Yol. Inf, 
and jiarticipated in the siege of Yicksbnrg. 

James I)i/er, farmer and stock-raiser. Pleasant Yalley, was 
born in Inverness, Scotland, on the 3d day of February, 1832, 
eon of Robert and Isabell (McBean) Dyer. There was a family of 
seven children, two sons and five daughters. Mr. Dyer was the 
first to organize the first co-operative company in the South of 
Scotland, and also organized the first temjjerance movement, and 
instituted coffee houses, which caused a general revolution in the 
liquor traffic. In 1840, left for the United States in a sailing ves- 
sel, which was foundered, and was supposed to have been lost. 
The subject of this sketch was roared to tlie tnde of a woolen 
manufacturer. In 1852 came to tiie States; landed in Xcw York 
and thence went to Washington Co., N. Y., where he was em- 
ployed by a Quaker on the Underground Railroad business, where 



1194 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

he resided two and one-half years. In the fall of 1854 came to 
Scott County. Dec. 15, 1859, married Miss Sarah M. Hedojes, 
a daughter of Samuel Hedges, who emigrated from Steuben Co., 
N. Y., being among the earliest settlers of the county. She was 
born in Pleasant Valley, April 3, 1837. In 1860 came to the 
place where he now resides. Has 98^ acres of land, valued at 
$75 per acre. Mr. Dyer has always taken an active interest in 
public schools and has done much for their advancement. 

John Earhari^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Indiana Co., 
Pa., Sept. 12, 1816, son of David and Catharine ( Altman ) Earhart, 
nativesof Pennsylvania. Mr. Eirhart moved into Pleasant 
Valley Township in May, 1845. He resided there until the year 
1848, when himself and wife started on a visit to their old home 
in Pennsylvania. Mr. David Earhart died on his way there when 
only 35 miles from his destination. Mrs. Earhart died March 15, 
1870. The subject of this sketch was born and reared on a farm 
and lived at home until past 20 years of age. He then learned 
the trade of stone-mason and bricklayer, wliieh he followed for 18 
or 20 years, and then settled down to farming in Pleasant Valley 
Township on the place he now lives on. Mr. Earhart was mar-- 
ried to Mrs. Mar}' Logue (formerly Miss Mary Dopp), January 1, 
1859. She was a native of Huntingdon Co., Pa. By this union theer 
are three children, viz.: Anna B., born Oct. 9, 1875; Ella, born 
March 22, 1861, now teaching school in Butler Township; C. D., 
born July 8, 1859. By a former marriage Mr. E. has two children, 
viz.: Martha J., born April 3, 1843 ; Geoi;ge W., born Nov. 8, 
1844. Mrs. E arliart was formerly married Dec. 28, 1848, to Mr. 
Francis M. Logue, a native of Pennsylvania. She has one child 
living by this mai'riage — Fannie M., now the wife of O. M. 
Kangh, Adair Co., Iowa. Mr. Earhart has taken agreat interest 
in the M. E. church, near which he lives, and has held the 
office of trustee for a number of years. He donated liberallv toward 
the building of it and now enjoys its blessings. He has 120 acres 
of land under a good state of cultivation, valued at $60 per acre, and 
is one of the well-to-do farmers of the township. 

JoJiii iLvaiiK, fruit-raiser and nurseryman, was born in Kentucky, 
April 21, 1804, son of Samuel and Sarah ( Wood ) Evans, natives 
of Virginia. Mr. Evans moved to Kentucky about the year 1800, 
where there was a family of seven children born, all have passed 
away with the exception of John. In the year 1824 Mr. Evans 
moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until his death, in 
1837. Mrs. Evans died in 1835. The subject of this sketch was 
married to Miss Julia Smith, Aug. 21, 1833. She was a native of 
Ontario, N. Y. By this union there were seven children, four of 
whom are living, viz.: Oliver M., born Jan. 3, 1841, now of 
Davenport; Francis M., living at home; Henry C. now of Dav- 
enport, clerking 'for H. W. & G. W. Kerkcr, in the mercantile 
business; Mary L. now the wife of William J. Hart, of Davenport; 
Matilda, died at six years of age, and two died in infanc3'. Mr. 



PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 1195 

Evans was engaged in the mercantile business in Cincinnati from 
1832 until ISiO, wlicn ho moved West and located in Davenport, 
Iowa, following the trade of stone-mason. He had the contract of 
building the foundation to the court-house abouttheyeir 1842. lie 
also built the foundation of several of the churches; among the 
number was the old M. E. Church; also built the foundation to the 
old Iowa College. In 1854 moved to Pleasant Valley Township, 
and bought the place where he now lives of James Brown, and has 
transplanted it from a raw prairie into a fine fruit orchard and 
farm. Mrs. Evans died at her home on June 6, 1873. Mr. Evans 
has 10 acres of land all in fruit, and under a high state of cultivation, 
valued at $loO ])er acre. In politics a Republican. 

W?n. M. Fry, farmer, was born in Crawford Co., Penn., on the 
27th day of January, 1830, son of Wm. A. and Eunice Ann (Loop) 
Fr}'; his father a native of Connecticut, and of English descent; and 
his mother of New York. There was a family of eight children; 
seven lived to be adults, viz.: Harriet JSJ., Albert L.,Lydia C, Wm. 
M., Margie A., ^iancy A. and George H., who was killed at Chat- 
tanooga, in the Union array, being a member of the 2 d Minnesota 
Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Wm. A. Fry by trade, was a tanner and 
currier, which he followed for several years. About 1833 he left 
his home in Pennsylvania, and moved to Sheridan Co., Mo., where 
he remained a ci:»uple of years. From there removed to Hancock 
Co., 111., where he remained until 1S46, when he came to Scott Co., 
Iowa, and died in 1848, his mother having died a couple of weeks 
previous. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and re- 
ceived a common-school education. In 1S50 he married Susan 
Donaldson, a daughter of James and Maria D.jualdson, now of 
California. She was born in Albany Co., N. Y., April .5, 1832. 
By this union there were two children —Ella V. (now the wife of 
John Pa.xton, of the Daven])ort Gazette) a.n^ia.\nes M. Mr. Fry has 
90 acres of land under a higli state of cultivation, valued at S"5 per 
acre. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are members of the M. E. church. They 
have just returned from a trip to California for their health. 

George B. Ilaidey, farmer and stock-raiser, Pleasant Valley, 
was born in Greene Co., 111., on the 7th ilay of October, 1821, son of 
Capt. Isaac and Nancy (Satoriey) Hawlej-, natives of Addison Co., 
Vt.; lather born April' 4, 1787; mother born Aug. 8, 1792. They 
were married in Addison Co., Vt. Oct. 16, 1812. By this union 
there were four children, which lived to be adults, viz.: George B., 
Daniel S., Harriet E. (now the wife of Henry E. Brown, of Webster 
City, la.), and Henry, who died when 21 years of age. Mr. Hawley 
was twice married; for his first wife married Mabel Wilco.x, June 
20, ISOS. She was born June, 1790. Jjy this union there were two 
children, viz.: Cyrus and Hannah. Mrs. Hawley died July 22, 
1807. In 1820 he left his home in Vermont with. teams, camping 
out, and was 40 days on the road, and while on the prairies between 
Jacksonville and Springfield, was lost nine days, and the only 
food they had was a 'possum, which was relished by all with the 
•9 



1196 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

exception of Mrs. Hawley, who conld not eat it. They fin- 
ally located in Greene County, where he took up wild prairie, and 
opened up a farm, where he raised large quantities of produce, 
w hich he shipped to St. Louis in flat-boats; he also shipped hogs on 
flat-boats, and during transportation carried his corn and fed 
and fattened them on the way. In the spring of 1837 he sold out 
his farm and emigrated to Scott County, where he bought a claim 
of Buck Spencer, paying $1,400, there being a log cabin, and 
a few acres broken. At this time there were but six build- 
ings in Davenport. Mr. Hawlej' manfully worked to develop 
a farm, which he sold. In 1842 his sons George B. and Daniel 
S. bought a large tract of land, where George B. now resides. 
Capt. Hawley was a soldier in the war of 1812, being commis- 
sioned as captain, and took an active part in the battle of Platts- 
burg, N. Y. His father was a lieutenant in the same wai-, and 
also participated in the battle of Plattsburg, where he was shot 
through and so injured that he could not eat, and starved to death. 
Capt. Hawley died in Pleasant Valley, Nov. 12 1861. Mother still 
living at the advanced age of 90. Capt. Hawley was tlie first man 
who brought any onion seeds to Iowa, and the first that raised any 
in the State. Capt. Hawley came to the county in a keel boat, float- 
ing down the Ohio to St. Louis. He then hired a steamer to tow him 
up to Duck Creek in the immediate vicinity of his claim. George 
B. came through by land, driving through their stock to Rock 
Island, crossing over the river to Davenport about dark and know 
ing that liis father's claim laid upon the river, himself and a man he 
brought with him started to find them and got lost, and the first 
night in Iowa slept in a hay-stack. The next morning they found 
themselves near the boat. The subject of this sketch was reared 
on a farm and received a common-school education. After arriving 
in Iowa in 1837, he in company commenced raising onions and po- 
tatoes. They built a flat-boat, which they would load with onions 
and potatoes and float them to St. Louis, where they found a ready 
market, and followed the business for 13 years. In 1860 he married 
Miss Lucretia Sawyer. She was born Sept. 18, 1826. She died in 
1874. She was a member of the Christian church, and was loved 
and respected b}' all who knew her. He again married, April 25, 
1877, Mis3 Annie E. Graham. She was born Dec. 3, 1856. Two 
children blessed this union — Henry I. and Maud Lucretia. He 
has a beautiful i'arin of 210 acres, valued at $150 per acre. Mr. 
Hawley has been identified with the county for over 40 years, and 
has seen its many changes. He is one of the largest well-to-do 
farmers of the county. 

Henry W. Henley, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Clarke 
Co., Ind., Feb., 2, 1824, son of Stephen and Kebecca (Work) Hen- 
ley; fathera native of -North Carolina, and mother of Pennsylvania. 
They were married in Clarke Co., Ind., about 1817, where a family 
of eight children were born, five sons and three daughters, five of 
whom are living, viz.: Jessie L., Henry W., Stephen IL, Samuel 



PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 1197 

A. and Mary J. Mr. IIenle\- emigrated from Indiana with his fam- 
ily in the spring of 1S36, and located in Scott Connty, on the place 
where Henry W. now lives, where he remained a couple of years, 
when he purchased another farm on Crow Creek, and moved tiiere, 
and remained until his death. In politics he was a Democrat. 
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a 
common-school education. In 1S.52 he married Miss Clariuda 
Lee, a daughter of John and Purcilla Lee, of Ohio. She was born 
Jan. 3, 1828. By this union there were eight children, six of 
whom are living, viz.: William S., James M., Albert C, Charles 
F., Frank II. and Walter M. Mr. Henley came to the country 
among the earliest settlers, and has been identified with the county 
for nearly half a century. He has 140 acres of land, 00 of which is 
under cultivation, and the whole valued at $75 per acre. 

George J. Ilyde, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ferrisburg, 
"Vt., on the 22d day ol June, 1815, son of Jabez P. and Martha 
(Edgerton) Hyde, natives of Vermont, and married in Mariah, N. 
Y. The fruit of this marriage was nine children, eight of whom 
lived to be adults, viz.: George J., Andrew J., Lucy Ann (now the 
wife of Lyman Drake, of Galesburg, 111.), Benjamin (deceased), 
Martha (now the wife of George W. Ferris, of California), Diadema 
(now deceased, was the wife of Horace Wicks, of Galesi)nrg, III.), 
Lydia (married Albert Clyne, of Peoria, 111). The subject of this 
sketch was reared on a farm. When 17 years old served as an 
apprentice at the wagon-maker's trade. Afterward took up ])aint- 
ing. Mr. Hyde received an academic school education; spent two 
years in Hamilton College, N. Y. Nov. 3, 1843, married Julia 
Ann Rowe, a daughter of William and Mary Howe, natives of Steu- 
ben Co., N.Y., where she was born April 22, 1822. Her parents came 
to thisconnty in 1837, where her father died in 1840; mother in 1851. 
In the fall of 183S Mr. Hyde left Northern New York for Mil- 
waukee, Wis., but abandoned the idea of going there to make a 
home. From Milwaukee went to Chicago; thence by teams to 
Hampden, 111., and then crossed the river to Scott County, having 
75 cents ready money when he landed. Mr. Ilj'de purchased a 
claim of a man by the name of Campbell, paying $25 for his claim, 
and in comjiany with his brother opened up their present farms. 
Mr. H. has a farm of 350 acres, all of which is under a high state 
of cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. He came to the county a 
poor man, with nothing but a strong constitution and a good 
will; went to work and by good management and economy has ac- 
cumulated a fine property, and is one of the solid farmers of the 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde had nine children — Mary Floretta, 
William Frederick, Julia Florence, Benjamin F., George Fre- 
mont, Martha Frances, Wilford Perkins, Eva and Diadema. 

Andrew J. Uyde, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ferns- 
burg, Vt., on the 26th day of January, 1816, son of Jabez and 
Martha (Edgerton) Hyde, who emigrated to what is now the State 
of Iowa in 1856, when he worked by the mouth and afterward 



1198 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtJNTT. 

bought a claim with his brother. In 1841 married Emma Kowe, 
a daughter of Christopher Howe, of Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. Mr. 
Kowe came to the county in 1837, and settled in Pleasant Valley. 
The fruit of this marriage was four children, two of whom are liv- 
ing, viz.: Y. R. Hyde, of Salem, Or.; lie married Miss Sarah 
Leamer, who died leaving a family of four children, viz.: Eveline 
L., Jean C, Ella C, Dana B. ; Ella May, now the wife of liobert 
Cliurcliill, of Michigan. Mr. J. Hyde has held several local offices 
of trust in the township; was elected town bidder in an earlj' day, 
and at one time had all the east of Davenport under his bids. In 
1852 was elected to the State Legislature, and also has held the 
office of magistrate for 10 years. Has 181 acres of land under 
cultivation, valued at 875 per acre; 12 acres of timber. Mr. Hyde 
has been identified with the county for nearly a half century; 
came when the prairies looked as if no white man had ever put 
foot upon them; not a cabin could be seen as far as the eye could 
reach. Mr. Hyde came to the State as most of the men came, poor, 
only 25 cents in his pocket, but went to work witli a will and has 
succeeded in accumulating a fine property and home. Christophes 
Rowe, Esq., one of the old settlers, died Nov. 1, 1860, at the ad- 
vanced age of 73, and appropriate resolutions were passed at the 
Old Settlers' Association. He was well and favorably known in 
the county; was accidentally killed by a gun shot in Muscatine, 
Co., la., leaving a large concourse of friends to mourn his loss. 
Mr. R. was among tlie earliest settlers, and manfully did his share 
in developing the country. 

Joseph Lagrayigev!-A& born in Albany Co., N. Y., Aug. 11, 1806, 
son of Conrad and Magden (Flagg) Lagrange, natives of New York; 
father of French and mother of German descent: they died in 
Pennsylvania. Tlie subject of this sketch was married to Mary 
A. Segge, Oct. 19, 1834, a daughter of John G. and Mary (Fitch) 
Segge, natives of Albany Co., N. Y. Her father died about the 
year 1846, and mother, 1820. Mr. Segge was in the war of 1812. 
Mr. Lagrange was born in Canada, Oct. 20, 1815. By this mar- 
riage there are five children, viz.: Mary A., born Feb. 23, 1837, 
now the wife of Samuel Preston, of Powesheik Co. la.; Ellen J., 
born July 7,1S39, now the wife of John W. Olds, of Pleasant Val- 
ley Township; James, born May 21, 1843, now of Clinton, la.; 
William H., born July 20, 1845; Charles E., born April 3, 1852. 
Mr. Lagrange was born and reared on a farm. His father being a 
blacksmith, he learned the trade, and staid at home with his parents 
until 28 years of age, working a part of the time on the farm and 
part of the time in the shop until the year he was married. He 
followed blacksmithing until the year 1853. when he moved to 
Pleasant Valley Township, Scott Co., la., and purchased the- farm 
he now lives on. Has 160 acres of land, all under a good state ot 
cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. 

Aaron Reme)\ gardener and fruit-raiser; P. 0., Davenport, la.; 
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 1, 1829, son of John and 



PLEASAN-r VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 1199 

Dellia (Miles) Reraer. His father was a native of New York, and 
his mother of Maryland. His father was in the war of 1812, and 
was one of the earliest settlers of Scott County. Coming in the 
year of 1839, he located at Davenport, living a retired life, 
and died here in 1875; his mother died in 1856. The subject of 
this sketch made a living until 21 years of age by catching logs 
and drift-wood found floating in the river. In the year of 1850 he 
made a contract with the Government to carry the mail between 
Davenport and Rock Island, and he carried it until 1852. At times, 
during that period, the mail was so light that he could carry it on 
his back. He then put on the river the first steam-ferry between 
Davenport and Rock Island, and continued to carry the mail an- 
other year. This ferry was put on in o])position to a Hat-boat 
with sails and oars, run by Mr. AVilson, of Rock Island. Mr. 
Remer continued in the business about one year in opposition to 
the other ferry, and tlien tliey made a compromise, and Mr. Remer 
withdrew. lie then followed the river for a number of years, as 
captain and pilot. He once had a boat wrecked within sight ot 
where he now lives, which caused him the loss of $3,000. He 
run as pilot from St. Louis to St. Paul, until he purchased the 
place where he now lives, and settled down to a quiet life. He 
married Elizabeth Blakeman in 1851. By this union there was 
one child — Mary, born Dec. 1, 1852, now the wife of James Ly- 
ons, of Louisville, Ky. Mrs. Remer died June 14, 1853. In the 
year 1856 Mr. Remer married Lucindia Wright, of Rock Island. 
By this union there were three children, viz. : Edward E., born 
May 31, 1859; John W., born Dec. 30, 1861; and Sherman G., 
born Jan. 3, 1864, died March 3, 1879. Mr. Reraer has a fruit 
and garden farm of 30 acres, valued at $100 per acre, all under a 
high state of cultivation. In politics he is a Republican. 

Williaia B. Scandrett, farmer and stock- raiser; postoffice, Dav- 
enport; was born in Blair Co., Pa., Nov. 30, 1832; son of Will- 
iam and Catharine (Colman) Scandrett. They were natives of 
Pennsylvania. Mr. Scandrett was a captain in the war of 1812. 
He moved from Pennsylvania to Iowa with a team, and landed 
in Pleasant X^alley, June 7. 1S49. Mr. and Mrs. S. died in Le Claire 
Township. The subject of this sketcli lived at home and worked in 
a foundry and iron works until he was about 18 years of age. After 
that he worked at the carpenter's and millwright's trade, until the 
spring of 1845, when he came West and landed at Rock Island, 
April 17, 1845. He came from St. Louis to Rock Island on the 
Steamer "War Eagle," the first boat of that name on the river. 
He tliea went to work at his trade and helped to build the first 
bridge across Rock River, at Camden, working about three 
months. He then went to the Wisconsin pineries and worked at 
his trade part of the time, and was also in the lumber business, 
cutting logs and rafting lumber down the river, selling it at differ- 
ent points. His lumber camp was situated between two tribes 
of Indians. While in this place he had to send 120 miles for his 



1200 HTSTOKT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

mail. In April, 1848,heleft'Wi8Con8inand started for Pennsylvania. 
On his way down the river he stopped off one day to vote foi 
Zachariah Taylor for President. He also stopped over and located 
a part of the farm he now owns. In 1849 he started back 
with his parents and came on to the place where he now lives. 
Mr. Scandrett married Jane R. Hall, Dec. 18, 1856. She 
was a daughter of William B. and Sidney (Ross) Hall, natives 
of Pennsylvania. By this union there were eight children, seven of 
whom are living, viz.: Sidney A., born Oct. 19, 1857; Clyde A., 
born March 4, 1860; Emma A., born March 29, 1862, died 
Jan. 5, 1868; Katie M., born Mav 13, 1866; Grace M., born Oct. 
5, 1867; Miles' J., born Nov. 5, 1869; Frank W., born July 19, 
1875; Ross H., born May 8, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Scandrett 
celebrated their silver wedding Dec. 18, 1881. Mr. Scandrett 
has been identified with Scott County for a long period of 
years, and is a practical farmer. He has 180 acres of land 
under a good state of cultivation, valued at $65 per acre. He 
has held the office of justice of the peace for 12 years. He 
was the first man drafted in the township and sent Alfred Bey as 
substitute. 

John Scott was born in Mercer Co., Pa., Jan. 10, 1805, son of Will- 
iam and Sarah (Parker) Scott. The}' were among the early settlers of 
Mercer County. He was a farmer and merchant, and died in Penn- 
sylvania. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and 
received a limited school education. He lived with his father 
until he was 23 years of age, helping him clear the land for the 
town-site of Greenville, Salem Co., Pa., he cutting the brush. 
In or about the year 1827, he purchased a wild piece of land 
in Mercer Co., Pa., and made a farm which he sold in 1851, 
and moved to Scott Co., Iowa, on the farm he now owns. 
Mr. Scott was married to Mary Bowman, March 12, 1829. By 
this union there were seven children, six of whom are living, viz. 
William S., born Feb. 15. 1831, now of Princeton Township; 
John B., born May 11, 1833, now of Butler Township; Catharine, 
born March 19, 1836; Sarah, born March 31, 1838; Mary, born 
May 27, 1841 — now the wife of Lewis Wilcox, of Calhoun Co., 
Iowa; James, born Dec. 31, 1850; Andrew, born April 15, 1837, 
now dead. Mr. Scott has helped to open nine farms in his life, 
and now owns 160 acres of land, all under a good state of culti- 
vation, valued at $75 per acre. In polities is a Democrat. Mrs. 
John Scott died Aug. 12, 1878. 

Dr. T. 8. Smith, one of the oldest physicians of Scott County, 
was born near Burlington, Vt., Jan. 22, 1836, son of Henry and 
Elizabeth (Street) Smith, natives of Vermont, where they were mar- 
ried, when two children were born — Aaron and T. S. When a mere 
child his parents emigrated to Onondaga Co., N. Y., when they 
were blessed by two more children — Eveline and Susan. Mr. Henry 
Smith died in Onondaga County, in 1843, and Mrs. S. followed in 
1847. The subject of this sketch commenced reading medicine 



PLEASANT VALLEV TOWNSHIP. 1201 

when 17 years old, at Auburn. N. Y., with Dr. Coventry, and after- 
ward attended twu courses of lectures at Geneva and two at Buttiilo 
Medical College, where he graduated in 1847. The same year came 
to Galena, 111., where he followed the practice of medicine for two 
years, when he removed to Hampden, Rock Island Co., where he 
followed his profession for 20 years, which extended on hoth sides 
of the river. In 1865 he came to Scott County. In 1859 married 
Mary E. IIo!leni)eck, who bore him four children. Tlie Doctor is 
extensively engaiijed in farming and stock-raising, having 1:20 acres 
of land, 300 under a high state of cultivation, valued at $30 per 
acre. 

Captain Benjamhi T. Stiles, farmer, Pleasant Valley, la., was 
born in Medina Co., O., on the 2d day of August, 1832, son of 
Noble and Cynthia E. (Todd) Stiles, natives of Massachusetts, 
where they were married. The fruit of this marriage was 
seven children, five sons and two daughters, viz.: Enoch N., who 
went to California in 1850, and was supposed to have been mur- 
dered; Hervey R., of Muscatine Co., la.; B. F., of Scott County; 
Royal P.. Perry, Dallas Co.. la.; Ceiestia E., now the wife of 
Homer Curtis, of Cedar Co., la. ; Cynthia E., now the wife of 
James Butterfield, of Iowa Co., la. Mr. Stiles left Massachu- 
setts in 1831, and emigrated to Medina Co., O., where he pur- 
chased a farm in the heavy timber of Ohio and cleared it np. In 
1850 went to California, where he died with the cholera two weeks 
after his arrival ; mother died in Ohio, in 1866. The subject of 
this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-school ed- 
ucation. In 185.1 came to Scott County, where he worked by the 
month. In 1801 enlisted in the 2d Iowa Cavalry Company C, par- 
ticipated in all the engagements of the regiment; was promoted 
from 1st sergeant to 2d lieutenant, Dec. 1, 1861, and June 11, 
1863, was promoted to captain; mustered out at Davenjiort, la., 
Oct. 7. lS()-t. He immediately purcinised a farm in Liberty Town- 
ship, where he embarked in farming up to 1877, when he came 
to his present place. In 1866 married Miss Emily Jacobs, a daugh- 
ter of V. F. Jacobs, of New York. She died in 1868, leaving 
one son — Frank N. The Captain again married, Miss Alice C. 
Crane, a daughter of Zenas Crane; father a native of New Jersey, 
and mother of Massachusetts. She was born Sept. 21, 18-18; one 
child — Bertha C. Has 120 acres of land in Scott Co., la., valued 
at $Ui0 per acre; also, 80 acres in Jasper Co., la., valued at $20 
per acre. In politics, he is a Republican, and has held several 
local offices of trust in the gift of the people. 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 

Princeton is the most nortiiern township of Scott County, lying 
along the river, the first permanent settlement of which was made 
in the spring of 1836. 

Giles M. Pinneo and Haswell H. Pinneo located their claims 
in the fall ot 1835, and moved on them as permanent settlers in 
the spring of 1836. George W. Harlan had located some claims 
prior to this for speculative purposes, but with no thought of set- 
tlement. Giles M. Pinneo settled where he now resides, on section 
Si, while Haswell made his claim upon which a portion of the vil- 
lage of Princeton was subsequently located. Many of the early 
settlers will remember his neat hewed log cabin, and the welcome 
there extended to all who might choose to call and test the hospi- 
tality of its owner. He died many years since, enjoying the re- 
spect of all who knew him. 

Thomas Hubbard, Sr. . who had been livino: on the opposite side 
of the river since tiie close of the Black Hawk war, in the spring 
of 1836 moved over and settled on what is now a part of the city 
of Princeton. ThePinneos and Mr. Hubbard were the only set- 
tlers during the year 1836. 

Thomas Hubbard was tmm Kentucky; had served in the Black 
Hawk war, and seemed to have much of the old Kentucky hatred 
for Indians. While settled upon the Illinois side of the river, he 
had frequent raids made upon him by the red skins, which were 
repelled in true pioneer spirit. The Indians were in the habit of 
stealing from him such few articles of" animal civilization " as he 
was able to gather around him, such as fowls, hogs and cattle. He 
had procured some bees from the forest, which at that time were 
plenty, when one day on his return to his cabin he found that they 
had Ijeen robbed by the Indians. He was soon upon their trail 
with his rifle, and came up witli them as they were leaving the 
shore in their canoes. He fired upon them, when the fire was 
returned, Hubbard taking to a tree for shelter. Several shots 
wei-e passed and one Indian was killed. Many other skirmishes 
were often related by the old man of liis exploits with the red 
skins. He returned to Kentucky and there died many years ago. 

Between the years 1836 and 184-0 came Daniel Hire, Benjamin 
F. Pike, Jesse R. James, Samuel Sturtivant, John B. Doty, 
Benjamin Doolittle, Jonas Barber, Jacob Rose, Abijah Goodrich, 
Mr. Sweet, Avery D. Pinneo, Gideon Averill, William Palmer, 
Franklin Rowe. Sterling Parkhurst, Matthias L. Pinneo, Samuel 
Gast, George Gast, Susanna Gast, Issac Daughenbaugh, John^ 
Leamer, Polly Leamir, Samuel S. Gast, John A. Gast, AVm. Gast, 

(1203) 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1203 

Henry Shadle, Mary A. Shadle, Jacob Fulnier and Christina 
Fulmer. 

From 18i0 settlement was slow in the township for 10 years, 
when for a time settlers came in quite rapidly. Tlie township now 
lias 300 voters. 

In tlie Mrst settlement ot Princeton Townsliip, like all other 
pioneer places, families underwent many privations. Supplies of 
every kind, except wild meat, had to be obtained from Fort 
Armstrong, on Rock Island. These were taken up by water over 
the rapids in Indian canoes. It was but little they were able to 
purchase, and all that was expected in those days wi're the bare 
necessaries ot lite. A s-tory is told ot one of the Pinneos making 
a journey to Davenport, after it became settled and a store had been 
establislied, with a lot of beans in order to exchange them for goods 
to make clothing for his family. It was bitter cold weather, and 
on the way he had an attack of the ague. He exchanged his beans 
with much ditiiculty at 25 cents per bushel, hea]»ing measure, and 
took their "tivo-cent" calico at the rate of 35 cents per yard. 
These were the beginnings of some of those who settled in this 
township. But brighter days have dawned, and many of the old 
settlers now enjo}- the fruits of early toil, and ai-e no more placed 
under the necessity of " planning and contriving " to secure the 
little necessary to eke out an existence. 

Benjamin F. I'ike came up from Rockingham in the spring of 
1838, and brought with iiim a small stock of gooils, which was the 
first store of any kind in the townsliip. 

The first frame house built in tlie township was in 1837, by 
Daniel Hire. In the spring of 1838 Benjamin Doolittle established 
the tir.-t ]iublic ferry across the Wapsipimcon River, on the road 
from Davenport to Comanche. Jonas Barber built a steam mill 
this yenr, the first of anv kind in the township. A distillery was 
also bnilt this year by Jacob Rose. Tiie first children born were 
Henry Hire, Thomas Doty and Albert Pinneo. The fir.-t deaths in 
the townshii> were Mrs. Mary Sweet and Mrs. Lucy Goodrich. 

The Methodist circuit rider at an earlv day penetrated the town- 
ship and was followed from time to time by representatives of 
various denominations. There are now three represented in the 
township by organizations — Methodist Episcopal, Presbvttrian, 
and Lutheran. The latter organization is at Lost Grove. In 1853 
three members of the Methodist E])iseopal church, — Potter Mo- 
Kinster, Jerry Goodrich and James Todd — assisted by their friends 
and neighbors, erected a brick churcli eJifice, 2G x 3t) feet. After 
liolding services in this church about three years, the organization 
was transferred to Princeton, its three principal members having 
died meanwhile. On the 10th of February, 185G, Rev. Daniel 
Garber, a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran church at Daven- 
port, came to the township and organized a congregation of that 
faith. 



1204 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

On Saturday, May 8, a meeting was held for the election of 
officers. Isaac Dauglienbaugli was elected elder, and Samuel Gast, 
deacon. The tirst meetings were held at the brick church, erected 
by the Methodists, and which they continued to use as the prop- 
erty of that denomination until 1S59, when they built a house of 
worship in the town of Princeton, at a cost of $565, which they 
exchanged with the Methodists for their church edifice at Lost 
Grove, where they yet worship. 

Rev. Daniel Garber was the first pastor. He supplied the 
church until March 10, 1S57, when Rev. F. R. Sheer was called 
and served until 1869, with success, with the exception of one year 
(1858). In 1S69 Rev. George W. Shaffer supplied the pulpit, 
during which time he had a revival and l4 additions to the 
church. Mr. Shaffer continued with the church until November, 
1878, when Rev. J. L. Hammond assumed the pastorate. Reg- 
ular services of the church are held every Sabbath. The present 
member^liip is 52. The present officers are as follows: Samuel 
Ileleman and J. A. Gast, elders; Adam Mc Coy and John Shaffer, 
deacons. 

The Sabbath-school was first organized by the Methodist 
Episcopal brethren in 1853. The first superintendent was Daniel 
Conrad, a local M. E. preacher from Le Claire; secretary and 
librarian, James Todd. In 1856 tlie Lutheran congregation took 
charge of the school, electing Dr. Samuel Gast, of Princeton, as 
superintendent; J. L. Gast, secretary and librarian. The present 
superintendent is Rev. E. Hammond, assi-tant superintendent, 
W. E. Gast, secretary, William Hammond, librarian, G. C. Gast. 
There are now 80 pupils enrolled, with an average attendance of 
60. 

PUiJLIC SCHOOLS. 

The men who first settled this township being young naen with- 
out families, it was for some time unnecessary to have schools, 
bnt as sooT as children were reared lar^re enough to attend, the 
parents provided schools as good as their limited means, both of 
money and ability in teachers, coukl afford. The first school that 
was kept in what is now known as Princeton Independent District, 
was taught in the year 1846 or '47, by Miss Hannah Peaslee, in a 
log house owned by H. H. Pinneo. The succeeding teachers in 
the same house were Mrs. Charles Budd and Milcah Goodrich. 
Abont 1850, a bitter dispute having arisen as to where a proposed 
school-house should be located, the quarrel was carried so far that 
the project for building at all had for a time to be abandoned. In 
the meantime G. H. Pinneo and Wilbur Warren beingdetermined 
to have a school for their children, joined together and bought an 
old barn, added some lumber to it, and with their own hands con- 
structed a house that was used for some time for both school and 
church purposes. In 1852 a house 25 x 35 now known as the old 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1205 

scliool-house, was built in the town, costing $375, and was then 
thouglit to be quite extravagant. The first teacher in this house 
was Mathias D. Pinneo. In 1856 it was found that the title to the 
land on which this house was built was not good. So the heirs of 
the land made a conipromise with the district by buying lot No. 2, 
block 18, and buikling another house exactly like the old one on 
this lot. This house was used for school purposes till 1864, Avhen 
this school and the other schools in town were consolidated and 
occupied the upper and lower stories of a hall on Front street. In 
1862, under an act that had been recently passed, what had for- 
merly been known as District No. 1, Prnieeton Township, was 
erected into an independent district. The first president of the 
indepi'udent district was Samuel Scott; first secretary, A. II. Pin- 
neo; and treasurer, D. II. Culbertson. Mr. Culbertson has been 
treasurer ever since. In 1866 it was determined to build a house 
suitable for school purposes, and the contract was awarded to the 
firm of Walker & Patterson, for $4-,500. C. W. Pinneo was the 
first principal in this house, and has been ever since, except two 
years G. M. Boyd and two years J. S. Iluey taught. The present 
teachers are C. W. Pinneo, principal; W. L. t'alhoiin, intermediate, 
and D. E. James, primary. Miss Peaslee, the first teacher in this 
district, received for salary $1.75 per week and boarded around. 
The present female teaciier receives $9 per week. $20 per month 
was the highest wages paid to a male teacher previous to the year 
1858, when the law requiring teachers to stand an examination be- 
fore a county sujjerintLiident went into force. The wages very 
soon advanced when some qualifications were required, and greatly 
added to tlie efficiency of the schools. The number at present is 
about 150 scholars in all the departments, and the schools are con- 
sidered quite satisfiictory in their management. 

Princeton Township has six sub-districts, an enrollment of 142, 
and 219 of school age. It has six school-houses, valued at $5,500. 
The town of Princeton is an independent district, with a stone 
school-house valued at $5,000. There are 189 pupils in the dis- 
trict with an enrollment of 98. Tnree teaehers are employed, and 
the school is a graded one. 

TOWN OF PRINCETON. 

The first recorded plan of Princeton bears date Dec. 22, 1853. 
Robert Bell, George H. Bell and John Culbertson were the pro- 
prietors. The beginning of a town had been made prior to this. 

In the sjjring of 1838 B. F. Pike opened a store in the neighbor- 
liood, the first in the township. The next cue was opened by a 
company known as "Lawyer llammoiid ife Co. In 1848 W. F. 
Breckenridge opened a store here, calling the place at that time 
"Pinnacle Point." 

The city of Princeton was incorporated January, 1857, and in the 
month of March following the first charter election was held. 



1206 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

Samuel Porter was elected the first mayor and resigned in May. 
At a special election held soon after, William Shaw was elected 
mayor to fill the vacancy. At this time the city contained about 
250 inhabitants, one store kept by Walter & Armstrongs, two public 
houses, one smith shop, one steam saw-mill, one church and forty- 
six dwelling houses. 

In the month of March, 1858, William H. Thompson was elected 
mayor. This year the population of the place had increased to 500. 
The imjn-evetnents were greater in the youthful city of Princeton 
than at any other point on the Mississippi River, for the number 
of inhabitants. This year there was built one steam saw-mill, by 
Isaac Sherman, from Cleveland, Ohio, at a cost of §8,000, capable 
of catting 30,000 feet per day ; two steam grist-mills, one by 
McKinstr^' & Hubbard, at a cost of $12,000 ; one by Herbert & 
Fishback, at a cost of $9,000, though the firm failed before com 
pleting it. D. D. McCoy i)uiit a large house and opened a fancy 
dry-goods store. Tliis season there were 02 dwellings built, among 
which was one by Dr. G. L. Bell, wliich cost about $5,000. 

In March, 1859, Dr. Thomas Gait was elected mayor. This 
year the population had reached 1,000, but, owing to the hard 
times, there was not so much improvement as the previous year. 
Walker & Patterson buiit a steam ]>laning-mill. with all the im- 
proved machinery^ for making sash, doors and blinds, which was a 
great benefit to the place and surrounding country, besides being 
remunerative to its enterprising projectors. F. G. Welch built a 
large three-story building for a dry-goods store, but did not live 
to enjoy his enterprising un^lertaking. R. liennett also erected a 
large store and opened a good stock of dry goods and groceries, 
and with the assistance of A. Kierney started a tin shop. This 
year the Presbyterians erected their church edifice. Dr. Gait 
erected a fine brick residence, 36 x 40, two stories and a half high, 
and finished in the latest style. At this time there were 15 car- 
penters, six blacksmiths, four shoemakers, two tailors, one tinker, 
seven stores, one drug store, two churches, two public houses, one 
livery stable, two steam saw-nulls, two steam grist-mills, one 
steam planing-mill, two carriage shops, four blacksmith shops, two 
public schools, two private schools, one lawyer.* 

Princeton was now in the height of its glury, everything being 

Srosperous, with a fair opportunity of becoming one of the most 
ourishing towns upon the river. Early in 1860, a local writer 
thus spoke of it : 

*' Princeton now bids fair to outrival some of her more successful 
neighbors. By the fourth of July, 1860. there will be a direct 
commuracation with Chicago by railroad. The iron for the Sterling 
& Rock Island R^ad is contracted for, and a portion ot it will be 
delivered this winter. The balance will be delivered as soon as 
the ice leaves the river, as it comes by the way of New Orleans. 
The road, when finished, will be 36 miles nearer Chicago than by 
* VVillard Barrows in Annals of Iowa, April, 1864. 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1207 

the Chicago A: Rock Island Road ; 56 miles nearer Chicago, from 
this place, than bv way of UaveniMirt. There has also been ^27,- 
500 of the stock taken and secured bv the citizens of Princeton, by 
bond and mortgage, of the Sterling iV: Rock Island Road. There 
is a great opening for manufactures by water-power. There is a 
chance of securing a water-power of 17^ feet tall with the outlay 
of $30,0u0. By tapping the Wapsipinecon River about four miles 
above this place, the water can be brought into the city at any 
desired point with the above amount of fall. The survey has been 
made by scientific engineers, and the result as stated is therefore 
unquestionable. * * * We prophesy tliat at no very distant day 
the city of Princetoii will be one of the most flourishing towns 
upon the Mississippi River. It has the material in and around it, 
audits enterprising inhabitants will allow no opportunit}' to pass 
iiniraproved, that will tend to advance the interests of their thriving 
and beautiful city." 

But, alas, for the expectations of its friends. The glorious 
prospects of 1S60 have been permitted to vanish away ; the popu- 
lation of the town lias decreased three-fourths, and the Princeton 
of 18S2 will not compare with the Princeton of 1860. Yet there is 
hope for the town. With a good situation, convenient to the great 
markets, with energy and pluck, the old-time prosperity may be 
re\ived and a glorious future await it. 



RELIGIOUS. 

There are now two church organizations represented in the place 
— Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal. 

The Presbytery convened at Le Claire, Oct. 10, 1S54. and 
granted a request from Presbyterians resident at Princeton, that a 
Presbyterian church be organized there. Accrodingly, ontlie 12th 
day of November, 185i, the committee ajipointed by the Presbytery 
organized a Presbyterian church at Princeton, consisting in all of 
17 members. Three elders were then duly elected, ordained 
and installed — Denton B. Ciilbertson, Samuel Knox and John 
L. Gast. A church ediiice was erected in 185 . The church 
has had a fairly })rosperous existence since its organization, and is 
now under the pastoral care of Rev. George P. Ilays. 

M. E. Church. — As has nearly always been the case in a new 
country, the Methodist church was the first to plant here the ban- 
ner of the cross. Although there might have been an occasional 
sermon preached here before, Joel B. Taylor was the first regularly 
appointed minister on this work. lie was then, secmingl}', but a 
boy, but it was the beginning of a useful and devoted life to the 
church. Among the members ol his cliurch here may be men- 
tioned G. M. Pinneo, Asenath Pinneo, Ilaswell H. Pinneo, Hannah 
Hubbard, Thomas Hubbard, Pendleton Hubbard, Abijah Goodrich, 
Rachel Goodrich, John B. Doty and Mariah Doty. 



1208 HISTORY OF SCOTl' COUNTY. 

The early settlers not being able to erect a church building, were 
obliged to meet for services at private iiouses, and when school- 
houses were built, to use thera for meetings. 

Thus the history of the church here continued with the usual 
vicissitudes of all religious societies, till 1853, when the members 
determined to erect a church building. On account of the larger 
portion of the members living near Lost Grove, the church was 
built there, but by the death of same and the removal of prominent 
families from there, soon so reduced their numbers that it was 
concluded to sell the house to the Lutherans, then in the ascendancy 
around the Grove, and build a house in the city of Princeton. This 
was accomplished in the year 18.58, since which time the church 
in the city has been a permanent organization. 

Among some of the families who were members while they 
occupied the church at the Grove, should be mentioned those uf 
Abijah Goodrich, David Shoemaker, Daniel Conrod, David Todd, 
Porter McKinstry, Wesley Vanduzer and G. M. Pinneo. The 
present membership of the church here is about 40, and its pas- 
tor is the Eev. J . W. Coates. 

As an adjunct of the church may be mentioned the Methodist 
Sunday-school. It was organized in. June, 1849, by Father Pinneo, 
Jeremiah Goodrich, Milcah Goodrich and others, hence it has had 
an existence of 33 years, during which time its organization has 
been faithfully maintained. As an instance of devotion in this 
work may be mentioned: C. W. Pinneo, who was a scholar at the 
opening of the school and has been the Bible-class teacher during 
the last 20 years, and is now superintendent. 

Salera Evangel imI Lutheran Church \& located at Lost Grove, 
in Princeton Township, Scott Co., Iowa. It was organized by 
F. li. Shearer, Jan. 25, 1852, with the following members, viz.: 
J. C. Rice, John L. Gast and Margaret Gast, his wife; Dr. S. Gast 
and Angeline, his wife; A. Earhart and Catharine Earhart, his 
wife; H. C. Gast and Sarah Gast, his wife; J. A. Gast and Matilda 
Gast. At this time Reverend F. R. Shearer resided in Winchester, 
Van Buren Co., Iowa, and visited the infant organization in the 
following June. A few years after this, the Reverend G. W. 
Seheidee, of Philadelphia, Penn., became pastor of the congrega- 
tion, but did not serve them one year. Some time after this the 
Rev. D. Garner, of Davenport, supplied them occasionally, 
but being desirous to visit Egypt, Arabia and the Holy Land, he 
resigned his charge in Davenport, left for the above purpose, 
leaving the congregation without a shepherd for some years. On 
the L5th of November, 185G, the Rev. F. R. Shearer took perma- 
nent charge of the congregation at a call of $250 per annum for 
one-third of his time, there being at this time but 11 members 
in the organization, but few of them of the original organization. 
The following March he held a series of meetings and added 16 
members to the churcli; and about a year from that time 2-4 
more, additions to the membership at various times increasing 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1209 

the membership to 63. During F. II. Shearer's labors of 
11 3'ears iu that congregation he added 63 members, whicli, 
with the original membership, made 74 in number. November, 
1S5S, the congregation gave him a call for all the time at a salary 
of §350 and a parsonage, wiiich he accepted and labored a few 
years when he began to missionate at Morristown, Henry Co., 
111., where he devoted a ])arl of his time for four years until they 
built him a church, 36 x oS, IS feet high, and finished it off in com- 
plete order. Although there never were 50 members belonging to 
that church, they support their own pastor and have built a very 
neat parsonage. During his labors at Salem church they have 
always had a good Sahbath-scliool which has been conducted a 
number of years b^' J. L. Gast. 

Sketch af Siocm Lodge, No. 23i, /. 0. 0. F., of Princeton, Iowa. 
— In the year 1S72, several persons, residents ot this place, were 
attached to Eagle Lodge, No. 86, of DeWitt, Iowa, but feeling that 
they would like the pleasure of lodge association oftener than 
they could enjoy it living so far away as they did, came to the 
conclusion to form a lodge at home. Accordingly, Messrs. U. W. 
Hogan, Samuel Williams, Jesse W. Forsyth, Ijenjamin Metzgur 
and Isiac F. Morgan applied to the Grand Lodge and received a 
charter, and the lodge was duly instituted by John Waters, D. D., 
G. M. , April 30, 1872, under the name and title of Swan Lodge, 
No. 234, I. O. O. F. At the first meeting. Messrs. AY. F. Culbert- 
son, A. P. Ferguson, J. D. Stichter, J. B. ParcoU, William 
McQuiston, A. R-ithman and L. S. Cliambei-liu were received and 
enrolled as members. At this meeting they elected O. W. Hogan. 
N. G.; Jesse W. Forsyth, V. G.; W. F. Culbertson, Sec; Benja- 
min Metzgar, Per. Sec, and Samuel Williams, Treas. 

The lodge occupied a hall owned by L. S. Chamberlin until 
Jan. 6, 1S79, when the block in which this hall was located was 
burned. In this fire the lodge lost all its paraphernalia and other 
property amounting to nearly $500. This was a severe blow, as 
there was no insurance on the property. As usual in such cases, 
the lodge appealed for help to other lodges in the jurisdiction of 
Iowa. The appeal was handsomely responded to, and with the 
efforts of the lodge it was able to erect for itself, during the sum- 
mer of 1S79, a neat and substantial brick building 32 .\45 feet, two 
stories, with cellar. The upper story is neatly furnished and used 
as a lodge room; the lower is used for a storeroom. Although 
this order has ])aid out quite largelv for benefits, yet it has been 
exceedingly fortunate in losses by death, only three, viz.: Henry 
Gaw, August Brusch and George T. Penry having died. Its 
present membership, numbering 50, is the largest it has ever had 
at one time. At present, its financial condition is good, being en- 
tirely out of debt and $200 in the treasury. Its regular meetings 
are en Saturday evenings and the present officers are: J. B. Parcel, 
N. G.; E. L. Slaughter, V. G.; C. W. Pinneo, Rec Sec; C. W. 
Pinneo, Per. Sec, and L. S. Cliamberlin, Treas. 



1210 HISTORY OF SCOrr COUNTY. 

ConDected with this lodge is Echo Lodge, No. lOi, of the degree 
of Robecca, composed of the members, the wives, the sisters and 
the daughters of the members of Swan Lodge. Its officers are: L. 
S. Chamberlin, N. G.; Mrs. P. H. Martin, V. G.; D. M. Parkhurst, 
Sec. and Mrs. Rachel Stafford, Treas. 

It is also in a very satisfactory condition and is highly prized by 
the members of both lodges on account of the social relations that 
are fostered by the intercourse of its membership. 

Andrews Lodge, No. 69, A. O. U. W., was instituted May 17, 
1876, and named iu honor of Maj. Andrews (now clerk of the 
court of Scott Co.), to whom we are chiefly indebted for its or- 
ganization. Twelve charter members v/ere enrolled and elected 
as follows: H. Garber, P. M. W.; O. W. Hogan, M. W.; D. W. 
Ulam, G. F.; Jas. W. Suiter, O.; J. D. Dunlap, Recorder; C. L. 
Maxwell, Receiver; C. W. Knott, F.; F. "W. Shaw, I. W. ; Geo. 
Lancaster, O. W. ; Wm. Darbiu, R. 0. Stewart and Theodore 
Dubois, Trustees. The present membership is 31, and the 
officers are: I. Monk, P. M. W.; F. M. Shaw, M. W.; E. D. Moss. 
G. F. ; A. D. Penry, O. ; A. P. Ferguson, Recorder, M. Mathews, 
Receiver; Jas. W. Suiter, F.; H. C. Chapman, G.; Wm. Durbin, 
L W.; W. Hopson, O. W.; H. C. Chapman, Wm. Durbin and W. 
Hopson, Trustees. Assets, fixtures and furniture, $250; cash, 
$138.10; total, $388.10. The lodge, though small, is in a pros- 
perous condition, notwithstanding a considerable loss by fire 
during the winter of 1878-'79. The lodge has not lost any mem- 
bers by death. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Jacob Bragonier, a native of Franklin Co., Pa., was born Nov. 
11, 1821; son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Palmer) Bragonier, who 
were married in Maryland, and had a family of 13 children, six 
living — Mary, wife of Benjamin Dickenson, of Nebraska; Chris- 
tina, wife of Jacob Culler, of Carroll Co., Ind.; Doratha, wife of 
Leonard Trampower, of Maryland; Susannah, wife of Emanuel 
Tice, of Washington Co., Md. ; Leah, wife of John Kennedy, of 
Carroll Co., Ind., and Jacob. His father was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war; was at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown; 
was ferryman at the time of AVashington crossing at Tren- 
ton. Mr. Bragonier was one of the earliest settlers of Franklin 
County, and by occupation a farmer, which he followed until his 
death, which occurred Oct. 5, 1821, being some months before 
Jacob was born, leaving his mother with a large family of small 
children. Qj good management she kept them together, giving 
them a common-school education. She died in 1859 at the age of 
Si, a member of the German Reform church, and respected by all 
wjio knew her. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
and received his education in a log cabin, clap-board roof, slabs for 
seats and puncheon floor. And, as Mr. Bragonier says, it was cus- 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1211 

tomary for the larger boy to go out and gatlier up their fuel at 
noon. In 1845 he married Miss Matilda Thomas; she was born in 
Franklin Co., Pa., Dec. 4. 182t;. By this union there were 10 
children, seven of whom are living, viz.: John, Abram J., Caro- 
line, Martha, David, Clark and Howard. Mr. Eragonier came to 
this county in limited circumstances, by judicious management 
accumulated a tine property and home, and is one of the largest 
and well-to-do farmers of the county; has (195 acres of land, valued 
at $40 per acre. Mr. Braeronier says their first meal was taken on 
a dry -goods box, aii<l cousisted of a cup of tea, pork and slap-jacks; 
thus they started out. Mr. and Mrs. Bragonier are members of 
the Lutheran church. 

James H. Brown was born in Wilmington, Delaware, Aug. 13, 
1847, and was a son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Little) Brown. His 
father was born in Ireland, Nov. 24, 1815; his mother in 1829; she 
died when James was about eight years old. He attended sciiool 
in his native place, until he was 11 years old, when his father mar- 
ried again, and in the fall of 1858 removed to Scott Co., Iowa, and 
settled on a farm in Princeton Township. His father went to 
work at once to improve his land, and make a home for his family 
in the land of his adoption. He died Oct. 4, 1875. On Dec. 27, 
1870, the subject of this memoir was united in marriage with Miss 
Rachel Speer, who was born Dec. 26, 1848, near Pittsburg Pa., 
and was a daughter of William and Sarah (Wallace) Speer. Two 
children have been born of this union — U. W. Walter, born Jan. 
1. 1875, and Ralph Archie, Jan. 10, 1878. After his marriage, 
Mr. Brown leased a farm of William Speer, which he cultivated 
until 1872, then purchased land in Princeton Township; four 
years later he sold this farm and located on section 1, Bntler Town- 
ship, which is his present home. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church at Le Claire. 

A. B. Carter, farmer and stock-raiser, Princeton Township, 
was born in Center Co., Pa., Feb. 4, 1832, son of Roth and Ann 
(Madowell) Carter; father a native of Pennsylvania, and mother of 
Virginia. Tliere was a family of nine children, four sons and 
five daughters, five of whom are living — Catherine L. (now the 
wife of William Stevens), Rachel M. (now the wife of Robert 
Hunter), Samuel, Susan H. (now Mrs. Foreman) and Temperance 
C. Mr. A. B. Carter married Elizabeth Madara. She was born 
in Blair Co.. Pa., Aug. 7, 1834. By this union there were 10 chil- 
dren, viz. : William (born Sept. 9, 1854), Robert C. (born Nov. 
4, 1855), James W. (born July 15. 1857), Mary E. (born Nov. 11, 
1859). AlvinB. (born Jan. 16,'l8G2), Leah L. (born July 1.5, 1866), 
Bertha (born June 16, 1869. died Sept. 8, 1869), David M. (born 
June 30, 1870), Le Roy M. (born June 21, 1872), Scott M. (born 
Sept. 11. 1876). In the spring of 1854 Mr. Carter left his home 
in Pennsylvania and emigrated to Scott Co., where he rented a few 
years, and purchased land in Butler Township; in 1876 purchased 
the farm where he now resides; has 240 acres of land, 163 under 
70 



2112 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

cultivation, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. and Mrs Carter com- 
menced with nothing but good, strong constitutions and a will to 
work, and by judicious management have accumulated a fine 
property and home. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 20th la. 
vol. Inf., Co. K. Among some of the engagements participated 
in was Prairie Grove, siege and capture of Vicksburg, Fts. Morgan 
and Balkely, ttie last battle of the war. Discharged at Clinton, la. 

LeeL. Chapman, farmer, was born in Mason Co., Ky., March 
12, 1834, son of Leander and Esther Chapman, natives of 
New York They were married in Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and had 
a familv ut eight children — Henry C, John G. (deceased), Lee L., 
Sarah E., Elizabeth E., Dora II., Hannah A. and Oliver. They 
came to Princeton in 1844, where he engaged in farming. In 
1851 Mr. Leander Chapman met with a serious accident; losing 
one of his feet in a threshing machine. Mrs. Chapman died in 
1878. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm . and when 
17 years old learned the carjieiiter's trade, which he followed until 
1862, when he enlisted in the 2d la. Cav., and was mustered into 
the U. S. Service at Daveuport. The regiment is remembered for 
its man)' hard-lought battles, its efficient officers and brave men. 
Their first engagement was at Holly Spring, then came Coffee- 
ville, Grearson Kaid. Wall Hill (where Mr. Chapman had a horse 
shot under him, and received an injury that he will carry to his 
grave), Jackson, Tenn., Saulsbury, Tenn., CoUierville. Tupelo, 
Oxford Mills, etc. : being in over 80 battles and skirmishes. He 
was discharged July, 1805, with honors. On Nov. 10, 1856, was 
married to Annie R. McCausland, a daughter of J. C. and Cathe- 
rine (Garver) McCausland. She was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., 
Nov. 20., 1836. The fruit of this marriage was four children — 
Clarence L. (of Woodbury Co., la., married Miss Dell Cook, by 
whom there are two children), Katie (now deceased), Jessie May 
and John McCausland. Mr. Chapman has been identified with 
the county 37 years, and has lived to see its many changes. Has 
160 acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, 
and is valued at %bO per acre. He also has 160 acres in Woodbury 
Co., la., which is valued at $12 per acre, besides his property in 
Princeton, valued at $500. Mr. Chapman is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. 

Henry C. Chapman, gardener and fruit-raiser, Princeton, was 
born in Mason Co., Ky., Oct. 8, 1831, son of Leander L. and 
Esther Chapman. The subject of this sketch was reared 
on a farm, and received a common-school education. When five 
years of age his parents moved to Kane Co., Ill, when it was 
sparely settled; their nearest neighbor was three miles distant. In 
1860 he married Agnes Miller, a native of Sclioharie Co., N. Y., 
whose father emigrated to Scott County in 1836 or '37, where he en- 
gaged in the restaurant business, and afterward kept a grocery 
store. In 1857 he came to Princeton, where he remained until 
his death, which occurred in 1868; his mother is still living in 



&' 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1213 

Wisconsin. Mrs. Cliapnian was burn in Davenport, March 9, 1843 
The fruit of this marriage is iive children, viz.: Elmer E., Neva, 
Nora (at the Deaf and Dumb School at Council Blufts), Mattie 
and riarry O. After cciming to Scott County Mr. Clia]itnan 
embarked in farming, which he followed until 18G3, and then en- 
gaged in the livery business, which he followed for seven years. 
lie has since been in gardening and fruit-growing. Mr. Ciiap- 
man has huld several local offices of trust in the gift of the people. 
The present year he w;is elected a supervisor otthe county. Has 
live acres of land, which is profusely set with fruit trees. Is a 
member of the A. O. U. W. 

L. S. Chamherlin, one of the pi'ineers of Scott Co., Iowa, was 
born in Susquehanna Co., Pa., June 12, 1820, son of Jos ah B. 
Chamberlin, boi-n April, 1797, and Malinda Smith, born July, 
1800. They were married in Susqueiuinna Co., Pa., Jujse 27, 
1819. In tlie spring of 1825 he moved to Tioga Co., N. Y., where 
he embarked in the lumber business. In the spring of 1832 he 
went to Jo Daviess Co., 111., being at the time of the Black Hawk 
war. The following fall he returned to Tioga Count}', and the 
following spring (1833), moved his family to Koek Island Co., 111., 
and located at Hampden. In the fall he made a claim in Pleasant 
Valley Township, and in the spring of 183-± moved on it. Tiiey 
first moved into a cabin owned by John and Roswell Spencer, 
near the ferry at Valley City, until his father built a cabin on his 
claim. That spring he succeeded in breaking 20 acres of wild 
prairie land, raising plenty of vegetables and corn to take them 
through the next winter. During the spring of 183.5 he put up an 
addition to their cabin 20 x 20 feet, 1^ stories high, making a 
comfortable home, where the first school, singing-school and Sab- 
bath-schools in the township were held. Mr. and Mrs. Chamber- 
lin were members of the I resbyterian church. Mr. Chamberlin 
died Sept. 7, 1836. Mrs. Chamberlin died Dec. 31, 1836. The 
same month Mariah and Daniel W. died, making three deaths in 
the family in December, 1836. There was a family of six chil- 
dren left, the oldest 16 and the youngest being a mere babe. The 
children were distributed among strangers, but they can say with 
pride that they have all risen to be honorable and industrious busi- 
ness men. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and 
received a limited education. Being thrown on his own resources, 
he had to work by the month, and afterward engaged in the 
river trade. In 18-iJ^'-i.5 he built the weighs at Le Claire. In 
the spring of IStJO ho took a trip to Colorado, and spent the sum- 
mer at Pike's Peak, where he followed mining, returning in the 
fall of the same year. In the spring of 1843 he married Harriet 
Parkhurst, daughter of Sterling Parkhurst, by whom there was 
born two children, viz.: Malinda and Lewis, who died in May, 
1847. Mrs. Chamberlin died Oct. 9, 1856. In the springof 1861 
he again married, Lucy A. Marlette, a native of Montgomery Co., 



1214 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin are the parents of two children, 
one of whom is living — William M., born Aiig. 24, 1862. In the 
fall of 1860 he came to Princeton, where he embarked in the 
mercantile business for some time, but finally sold out, and, in 
company with Isaac Hess, engaged in the lumber trade, whicli he 
followed for six years. Mr. Chamberlin has held several local 
offices of trust in the gift of the people. In 1872 he was the 
nominee to the State Senate on the Democratic ticket. 

William Du Bois, one of the enterprising farmers of Princeton 
Township, was born on the 14th day of January, 1817, son of 
Samuel and Kesiah (Dickinson) Du Bois. His grandfather, Capt. 
William Du Bois, was a soldier in the Bevolutionary war. His 
father and mother died in New Jersey. The subject of this sketch 
was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. 
In 1837 he went to Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he i-emained one 
year. In the spring of 1838 he came to Scott County and located 
in Pleasant Valley Tovraship, where he became acquainted with 
Miss Catharine Hicks, a daughter of John Hicks, of Pennsylvania. 
She was born in Greene Co., Ohio, June 22, 1820. They were mar- 
ried in Pleasant Valley in October, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Du Bois 
have been blessed with a family of 14 children, 11 of whom are 
living, viz.: Mary M. (now the wife of John Morgan, of Jasper 
Co., Iowa), Theodore, Ann Eliza (now Mrs. D. S. Miller, of Scott 
County), Martha E. (now Mrs. G. W. Payton, of Scott County), 
Sarah C. (now Mrs. Norman Wood, of Osage Co., Kan.), William 
M., Henry R., Minerva A., Clarasa A., Emma A. and Nellie J. 
In 1850 Mr. Du Bois came to the place where he now resides. 
He has 150 acres of land under good cultivation, well stocked, 
and valued at $40 per acre. 

Samuel Gast, II. D., Princeton, la., was born in Huntingdon 
Co., Pa., on the 17th day of December, 1807, son of Christian and 
Margaret (Borah) Gast, "natives of Pennsylvania, and of German 
descent. There was a family of 12 children; 10 lived to be adults, 
three now living — Margaret, Sarah and Samuel. Mr. Christian 
Gast at the age of 18 enlisted in the Revolutionary army, going 
as a substitute, once for a brother and twice for his son-in-law; 
afterward followed farming, until his death. Mr. _ and Mrs. 
Gast were members of the Lutheran church. The subject of this 
sketch was reared on a farm, and received a common-school edu- 
cation, remaining at home until he was 15 years of age, when he 
commenced reading medicine under Drs. Olich & Hoffmann, re- 
maining two years with each. The Doctor commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine in Blair Co., Pa., where he remained until 1845. 
From there he went to Indiana, where he followed his profession. 
In 1847 he came to Lee Co., la., where he remained one year, then 
came to Scott County, where he has followed his profession since. 
The Doctor followed the general practice of medicine until the 
last few years. Since he has turned his attention to the treat- 
ment of cancers, he has cured thousands in the last few years; 






PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1215 

none ever return after his treatment. The Doctor cures without 
the use of the liiiife. In 1S32 he married Nancy Brennin, of Penn- 
sylvania; by this union tiiere were six chihh-en, live livini; — Matihhi, 
John A.. Ann Mari ih. Mary E. and Samuel H. Mrs. Ciast died in 
1852. He again married, Aii>;elina Sturdevaut ,a willow of Samuel 
Sturdevant. She was born in Bradford Co., Pa., .Fan. 22, 1815. 
Stepiien A. Sweet, tlio father of Mrs. Gast, was born near Albany, 
N. Y., when he married Mary Jloberts. In an early day they 
moved to Bradford Co., Pa. In 1837 emigrated to Scott C >., la., 
and located in Princeton Township, and was among the early pio- 
neers of tlie county. Mrs. Ciast said that many times she lias 
ground wheat and corn in a coffee- mill, before there were any mills 
in the country. 

James A. Hire, Princeton, la., wa< born in Clarke Co., Ind., on 
the 30th day of August, 1822, son of Daniel, a native of Lower 
Canada, born Sept. 13, 1800, and Jane (Anderson ) Hire, of Clarke 
Co.. Ind., where she was born Jan. 16, 1804. By this union there 
were 10 children, four living, viz.: James A.; Jane, wife of Davis 
Thomas; Mary A., wife of W. W. i'axter; and Daniel, of Idaho. 
In 1837 Mr. Hire left Tndinna and emigrated to Scott County, and 
located in Princeton Townshij), where he made a claim and opened 
np a farm, where three more children were born, viz. : Henry 
(now deceased). Michael and Sarah. At the time they came, there 
were no railroads in tlie West. The only mode of traveling in 
those days was by teams or by water. They chose the overland 
route, coming with teams driving their stock, which swam all 
the rivers and creeks from Indiana to Princeton, the last the Missis- 
sippi. They camped out. cooking tlieir own meals, and finally 
landed in Iowa, September 7, wlien they moved into a Harrison 
cabin. In 1819 '' Uncle Dan," as he is called, crossed the plains 
to California with ox-teams, making the trip in four months; he 
remained there nearly three years, when he returned to Scott 
County, and in 1859 he again went across, taking with him three 
sons, remaining two years, when lie returned. In 1S75, being 
anxious to see that country again, and having children there, he 
made his third trip, remaining live months. He is now living 
with his children in Princeton. Tiie subject of this sketch was 
reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. In 
1848 he married Elizabeth C. Robinson. She was bi)rn in "West- 
moreland Co., Pa., June 14, 1S31. The fruit of this marriage 
was 11 chiMren, six of whrnn are living, viz.: Sarah Anii, James 
A., Michael L., Samuel K., John K. and Freddie. 

Jurgeii Hoist, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ilolstein, 
Germany, on the 7th day of September, 184^j, son of Jurgen and 
Magdalina (Tieja) Hoist, natives of Germany, who emigrated to 
the United States in 1858, coming by steamer via New York, to 
Princeton, where he purchased the place wiiere Mr. Hoist now re- 
sides, of 200 acres, where he remained until his death, which 
occurred B'eb. 12, 1879. Mrs. Hoist died Oct. 12, 1880. The sub- 



1216 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

ject of this sketch came to the States wheu he was 12 years of 
age; was reared on a farm and received a limited school education. 
In August, 1872, married Dora Ilubliel. She was born in Ger- 
many, May 8, 1851. By this union there are five children, four 
of whom are living, viz.: George, Henry, Caroline, Gustave. 
Has 280 acres of land, 240 acres under a high state of cultivation, 
valued at $50 per acre. His farm is decorated with a beautiful 
residence and large and commodious barns and out-buildings, and 
is one of the large and well-to-do farmers of the county. 

Jeremiah Huhhard was born in Kentuck}', Sept. 15, 1822, son 
of Thomas and Hannah Goodrich. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard were 
married in Kentucky. By this union there was a family of 10 
children, four living — Hosetta H., William, Jeremiah, Pendleton, 
Mr. Hubbard, by occupation, was a hatter, which he followed in 
connection with farming. lu February. 1828, left his home in 
Kentucky and emigrated to Wisconsin, where he worked in the 
mines and remained two years. Then removed to Rock Island 
County, 111., in 1830, and located two miles from Port Byron, 
where he purchased land and made a farm and remained until 
1834, when he came to Princeton, la., and followed farming and 
furnishing steamboats with wood. The subject of this sketch came 
to Rock Island County, 111., with his parents in 1828, and thence 
to Princeton, la., in 1831. He afterward returned to the mines 
in Wisconsin, where he remained five years. In 1853, married 
Harriet B. Moss, daughter of Thomas Moss. She was born in 
Hillsboro, Ohio, September, 1835. By this union there was a 
family of four children, three living — Esther (now the wife of James 
Schaffer), Mary E. and Charles J. After marrying, came to the 
place where they reside, moving into a log cabin, with two small 
windows, their furniture being of the rudest kind. Mrs. Hubbard 
says her first ride to Le Claire after their marriage was after a 
yoke of oxen and a cart painted red; thus she started out to visit 
her friends. Mr. Hubbard has 120 acres of land under a high state 
of cultivation, valued at $10 per acre. At the time Mr. Hubbard 
came to Rock Island there were no mails, and for their milling had 
to go to Rapids City, where a man had built a hand-mill, and 
each man liad to do his own grinding. Mr. Hubbard has been 
identified with the county for nearly half a century and has seen it 
from its infancy to a fine, cultivated county. 

Samuel Knox, M. D., one of the oldest practicing physicians of 
Scott County, was born in Adams Co., Pa., near Gettysburg, on 
the 16th day of October, 1824, a son of Samuel and Margaret 
(Witherel) Knox, natives of the same place. The great grand- 
father of Dr. Samuel Knox came to Pennsylvania in an earl}' day, 
and took up land under William Penn; from him it went to his 
grandfather, a graduate of the State University of Pennsylvania; 
then to his father, Samuel Knox; then to the Doctor, the subject of 
this sketch, being in the possession of the family about 140 years. 
His grandfather had two sons — Samuel, and John, who became an 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1217 

eminent preaclier, liavint; D. D. added to liis name Ijefbre lie was 35 
years of asro, fillina; a pulpit in New York City for 50 years. The 
children of Samuel and Margaret Knox were nine, eight of whom 
are living, viz.: liachel R. (who was the wife of lion. James K. 
Marshall, of Pennsylvania, who represented his district in the Leg- 
islature), Samuel John (of Pennsylvania), Margaret H. (the wife of 
Andrew Marshall, a retired capitalist of Fairlield, Pa.), Sarah (a 
widow of Benjamin j\[in\-iliall, of Pennsylvania), Euphemia Mason, 
(wife of Thomas Kinehart, a prominent merchar.t of Pennsylvania), 
Charles Me (major of the Ninth New York Cavalry, now of Phila- 
delphia), Harriet E. (^wife of Johnson Rankin, of Mercersburg, 
Pa., a retired farmer), Martha V. (wife of Hance Boyd, a retired 
farmer of Mercersburg, Pa). Mr. and ]\Irs. Knox were members 
of the United Presbyterian church, and died in Pennsylvania, leav- 
ing a large i'amiiy, ami the Doctor took charge of the property, and 
education oi the family, his youngest sister being but three years 
old. In 1852 the Doctor commenced reading medicine nnder Dr. 
David Horner, of Gettysburg, where he remained one year. In 
1853 he came to Le Claire, la., where he still prosecuted his studies 
with Dr. Hills. In l854-'55 he attended lectures at the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, and in 1857 graduated at 
the Pennsylvania ]\[edical College. In the fall of the same year 
he came to Princeton, where he has followed his profession since. 
In 1851 the Doctor married Mary E. Culbertson, a daughter of 
Capt. John Culbertson, of Franklin Co., Pa., where she was born 
June, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Knox are the parents of six children, 
four of whom are living, viz. : John A. (a practicing physician of 
Princeton, la.), Mary E., Samuel, Charles Me. The Doctor has 
always taken an active interest in the welfare of Princeton, and in 
1855 laid out what is known as Kno.x addition. In politics was 
an old-line Whig, and at the time of the organization ot the Repub- 
lican party joined them, and has affiliated with them since. 

John Knox, M.D., Princeton, la., was born in Princeton. la., 
on the 30th day of September, 185-2, son of Dr. Samuel andMary 
E. (Culbertson) Knox. John in early life commenced the read- 
ing of medicine in his father's office. When 20 years of age 
he attended school in Monmouth College for two years. In the fall 
of 1873 he went to Philadelpliia, where he remained until the fall 
of 1874, when he entered the medic.il department of the University 
of Pennsylvania. This is given to show the standing of Dr. Knox: 
"We, the visiting physicians and surgeons and accoucheurs to the 
Philadelphia hospital, do certify that John Knox, M. t)., a gradu- 
ate of medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, has served 
a full time as resident physician and surgeon accoucheur in one 
of the largest institutions of the kind in the United States." Some 
of the prominent physicians who certify to the above: Wm. Pep- 
per, now provost of the University of Pennsylvania; Chas. J. Stelle, 
LL. D., Horatio C. Wood, Jr., James Tyson. L. A. Dumy. Wm. 
0. Paneoast, John Brenton and others. Dr. Knox is a member of 



1218 HISTORY OF scorr COtrNTT. 

the Scott County Medical Association, and takes an active interest 
in politics, being one of the leading spirits ot the Republican party. 

Mark Mathews vf as horn m Wayne Co., Ohio, Dec. 17,1834, 
Bon of John H. and Sarah (Butler) Mathews, who were married in 
Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, in June, 1832. They reared a family 
of 10 children — Mark, Ann, Frederick, Caroline (now the widow 
of Wm. Eli, who enlisted in the 16th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 
and died of disease contracted in the army), Maria (now Mrs. 
Russell Hunt), James (who was a captain in the Union army, and 
died in tiie South, where he was engaged in business), Harry 
Ellen, Lucy and Elizabeth (now Mrs. Chas. Van Epps). Mr. 
John Mathews was a carpenter by trade, and built the court-house 
at Lewiston, 111. He was a member of the Republican party from 
its organization, and died Oct. 15, 1877. His widow is still liv- 
ing at tlie advanced age of 71 years. The subject of this sketch was 
reared on a farm; his fatlier being a carpenter and joiner, he learned 
the trade. In 1865 he married Harriet Slaughter, a daughter of 
Theron Slaughter, of Essex Co., N. Y., where she was born Feb. 
22, ISil. The fruit of this union is three children — Harry, 
born Jan. 19, 1868; Jennie, born Dec. 14, 1870; Jessie, born Dec. 
22, 1879. In January, 1852, Mr. Mathews came to Scott County, 
where be worked at various branches of business. In 1862 he en- 
listed in the 20th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company G. He 
participated in the battle of Prairie Grove; his health failing, he 
received his discharge April, 1873. After being discharged from 
the army he purchased his present home. He has 120 acres of land 
all under a high state of cultivation, valued at §50 per acre. Mr. 
Mathews in politics is a Greenbacker, and has done more for the 
interest of the party than any other man in the county; not only 
has he given his time, but has spent money for the cause. 

Conrad T. Myers, one of the enterprising farmers and early 
settlers of Scott Co., was born in Rockland Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 
1809, son of Garrett and Jane (Tinkey) Myers. Mr. and Mrs. 
Myers were married in Rockland Co., N. Y., where 10 children 
were born. Mr. Myers was a laborer, and became a river man, 
working on the Hudson River between Albany and New York, 
and became the tirst pilot that ever ran a steam vessel, being 
employed by Robert Fulton on the tirst trip up the Hudson, and, 
as he claimed, never received any pay for his trip. The subject of 
this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a limited education. 
In April, 1834, he married Miss Sarah Oilman, a daughter of 
Joseph Oilman, a native of New England. She was born in Stock- 
bridge, Vt, June 10, 1811. The fruit of this marriage was seven 
children, tour of whom are living, viz.: Hannah (now the wife of 
Milo Pollock), Mary (now Mrs. James Swim), William C, 
Eveline (now Mrs. theo. Du Bois), Henry (died May 5, 1881), 
and two who died in infancy. In 1838 Mr. Myers emigrated to 
Jay Co., Ind; coming via Olean Point, headwaters of the Alle- 
ghany River, where he built a Hat-boat in company with another 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1219 

emigrant, and floated down the river to Pittsburg, thence 
to Cincinnati, Ohio, being on the water lour weeks. In 1840 left 
Indiana for Scott County with teams to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence by 
rivers to Davenport, landing on the sixth day ot >f arcli. He tirst 
located in Pleasant Valley, where he remained until 1867, when he 
removed to his present home. Mr. Myers has a tine farm of 220 
acres of land, and is extensively engaged in raising grain and 
stock. 

T/iomas M. Nbwlin, farmer and stock-raiser, Princeton, la., was 
born in Huntingdon Co., Pa., on tlie 25th day of September, 1820; 
son of Thomas and Mary (McMullen) Nowlin; fither a native of 
New York, and his motiier a native of Pennsylvania. They were 
married in Huntingdon Co., Pa., by David K. Porter, ex-Gov- 
ernor of Pennsylvania, where a family of eightchildren were born 
si.x sons and two daughters, two of whom are living, — Samuel (of 
Tyrone City, Pa.), and Thomas M. Mr. Nowlin, by occupation 
was a farmer, following it up to the time of his death, which 
occurred in 18.52, Mrs. jS'^owlin dying the same year. They were 
members ot the M. E. church. The subject of this sketch was 
reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. When 
16 years of age was apprenticed to the tailor's trade for three years 
and one year under instructions. On Feb. 3, 1846, was married 
to Eliza "Williard, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Hull ) Williard, 
natives of Bradlbrd Co., Pa., where she was born Oct. 29, 1822. 
The fruit of this marriage was seven children, four sous and 
three daughters — Thomas W. (San Francisco, Cal.), Samuel F., 
Mary, Judge John B. (of the Black Hills, Probate Judge 
of Pennington Co., Dak.), Clark C. (now engaged in school- 
teaching at Rapid City, 111.), Isabell and Annie. Mr. Nowlin is 
an advocate ot education. All of his children e>rcept one were 
students at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, la. In 1851 he left his 
home in Pennsylvania, and emigrated with his family to Scott 
County, and purchased a farm in \Vinfield Township, where they 
remained two years. From there he went to Princeton, where he 
built the Riverside House, which they occupied until 1855, and 
then purchased a farm in the neighborhood, where he now lives, 
where he removed, but soon after removed to Princeton, where 
they :emained until 186.3, when they came to their present home. 
Mr. Xowlin has 105 acres of land under a high state of cultivation, 
valued at $50 per acre. Had two sons in the Union Army, Thos. 
"W. (enlisted in the 10th la. Vol. Inf., Co. I.), and Samuel F. (in 
the 11th la. Vol. Inf., Co. C). 

t/okii B. Parcell, postmaster, Princeton, was born in Morris 
Co., N. J., Aug. 10, 1815. son of Stephen and Hannah (Bonnell) 
Parcell, natives of New Jersey, where the}' were married, and 
where one son was born, John B. In early life, followed the 
manufacture of spinning wheels, and engaged in business 
in New York City, and I3altiinore, Md. He ran a mill near 
Hoboken some time, which was destroyed by tire. In 1837, he 



1220 HISTORY OK SCOTT COUNTY. 

left his family in New York with his brother and came to Illinois; 
from there to Iowa and located in Le Claire Township, sending for 
his family soon after. Mrs. Parcell came via St. Louis, where she 
was delayed by the ice and did not reach Iowa until in the spring. 
Mr. Parcell engaged in manufacturing clothing in Scott County, 
until his death, which occurred in 1S54. Mrs. Parcell is still liv- 
ing with her son, in Princeton, at the age of 91 years, hale and 
hearty. The subject of tiiis sketch came to the county in the fall of 
1839. In the spring of 1842, married Catharine Smith. The 
frnit of this marriage was four childrer, viz.: Alice, now the 
wife of William H. Peters, of Atlantic, la.; Mary M., now the 
wife of Milton Jenkins, of Scott County, la.; Gertrude, who 
married Joseph Huey, of Clinton County, la. ; Stephen, died in 
infancy. Mr. Parcell has held several local offices of trust in the 
gift of the people. Has held the office of postmaster for the last 
15 3'ears; also justice of the peace and notary public. Is a 
member of Swan Lodge, No. 234, i. O. 0. F. In politics, was an 
old-line Whig, but at the time of the organization of the Republi- 
can party, joined them and has affiliated with them since. Mr. 
Parcell was commissioned as recruiting officer and succeeded in 
raising a company for the 20th Iowa Vol. Inf., and received 
a commission as lieutenant of said company. 

Oiles M. Pinneo, retired farmer, is a native of Ducksburg, 
Washington Co., Vt., born April 10, 1809; son of Giles and 
Hannah (Davis) Pinneo, natives of Vermont, where they were 
married and six children were born. Mrs. Pinneo died about 
1825. Mr. Pinneo again married, Mrs. Flora Gage, by whom he 
had two children. Mr. Pinneo was a volunteer in the war of 
1812, and was an old-line Democrat. Mr. Giles Pinneo, Jr., was 
reared on a farm and obtained a good education in the public 
schools of Vermont. In the spring of 1S34, he left his home in 
the Green Mountain State for the then far West, coming by 
water to Detroit, Mich., then by teams to Illinois, striking the 
Fo.\ River 40 miles south of Chicago; from there he walked to 
Springfield, where he had a brother living. As that section of 
the country was very unhealthy, and wages were low, he did not 
tarry there long. His step-mother's brother, John Buridiam, 
having visited Scott County on a hunting expedition, persuaded 
him to come here. Having two brothers here he concluded to 
come. He went to Rock Islirid, arriving there on July 23, 1834. 
He was taken witli a fever and was confined to his bed some 
weeks. In the fall he came to Pleasant Valley Township, made 
a claim and built a cabin, remaining one year; then came to 
Princeton Township and located on the place where he now re- 
sides. His first summer here was spent in camp. In the fall 
of 1835 he erected a hewed log house. Mr. Pinneo married Ase- 
nath Strieker Nov. 30, 1837; she was born in Clarke County, Ind. 
Tbey were blessed with four children, of whom Char.es W., born 
Dec" 26, 1S39; Sarah, born Nov. 28, 1841, and Mnry E., born 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1221 

May 28, 1844, are living. Mr. Pinneo is one of Scott County's 
earliest settlers and was the first to locate in Princeton Township. 

C W. Pinneo was born Dec. 25, 1839, on the place now known 
as the Pinneo homestead, and is tliercfore entitled to be called one 
of the old settlers of Scott County. lie was the only son of G. 
M. and Asenath Pinneo. Nothing more than ordinary occurred 
during his childhood and youth than liappens to all youth among 
the pioneers of a new country. His education was limited 
almost entirely to his own eftorts, as tiie common schools of 
his time were very inefficient, if not almost entirely worthless. 
He commenced his career as a common-school teacher in De- 
cember, 1857, in District No. 2, Princeton Township. Before 
this term closed he was employed to teach a term of school 
daring the comino; winter. 

Isaac T. Pope, deceased, one of Scott County pioneers, who 
emigrated to the county in about 1840, was born in Oswego 
Co., N. Y., Aug. 13, 1813, son of Esquire S. Pope and 
Sally Angel. When Isaac was a young man, liis parents moved 
to Steuben Co., N. Y., and in company with them, in 1836, 
removed to Quincy, Adams Co., 111. In January, 1834, mar- 
ried Mary A. Ilathbiirn, a daughter of AVashington Rathburn, of 
Connecticut. Mrs. Pope was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., 
March 15, 1814. The fruit of this union was nine children, 
five of whom lived to be adults, viz.: Sarah Jane, now Mrs. 
James Wood, of Scott County; Wm. II. II., married Mary Allen, 
of Pleasant Valley; Melvina, now Mrs, John Fanning, of Prince- 
ton; James K., who married Mary Green, of Missouri; George 
W., who married Maria Van Kpps, of Pleasant Valley. 

Mr. and Mrs. Pope came to Scott County poor, built a log cabin 
into which they moved, and from the wild prairies made a I'arm. 
There were plenty of Indians at the time. Mr. Pope remained on 
his farm until his death, which occurred in 1863. He died leaving 
a fine property — a farm of 160 acres, valued at %lh per acre. 

Robert II. Pope, Princeton, Iowa, lime and ^rain-dealer and 
steamboat agent, was born in ('henango Co., N. Y., on the second 
day of May, 1821, son of Esquire S. and Sally (Angel) Pope, natives 
of New "i'ork State, where they were married. By this union 
there was a family of 13 children, 12 of whom lived to adults, 
four now living — Casanda, William, Robert IL, and Justus. Mr. 
Pope was by occu]iation a farmer. In 1836 he left New York and 
with his family emigrated to Quincy. 111., where he followed farm- 
ing until IMO, when he removed to Ft. Madi.'^on, Iowa, where he 
remained until his death, which occurred in 1842, mother dying 
the same 3'ear, leaving a large family to mourn their loss. The 
subject of this sketch remained at home until his father's death, 
when lie came to Davenjiort, Iowa, and located in Pleasant Valley, 
where he embarked in farming. He engaged in the mercantile 
business, which he followed uji until 1851, when he moved to 
Le Cliiire and prosecuted tiie same business. The same year mar- 



1222 HisTOEY OF scorr county. 

ried Angeline H. Stebbens, a daughter of Bishop and Hannah 
(Comstock) Stebbens, of New London, Conn., wliere she was born 
March 7, 1829. They were married Feb. 25, 1S52. The fruit of 
this marriage was .'<i.\ children, viz.: Alvaretti, now tlie wife of 
Henry Garber; Adelbert, who died Aug. 27, 1856; Frank Clarence, 
died April IS, 1864; Fred and Scott. Remained in Le Claire for 
a couple of years, when he came to Princeton and built the first 
frame house liere; it was used as a hotel. He also carried on the 
mercantile business until 1862, since which time lias beea in tlie 
warehouse business and steamboat agent. Had also a lime kiln 
which he operates with his son-in-law, wliere they nunufucture 
about 100 barrels per day. Has a fine property in the city limits 
of 60 acres, valued at $8,000. Mr. Pope's warehouse stands on 
what is known as Pinnacle Point, the only safe landing in low water 
in the vicinity of Princeton, the river channel striking that point 
and thence running east, striking the Illinois shore about two 
miles below, therefore giving him controU of the steamboat 
business of the town. 

Justus Pope wa.s horn inBvown Co..N. Y., on the 15th day of 
September, 1823, son of Esquire S. and Sally (Angel) Pope, natives 
of New York, where a family of 13 children was born, four living — 
Casanda, wife of Tomkins Mallett, of Muscatine, la. ; William, of 
Utah Territory; Robert, of Princeton, and Justus. Esquire Pope 
emigrated in 1836 to Adams Co., 111., where he purchased land 
and made a farm, and in 1838 or '39 removed to Lee Co., Iowa, 
where he remained until his death in 181:3; mother died in 1842. 
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a com- 
mon school education. In 1842 came to Scott County, Iowa, and 
located in Pleasant Valley. Sept. 12, 1848, married Sarah A. 
Wood, a daughter of Norman and Emily (Gilmore) Wood, natives 
of Vermont; they were married in Steuben Co.,N. Y,Feb. 26, 
1825, and had a family ot five children, four living — James W., 
Laura (wife of George Arrel), Norman H. Mrs. Pope was born in 
Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov. 14. 1827. The fruit of this marriage 
was three children, viz. : Emily C. now the wife of Lloyd Chap- 
man, of Adams Co., Iowa; Lewis W., who married Alice In- 
graham, and Henry L. Mr. Pope came to the county in an early 
day, took up wild lands and made a farm in Pleasant Valley. In 
1864 came to Princeton Township, where he has resided since. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pope came to the county in limited circumstances, 
but by hard work and economy have made a tine property and 
home. Has 186 acres of land, 176 under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, valued at $55 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Pope are members of 
the Lutheran church. 

William Scott, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Mercer Co., 
Pa., on the L5th day of February, 1831, son of John and Mary 
(Bowman) Scott, natives of Pennsylvania. Tliey were married in 
Pennsylvania, where a family of six children were born, viz.: Will- 
iam, John B., Catherine (now the wife of Henry Wallace), Mary 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1223 

(now the wife of L. P. Wilcox), Sarah (Pleasant Valley) and James 
B. In 1S51 Mr. Scott left his home in Pennsylvania, and emi- 
grated to Scott Co., la., and located in Pleasant Valley Township, 
where he now resides, at the advanced age of 77. Mrs. Scott died 
Aug. 12, 1878. Tiie suhject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
and received a common-school education. Feb. 12, 1860, married 
Elonore Parkhurst, a daughter of Jonas W. and Caroline Dorman. 
She was born in a log cabin in Le Claire Township, Nov. 20, 1837. 
By this union there were five children, viz.: Lillian V., born Dec. 
2," 1860; Ernest Le Koy, born Sept. 27, 1864; AVilliam D., Dec. 
20, 1872; James W., born Jan. 10, 1874; Waldo AV., born Sept. 19, 
1876. Mr. Scott has 120 acres of land under a high state of culti- 
vation, valued at $50 an acre. Mr. Scott came to the county in an 
early day, and lias seen the prairies from their wild uncultivated 
state to a beautiful farming country. 

James L. Sharlow, farmer and stock-raiser, Princeton, was born 
in Galena, Jo Daviess Co., III., Jan. 9, 1844, son of David and 
Louisa (Ladd) Sharlow; father a native of Ireland and mother oi 
Kentucky. They were married in Galena, where 10 children were 
born, six of whom are living; viz.: James L., Wm. B.. Martha Ann 
(now the wife of B. F. Bigelow, Jasper Co., la.), David, Henry T. 
and George E. In 1835 David Sharlow left his home in Ireland 
and came to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, thence to 
Chicago, where he made a claim which he traded for a team of 
horses and a shot gun. JVom Chicago went to Galena, where he 
worked in the mines and was afterward employed in the smelt- 
ing works. In 1851 went to Califorina, via Cape Horn, 
where he embarked in mining, remaining four years. In 1856 
came to Scott Countv, where he rented a farm in Le Claire Town- 
ship, where Mr. Bragonier now lives, where he died July 9, 1873. 
The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1862, in the 20th Iowa Vol- 
unteer Infantry, Com])any K. Among the principal engagements 
were Prairie Grove, siege and capture of Vicksburg, Red River 
expedition under Banks, etc., was mustered out at Clinton, la., 
Jnly 17, 1865. Mr. Sharlow lias 290 acres of land, valued at $30 
per acre. Has under his supervision 1,100 acres, 400 under culti- 
vation. 

William B. Sharlow, commercial agent, Dysart, Tama Co., la., 
was born in Galena, 111., June 11, 1846, son of David and Louisa 
Ladd. Dec. 27, 1875, married Miss Lou M. Knott, a daughter ot 
Harrison Knott, of Ohio, who was a schoolmate ot Gen. U. S. 
Grant. She was born in Ohio in 1840. By this union there was 
one child — Bertha B. 

Jamen Speer, farmer, Princeton, was born in Cumberland Co., 
Pa., on the 10th day of May, 1^03. son of William and Margaret 
(Hunter) Speer; father a native of Ireland, and mother of Pennsyl- 
vania. Tiiey were married in Cumberland Co., Pa., where a family 
of seven children was born, four living — John, Robert, Jane and 
James. His father by trade was a tailor; in later life followed 



1224 HISTORY OF SCOTT COCTNTY. 

tarming. He died in CnmVierland Countv in 1862. The subject 
of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received an elementary 
school education. When 22 years of age engaged in the steamboat 
trade for a couple of years; then was employed by a fur company 
on the Tennessee River, trading with the Indians, at that time a 
vast wilderness, receiving $10 per month for his labor. He returned 
to New Orleans. Seeing he could get more wages, he concluded to 
remain, but when he went for his pay the captain of the boat would 
not pay him, and be was compelled to bring him before the mayor of 
New Orleans, who decided that he should pay him $30 per month, 
then the going wages in LouisiaTia. In 1829 married Margaret 
Crawford, a daughter of John and Mary Crawford, of Pennsylvania, 
where she was born June 21, 1810. By this union there were eight 
children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Mary J. (now the wife of 
William Miller, of Clinton Co., la.), John (deceased), Robert, 
James, Joseph, Andrew (of Tama Co., la.), Eliza (now the wife of 
James White, of Shelby Co., la.). In 1840 left his home in Penn- 
svlvania and came to Le Claire, la. Moved into a log cabin 16 x 
14, clapboard roof, sod chimne}', and as Mr. Speer says, the wrong 
end down, as the smoke came out of the lower end chiefly; the 
roof was so they could la}' abed and look out and see the stars, and 
Mr. Speer said, many a time in a storm they had to spread an 
umbrella to keep themselves dry in bed. Thus Mr. and Mrs. Speer 
started in the county. A few years after coming to the county they 
made a claim in Lost Grove, where they opened up a farm and 
worked hard to develop the country. Mr. Speer came to the county 
a poor man, but by hard work and economy owned 1,340 acres of 
land, worth $20 per acre, amounting to the sum of $26,800. Mr. 
Speer has sustained some heavy losses by going security, and has 
paid $12,000, but still has enough to see him through. Mr. and 
Mrs. Speer are members of the United Presbyterian church. 

William Speer, son of James and Margaret (Crawford) Speer, 
was born near Pittsburg, Pa., on the 8th of January', 1834. In 
the spring of 1839 his parents emigrated to this county, ai*d 
settled on a farm near Le Claire. After a residence of 10 or 12 
years at that place, they moved into Princeton Township, and 
located on section 32. William lived with his father, assisting 
on the farm, and cultivating land on his own account until the 
spring of 1860, when he was smitten with the " gold fever," and 
went to Colorado, where he engaged in mining some six months, 
then returned to Scott Count}', a poorer, but wiser man. On 
March 14, 1861, he was married to Amanda, daughter of Archi- 
bald and Rebecca McHenr^', nee Eaton. She was born Jan. 1, 
1836, in Pennsylvania. Mr. Speer farmed on his father's land 
two years after he was married, then rented a farm in Lincoln 
Township for three years. He then moved on to the farm where 
he now resides. He owns 320 acres of land, 80 in Lincoln, 80 in 
Butler, and 160 in Princeton Townships, and is extensively en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Speer have 



PRINCETON TOWNSHIP. 1225 

liad eight childrfcii, six living — Mariraret M., horn Jan. 10, 1863; 
Anna M., Dec. 21, 186(5; Carrie li, Nov. 11, 1S70, Kebecca J.. 
Jan. 17, 1S73; William J., April 16, 1875; and Edward J., April 
30, 1878. Mr. James Speer was one of the jiioncers of Scott 
County, and remembers tiiat the lirst court held in the county, 
was in a log house in Davenport, one end of which lie lived in 
with his family. 

John D. Sfnjf<ml, deceased, 'one of the pioneers of Scott Co., 
la., was born in Indiana in 1829, and camo to Scott County in 
1837, and located in Le Claire Township, where he opened up a 
farm on which he remained a few years, when he sold out and 
went to Valley City, and built a mill, in compan}' with Roswell 
II. Spencer, wliere he remained three years and in the meantime 
became acquainted with Uachel Slaughter, a daughter of Theron 
and Julia Slaughter. They were married in Pleasant Valley. In 
1856 he came to Princeton Township, where JVlrs. Stafford now 
resides, and remained until his deatii, wiiicli occurred in 1876. 
By this union there were two li ving children — Edgar L., born 
March 21, 1856; Dickson E., born Dec. 7, 1865. Mrs. Stafford 
has a line property of 160 acres of land under a high sta te of 
cultivation, well stocked, with fine buildings which she has built 
since the death of Mr. S., for which she deserves great credit. At 
the time of Mr. S.'s death tlie land was encumbered, and by judi- 
cious management she has succeeded in paying off all indebted- 
ness. 

J. W. Walker, miller, one of the enterprising business 
men of Princeton, was born in Beaver Co., Pa., July 29, 1821, 
son of Isaac and Eliza J. (Reno) Walker; father a native of 
New Ilampshire, and mother of Pennsylvania. They were mar- 
ried in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1S20, where a family of eight children 
were born, seven living — J. W., Bruce, Isaac, Marcelhis, Eliza J. 
(now the wife of Samuel Porter, of Kansas'), Lydia Ann (wife of D. 
Williams, of St. Paul) and Ilettie. Mr. Isaac Walker left his home in 
Pennsylvania and emigrated to Ma?on, 111., where he followed the 
trade of a carjicnter and joiner. He died in Mason County, in 
1866; mother died in the year jjrevious. Tlie subject of this sketch 
was reared to the trade of a carpenter and joiner; when 20 years of 
age went to Natchez, where he followed his trade until the break- 
ing out of the Mexican w.ir, when he enlisted in the 7th United 
States Infantry, Company D, under Generals Taylor and Scott, and 
participated in all the engagements of the regiment, which were 
Palo Alto, Monterey, Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contraras and the 
taking of the city of Mexico; thence back to St. Louie, where he 
was discharged; from tliere returned to Mason County. Jan. 1, 
1851, he married Miss Catharine Rigehause. She was born in 
Germany in 1830. The fruit of this marriage was nine chil- 
dren, viz.: Ellizabetii, Lewis, Katie, William, Josie, Hettie, John, 
Melvina and Eugene. Mr. W. remained in Mason five years, 
when he came to Princeton, where he built a planing-mili, in 



1226 



rasTOEY OF scorr county. 



companywitli Mr. Patterson. In 1S76 Mr. Walker converted it 
into a flouriug-mill, known as the Princeton Star Mills, where he 
has a capacity ot 20 barrels in 24 hours. Has the latest improve- 
ment, and his flour stands the test with any in the country. In 
politics he is a staunch Greenbacker. Mr. Walker took an active 
interest in our late war, spending money and time, enlisting and 
sendinfir'men into the field. 



5j=2^A^ 




ROCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP. 

This is the siiialloft townsliip in tlic county, and yet one around 
which many liistorical scenes center. Its settlement began simul- 
taneously with Princeton and Le Claire. Col. John Sullivan, of 
Zanesville, Ohio, James and Adrian H. Davenport, Henry W. 
Higgins and others ])urehased the claim made upon the site of the 
village subsequently laid out, directly opposite the mouth of Rock 
River. 

During the years 1S35, '36 and '37 a few settlers made claims 
back from the river, along under the bluffs and on tlie edge of the 
prairie. Among them was David Sullivan in 1835, immediately 
back of the vilhige of Rockingham, under the bluff. His farm ex- 
tended to the bottom lands. Kufus Ricker also settled in 1836, 
and Rev. Enoch Mead in the winter of 1837. 

Among those who settled on the bluffs and on the edge of the 
prairie were Lewis Ringlesly in 1837, E. W. 11. Wingfield in 
1836, and John Wilson in 1835, who was familiarly known as 
''Wild-cat Wilson,"' frmn having, as he said, " whipped his weight 
in wikl-cats," and Charles Jacob Friday, the first permanent Ger- 
maii settler in Scott County, who broke the first ground upon the 
bluffs, 10 acres for himself and four fvr Mr. Wintield, in 1836. 

John W. Bi-own, William Van Tuylj and John Burnsides also 
made claims or ]Mirchased them on Black Ilawk Creek, just above 
Rockingham, in 1836. 

RELIGIOCS. 

The following sketch of the religious history of Rockingham is 
from the pen of Rev. Enoch Mead, one of the oldest living settlers 
of Rockingham Township: 

"This town was early favored with religious institutions. Trav- 
eling ]ireachers occasionally visited the place at the time of its first 
settlement. The first preacher to make a permanent settlement 
was the Rev. E. .>[ead, a Presbyterian clergyman from the East. 
He came to the place in the winter of 1837-'38 and soon succeeded 
in gatherin<i: a congregation and organizing a Presbyterian church. 
His fanuly sooti joined him in his new home. Early after the set- 
tlement of the ])lace the Methodist denomination formed a '"class," 
which was c(>ntinued for many years, being supplied by itinerants 
of that church. 

The Presbyterians and the Methodists are the only religious de- 
nominations that have had organizations in the place. 

The Presbyterian denomination being in great need of a house 
of worship, in the spring of 1838, as a temporary expedient, pur- 
71 (1227) 



122S HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

chased the house tliathad been fitted up for a place of worship and 
a school-house, intending at a future time to build a house better 
adapted to their wants. 

This house was for several years the only place of public wor- 
shij) in the town. In the meantime, by a united efiort on the part 
of the citizens, a new church was built which became the property 
of the Methodist denomination. These two churches were used on 
the S:<bbath, and for occasional services for several years, until 
the estalilishment of the county seat at Davenport, which had the 
effect of destroying the prospects of Rockingham as an important 
town. 

About this time the Presbyterian church in Rockingham aban- 
doned their organization and united with the larger church at the 
county seat. Their house of worship, now sadly out of repair, was 
sold and the proceeds applied to aid the Presbyterian church of 
Davenport. 

The Methodist denomination maintained their organization 
several years longer, but finally abandoned it. Some 15 or 20 
years ago their house of worship was sold and became private 
property. 

At the present time there is no religious organization in the 
place except the Sabbath-school. This is in a flourishing condi- 
tion and promises to be an institution of great usefulness. 

The first Sabbath-school in Rockinsham was organized in the 
year 1888, more than 10 years past, by the Rev. E. Mead. This 
school has contiuued, with some interiuptions, until the present 
time. No history of the school has been preserved, except as 
given below, dating back 25 years, when the school was re-organ- 
ized. Miss Harriet N. Mc Karg gives an account of the school 
froui its re- organization: 

" Nearly a quarter of a century since the Rev. John II. Winsor 
(now of St. Paul. Minn.), as-isted by Jose]:>li Bloomei-, students of 
Iowa College, Davenport, organized a Union Sabbath school in 
the old M. E. church building, now standing a few yards from its 
old site in the town plat of Rockingham. This school had 50 
enrolled names, and the teachers were ]>articular in regard to the 
memorizing of the Scriptures, a good custom now considered far 
behind the times. 

" Mary E. Mead, Muggie A. Coleman and Mary E. Mc Karg, 
misses in the intermediate class, recited almost complete the four 
Evangelists, during the summer, for in that day all countrj' Sab 
bath-schools went into winter quarters, or closed in October. At 
the spring opening the school was taken in care of the M. E. 
church, and John Coleman appointed suiierintendenf, who kept 
it in good working order for three successive summers. In 1855 
the )ilace of meeting was elianged to the Franklin school-house, and 
was again union, with Mr. Etherel Camp for superintendent. This 
organization continued three years. About this time Rev. E. 
Mead conducted a Bible ela?s in the studv of the Westminister 



ROCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP. 1229 

Shorter Catechism, with the Baker Exposition. This was held at 
another hour in a room in an old loo; house on the Mc Karg farm. 
In a few weeks we all went to the h ranklin and elected Mr. John 
Coates superintendent for two years. 

" In 1S64 it was thought best to have a school in Rockingham in- 
dependent of the Franklin, a^ it would get a few pupils from the 
river bank to attend wIiockuW not be inchiced to walk to the bluft. 
Mrs. John Willis had charge of this school, and at the close of tho 
summer the Franklin suj)eri!itendent, Mr. Charles Hamnora, was 
drafted, and on his leaving, the school was scattered and de- 
moralized. 

" Mrs. Willis worked on faithfully, summer and winter, for the 
terra of four years, when failing health compelled her to report 
the post vacant, and ask the Y. M. C. A., of Davenport, to or- 
ganize a school in Rockingham, which they did, Jan. 18. 1869, and 
provided us with a superintendent and one teacher a year. This 
school would scorn the idea ot closing during the winter months. 

"To say that the Rockingham Township Sabbath-schools have not 
tried to keep pace with the other religious instituiions of our 
county (for this is the only one in the township) would be injustice 
to oui- predecessors, and that we have ke]it pace would be better 
said by persons not so much interested as the writer." 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The tirst school in Rockingham was in the summer of ls37. 
It was taught by Miss Rhoda Vosburg, a neice of Judge W. L. 
Cook. Rev. Enoch Mead taught a four-months' school in the fol- 
lowing winter. The township has now two sub-districts, with 132 
children of school age, an enrollment of 83, and two frame school- 
houses valued at $3,100. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Hock River Parish, located in the town of Rockingham, was 
organized at the house of Ira Cook, on tiie 15th day of June, 1843, 
with Rev. Zachariah II. Goldsmith in the chair, and S. S. Brown, 
secretary. A constitution was adopted, after which five vestry- 
men were chosen, out of which were elected two wardens, one 
treasurer and one secretary. The gentlemen elected were George 
B. Sargeant, Sec'y; Wm. Van Tnyl, Treas.; James Davenport and 
John Willis, Wardens; James Davenport, William Van Tuyl, S. 
S. Brown, John Willis and George B. Sargeant, Vestrymen. 
Their pastor was Rev. Zachariah 11. Goldsmith. 

Vir.LAGE OF ROCKINGHAM. 

The village of Rockingham was laid out in 1836, and platted by 
J. II. Sullivan, James Davenport, Adrian Davenport and others, 
and was located on section 8. In August of that year Col. Sullivan, 



1230 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

with his family and some others, came out for settlement. The 
town on the iirst of May, of this year, contained two log cabins, 
one being occupied by A. H. Davenport and his family, and the other 
by a Mr. Foster. Mr. Sullivan brought with him a small slock of 
goods, and removing his store from Stephenson, now Rock Island, 
where lie had been trading for a year, he erected a small building, 
and soon opened a dry -goods and grocery store. In the fall and 
winter of 1836 Rockingham contained some 13 houses, and 
about 100 inhabitants, among whom were Colonel Sullivan 
and famiW, the Davenport families, Millington and Franklin 
Easley, John Coleman and brothers, William Lingo, William 
Mountain, Mr. Cole, John Willis, S. S. Brown, Henry C. More- 
head, David Sullivan, Etheral and J. M. Camp, William White, 
William Detro, H. W. Higgins, Cornelius Ilarrold, Richard Har- 
rison, James B. McCoy, E. H. Shepherd and Dr. E. S. Barrows. 
A large hotel was erected by J. H. Sullivan, James and A. H. 
Davenport, and some others in 1836, and kept for several years by 
H. W. Higgins, and was one of the best public houses west of the 
Mississippi River. Here thecount}' commissioners held their court 
until it was finally and irrevocably settled that Davenport was to 
be the county seat. Tradition has it that Judge Irwin held here 
a term of the District Court, but unfortunately there are no records 
of the event. The old hotel building yet stands, and is now known 
as the Farmers' Hotel. In the spring of 1S37 two more dry-goods 
stoies were opened in the village, one by the Davenports, and the 
other by John S. Sheller & Co. 

In the summer of 1837 a steam saw and flouring mill was erected 
by Mr. Sullivan, it being the first of the kind built in Scott 
County, in the Black Hawk purchase. This mill did effective ser- 
vice for many years. Even after the village ceased to e.xist, it con- 
tinued to do duty for the farmers in the neighborhood. It was 
torn down in 1852, the building being removed and re-erected as 
a barn, the machinery being taken to Le Claire and used in a mill 
in that village. 

In 1838 Rockingham contained 4.5 houses, including stores and 
work-shops, and in 1839 there were four dry-goods stores, three 
grocery stores, besides a drug store and some whisky shops. 
Mechanics of nearly all trades had settled here, and the town 
gave every evidence of thrift and long life. The cause of its decline 
will be found in Chapter I. under the head of the County Seat 
Contest. Rockingham made a desperate eflbrt to secure the 
county seat, and when that failed her hopes began to decline, and 
from the date the contest was decided in favor of Davenport, all 
efforts ceased to build up the place, and removals began, one by 
one, until to-day but four or five buildings stand upon the site of 
the once flourishing village. Speaking of those who were instru- 
mental in building up Rockingham, W. Barrows, writing in 1860 
says: "Of the early settlersof Rockingham, many are still inhabitants 
of Scott County; some have died and many settled in this portion 



ROCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP. 1231 

ot the State. "We should like to speak more in detail of the early- 
trials and difficulties tlirou^h wliicli the}' passed; of their joj-s and 
sorrows; of their disappointed ho]>es; and be allowed to follow 
each in his fortunes since tlie days of old llockingham, but the 
limits of this work will not allow. Tliere is, however, one truthful 
remark that may be written. No village in the far Wet^t at that 
day could boast of a better class of citizens, or those of whom she 
could be more proud, than Rockingham, botli on account of their 
high-toned moral character, tiieir social and friendly (jnalities, and 
for their kind and liberal attention to the sick and to the stranger. 
Many a wanderer from the home circle has been made to know 
this, when laid upon a sickbed, in a far Western village, lie has 
found the kindly tones and skillful hands of woman in his sick 
room, and had at the same time substantial proof that he was not 
forgotten by the 'sterner sex.' " 

A postoffice was established at llockingham in 1836, with J. H. 
Sullivan as postmaster. It was continued until 1841, and then 
discontinued, but re-instated again, and finally discontinued about 
1851. 

FRUIT. 

The farmers of Rockingham have made a specialty of fruit-rais- 
ing, beginning the work at a very early date. In 1840 a Quaker 
from Indiana came up tlie river with a load of grafted trees, stop- 
ping at Rockingham and dis])osing of his stock. The stock was 
admirably adapted to the climate, and the fruit was of good qual- 
ity. Among those who have made a specialty of tine fruit were: 
Rev. E. Mead, John Friday, Sanford Stevens and Richard Jenkins. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

John M. Friday was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 18, 
19, son of Oharles Jacob Friday, who was born in Wurtemberg, 
Germany, in 1788, and came to America in 1832, arriving in Dav- 
enport, la., April 15 of that year, lie died in Scott County in 
June, 1853. The subject of this sketch attended school in Ger- 
many until he came to this country with his father, and to Iowa, 
then the Black Hawk purchase, in 1832, where the family had to 
live in wagons, as there were no cabins here at that time. His 
sister Caroline (now Mrs. George Winton) was born in a wagon, 
May IS, 1832. She was the first white child born in the county. 
Mr. John Friday broke the first jirairie and fenced the first 10 acres 
of land in Rockingham Township, and planted it in corn in June, 
1836. He also planted the first api)ie-trees in the township, 
bringing the seed with him from Indiana. He planted the first 
fall wheat in the county, in 1^36. He claims to have helped get 
out the first mill timbers in the county, at Rockingham, that was 
supposed to be the only mill between St. Louis and Dubuque, on 



1232 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

the Mississippi Eiver. Mr. Friday was married on May 6, 1847, to 
Elizabeth Forgey. Their union has been blessed with eight chil- 
dren — Caroline, born Mar. 13, 1848; Nancv, Apr. 8, 1850; Anna 
D., Aug. 22, 1852; Sarah E., Dec. 26, 1854; Minerva, June 2, 
1856; Mary L. Oct., 16, 1859, and John M., July 19, 1SG2. Mr' 
Friday came to Scott County a poor man; he is now one of the 
heaviest tax-payers in this township. He own 240 acres of land in 
Rockingham Township, 400 in Blue Grass Township, and 120 
acres in Davenport, making 760 acres in all. He has held the offi- 
ces of road commissioner, school director and school trustee of 
his township. He is classed with the enterprising and influential 
men ot the county, and has done much to improve it in every way, 
and is one of those who can look with pride and satisfaction on the 
results of their labors in bringing Scott County to its present pros- 
perous condition. 

Henry Manse is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born Feb. 
7, 1849. He emigrated to America in 1878, and located in Daven- 
port, Dec. 11 of that year. H s marriage with Maggie Wolf 
occurred Feb. IS, 1879. By this union there were two children, 
one living. He is engaged in farming on Offirman's Island, 
which contains 300 acres oi land. He farms 120 acres, raising 
50 to 75 bushels of corn an acre, which he feeds to his stock, as he 
considers this the most profitable way to dispose of his crop, always 
finding a ready sale in Davenport for his stock. 

jRev. Enoch Mead, the subject of the following narrative, 
was the first Presbyterian clergyman to make a permanent settle- 
ment in Scott County. He was born in Greenwich, Conn., Sept. 
2, 1809. His parents were Colonel Ebenezer Mead and Elizabeth 
(Holmes) Mead, both of Puritan descent. The family homestead 
is situated at the foot of Putnam's hill, and the farm, which has 
been in the family for several generations, having been purchased 
direct from the Indians, includes that historic place. His grand- 
father, Gen. Ebenezer Mead, of the flevolutionary war, was stand- 
ing in the road in front of his house, and saw Gen. Putnam dash 
down the rocky precipice at break-neck speed, the British dragoons 
being in close pursuit. A full life-size likeness of Gen. Mead now 
adorns the home of the grandson in Iowa in the uniform of a 
major-general. Col. Ebenezer Mead held the rank of colonel of 
Connecticut militia for many years, including the war of 1812. 
Enoch Mead lived with his parents on the farm, attending the dis- 
trict school in the winter, and in the summer working on the farm, 
until the age of 14 years. The farm being situated on Long 
Island Sound, he spent much of his leisure time in boating, fish- 
ing, swimming and hunting. His parents at this time believing 
that a good education was better than a farm, proposed to him to 
quality himself for a professional lite. The proposal was no sooner 
made than accepted. He commenced by entering the classical 
school in Stamford, taught by J. B. Ferris, Esq., a graduate of 
Tale College. At the expiration of two years his teacher pro- 



ROCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP. 1233 

noimced hiin qualified to pass tliron»h that "ordeal" required of 
all who become nieinbers ot coUeffe. In September, lS2t!. he ap- 
plied for adinissio!! to Yale College; passed a creditable examina- 
tion and was admitted as a member. In September, 1830, after 
four years of college life, he gr.uhiated with liis class, then num- 
bering 70 members. He thcTi returned to his early home and 
spent a few anxious weeks in deciding upon his future course in 
life. The result was, he chose the profession of a clergyman, and 
in the fall of 1S30 became a member of the Theological Seminary, 
at Auburn, New York. In this institution he pursued the usual 
three years' course of study. Before completing his course he was 
licensed tu preach the gospel, by the Cayuga Presbytery, April 17, 
1833. The first public services in his new jtrofession were per- 
formed in the Presbyterian church, of Lockport, New York. It 
was his intention when this engagement was tilled to "go West," 
he havitig then in possession a commission from the American 
Home Missionary Society, appointing him to a Western lield. 
About this time he received a call to become pastor of the Congre- 
gational church, of New Ilavcn, Vt. This call was accepted, 
and on Jan. S, 183-1, he was ordained and installed pastor of that 
church, succeeding the Rev. Dr. Bates, President of Middlebury 
College. Mr. Mead's ministry in New Haven was a decided suc- 
cess. A powerful revival of religion soon followed, and as a result 
the church, which numbered about 200 at his settlement, was in- 
creased by frequent additions until it had doubled in numbers and 
streng'th, when he resii;ned his charge. 

The winter of 1836 and '37 in Vermont was a severe one. Snow 
fell to the depth of four feet on a level. On the 10th of May fol- 
lowing loaded teams could be seen crossing Lake Champlain in 
the widest part on the ice. It was under these circumstances that 
the young pastor decided to seek a more genial climate, although 
in so doing he was obliged to break away from a united and pros- 
perous church. While in Vermont, in addition to the care of his 
church, he performed the duties of chaplain for the Second Regi- 
ment of the Third Brigade of Vermont Militia, having received 
his commission from the Governor of the State. 

While in New Haven Mr. Mead was married on the 20th of Jan- 
uary, 1835. to Miss Mary E. James, oldest child and daughter of 
Deacon Samuel James, a successful farmer of Middlebury, Vt. 
He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was one of the vol- 
unteers who fought for his country' at the celebrated battle of 
Plattsburg, where the British were defeated on land and water. 
The union of Mr. Mead in marriage with Miss James was in all re- 
spects a wise one. The two have lived happily together for near 
halt a centur}', and if spared a few years longer, can celebrate their 

f olden wedding. Thev have two children, a son and daughter— 
anies R., remove! to Kansas in 18.59, and is njw a leading citizen 
of the flourishing city of Wichita ; Mary E., graduate;! with the 



1234 HiSTORr OF scott county. 

highest honors of her class at the Female CjUegiate Itistitate, For 
Plain, New York. 

Mr. Mead being released from his charge in Vermont had now 
an opportunity to "go West," iu accordance with a long-cherished 
wish and purpose. Leaving his family in the care of his parents 
in Connecticut he set his face toward the setting sun, having no 
particular destination in view. His route was by the way of Phil- 
adelphia, Pittsburg, the Ohio River and up the Mississippi to 
Alton, 111. While resting in Alton from the fatigue ofatiiree 
weeks' journey, a pro-slavery mob destro>'ed the printing-press, 
and murdered the publisher of the Alton Observer, Elijah P. Love- 
joy. Mr. Mead with a few sorrowing friends attended the funeral 
of this early martyr to the cause of emancipation and administered 
the last solemn rites. From Alton he ])roceeded up the Illinois 
River to Peoria, the last boats of the season having gone up the 
Mississippi. Thence lie went to Knoxviile, the end of public travel 
at tliat time. Leaving there his baggage, he set out on foot and 
alone for Rosk Island, whicli he readied after three days' travel 
over a new country, aluiost without roads and bridges, with the 
settlements from 10 to 15 miles apart. 

Arriving at Rock Island he passed direct to Davenport, then a 
new town containing about a half dozen families. Learning 
at this place that there was a town four miles below called Rock- 
ingham, then the county seat, and already containing several hun- 
dred inhabitants, he traveled down to that place and received a 
hearty welcome as a minister of the gospel. It was represented to 
him that the " Sabbath had not crossed the Mississippi," but the 
people generally desired a Christian mini-ter to settle among them 
and establish there religious institutions. Mr. Mead, believing 
that this was a promising field for usefulness, accepted the invita- 
tion to remain. He soon gathered a congregation, organized a 
Presbyterian churidi, and continued his services as a minister of 
the gospel until the decline of the town caused by the removal of 
the county seat to Davenport. During the llrst winter, as the 
children were growing up in ignorance, he gathered and taught 
a village school for one term and then returned East for his 
family. When at the East he boxed his goods and books and 
sent them to his Iowa home, via New York. New Orleans, and 
the Mississippi River. Then purchasing a span of horses and 
a covered spring wagon he bade farewell to the Green Mountain 
State, and with his family set out tor his new home 1.200 miles 
distant. His overland journey was made without accident, the 
weather being iine and the roads good, the longest stretch on the 
journey without a house being 40 miles. The journey was made 
in a little more than a month. 

The once prosperous town of Rockingham now commenced a 
rapid decline, which continued until it was nearly deserted of in- 
habitants; the church that had be^n organized was swallowed up 
by the Metropolitan Church in Davenport. Mr. Mead then devoted 



ROCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP. 1235 

himself to tlie luissioiiarj work in ids own and tlie adjoining coun- 
tries, and for many years continued this work. At Jilue Grass and 
other })laces he supplied the gathered congregation for more than 
10 years. He often made missionary tours to the distance of 100 
miles, and the last year he traveled 3,000 miles. Finding that 
riding over the prairies in sunshine and storm, e.\]iosed to all the 
vicissitudes of this clianging climate, his health was failing he retired 
from the work and has for most ])art since that time been engaged 
in agricultural and horticultural pursuits. lie is now a member 
of the State Horticultural Society, takes an active part in their dis- 
cussions; also contributes articles for their annu:il reports. His 
liome is four miles below the center of the city of Davenport, and 
comnum'is a chirming view of t'le great river for several miles, and 
of the twin cities, Davenport and Kock Island. 

Mr. Mead is a Repub'ican in ])olitics and has always given the 
party a hearty support. He is not an office seeker, but has often 
been elected to fill tlie most important offices in his township and 
the county. He served one term as county supervisor. He is 
a member of the Pioneer Association and has served as })resident 
of that society. His habits are strictly temjierate; has never used 
tobacco in any form. He with his family still retain their con- 
nection with the Presbyterian church. He has never lost his 
interest in books and literary exercises; has a valuable private 
library of from 400 to 500 volumes, and is in constant receipt of tlie 
best jieriodical literature of the da}'. He is a friend of the poor 
and does all in his power to improve their condition. Kind, 
generous and open-hearted, he is respected and beloved by the 
people with whom his lot is cast. Although in his 73d year,haviug 
endured the hardships of pioneer life for 43 years, he is in posses- 
sion of all his faculties, attends personal!}- to his extensive farming 
operations, and is the only remaining representative in Rocking- 
ham of that enerifetic and determined band who labored so hard to 
make it a famous city. He s-till cherishes ])leasant mem irios of 
the old homestead and its surroundings where he spent his youth- 
ful days, and the i)ast winter visited the place for the 12th time 
since he removed to Iowa. 

James li. Mead, son of Enoch Mead, was born in New Haven, 
Vt., May 3, 1836. He resided with his fixther until some 20 
years ago when he moved to Kansas. The first five years of his 
residence there was spent in hunting and trapi>ing, and as an 
Indian trader; he established a trading-))ost, lieing licensed by the 
Government while hunting on the plains. He shut with his 
gun 3,000 head of buffalo, besides trapj)ipg a large number of 
wolves and other games. He afterward turned his attention to 
politics and was elected by the Re])ublican party to the Legislature, 
serving in both Houses. Subsequently engaged in railroading 
and banking; also speculated in mining in Colorado. He was 
superintendent of the road from Newton to Wichita while it was 
being constructed, and was elected president of the road. At the 



1236 



HISTOBT OF SCOTT COUNTY. 



present time he is engaged in conducting a large farming operation 
in the vicinity of Wichita, of which city he is an lionored and 
esteemed citizen. He is now president of the Old Settlers' 
Association of the county in which he i-esides. 

Peter fl. Nagal was born in Holstein, Germany, April 5, 1835. 
He came to this country in 1S7S, ami at this date, March 20, 1882, 
has been in the county 16 years. He landed first in New York 
City and came from there direct to Davenport. For the last 10 
years has lived in Roekingham and followed the occupation ot 
gardener. His principal business now is the cultivation of a vine- 
yard. Mr. Nagal's family consists at present of himself, wife and 
seven children. Two of the children were born in Germany, and 
five in this country. Mr. Nagal is a good citizen, industrious and 
of correct habits; is succeeding well in his business and has the 
good will of all his neighbors. 




SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP. 

Sheridan Townslii]) was organized as late as 1S66, and much of 
the early history ot the settlement of its territory has been told in 
connection with the history of the townships, of which it originally 
formed a part. 

At a session of the Board of Supervisors, in January, 1866, in 
accordance with a petition of its residents, townsliip No. 79, 
range 3 east, was set apart and separately organized into a new 
township, to be known as ''Phil Sheridan Township." The 
north half, IS sections, was taken from AVinfield Township and 
the southern IS sections from Davenport. At the same session of 
the board the prefix " Phil" was omitted, and the township styled 
'' Sheridan;" and its voters were notified to meet on the second 
Tuesday of October of that year, to elect three trustees, one clerk, 
two justices of the peace, two constables, one assessor and one 
supervisor. 

Clans H. Kuhl's tavern was the first polling place, and though 
now a private residence, is still used for election purposes, as also 
for meetings of the Town Trustees, School Board and Board of 
Equalization. 

11. II. Frye was the first Supervisor, James Quinn, Gilbert 
"Wicks and Christ Vogt, Trustees; Anderson Martin, Assessor; 
B. F. Berkey, Clerk; Wm. Saddoris and Asmus H. Lamp. Jus- 
tices of the Peace; Peter Weis and James Morrison, Constables. 

There are two postofHces in the township, at Mount Joy, kept 
b}' Peter "Wiese, and at Eldridge Junction, with J. D. McCormick 
as postmaster, although the business of the office is conducted by 
E. V. Van Eps, in connection with his general merchandise 
store. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settler in the territory now comprising Sheridan Town- 
ship was a Mr. Sloper, who settled on section 2S, in 1840. He was 
followed by Lyman Osborn. in 1841, who located on section 29. 
Among others to brave the hardships of pioneer life and settle in 
this then desolate and uninhabited ])art of the county, were ex- 
Gov. Kush, Hans Shnekloth, Claus Ilagcrdorn, Joseph Seaman, 
Wm. Rigg, Dr. A. J. Emeis, Bcnj. Barr, Gilbert Wicks. Capt. 
LeMarinel, C. Meyer, John and Xathan Greer, Moses Farber, 
James and Joseph Quinn, Christ Vogt, Peter Blunk, Hans and 
Juergen Schmidt. The first prairie broken was by Mr. Sloper, who 
settled on what is now section 28. Tiie first blacksmith shop was 
run by Henry Kuntzen, on section 2.5. Dr. A.J. Emeis was the 
first resident physician in the township. 

(123TJ 



1238 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

TILLAGES . 

There is but one village in Sheridan Township — Eldridge 
Junction, established in 1871 by J. M. Eldridge. It is situated 
in the eastern part of the township, on section 11, at the junc- 
tion of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and the Maquoketa 
Branch. Soon after the advent of the railroad, shops were located 
here by the company, giving employment to a large number of 
workmen. This gave an impetus to the young village, and for a 
time the prospects were good for a large and thriving settlement; 
but the railroad magnates saw fit, some years since, to remove the 
shops, which was a deatii blow to the embrj-o "City of Eldridge." 
Many of its business ])laces, hotels, etc., were soon after closed, 
and a number of buildings have since been torn down and removed 
from the place. 

At present the village contains but one store, in which a general 
line of goods is kept by Mr. Van Eps, who, however, does a good 
business. Tiiere is a meat market, a barbed-wire factory, shoe 
shop, church, scliool-liouse, hotel and postoffice in the village. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school election in the township was held in 1867, 
when the following board was cho-en: Alex. Murrison, James 
Calderwood, Albert Brugman, Henry Fellner, A. J. Emeis, Wm. 
Rogers. 

There are nine sub-districts in the townsliip, with a frame 
school-house in each, the total value of which is estimated at 
$10,700. There are 483 puoils in the township, with an enroll- 
ment of 297. 

CntJECHES AND SOCIETIES. 

Sheridanhas butone church building and organization, thatof the 
Presbyterian society of Eldridge Junction, which was built about 
the year 1874. It numbers about 20 members. James Mason 
was the first pastor, and was followed by the Revs. Bishop, Spin- 
ney, and Williams, the latter being the present pastor. There is 
a Sabbath-school in connection with the church. 

Eldridge Lodge , No. 132, A. O. U. W., was organized in 1877, 
with John Rogers, P. M. W.; E. T. Morgan, M. AV., J. W. David- 
son, G. F.; J. D. McCormick, O. ; J. A. Pollock, Recorder; Jas. 
Youmans, Financier; G. A. Hastings, Receiver; P. Herbold, G; 
J. G. Quinn, I. W. ; L. Cohnan, O. W. It now has a member- 
ship of about 15, and at one time it had nearly 25. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Peter Arp was born in Holstein, Germany, Feb. 5, 1830. His 
father was Peter Arp, also a native of that country. Tiie subject 
of this memoir came to the United States in 1849, and after spe'nd- 



V 

■» 



SHERIDAN TOWNSIIIl". 1239 

ing two winters in Missouri lie came to Scott County, whore he 
lias resided since. Jle worked for the first three years by tlie 
month; then purchafod his ])resent farm of 178 acres, on section 
22 Sheridan 'L^wnship, which is under gooil improvement and 
well stocked, lie alsD owns 169 acres in sections 23 and 24. He 
was married Sept. 2, 185-1, to Minnie Fellner, a native of Hanover, 
Germany. They have had seven children, tive livin^; — Henry, 
Emma, Willie, , Johnnie and Lizzie. The family are members of 
the Lutheran church. i[r. Arp held the jiosition of township trus- 
tee one term, and is one of the jHMininent men of the county. 

John Berkeij was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Oct I'J, 1821. 
His father was Christian Berkey, a native also of that State, whose 
ancestors came to Pennsylvania during the time of William Penn. 
The subject ot this record was reai'cd on a farm, and was educated 
in the German and English languages in the common schools of 
his native State. When he was 11 years old he became crippleil 
from white swelling. He began to learn the tailor's trade when 17 
years old, which he followed until 1S57. He was married in No- 
vember, ISH, to Mary Heller, of Pennsylvania. To them have 
been born 13 children, six living, viz.: Benjamin F., James M., 
Amanda M., Alvin J.,Emeline A[. and Lizzie. In 1853 Mr. Berkey 
came to this count}' and bought land in section 13, Sheridan Town- 
ship. He moved his family here in 1857. He has his land all 
under good cultivation, and valued at §100 an acre. He was jus- 
tice of the peace in his township three years, and has held other 
offices, llis wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. 

M. C. J. Boecken, proprietor of the Boecken House, opposite the 
C, M. & St. P. depot, Eldridire, was born in Germany, xVpril 24, 
ISlrt). His father was Clans Boecken, born also in that country. 
Jan. 26, 1818, he married Anna Melckert, born Dec. 31, 1817; 
they now reside with the subject of this sketch, who came to this 
county in 1867. He was engineer on the Mississippi River six 
years, in the United States employ; was one of the workmen on 
the new bridge at Davenport, and engineered on the canal at Keo- 
kuk twoj'cars. He was married May 25, 1S77, to Lena Peterson, 
daughter of A. Peterson, of Davenport, where she was born and 
reared. They have one child — Clara Christina. Mr. Boecken 
erected a fine house in 1880. It is two stories high and is 61 x 42 
feet. 

John Bostian, farmer, section 30, Sheridan Township, was born 
in Jlecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany, Alarch 3, 1824. His parents 
were James and Mary (Karr) Bostian. They had two boys and 
two girls. John was the youngest. He attended school until 14, 
then learned the wagon-maker's trade, which business he followed 
until the fall of 1849, when he came alone to the United States; was 
two months at sea; landed in New Orleans, where he worked on a 
farm for his uncle near New Orleans 18 months; then came to 
Davenport, la. He worked here 13 months, when he bought a 
farm in Butler Township, where he remained until 1869, when he 



1240 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

purchased his present farm in Sheridan Township. He married 
Miss Dora Nees, Maj, 1853. The fruit of this marriage was four 
children, viz.: Henrj', Adolph, Ida and Ella. The mother died 
March 28> 1865. Mr. Bostian married Miss Mary Drefs .July 1, 
1867. She was born in Germany, and her father was Christopher 
Drefs. Mr. and Mrs. Bostian have had eight children, viz.: Meta, 
Rudolph, Herman, Ferdinand, Maleta, Alma, John and Otto. 
Mr. Bostian owns a farm of 160 acres in Lincoln Township and 160 
in Sheridan Township; both farms are under cultivation and well 
stocked. He is one of the representative farmers of Scott County, 
where he has been identified since 1850. In politics he is a Re- 
publican. 

Albert Brugman was born in Holland, Sept. 9, 1829, son of John 
Brugman, a native also of that country. Albert was reared on a 
farm, and obtained an education in the common schools of Hol- 
land. He came to this country in 1854, and located in Davenport, 
la. He remained there two years; then in 1856 went to farming 
in Rockingham Township. In 1858 hebought a farm of 160 acres 
in Siieridan Township, which he still owns, He was married, 
April 17, 1855, to Mrs. Sevilla Belkeo, nee Bomberg, a daughter 
of Frederick £. Bomberg, who came to Scott County in 1838. 
They were the first German family who settled in Davenport. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brugman have two children — John and Minnie. Mrs. 
Brugman was the widow of Henry Belken, by whom she had six 
children, three living — Julia, Mary and Henry. Members of the 
Catliolic Chnrch. 

Henry Calderood ^&s born in the county of Antrim, Ireland, 
Feb. 2, J 8 19. His father was Matthew Calderood, a native also 
of that place. Henry came to the United States and landed in 
New York City in 1847. He remained there one month then went 
to a farm near Boston, Mass., and hired for§ll. 50 a month for one 
year. In December. 1849, he went to Philadelphia, Pa., where he 
lived until the spring of 1851, then came to Scott County and 
i-esided in Le Claire one year; then purchased his present farm of 
278 acres in Sheridan Township, and is extensively engaged in 
farming and stock-breeding. He was married in Philadeli)liia to 
ISTancy A. Carson. March 18. 1850. To them have been born eight 
children, two living — Lizzie and Matthew Henry. They lost four 
of their children in one week, of scarlet fever. One son, Cameron, 
was burned to death by kerosene, at the age of 10 years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Calderood are members of the Presbyterian church at 
Eldridge. 

Selah H.-Clajyp, a son of Spencer Clapp, a resident of Daven- 
port, was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1847. The subject 
of this sketch moved to Davenport with his parents in 1855, where 
he resided four years, then moved on to his present farm in Sher- 
idan Township. He was married to Abigail Quinn, Aug. 3, 1871. 
She is a daughter of Erving Quinn, of Sheridan Township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Clapp have three'" children— Eddie, Willie and Georgie. 



SHERIDAJJ TOWNSHIP. 12'11 

The family reside in Eldridge. Mr. Clapp is a member of the 
A. O. U. W. Lodge. Himself Iind wife are members of the 
Christian church at Long Grove. His brother, James, died at 
Vicksburg in the Union service. He was a member of the 20th 
Iowa In fan try. 

Samuel Clark, a son of Samuel Clark, Sr., a native of Ireland, 
was horn Sept. 3, 1S2S, in Lower Canada. He was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools of his native country. He 
came to Scott County in October,lSJ4,and located in Allen's Grove 
Township; farmed there until 1SG5, when he came to this town- 
ship and settled on section 17, on a farm of 40.5 acres, which is his 
pretciit home. Mr. Clark has been very successful in a financial 
way, and is classed ainon<; Stiott County's most able citizens; has 
held various townshi]) offices, lie was married in 1S49 to Rebecca 
Ewart. They have been blessed with 13 children, viz.: George, 
James M., John, Jane M., Christie Y., Mary H., "William L., 
Eobert II., Samuel, Wallace W., Agnes R. and Angues C. 

John T. Cooper was born in Cambria Co., Pa., March 26. 1837, 
His ]iarents were Leonard and Julia A. Cooper, nee Elder, the for- 
mer a native of Maryland, the latter of Pennsylvania. They came 
to this county in 183S, and located in Long Grove. There was a 
farrow broken from Davenport to that place, and they moved in 
wagons drawn by horses. Mrs. Cooper walked and carried James, 
then a child, nearly all the way. Their first house was built of 
rails and chinked with leaves and covered with bark. Leonard 
Cooper died Oct. 29, 18G0; his wife resides with the subject of 
tliis sketch. John T. enlisted in the civil war in Co. C, 20th 
Iowa Inf Vol. Participated in the battles of Praiiie Grove, Vicks- 
burg, Port Hudson, Fort Morgan, Fort Blakely and others. He 
was married June 4, 1867, to Anna Glynn, by whom he has had 
six children; five survive, viz.: Charles T., Francis A., William 
A., Mary, Malissaand Anna I. Mr. Cooper owns 200 acres of ex- 
cellent farming land on section .5. Is an enterprising farmer and 
a prominent citizen of Scott County. 

Hugh Donnelly was born in Scotland. March 2, 1829. He is a 
son of Bernard Donnelly, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to 
America with bis family in 1835 and located in New York, 
where they remained until 1852, when they came to Davenport; 
resided there until 1858, then removed to Sheridan Township, 
where they now re.^ide and own a fine farm of 100 acres on section 
31. Tiie subject of this biography was married in 1852 to Rosanna 
Mc Guire. ' They have 10 children— William, Mary xV., John, 
Katie, Maggie, James, Frank, Elizalteth, Hugh and Minnie M. 
Tiie familv are memljers of the Catholic church. 

Ilans Dammann is a son of Henry Dammann, a native of Hol- 
stein, Germany, where our subject was born Oct. 3. 1833. Hans 
left his home' in Germany for the United States in 1854. He 
came to Scott County and" located in Sheriilan Township, where 
he worked by the month for two years; he then bought 50 acres 



1242 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

of land on section 14, wliicli he still owns, and where he is en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising. He was united in marriage 
with Katie Baass in 1865. To them have been born nine children — 
Anne, Emma, Alvina, Amanda, Amelia, Edward, Henry, Charley 
and Emil. The family are membei's of the Lutheran church. 

Htrman H. Frye, farmer and stock- raiser, was born in Hanover, 
Germany, Feb. 4, 1830, and is a son of Earnhardt Frye, also of 
German nativity. The subject of this biography left his native 
country for America in 1846, arriving here in January of that year. 
He went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was engaged in various em- 
ployments 10 year.«. He came to Davenport, Iowa, in January, 1856. 
He remained there two years, and then came to this township and 
purchased a farm of unbroken prairie land on section 30. His 
farm contains 120 acres, and is now finely cultivated. He has 
erected a fine brick residence on his place at a cost of $3,500, and 
a barn 40 x 64 feet, costing 82,000. His farm is all fenced and 
partially laid out in thriving groves and orchards— all the accumu- 
lation of his own iridustry and labor. He was married in 1856 to 
Louise Rier, a native of Prussia, and by whom he has had 10 chil- 
dren, six living, viz.: George, William, Cliailes, Frank, Julia and 
Elizabeth. Their daughter Emma died at the age of 13 years. 

John Grieve was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, on Marcli 1, 
1832. His father, John Grieve, was a Scotchman by birth, and 
emigrated with his family to this country in 1844 and settled in 
Wiiitield Towns-hip. He was a blacksraiih by trade, but followed 
farming after coming to this country until his death, which oc- 
curred in tlie fall of 1876. John Grieve, Jr., was reared on a 
farm and educated in the common-schools. He was united in 
marriage with Georgiana Morrison Oct. 13, 1859. They have 
eight children — Isabella J., Ellon, Georgiana, Elizabeth, Annie, 
Agnes, Jessie M. and Lundy Lloyd J. Mr. Grieve is a member 
of A. O. U. W. Lodge and of the Christian church at Long Grove. 
He is one of the wealthy farmers of the county and owns 200 
aces of rich land in section 2, Sheridan Township. He is exten- 
sively engaged in farming and stock-raising, althongii his fore- 
fathers for six generat'ons have been blacksmiths by trade. 

James Grieve was born in Winfield Township, Sept. 16, 1847, 
son of John Grieve, now deceased, who came to Scott County in 
1844, and was one of the pioneers of the county, and a man well 
respected in the community in which he lived. James Grieve re- 
ceived an education in the district schools of his native place. 
His niarriatie to Jantt Hardie occurred Dec. 25, 1873. She is a 
daughter of David Hardie, a resident of Winfield Township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Grieve have been blessed with three children — John, 
George and Frank. Mr. Grieve is one of the prominent farmers 
and stock-breeders of the county, and owns 80 acres of fine farm- 
ing land on section 2, Sheridan Township. 

PeterW. Ilagedorn is a native of Holstein, Germany, born Nov. 
3, 183^. lie came witii his parents to this county in 1847. The 



SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP. 1243 

now finely cultivated county of Scott was at tliat time au un- 
broken prairie, abounding in deer and wolves, Indians being very 
common. Timber had to be hauled from the Wapsie, a distance of 
14 miles, across the open prairie. Mr. Hagedorn now owns a fine 
farm on section 15, and is an extensive stock-raider; he makes a 
specialty of short horns and graded cattle, and is known as a 
breeder of Clydesdale horses from an imported sire, lie was 
married April 2, 1860, to Eliza Schwarten. To them have been 
born 12 children, three deceased. His father, Claus Hagedorn, 
is now a resident of Davenport. 

Christian Hagedorn is a native of Holstein, Germany, born 
Dec. 13, 1834. His father, Clans Hagedorn, came to the United 
States with his family in the spring of 1847, and settled in Dav- 
enport, and now lives in Sheridan Township. Davenport, at that 
time, was but a small village; lumber had to be brought from 
Moline on rafts rowed by men. Claus Hagedorn helped to build 
the first dam constructed on the Mississippi River at Moline. The 
subject of this sketch was the recipient of a good education in his 
native country. He was married in I860, to Mary Schlotfeldt. 
To them have been born three children, viz.: Lenora, Fidelia and 
Gnstave, now deceased. Mr. Hagedorn is one of Sheridan Town- 
ship's most enterprising and energetic citizens. He has held the 
office of township trustee four 3'ears. 

John J. Hamann, a son of Henry D. Hamann, a native of 
Schleswig, Germany, was born at that place, Oct. 5, 1824. He 
emigrated to this country in 1857, and settled in Davenport 
Township, where he rented land some time. In 1875 he bought a 
farm of 160 acres on section 34, which was but partially improved; 
he now has his farm under a high state of cultivation and is one 
of Scott County's repre:;entative fanners and stock-raisers. Pre- 
vious to coming to this country he was married to Louise Grimm, 
Apr. 17, 1857. They have had a family of seven children, two 
deceased. The living are — John E., Ludwig C, Alvine, Henry 
and Adele. Mr. John Ilamann's brother, Hans D., came to this 
county in 1847, and located in Davenport. Soon after he came to 
this township, where he kept bachelor's hall with Mr. Chris. 
Peterson. 

Jaeoh riageii, son of Jurgen Ilagen, was born May 3, 1817, in 
Holstein, Germany. He came to Scott County in 1868, where he 
rented land nine years, then purchased a farm of 80 acres, on sec- 
tion 30, this township, whicii lie has since improved. He is known 
as an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, and is an enterprising 
citizen of Sheridan Township. He was married in 1844 to Mag- 
dalina Niemer. Their married life has been blessed with seven 
children, viz.: Christian, John, Jochim, C'atharine, Mary, "Wil- 
helmeina and Herman. Mr. Hagen is a member of the Lutheran 
church. 

Henry He^Jcenn, son of John Helkenn, was born in Holstein, 
Germany, Aug. 26, 1821. He followed the trade of stone mason 
79 



1244 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

until his arrival in this country in 1858, since which time lias 
been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His marriage to Magdalina 
Rnsch took place Nov. 1, 1847. Their married life has been 
blessed with 10 children, eight living — John, Margaret, Hans, 
Boye, Henry, Nicholas, Gustav and Julius. Mr. Helkenn owns 
200 acres of finely cultivated land on section 2, Sheridan Town- 
ship, and also 220 acres in AVinfield Township, and is classed among 
the enterprising and prosperous farmers of this county. 

Michael Kdly, a native of Ireland, was born March 13, 1836. 
His fatlier, Timothy Kelly, was also a native of the Emerald 
Isle. Michael came to this country and located in Scott County, 
in May, 1859. He rented land for two years, then leased his 
present farm for four years, purchasing it before the lease expired. 
He married in Ireland in 1858, Delia Agnes O'Fane, born in that 
country. They have had a family of 13 children, 11 surviving, 
viz.: Lizzie, Thomas, Kate, Walter, Theodore, Michael, James, 
Magffie, Agnes, Lottie and Delia. Mr. Kelly is a prominent 
farmer and stock-breeder of Sheridan Township, and owns a farm 
of 320 acres of finely improved land. The family are members of 
the Catholic church. 

C. H. K%M is a native of Holstein, Germany, and was born Dec. 
3, 1830. His father, Clans Kuhl, was likewise of German nativity. 
He came to Scott County in 1852, and in the fall of that year went 
to St. Louis, returning in 1853. In 1854 he made a trip to Vicks- 
burg. and in 1855 located permanently in this county. On Nov. 
25, 1856, he was married to Elizabeth Thompson, of Sweden. 
They have four children — Henry, Amelia, Emma and William. 
Mr. Kuhl served his township as supervisor several years. He 
resides on section 14, Sheridan Township, where he owns a finely 
cultivated farm. 

A. H. Lam]} is a son of Glaus Lamp, a native of Germany, who 
is now living in Davenport Township, at the age of 81 years. Our 
subject was born Jan. 18, 1836, in Holstein, Germany. He came 
with his parents to Davenport in 1847, remained there until 1S5S, 
when he came to this township and settled on a farm on section 15. 
He was married in 1858 to Lena A. Klindt, of Germany. They 
have had six children, four living, viz. : Minnie, Emma, August 
and Augusta. Mr. Lamp is one of the most extensive farmers 
and stock-raisers in Sheridan Township ; he owns 160 acres where 
he resides, and 520 acres in the township. He has held various 
township offices of trust. 

John Lang, son of Gavin Lang, of Scotch nativity, was born 
April 15, 1824, in County Lanark, Scotland. He was married in 
his native country to Margaret Young, March 13, 1846 ; she was 
born in Linlithgowshire, Scotland. They have had ten children, 
viz. : Gavin, William, Margaret, Agnes, Jeanette, Jane, John and 
Bessie. The family are all professed Cliristiaas. In 1847 Mr. 
Lang and wife came to the United States; they stayed at Albany, 
N. Y., six months, thence to Venango Co., Pa. In March, 1851, 



SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP. 1245 

Mr. Lang caine to Scott Countj and looked at tlie land. Being 
pleased with the outlook iiere he returned to PtnuBylvania I'or his 
family in April of that year. He bought a farm of 160 acres of 
raw prairie on section 11. He went to work with a will to improve 
his land and establish a home tor his fiimily in this new country, 
and success has attended his efforts. He has a number of large 
trees on his farm, which he raised from seed. 

Anderson, Martm, a son of Joseph Martin, of New York State, 
was born Aug. 9, 1827, in Ottawa Co., N. Y. His early life was 
spent on his father's farm, in his native State, where he attended 
the district schools and obtained a good education. Accompanied 
by his parents he came to S?,ott County in ISl-fJ. This county was 
at that time in astate of nature, and the hoiaeofmany savage tribes. 
Wild t\irkeys and deer roamed unmolested over the prairies. The 
family were among the tirst to settle here. The subject of this 
sketch is a jolly old bachelor, residing in section S, this township; 
he owns 160 acres and is an enterprising farmer and stock-breeder. 
He has held several township offices; was assessor two years and 
township clerk one year. Also held offices in Wintield Township. 

Joachim Muhs^ a native of llolstein, Germany, was born Sept. 

28, 1829. He served in the Schleswig-Holstein army against Den- 
mark from 1849 to '51. In 185i he came to the United States 
and located in Scott Count}', where he worked by the month the 
first year; then bouglit a threshing machine, which he ran for one 
year; then sold it for tive yokeof o.xen, with which he bi'oke prairie 
tliree years. He now owns 387 acres of land in Sheridan Town- 
ship, which is under good cultivation and well stocked. He was 
married in 1857 to Catharine Gottsch. To thein were born 12 chil- 
dren. Six boys and three girls are living. The family belong to 
the Lutheran church. 

Alexander Mtirrison was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Se])t. 

29, 18t>S. His father. George Murrison, was a native also of that 
countiT, and a weaver by trade. Alexander worked on a farm 
from the time he was nine years old until he was 15, when he 
went to learn the shoemaker's trade. In May, 1S35. he went to 
Canada, where he worked at his trade until 1852, when he went to 
Lexington, Mich. He remained there until 1858, when he came 
to Scott County, and settled on his farm of 160 acres, in Sheridan 
Township, which he had entered in 1850. He was married Oct. 
1, 1838, to Mary A. Macklen, of Canada. They have had nine 
children, seven living — George, Susan. James, William, Mary J., 
Ellen and Nancy. They are all married except the last two named. 
Mr. and Mrs. Murrison are worthy members of the Baptist 
church. 

Nelson L. Oshorn is a native of Meigs Co., Oliio, born Nov. 
26, 1820. His father. Jeremiah Osborn, was born in Albany, N. 
Y., and served in the war of 1812; was stationed on Stratton 
Island, and died of cholera in 1854, at St. Louis, on his way here. 
Josiah Usborn, father of Jeremiah, was a soldier under Washing- 



1246 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

ton during the the Eevolutionary war. There were nine brothers 
of the elder Osborns, wlio came from Europe to America in an 
early day, and of whom most all the Osborns now in this 
country "are descendants. Kelson Osborn's Grandfather Parker 
was a surgeon in the Revolution. The subject of this sketch ran on 
the lower Mississippi River 22 years, eight of which he navigated 
a boat of his own. In 1843 he came to Scott County, on a visit to 
his Uncle Lyman Osborn; being pleased with the prospect, he locat- 
ed here in 1856. He owns 80 acres on section 30 in this township, 
160 acres in Liberty Township, and 160 acres in Cedar County, this 
State. He has his farm in this township under good cultivation, 
has planted groves and orchards, and otherwise improved the 
place. He was united in marriage, in 1842, to Harriet Congrove, 
of Virginia. They are the parents of eight children, viz.: Alex. 
H., Phcebe M., Mary F., William H., Drusilla, Mary J., Melinda 
A. and lophia J. 

C. C. Painter was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Feb. 2, 1843. 
His father, Benjamin Painter, was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Pa. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and attended 
the district schools of his native place, and the Illinois Military 
School, at Fulton. He came with his parents to this county in 
1858, and settled in Hickory Grove Township, his father buying 
land in that and Sheridan Townships. He was married in 1865 
to Susan C, daughter of Isaac Winey, of Allen's Grove. Their 
children are — John J., Mary A. and Charles A.; one deceased 
Mr. C. C. Painter owns a farm of 240 acres on section 7, is one ot 
the most successful farmers and stock-raisers of Scott County. 
His brother, Benjamin F. Painter, was born in Stark Co., Ohio., 
Jan. 9,1850. He was reared on a farm and educated in the Dav- 
enport Commercial College. He came to this county at the same 
time that his brother, C. C. Painter, did. He spent the summer ot 
1869 in Cass Co., Iowa. He is a jolly old bachelor, residing on 
section 18, on a farm of 240 acres. 

August Richter, physician and surgeon, Mt. Joy, located here in 
1878. He was born Jan. 25, 1843, in Berlin, Prussia. He is a son 
of August G. Richter, a native of Saxony. Dr. Richter came to 
this country, and landed in New York City in 1867, having previ- 
ously graduated in medicine in Berlin. He attended the Univer- 
sity "of Buffalo, N. T., and graduated from the medical department 
of that institution in 1872. He practiced there until 1875, when 
he went to Chicago and remained six months, thence to Iowa, 
and in 1878 he came to Scott County and located in Mt. Joy, 
where he has a large and lucrative practice. He was marrie d in 
1867 to Anna, daughter of Joseph May. They have three chil- 
dren, viz.: Anna, Clara and Katie. 

Frederick A. Eochan is a native of Holstein, Germany, born 
Nov. 2, 1829. His father, Hans C. Rochan, was also born in that 
country. Frederick A. came to this country and went to St. Louis 
in 1847; lie learned the cooper's trade there. In 1848 he came to 



SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP. 1247 

Davenport and worked at his trade until 1852. He was engaged in 
teaming untill857, when he bought the farm where he now resides, 
on section 29. His farm contained 200 acres of line fanning land; 
he also owns 120 acres in Lincoln Township. He was united in 
marriage Oct. 23, 18.50, with Catharine Stoltenherg. Tliey have 
had 12 children, 10 living, viz.: Charlie, Julia, Mina, Emma, 
Lydia, Louise, John, Allen, Louie and Plenry. Mr. Rochan was 
justice of the peace four years; is now school director. He is pres- 
ident of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Scott 
County, and has held that position for the past six years. 

MaxF. liohIff\s fi native of Ilolstein, Germany, born Sept. 1, 
1829. His father, Asmiis Rohlff, was also of German birth. The 
subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and obtained a com- 
mon-school education. In November of 1855, he came to Amer- 
ica and located in Slieridan Township, la., on section 36. He 
owns a line farm of 180i acres, valued at $S0 an acre, and it is one 
of the most valuable in the conn tv. He was married April 12, 
1857, to Bertha Schneckloth, of German nativity. Their family 
consists of nine children — Anne (now the the wife of William 
Halle, of Davenport), Lena, Asinus, Johnnie, Clara, Hugo, Richard, 
Alfred and Herman. Mr. Rohltf is adjuster for the German Mu- 
tual Fire Insurance Company. Has been a member of the Lu- 
theran church nearly all his lile. 

Lorem Rogge was born in Prussia, Nov. 1, 1838. His father 
was Godfred Rogge, also a native of that country. Lorenz Rogge 
was reared on a farm, and received his education chiefly in the 
schools of his native country. He has studied to some extent by 
himself. He came to this country in 1819, and was married here 
to Dorathea Meinhart, Sept. 27, 186-i. They have had four chil- 
dren, viz.: Philip L., Anna D., Genofeva J. and Louise K. The 
family came to this country in 1864 and settled in Sheridan Town- 
ship, where they own a farm of 280 acres in section 34. By hard 
work and close attention to business, he has succeeded in getting 
his farm under good cultivation. He was assessor of his township 
seven years; has been secretary of the School Board since Septem- 
ber, 1876. He is a member of the German Roman Benevolent 
Society, and the family are members of the Catholic church at 
Davenport. 

John Rogers, a native of Northern Scotland, was burn Feb. 17, 
1845. His father, Thomas Rogers, was a Scotchman and born in 
1800. John Rogers came to this county and located in Clinton Co., 
la., in 1865. He went to De Kalb Co., Mo., where he spent four 
years, thence to Hardin Co., la., wiiere he remained one year. He 
came to Scott County in 1875, and settled in Eldridge, Sheridan 
Township. He followed the avocation of a blacksmith some time, 
then conducted the Eldridge House a few months. He is now en- 
gaged in making barbed wire fencing. He was married in Febru- 
ary, 1873, to Mattie McBride. of Philadelphia, Pa. She came with 
her parents to Illinois when quite small, and located in Toulon, 



1248 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

Stark County, then removed to Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers 
have two children — Alpha and Victor. Mr.Rogers held the otiice 
of justice of the peace here for four years, and was elected for the 
third term, but refused to serve. He is a member ot the A. O. U. 
W. Lodge. 

Oustav G. Musch was born in Sheridan Township, July 18, 
1852. His father, Nicholas J. Rusch, now deceased, was a native 
ot Holstein, Germany, and settled in Scott County in 1847. The 
subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and obtained a good 
education in Bryant & Sti-atton's Business College, of Davenport. 
He married Minnie Harding in May, 1877. She is a daughter of 
Peter B. Harding, of German nativity, who located in Scott 
Count}', in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Rusch have one child, Emily. Mr. 
Rusch owns a fine farm of 165 acres in Sheridan Township, and is 
classed with Scott County's most prosperous and enterprising 
farmers. 

Bruce T. Seaman is a son of Joseph Seaman, who is a native of 
Washington Co., Pa., and is now a resident of Scott County. 
Bruce T. Seaman was born Nov. 19, 1815, in Greene Co., Pa., and 
came to this county in company witii his parents in 1846. His 
boyhood days were spent on his fatlier's farm. He was educated in 
the common schools, and also attended the State University at Iowa 
City. He was united in marriage Jan. 10, 1869, with Louisiana 
L. Micks, a daughter of Gilbert Micks, of this township. She was 
born in Dearborn Co., Ind. They have had six children, five 
living, viz.: Earnest W., James W., Winnifred L., Grace and 
Bertha. Mr. Seaman is known as a breeder of blooded stock, and 
makes a specialty of fine horses; he has a farm of 160 acres on 
section 33. He represented Scott County in the General Assembly 
two terms. He has held the office of justice of the peace for the 
past 10 years; has also been school director and constable. 

Eggert Schmidt was born Jan. 6, 1819, in Holstein, Germany. 
He attended school there until July, 1852, when he came to the 
United States, and located in Davenport Township, where he re- 
mained some time; thence to Sheridan Township, in 1855. His 
marriage to Annie Hai'der occurred in 1855. Their married life 
has been blessed with eight children, six living — Mary, Emma, 
Herman, Lena, Laura and Clara. He owns 80 acres of fine land 
on section 23, which is under good cultivation and thoroughly 
stocked. Mr. Schmidt is known as one of Scott Counties most en- 
terprising farmers. 

E. V. Van Eps is the proprietor of a general store at Eldridge. 
The store was first established in 1871 by S. H. Burris, who em- 
ployed Mr. Van Eps as a clerk. Mr. Burris sold to Mr. Young, who 
subsequently disposed of his stock to Mr. W. S. Block in the spring 
of 1879. He carries a stock of $2,000; his annual sales amount to 
$6,000. He is a native ot Schenectady Co., N. Y., born Sept. 10, 
1833. He enlisted in Company C. 66th Hlinois Sharp-Shooters, 
under Col. Birge, and fought in the battles of Fort Donelson, 



SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP. 1249 

Sliiloh, Corinth and Chattanooga. His term of enlistment expired 
the day before lie helped take Athinta. llis father, Chas. Van Eps 
was one of the early settlers of Scott Connty, having come to 
Davenport Township in 1854. He was a farmer by occupation. 
Mr. Block sold his interest to J. D. McCormick, who occupied the 
store about two years. In April, 1879, Mr. Yan Eps embarked in 
business, and in December of the same year removed his stock to the 
building whicii he now occupies. 

John C. Vogt is a son of Tim Vogt, a native of llolstein, Ger- 
many, where our subject was also born, May 22, 1820. He emi- 
f rated to America in 1847. and located in Sheridan Township, 
owa, where he still resides. He entered 160 acres of land, which 
was at that time unbroken prairie. He now owns 318 acres of line 
fanning land. He was married in his native country in 1847 to 
Mary C. Gaack. To them have been born nine children, six liv- 
ing — Louise, William. Amelia, Henry. Alvina and Julius. 

William Vogt was born in Scott County, June 9, 1848. He is 
a son of John C. Vogt, a native of Germany, who came to the 
United States in 1817. William Vogt was reared on a farm, and 
was educated in the common-schools of this county. He was 
married in March. 1875. to Minnie Brockman, of German nativity, 
and a daughter of C. H. Brockman, a native also of tiiat country. 
Mr. and Mrs. Vogt are the parents ot three children, viz.: Ciiris- 
tian, Harry and Waldeniar. Mr. Vogt has a line farm of 166 
acres in section 26, and is an extensive stock-breeder. He lias 
held the office of supervisor of his township several years. 

Oilbert Wicks is a native of Dearborn Co., Ind., born Oct. 25, 
1822; he is a son of Silas Wicks, born on Long Island, and set- 
tled in Indiana about 1820. Gilbert Wicks was reared on a farm, 
and received his education in one of the old time log school- 
houses of his native State. He was married in October, 1847, 
to Almira Vaughn, born in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Wicks' mar- 
ried life has been blessed with hve chihlren, four living, viz.: 
Louisana L., Martha A.. Judson L. and Alonzo H. Mr. Wicks 
came to Scott County, and settled on his present farm in Sheridan 
Township in 1856. He is classed with Siieridan Township's most 
extensive farmers and stock-raisers, and owns a tinely-cultivated 
farm of 266 acres on section 19. He has been supervisor, town- 
ship trustee and sclipol-director a number of years. 

Peter Wiese, proprietor of the Six Mile House at Mt. Joy, was 
born in Holstein, Germany, Sept. 7. 1832. He went to St. Claire 
Co., III., in October, 1851; from there became to Scott County in 
1852. He worked as a fixrm labf>rer here several years, and was 
engaged in railroading some time; lie built 50 milesof the C, M. 
& St. P. R R. He took charge of the Six Mile House at Mt. 
Joy in the fall of 1863; the house was built in 1856 by Henry 
Piper. He was married in 1858 to Christina, daughter of Henry 
Piper. They have had eight children, seven living, viz.: Meta, 
Anne, Julius, Emil, Henry, Cliriste and Plelena. Mr. Wiese 



f 



1250 



HISTORY OF SCOTT COimTY. 



came to this county in very limited circumstances, and by untir- 
ing perseverance has gained for himself a line property and home; 
he owns 400 acres in Shelby County and 20 in this county. He is 
the present postmaster of Mt. Joy and was township trustee three 
years. 




A 



WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

Winfield Towiisliip was first settled in 1830, by William and 
John Quinn, wlio located their claims on sections 5 and S, and at 
once erected a log cabin and commenced improvements tliereon. 
William died in ISSO, and John when last heard from by his old 
neighbors yet living in the township, was residing in Oregon. 

The next to locate here were Joseph and James Qninn, brothers 
of William and John. Josepii now resides in Linn Grove, and 
James is in Nebraska County. 

In answer to queries propounded by the historian of the Inter- 
State Publishing Company, .lohn Robertson gave the following ac- 
count of the early settlers of the township, or those living here in 
July, 1844: "John Quinn, from Ohio, opened a farm on section 
9, now owned by J. T. Mason, who has occupied it since 1845; 
afterward laid oti' Point Pleasant on sections 4 and .5, and removed 
to California. Mr. Norman from Virginia, at Point Pleasant. Mr. 
Freeman moved to Sheridan Townshij). Robert Waterhouse moved 
to De Witt, Clinton Co. Henry Lea came from Canachi and 
returned to the same place. George Ellis established a black- 
smith shop at Point Pleasant, in 1844. Edwar 1 Lea entered a 
large amount of land in the township, but returned to Canada in 
1845. Isaac Swim moved to Princeton Township, since deceased. 
Mr. Haskell's present res'dence is unknown. Joseph Quinn moved 
to Hickory Grove Township. James and William Quinn moved 
to Mahaska County. William, since deceased. Mr. Martin moved 
to what is now ButlerTownship. He is now dead. Mr. Siierman 
moved to the Fifteen-Mile House, which is now in Butlei- Town- 
shii). Leonard Cooper from Pennsylvania, since deceased. Charles 
Elder and family, from Pennsylvania. Mr. Elder died previous to 
1844, but the family were then residing here. Mrs. Arable moved 
to Cascade. Elihu Alvord moved to Pleasant Valley Township; 
since deceased. He was frum Connecticut. Rrownlie brothers 
came from Scotland to Canada, and from there here. James is pastor 
of the Christian church at Long Grove; Alexander moved to Pow- 
esliiek County; Robert and William are dead." 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school taught in the township was in 1841, by Domi- 
nick Kennedy. This was an indejjendeiit school, and the tuition 
was i)aid by parties sending their children, llatinah Alvord taught 
as early as 1849, in the log ciuirch erected by the community, and 
used by the Disciples, the first church erected outside of Dav- 
enport. 

(1251) 



1252 HISTORY OF SCOTT COtJNTT. 

Winiield Township, as a 'school district, has two sub-districts, 
with 190 scholars, and an enrollment of 93. The school-houses 
are small and valued at §1,000 for the two. In addition the town- 
ship has two independet districts. Long Grove, No. 1, and Winfield, 
No. 2. The former has a school-house valued at S800, and has ia 
the district 109 pupils, with an enrollment of 61. Winiield No. 2 
has a frame school-house, valued at §1,000, and 104 pupils in the 
district, with an enrollment of 41. 



RELIGIOUS. 

The Disciples, or Christians, have the honor of first preaching 
the Werd in this township. The first religious services were 
held at the house of James Brownlie iu the fall of 1838, and were 
conducted by James Brownlie and brothers, who were members of 
the Christian church. A church or congregation was soon after- 
ward organized, and was composed of Alexander, James, William 
and Robert Brownlie and their families. James Brownlie was 
elected elder, and Alexander Brownlie, deacon. A log meeting- 
house was subsequently erected and used for some years. In 
1860 a frame house, 40 x 50 feet, 15 feet high, was erected at a 
cost of §1,000 cash, but a large amount of work. James Brownlie, 
JamesRumbold, H. G. Neal, James Hartzel, Henr}' Exley and 
J. H. Gilruth have each labored for the cliurch. James Brownlie 
is the present elder; Dr. S. D. Richardson, John Grear, and C. 
Clapp, deacons. The church is moderately prosperous, and 
numbers about 50 members. A Sunday-school is kept up which 
was first organized in 1839. A. W. Brownlie is the present super- 
intendent. 

The Roman Catholics have also a church in that ownship, lo- 
cated on section 14, which is in a flourishing condition. Father 
Smith now ministers to the spiritual wants of the^congregation. 

RAILROAD. 

The Davenport & St. Paul, now the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad, passes through the township. One branch en- 
tering on section 85, and running almost due north, leaves the 
township from section 2, where it crosses the Wapsipinecon 
River; the other branch enters on section 32, and leaves on sec- 
tion 31. 

POINT PLEASANT. 

This was a village laid oif in 1839 by John Quinn, on the 
Wapsipinecon River, on sections 4 and 5. The surveying and plat- 
ting was done by A. T. Russell, county surveyor. Like thou- 
sands of "future great " places, the town came to naught, and 
its site is now a portion of the farm of the Normans. 



WINFIELD TOWNSHn'. 1253 

LONG GROVE. 

Long Grove is a small station on the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railivad. It has never been platted, but a postoffice 
has existed here tor many years, having been established in 1S70, 
with S. D. Eichardson as its first postmaster. He has held the 
office ever since, and also runs a general merchandise store at 
the same place. There are now two stores, one saloon, blacksmith 
shop, shoe shop, carpenter shop, etc. 

LONfi GKOVE PLOWING SOCIETY. 

The Plowing Society of Long Grove was organized April 5, 
1858, and the following officers were elected: John Madden, Presi- 
dent; William Robertson, Treasurer; David Ilardin, Secretary; 
John Robertson and Alex. Brownlie, Superintendents; John Pol- 
lock, John Long and H. M. Thomson, Awarding Committee. 

The objects of the organization were to incite an interest in plow- 
ing, and promote a more thorough and efficient system of cultiva- 
tion of the soil b}' the best approved methods. The members of 
this societ}' took premiums for the best work at every county and 
State fair where they competed. In 187-1 the older members of 
the society becoming inactive through age, interest in the afl'air 
lagged, and the work of the association virtually ceased. 

Mills were scarce in Iowa at that day, and many families lived 
on hominy, and corn-meal ground in a coffee, mill. The nearest 
mill was at Pleasant A'alley, and another at the mouth of Pine 
Creek, Muscatine County. 

In 1S40 George Daily built a small grist-mill on the little creek 
nortli of Walnut Grove. It was the product of his own labor, ex- 
cept the stones, which were cut out of a prairie boulder and finished 
up for running by Alex. Brownlie, who was a stone mason. Mr. 
Daily, who was an iionest, hard-working man, ground for many 
years all the grain for the neighborhood, and made very good 
flour, although it took him some time to do it, upon his rude and 
primitive mill. He was called the honest miller. The old mill 
has gone to decay, and the builder removed to other parts. 

It was about the last of August, 1838, that Alexander and James 
Brownlie built their cabins of logs and boards in the east end of 
the grove, in a cluster of large trees, that sheltered them from 
the bleak prairie winds. They afterward sawed lumber by iiand 
with a whip-saw, rolling the logs upon a platform and one standing 
beneath. In tiiis way they not only supplied themselves with. lum- 
ber, but furnished much for their neighbors. Lumber then was 
wortl) some $10 in Davenport, and was not as good as that fur- 
nished by the Biownlies; the same could now be had for $18 
and $20 per thousand. Well do many of the old settlers remem- 
ber the solid comfort one found in their first cal)in. It was the 
only place for a long time, between Davenport and Point Pleas- 



1254 HISTORY OF scorr county. 

ant, on the "Wapsipinecon, that tlie traveler could find feed for his 
horse or food for himself, and he was never turned away cold or 
hungry, nor had he ever any reason to complain of high charges 
or wantof attention. The traveler wasever welcome, and although 
no designs or pretentions were made to keep a public house, yet 
none knew better, or were more willing to add to the comforts of all, 
than Mrs. Brownlie. The first stage road, and for some time the 
only road, to De Witt from Davenport, passed through this grove.. 
The Messrs. Quinn at a later day opened farms on the prairie 
south of the grove. James Quinn was elected in 1S59 to the House 
of Representatives on the Republican ticket, and was a man com- 
petent and well worthy to fill the honorable station to which he 
was elected. 

The Brownlies still held their original possessions, with their 
lands under the best cultivation. The old log: cabins have given 
place to beautiful dwellings, surrounded by choice fruit-trees and 
gardens, and the Messrs. Brownlie are considered among the neat- 
est, most judicious and prosperous farmers of Scott County. 
Hugh M. Thomson, John llobertson, John Pollock and John 
Grieve, all brothers-in-law direct from Scotland, also settled iti this 
grove at a later day, and are said to be not only good farmers, 
but scientific in their operations, and pay great attention to im- 
provements in agriculture and the breedingof good stock. There 
are many others in and around this grove, both old and new set- 
tlers, well deserving of notice, who have done much toward the 
progress of agriculture in that settlement. In the early days of 
this colony there seemed to have been planted as a basis, good, 
sound, moral and religious principles, and they have been main- 
tained to the present time. 

In those days men were expected to be honest and were honest. 
" No one thought of locking their doors." The postotfice was at 
Point Pleasant, and John Quinn was postmaster. He was often 
from home, and the oflice was left open for all to wait on themselves. 
The whole neighborhood would take their letters to mail, and 
leaving them, would get what ni;dl belonged to them, leaving their 
postage on the letter box or account afterward for the same, none 
desiring to cheat the postmaster. Everybody was poor alike and 
needed friends, and was always friendly. There was none of that 
grasping, selfish disposition exhibited in many of the early settle- 
ments of our country, and consequently but little quarreling aboiat 
claims or anything else. There was room for all, and the Long 
Grove settlement was a pattern of excellence in its early struggle, 
and nobly did it succeed. It stands to-day among the most enter- 
prising, moral and religious coramunitie in the county or State. 

A span of horses and wngon in those days were hired at 
$5 per day. The Brownlies owned the first wagon and the 
first fanning-mill in or about the settlement, which was used in 
common by the community for many years. 



■WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1255 

" In the autumn of 1S3S," says Mr. Brownlie, " wlien the first 
snow fell, our oxen strayed awa}', and early next morning I started 
on their traclc, following them across the uninhabited ]irairie toward 
tlie Mississippi Kiver. and came \ip with them in Pleasant Valley 
about dark, without any money with me or acquaintance in that 
neighborhood. I applied for shelter and food ot a true pioneer, 
who has often fed the hungry and made glad the heart of the 
distressed immigrant by his cliecrful and lively disjwsition, and 
above all, his free and generous heart," It was the rude shanty ot 
Captain IsaacIIawley, then just settled. The Captain not (mly 
gave him the hospitalities of the night, but supplied him unsolicited, 
with money he might need on his return. How sweet are the 
remembrances of such acts of kindness as we look back upon the 
scenes of early life in the West. 

BIOGKAPHICAI,. 

James Armstrong^ a native of Dunfriesshire, Scotland, was born 
Sept. 20, 1829. He emigrated to America in 1850, and arrived in 
Davenport on the 18th of Julv, that year. He rented a f\irm in 
Long Grove Townshi]), which he cultivated two years, then bought 
40 acres in that township. Six years later he bought a farm in 
Winiield Township which he still owns. He owns 306 acres on 
section 7, all under cultivation. In March, 1850, he was married 
in England to ^lary Pollard, who was born in Ireland, Sept. 12, 
1829. Their matrimonial life has been blessed with five children 
— John, born Mav 13, 1851 ; liichard, Jan. 21, 1853; Robert, Dec. 
17, 1854; Elizabeth, Dec. 16, 1856 ; and Mary, Feb. 17, 1859. 
Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Catholic church. He is a 
Greenbacker in politics. 

Christian Bloom was born in Germany, Dec. 24. 1831. In 1861 
he left his native land for America, and landed at Xew York, June 
18 of that 3'ear. He cams immediately to Davenport, where he 
worked for James Brownlie three years, then rented a farm which 
he cultivated seven years. At the cx])iration ol' this time he bought 
the place where he now lives, in Wintield Township. He bought 
80 acres at first, and has since added SO acres, making in all 160, 
situated on section 21. He raises grain and stock of all kinds. He 
was married in 1855, to Frederike Smith, who was born in Ger- 
many, Oct. 15, 1832, and cmae to America in 1861. They have 
had seven children— John C, born in Germany, July 24, 1856; he 
now resides in Harrison County, his wife died May 20, 18S1 ; 
Herman born in America, Sept. 17. 1861; William, Feb. 12, 1864; 
Robert, Sept. 6, 1865; Ferdinand, Aug. 29, 1868; Matilda, Sept. 
13, 1874; and Christian, born May 2, 1878. Mr. Bloom has held 
the office of school director of his district. In politics he is a 
Republican, and in religious sentiment a Lutheran. 

P. t. Brenan is a native of Ireland, and was born in June, 
1822. He emigrated to America in 1829, with his parents, and, 



1256 HISTORY 01 SCOTT COUNTY. 

landed at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and from there went to Fall River, 
Massachusetts; remained there four years, then went to St. Louis, 
Mo. Four years later he came to Davenport, afterward returned 
to St. Louis, and in 1850 crossed the plains to Sacramento City, 
Cal. He returned to Davenport after a sojourn of four j'ears, via 
the Isthmus of Panama, New Orleans and St. Louis. He bought 
40 acres in Winfield Township, which he sold 12 years after and 
bought the farm he nowlives on. It consists of SO acres of well- 
improved land. In Jul}', 1856, he was married to Margaret Mc- 
Steen. They have had six children — Annie, born in 1857; James, 
in 1859; Katie, in 1861; Thomas, in 1863; John, in 1865, and 
Charles, in 1S67. Mr. Brenan has served his township as road 
supervisor, school director, aTid at present holds the office of justice 
of the peace. He belongs to the Catholic church, and in politics 
is a Democrat. 

Mrs. Bridget Brojyhy, nee O'Connell, was born in County Gal- 
way, Ireland, about the j'ear 1817, and was there married to 
Thomas Logan, in 1837. He was born at that place in 1814. 01 
three children born of this union, one survives — Michael, born 
in September, 1840. Mr. Thomas Logan died in 1847, and in 
1850 his widow came to the United States. She landed at New 
York and went at once to New Jersey, where she was married, in 
1853, to Thomas Brophy, a native of Tipperary Co., Ireland. 
Their union was blessed with three children, two living — Edward, 
born June 2, 1856, and Cecelia, born Feb. 27, 1857. In 1865 Mr. 
and Mrs. Brophy came to Scott County and bought 40 acres of 
land, which they cultivated eight years, then bought tlie place 
where she now resides, of 200 acres, in Winfield Township. Mr. 
Brophy died very suddenlj' on the morning of the 13th of Jan- 
nary, isSO. He was apparently as well as usual, ate breakfast 
with his family, and at 10 o'clock was a corpse. The cause of his 
death was supposed to be heart disease. He was a kind and indul- 
gent father and a good neighbor, a man well respected in the com- 
munity in which he lived. The sons are managing the farm, and 
raise grain and stock for the market at Davenport. 

A. D. Brov}nlie, one of the prominent farmers of Scott County, 
was born in Winfield Township, this county, on the 12th of No- 
vember, 1850, in the house where he now lives. His father was 
one of the pioneers of Scott County, having located in Winfield 
Township in 1837. He is now living in Poweshiek Co., la., 
at the age of 77 years; his wife is 71 years old. The subject ot 
this sketch was educated in the old log school-house on section 26; 
it was at that time the only place ot holding meeting in the town- 
ship. He was married to Eliza L. McGinnis, Oct. 7, 1875. She 
was born in LeClaire, Dec. 1, 1850. Four children liave blessed 
this union— Ella May, born July 27, 1876; Howard, Dec. 23, 
1877; Agnes M., July 15, 1879, and Charles L., born July 22, 
1881. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlie are members of the Christian 
church. He is a Republican. 



WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1257 

Bartholomew Conry was born in tlie county of Roscommon, 
Ireland, Sept. IS, 1832. On the loth of February, 1855, he em- 
barked for America, and arrived in Scott County on May 20 
of that year. In 18(55 he bought the farm he now lives on, in 
Winfield Township. It contains 120 acres of good land, all un- 
der improvement, and thoroughly stocked. lie was married in 
Davenport, Feb. 15, 1858. to Catharine O'Connell, who was born 
in tiie county of Galway, Ireland, Dec. 20, 1838. Her ])arent8 
died there, and she came alone to the Qnited States in 1845. She 
resided in New Jersey before coming to Scott County. They 
have no children, and are living happily, enjoying the fruits of a 
woll-cnltivated farm. 

/^(y>/tff<?/|6''cifl/;('r was born in Cambria Co., Pa., Nov. 1, 1833. lie 
came to Scott County in the spring of 1830, and followed farming 
and brick-making for several years. For the past 20 3'ears he has 
engaged exclusively in farming. He owns 168 acres of well-im- 
proved land, and makes a s])ecialty of raising line stock. His 
marriage with Celina M. De La Croix occurred July 7, 1860. She 
is of French jiarentawe and birth. They have two children — Julia 
C, born Aug. 14, 1868, and Theresa E., born Jan. 14, 1872. In 
1878 Mr. and Mrs. Cooper went to Europe and visited England, 
Ireland, Wa'es, and made quite a long stay in Paris, visiting 
relatives and friends. They returned to America in May, 1879. 
Mr. Cooper has held various local otiices of trust in the township, 
among them school director and road supervisor. He is a mem- 
ber of the Catholic church. 

John Doyle was born in the parish of Killeagh, County Cork, 
Ireland, Sept. 29, 1825. He emigrated to America in May, 1850, 
and landed at New York, thence to Wisconsin, where he remained 
until the fall of 1852, when he returned to New York. In Feb- 
ruary, 1854, he went to San Francisco, Cal., and engaged in the 
butcher business there until October, 1861, when he came to 
Scott Count}', and the following month bought a farm of 160 
acres in Winfield Township, where he resides. He now owns 
640 acres of fine land, and is extensively engaged in farming and 
stock-breeding, and makes a specialty of the latter. He was mar- 
ried April 15, 1863, to Ann Priscilla Cooper, in Winfield Town- 
ship. Their union has been blessed with five children — Julia 
Josephine, born May 13, 1864; Mary Elizabeth, born Sept. 19, 
1866; Henrietta Genevieve, born May 10, 1868; John Leonard, 
born Nov. 6, 1870, and William Joseph, born May 18, 1872. 
Jlr. Doyle is a member of the Catholic church. He has filled 
the ofhces of justice of the peace and trustee of iiis township. 

Joseph Elder was born in Cambria Co., Pa., April 9, 1837. He 
emigrated to Scott County in 1838 with his parents, and lived 
with them until they died. His father's death occurred in 1S45; 
his mother's in 1842. He was then bound out until he was 20 
years old, but only remained until his 18th year. In 1862 he en- 
listed in Co. C, 20th Iowa Inf., and served three years. He partici- 



1258 HISTOET OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

pated in the battles of Prairie Grove and Vicksburg, and was then 
sent to New Orleans on Gen. Banks' staif. Three months later he 
went to Point Isabel, Texas, and was stationed along the coast of 
that State for seven months; then returned to New Orleans; took 
part in the siege of Fort Morgan, Ala. He was mustered out at 
Clinton, Iowa, July 8, 1S65. He was married to Mary J. Glynn 
April 10, 1866. She was born in Ireland, Nov. 1, 1836, and came 
with her parents to Winfield Township, Scott County, in 1855. 
Her father died Aug. 3, 1863, and in 1861 her mother moved to 
Davenport. Mr. Elder owns 200 acres of fine land, and is en- 
gaged in raising grain and stock. 

John Minis was born in Canada, June 5, 1850. He came with 
his parents to Winfield Township in 1853. They settled upon the 
farm where our subject now resides. He was educated in this 
township. He owns KtO acres of land, and farms 120 acres, the 
remainder being used for pasturage. He raises all kinds of grain 
and stock. He was married in January, 1870, to Mary Kehoe, 
who was born in Iowa in 1851. To tliem have been born five 
children — James T., born in January, 1871; Charles John, Nov. 
6, 1871; Edward v., Jan. 22, 1878; Elizabeth Ann. Nov. 26, 
1876, and Dennis H., Aug. 26, 1881. Mr. Ennis has held the 
office of road supervisor; he is a member of the Catholic chnrcli, 
and in politics is a Democrat. 

Patr'tclc Faren was born in the county of Loult, Ireland, in Au- 
gust, 1831. In 1851 he emigrated to America, remained five years 
in New York City, where he landed; then, in 1857, came to Iowa. 
He rented a farm in Hickory Grove Township 10 years; then he 
bought his present farm of 160 acres in Winfield Township. It 
is nnder fair cultivation and well stocked. He was married in New 
Jersey, in 1856, to Sarah Cornell, of Ireland. Their union has 
been blessed with four children — Peter, born Sept. 26, 1860; 
Thomas, Sept. 16, 1868; Joseph, June 26, 1870; and Maggie, 
July 16, 1866. Mr. Faren, in religious views, is a Catholic. "He 
is independent in politics, voting for the one he considers to be 
the best man. 

Domnick Gillin was born in county of Sligo, Drun Clibb, New- 
ton Parish, Ireland, June 21, 1821. He emigrated to America, 
and landed at New York on the 11th of April, 1817. He re- 
mained in New York three weeks, then went to Pittsburg, Pa. 
In 1853 he came to Scott County, and bought his present farm in 
Winfield Township. His first purchase of 160 acres has increased 
until he now owns 205 acres of rich land, all under good improve- 
ment. He was married to Ann McSteen Oct. IS, 1852, in the city 
of Pittsburg, Pa. She was born in County Sligo, Parish of Eivers- 
town, Ireland, April 18, 1832, and came" to America in 1851. Of 
eight children born of this union six are living — Catharine, 
born Dec. 13.1854, in Pittsburg, Pa., and married John Carroll; 
Michael V., Nov. 6, 1856; Thomas, Nov. 23, 1858; Peter, Sept. 
20, 1860; John A., Aug. 19, 1862; and Jupta P., Sept. 21, 1868. 



WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1259 

The faiuilvare members of the Catliolic rhiiroli. In politics Mr. 
Gillin is a Democrat; lie is one of the jiromineiit, representative 
farmers of his township. 

Henry Hollarul was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, 
Nov. 24, 1840, and emigrated to the United States in 1851. He 
came at once to Scott County, and stopped three weeks in Daven- 
port; then moved on to the pUice where he now lives, in Wiiifield 
Township. lie owns 155 acres of land, 135 acres under cultiva- 
tion, and the remainder timber land. lie was married to Sojihia 
Mewes on April 30, 1871. She was born in Schleswig, Ger- 
many. Sept. 26, 1852, and came to the United States in 1876 via 
New York. Mr. Holland is a member of the Lutheran church, 
and in politics is a Republican. He has held the offices of con- 
stable, school-director and treasurer of his township, and is one 
of the representative men ot Wintield Township. 

C/a«s ^w/^/ isa native of llolstein, Germany, born March 2, 
1829. He emigrated to the United States in 1857. landed in 
New York and came at once to Davenport. He worked as farm 
laborer until his marriage to Margaret Kuhl in November, 1859. 
Four children have been born of this union — Henrv, born May 
31, 1862; Frank, March 9, 1869; Mena K., April 14, 1872; and 
Herman, Oct. 16, 1876. Mr. Kuld owns 160 acres of good land, 
all under a fair state of cultivation. The farm was unbroken 
prairie when he bought it. He is a member of the Lutheran church, 
and in politics is a Republican. 

John Madden, a prominent farmer in Winfield Townsliip, was 
born in Wigton, Cumberland, England, Aug. 8. 1817. He served 
a seven-years apprenticeship to the boot and shoemaker's trade. 
On the 24th of February, 1843, he was married in Liverpool, 
England, to Ellen Spencer. Eleven children have been born of 
this union; eight are living — Daniel, Margaret (now the wife of 
J. R. Thomson), Ellen (now Mrs. Christ Marti), William S., John 
H. (now engaged in mining in Colorado), Mary J. (now Mrs. J. 
H.Greer), James G.,and George McC. (a student at Cornell Col- 
lege, Mt. Vernon). Mrs. Madden died in January. 1881, and Mr. 
Madden was again married, February, 1882, to Mrs. Rebecca L. 
Greer, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Madden left Liverpool, 
England, for the United States, in January, 1850, and landed in 
New Orleans April 20, 1850. He came to Scott County the 
same spring, and bought land in "Winfield Township, on which 
he has resided since. He became a citizen of the United States 
in May, 1855, and the day he received his citizenship papers; 
he was elected to office, and has been in office every year since, 
except one. He has been elected school director and treasurer 
(which office he now holds), township clerk, justice of the peace, 
assessor and supervisor. He was one of the originators of the 
Scott County Agricultural Association, and served many years as 
director, one year as vice-president, and in 1881 was elected pres- 
ident of the association. He was also one of the organizers of the 
73 



1260 HisTOKT OF scorr county. 

Farmers' Fair and Exchange Society, and served as director four 
years, and secretary tiiree years. 

B. Marti was born in Switzerland, Feb. 20, 1820. In 1852 he 
einicjrated to America, and came at once to Davenjiort, reaching 
this city ApriL 30 of tliat year. He worked at the carpenter's 
trade in Davenport a short time then bought a farm of 120 
acres in Winfield Township, on which lie resided two years, then 
disposed of it and moved to Davenport and worked at the carpen- 
ter's trade until the spring of 18.55, when he purchased 80 acres 
of land in this township, which he still owns, and has since added 
120 acres, making 200 in all. He also bought 340 acres which lie 
divided among his children. He was married to Anna Bar- 
bara Schlegell Oct. 2, 1812. They have live children — Margaret, 
born in 1843, married Jacob Engler; Christ, born in May, 1845; 
Christena, May 21, 1853, is now the wife of Wm. Morrison; 
Barteno, born June 27, 1856, and John, born July 12, 1863. Mr. 
Marti is a member of the Lutheran church. 

Chrt» Marti was born in the county of St. Gallen, Switzer- 
land, May 27, 1845. In 1852 he emigrated, with his parents, 
to the United States, and came to Davenport in April of that 
year. They resided one year on a farm in Winfield Township, 
then returned to Davenport; remained there until 1855, when 
they moved to the farm where they now live, on section 28, 
Winfield Township. lie was educated in this county and was 
here married on the 13th of December, 1866, to Ellen Madden, 
who was born in Liverpool, England, Aug. 24, 1847, and came 
to America with her father in the spring of 1850. They have 
had three children — George D., born Nov. 25, 1867; Howard B., 
May 13, 1872, and John S., Oct. 16, 1874. Mr. Marti owns 180 
acres of good land, well improved. He makes a specialty of 
raising blooded stock and has some tine shorn-horn cattle. He 
votes the Democratic ticket. 

John T. Mason was born in Frederick Co., Maryland, Nov. 20, 
1798. He came to Iowa, Nov. 7, 1844, and at once located on the 
farm he now owns, in Winfield Township. His first purchase of 
80 acres has increased until he now owns 520 acres of well 
improved land. He raises stock of all kinds except mules, and 
says he would not own one. He lia.s been twice married, first on 
the 19th of July, 1819, toEuth Stiltings. She died Dec. 25, 1859, 
having been the mother of eight children, two living — John, born 
June 27, 1822, and Aphlona, born Dec. 8, 1830, married Mr. 
Scott, and has three children. His second marriage occurred Sept. 
5, 1861, to Sarah Stephens. Ten children have been born of this 
union, nine ot whom are living — James, born June 6, 1862, is 
attending school in Davenport; Harris, Dec. 19, 1863; Mary C, 
June 27, 1867; Maria, Nov. 27, 1869; Sarah Ann, Oct. 21, 1871; 
George W., Nov. 29, 1873; Mabel, Sept. 9, 1875; Beniamin F., 
July 10, 1877, and Delraa, born Aug. 21, 1879. JVIr. Mason has 
been a life-long Democrat, having cast his first vote in 1819. 



WINFIEI.D TOWNSHIP. 1261 

John McManvux was bom in Brooklyn, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1836. 
He moved with bis father to Madison, Ind., in 1S40, and to Scott 
Co., Iowa, in 1S51. His fatlier boughta farm of 160 acres in Win- 
tield Township, wliich .fohn now owns and cultivates. Tiie subject 
of this record was married in 1860, to Bridget Hcnegin, wlio was 
born in Ireland in 1840. Of 12 cliiidren born of this union, si.\ 
are living — Frank P., born in 1861; Genevieve, in 1860; Anna, in 
1870; Katie, in 1873; Joseph P., in 1876; and Mary T., 1880. Mr. 
McMannus has held the office of school director a number of years. 
He is a member of the Catholic cliurch. Politically is a Denun'rat. 

Ihomas Moloney was born in the county of Limerick, Ireland, 
Dec. 24, 1813, and came to America in 1840. He landed at King- 
ston, Canada, and remained tiiere until 1853, when he came to Scott 
Couunty, and bouglit a farm of 1*61 acres in AVinticld Townshi]>, 
where he now lives. He was married to Mary iShittery, on tlic 27th of 
November, 1842. She was born in Tipperary Co., Ireland, April 
8, 1819, and came to the United States in 1841. Of 10 children 
born of this union, five are living — John J., born Oct. 27, 1844; 
Thomas P., June 26, 1846; Richard J., May 10, 1849: Patrick, 
March 16, 1852, and James, born April, 20, 1857. The children 
are all married except James, and liave homes of their own. Mr. 
Moloney is a member of the Catholic church. In politics he is a 
Democrat. He is one of the representative farmers of iiis townsiiip. 

John Mohjneaux was born in the onnty of Kerry, Ireland, June 
24, 1827. In 1849 he left the land of his birth for America, and land- 
ed at New York City; from there he went to Dutchess Co., N. Y., 
where he remained two years, then returned to New York City, 
and clerked in a wholesale grocery store there nearly four years, 
then went into that business for liimself. Two years later he 
located in Davenport, Iowa. He remained in Davenport Township 
engaged in tarming nine years, and in 1857 came to Winfieid 
Township. Since his arrival here he has bought three farms, tiie 
first consisted of 30 acres on section 16, for which he paid [$2,000; 
the second also contained 80 acres, for which he paid $3,000; the 
last contained 40 acres valued at ?l,40i). Besides these farms lie 
owns 10 acres of timber land in Clinton Couunty. He was married to 
Mary Sullivan, Aug. 1, 1853. She is likewise a native of County 
Kerry, Ireland, and was born Dec. 25, 1829. Of 10 children born 
of tliis union, eight are living — Marsraret, born Oct. 8, 1855, mar- 
ried D. J. Buckly; Henry, born Feb. 4, I860 ; John, March 6, 
1861; Michael, Dec. 7, i8fi2, is a graduate of the Davenjxirt 
Business College; Catharine, born July 8, 1864; Ella. March 26. 
1867; Daniel, March 25, 1869, and Julia, March 31, 1871. The 
family' are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Molyneanx lias 
served his townsiiip as trustee five years, and school director, tlie 
same length of time. He has been twice elected justice of the 
jieace, but failed to serve. 

James Neil is a native of Edinburg, Scotland, born Oct. 22, 
1829. He came with his father to Canada in 1834, his father died 



1262 HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

in a few days after their arrival there, leaving him toraake his 
way alone in the world. In October, 1S3S, he went to Onondaga 
Co., N. T., thence to Davenport, arriving there June i, IS-tQ. He 
followed farming in Long Grove -.intil 1850, since that time has 
resided in Wintield Township. He owns 600 acres of as fine farm- 
ing land as there is in the county, all well improved and thoroughly 
stocked. He was married to Jane Brownlie, on Dec. 29, 18.53. 
They have four children — John F., born April 26, 1858; William 
P., Aug. 9, 1860; Robert A., Aug. 15, 1867, and Casette M.. born 
April 10, 1869. Mr. Neil is a staunch Republican, and has been 
identified with the interests of that party since its organization. 
Mrs. Neil is a member of the Christian church. 

Johfi 1. Noel was born in Davenport, Iowa, Nov. 27, 1837. His 
father was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., June 10, 1800, and 
came West in 1835, landing in Rock Island, 111., in April of that 
year. He located in Davenport in the fall, and resided there until 
his death, which occurred in 1872. John T. attended school in 
Davenport until 1856, and in 1869 moved to his present farm in 
Winfield Township. In 1870 he returned to Davenport, but 
removed to his farm again in 1875. He owns 580 acres of finely 
cultivated laud, on sections 10, 11, and 3, this township. He has 
held the office of township trustee for the past five years. He is a 
Democrat in politics, and a metnber of the Catholic church. He was 
married Nov. 13, 1860, to Mary Maguire, who was born in New 
York, Nov. 29, 1840. Of 10 children born of their union, nine 
are living — Joseph A., born Sept. 21, 1861, is now attending school 
in Davenport; Cecilia A., Feb. 13, 1865; Sarah S., March 19, 1867; 
John T., April 19, 1869; William F., June 10, 1871; Mary R., Dec. 
15, 1873; Clara N., May 16, 1876; Margaret P., Jan. 11, 1879, and 
Henry Elmer, May 25,' 1881. 

Adolph Peterson is a native of Holstein, Germany, and was 
born Dec. 9, 1822. He came to Davenport, June 20, 1852, yia 
New Orleans. He remained in Davenport a few days, then moved 
to Walnut Grove, and worked there by the month until March 
13, 1853, when he rented a farm near Davenport. In 1855 he 
bought the farm he now lives on, in Winfield Township. It is sit- 
uated on section 27, and contains 113 acres of finely improved 
land. He was married to Caroline Bumeister, on March 26, 1852. 
She was born in Holstein, Germany, July 14, 1821. The fruit of 
this union is six children — Amalie D. H., born Nov. 30, 1852, 
married John Evans; Christian D. J., born May 7, 1854; Bertha, 
April 9, 1856, married C. Bluhun; Daniel, born July 28, 1858; 
Rosa, Oct. 14, 1860, and Caroline, Aug. 14, 1864. In politics 
Mr. Peterson is a Republican. He has held the offices of school 
director and supervisor of his township. 

John Poll och wvii horn iwT^Qicckm Parish, Lennickshire, Scot- 
land, Feb. 14, 1829. He was married to Agnes Robertson, in 
Scotland, in the fall ot 1843. In the spring of 1844, Mr. and 
Mrs. Pollock, H. M. Thompson and family, John Robertson and 



WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1263 

family, and John Grieve and family came to the United States 
and located in Scott County, Jnne 21 of that yeac. The men left 
their families in Davenport while they huilt a house in Wiiitieki 
Township. The house was completed in about four months, and 
the three families lived in it for one year. Mr. John FoUock 
then built the house where he now lives and moved into it. He 
owns 200 acres of line land, well improved. He rents his farm 
but still I'esides u])on it, as he likes the (juiet of a country life 
better than the turmoil of a busy city. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock are 
enjo3'ingthe fruits of a life of industry and econoTny, satisfied in 
the consciousness of a duty well performed. Mr. Pollock is a lie- 
publican. 

John Robertson was born in Scotland, Feb. 5, 1812. In 1844 be 
emigrated to America and came immediately to Scott County. 
He entered land on sections 22, 2i"), 27 and .'54, in Winfield Town- 
ship; has since disjiosed of a greal deal of his land, and now owns 
151 acres, all under a fair state of cultivation. He was married to 
Mary Neil Dec. 22, 1841i. She was born near Edinburg, Scotland, 
and came to Iowa in 1847. Six children have been born to them 
— Lizzie, born Dec. fi, 1850, married Robert Johnston; Jiimie, 
now Mrs. A. L. Thompson, was born April 20, 1852; James N., 
born Aug. 6, 1858; Annie, April 13, ISOO; William M., June 
10, 1864, and Grant, June IS, 1870. Mrs. Robertson is a member 
of the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Robertson is a Repub- 
lican. Postotiice address. Long Grove. 

John T. Russell was born in the State of Tennessee, Feb. 5, 
1823. When he was six years old his parents moved to Prince- 
ton, Indiana, and from there to Ohio in 1835. His father died in 
the latter place in 1847. John T. remained there, raising fruit 
and vegetables for the Cincinnati market until 1854, when he came 
to Scott County and settled u])on a farm in Wintield Township, 
which he bought in 1853. He owns 165 acres of fine farming 
land. He is engaged in raising grain and makes a specialty of 
tine stock — short-horn cattle, etc. He was married to Mary Jane 
Paull, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 15,1851. She was born in Delhi 
Township, Hamilton Cminty, Ohio, July 6, 1833. They have 
five children — Laura Bell, now Mrs. J. E. Maw, was born July 6, 
1852; Arthur P., Nov. 5, 1853; William E., Nov. 25, 1855; John 
T., March 4, 1858, and Alice E., born A])ril 19, 1862. William 
E. is in Colorado. Arthur P. manages the farm for his father. 
Mrs. Russell died in 1862. Mr. Russell has held various local 
offices of lionor and trust in his township, among them that of 
school director, trustee and treasurer of tlie school district, lie 
is a Republican in politics. 

John A. Showalter was a son of John Showalter, Sr., who was 
born near Richmond, Ya., in 1799, and when 22 years of age 
went to Pennsylvania, where he was married in 1821, to Mary 
Ann Donlee, a native of Ireland. John A., the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Greene County, Pa., Nov. 2, 1827. When he 



1264 HISTOEY OF SCOTT COUNTY. 

was 15 years old he went to Westmoreland Co., Pa., where 
he remained until 1855, when he came to Scott County, reach- 
ing Davenport April 13 of that year. In 1858 he went to 
Kansas City, Mo., and while there made three trips to Colorado, 
one via the Arkansas, one via the Platte, and one via the Mis- 
souri River. He had great sport hunting butFalo, deer, elk and 
other game that abounds on the plains. In 1864 he went to Alder 
Gulch, Montana; this was supposed to be the richest mine ever 
discovered. At one time he took out $36 in 10 hours. In 1866 
he returned to Scott County, and on the 29th of January, 1867, he 
married B. J. Norton, who was born in County King, Ireland, 
Dec. 11, 1838, and came to America in 1840, and to Scott County in 
1850. Their union has been blessed with five children, four living, 
— Raymond D., born Sept. 14, 1870; Austin, April 26, 1873; 
"William E., May 17, 1876; and Morris N., Sept. 19, 1878. Mr. 
Showalter owns 200 acres of good land in Winfield Township, and 
raises all kinds of grain and stock. lie is a member of the Catholic 
church. In politics is a Democrat. 

John H. Stejyhens is a native of Center Co., Pa., born on the 
13th of April, 1813. He came to Scott County, via Pittsburg, and 
the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, reaching Davenport on the 5th ot 
June, 1855. He lived four years in Butler Township, then moved 
on the place where he now lives in Winfield Township. He owns 
109 acres of rich land bordering on the Wapsipinecon river. He 
was married to Catherine Hountsbarger, who was born in Mont- 
gomery Co., Pa., March 10, 1815. Of 11 children born of this 
union, 10 are living — Mary A., born Nov. 18, 1835; Menard. June 
10, 1837; Benjamin, March 10, 1839; John H., June 3,' 1841; 
Sarah, Dec. 20', 1842; Ludia, March 1, 1848; Rebecca, April 9, 
1850; Hattie, May 4, 1852; Delma, Aug. 13, 1854; and Daniel, 
born March 8, 1857. The children are all married except the two 
youngest, and all were born in Pennsylvania except Daniel. Mr. 
and Mrs. Stephens are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. 
Stephen's father fought under General Washington in the Revo- 
lutionary war. Her father served in the war of 1812. 

Frederick Strohhen was born in Holstein, Germany, March 2, 
1836. In the fall of 1857 he emigrated to America, and landed at 
New Orleans, thence to Quincy, 111., where he worked at the 
tailor's trade one year, then located in Davenport, Iowa. He fol- 
lowed the tailor's trade until 1868, when he bought a farm of 80 
acres in Winfield Township, where he now resides. He was mar- 
ried to Hannah Roby, in August, 1861. She is a native of Hol- 
stein, Germany, and was born June 17, 1838. Their union has 
been blessed with five children — John F., born March 24, 1864; 
Albert H., in 1867; Herman, in 1869; Dora, in 1871, andHellena, 
on May 5, 1876. The children are all living at home except John 
F., who is learning the tinner's trade in Davenport. Mr. Strohben 
is a member of the Lutheran church. He votes the Republican 
ticket. 



WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 1266 

Richard Tobin was born in the year 1S06 in Ireland. He came 
to tliis country in 1851 and landed at Philadelphia. After spend- 
ing one year in Pittsburj!^, Ta., he came to Scott County, arriving 
in 1852. He purchased 160 acres of land at $1.25 an acre, and 
has increased his land from time to time, and now owns witli his 
brother 560 acres of fine farming land. lie was married to Miss 
Mary Cody, in June, 1827. To them have been born five children — 
P'llen, now Mrs. Michael Konihau, was born in November, 1828; 
Bridget, now Mrs. Patrick Glillin, was born May 15, 1830; 
Matthew, born starch 15, 1837; Mary, born in December, 1841, 
married ^[ichael O'Grady, and Margaret, now Jlrs. John Conway, 
was born March 10, 1844:. Matthew Tobin, brother of Richard, 
was born in Ireland in ISll, and came to Scott County in 1843. 
He purchased a portion of the 560 acres now owned by liimself and 
liis brother. He was married to Mary Ann Monroe, May 22, 1871. 
She was born in New York, on the 10th of March, 1854. Four 
children have blessed this union — Richard, born Feb. 25, 1872; 
]\I;iry Ellen, Aug. 0, 1873; Sarah E., Jan. 20, 1876, and Margaret, 
born July 5, 1877. Richard and Matthew Tobin firm together, 
and have as fine a farm as there is in the county. They vote the 
Democratic ticket, and are members of the Catholic church. 
Matthew has held the oftices of road supervisor, constable, and 
school director. 

John Tyner is a native of County Cork, Ireland, born in 1817, 
and came to America in 1847. lie landed in Canada, where he 
remained two years, thence to Boston, Mass.; resided there five 
years, then s])entfive years in Pennsylvania, and in 1857 came to 
Iowa. He stayed two years in Davenport, and in 1859 he bought 
the farm he now lives on, in section 16, Winfield Township. His 
farm contains 120 broad and fertile acres, all under good cultiva- 
tion. He was married in 1851, in Massachusetts, to Susan TjTier. 
They have two ciiildren — George, born in 1854, and Susan, in 
1856. Mr. Tyner is a member of the Episcopal church. He does 
not take a very active interest in politics, but usually votes the 
Republican ticket. 



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